Maybe multi-billionaire Elon Musk will donate a few billion to Linux soon to break the Windows monopoly...!

 

Well, Cubase was released in spring '89 and Windows was well established by then, not to mention Cakewalk was released in '87. At the time Steinberg had the predecessor to Cubase called Pro 16 & Pro 24 a little later on and Cakewalk was much easier to learn (hence the name) if as a musician you didn't know midi at all. MacOS was a thing too with great presence.
Anyway enough for the history. I dig Linux. It represents freedom. If Torvalds wanted he could easily have found the funds to make it a commercial product and i am very sure that it would have found its place in the industry and would have been much more supported and ready for all kinds of pcs. If Microsoft wouldn't kill it in the meanwhile like they did with so many other promising OS'es (remember BeOS). But even with its free nature, some things are just better in Linux. Especially raw performance of cpu and ram. In the beginning of Win11 it was funny, some games would run faster in Linux under Windows emulation than in their native Windows environment, with all that this implies. And this still exists. Windows -especially vanilla versions- just has a huge overhead which impacts any computer with a performance penalty from the get go, which is not the case with Linux.
Still, due to its free nature, most major music soft companies don't see profit for transporting their code to Linux, hence the pro audio battle is always Win vs Mac and Linux is almost never mentioned as an alternative to the two. Personally i will be waiting when comps become even faster and emu soft evolves and then i am sure we'll see more people using Linux for music.
Personally i 've tried Bitwig in a modern comp with Linux and was well satisfied. It does have limitations as a software platform but it is what it is. And what it really is, it's a step forward. More companies should join in. Waiting patiently.
Cheers all

 

Cakewalk was a sequencer first developed by Twelve Tone Systems, Inc. (the company later known as Cakewalk, Inc.).
Originally for DOS, starting with version Cakewalk 1.0 in 1987.

 

Linux works Linux' ways, Windows works Windows' ways, MacOS works Mac's ways. If you don't invest some time to learn these ways, you will not get accustomed to them, and probably not like that OS. I know all three very thoroughly and yes - Linux is the most different of them, but I love it. I liked using the console/terminal even in Windows since W95!

Nowadays I find Windows simply annoying and hard to work with. 8-10-11 in particular. Customisation... where is it? I mean, look at how I made my XP look. You can't do that since W7. Just one of the things I don't like about Windows. Screenshot from 2014, when I started using this Debian Linux (right screenshot) I still use. I like things simple, minimal, and functional.



You can see RME HDSP mixer and REAPER in both, if you take a closer look.

 

Last edited: Oct 16, 2025

I have win10 looking and feeling pretty much like win7 thanks to classic shell & tweaking the OS to make it look/work that way. It's up to the end user to decide what they want to deal with. Same goes with all the junkware piled into 8-10-11. That's not to say that there wasn't junkware in win7 - just that in win7 there was much less than in the current systems. Those who are oblivious (or simply in denial) to the fact that the junkware exists to make life miserable and keeps the system open to the prying eyes of the OEM, will just let it sit there. Oblivious or not, that stuff will end up pooching them later on down the road when a screwy update, or some other wanker microsoft "feature" bones the entire system.

 

Last edited: Oct 16, 2025

Other Windows users feel the same way, and so many programmers have sat down and created something to customize Windows 11 for greater user-friendliness. Without all these people, we would be completely at the mercy of the Windows monopoly and have little joy with our operating system. So, here's a program for modifying Windows 11.

Windhawk -The customization marketplace for Windows and programs --> Download: https://windhawk.net/

How to Completely Change the Aesthetics of Your Windows 11 taskbar, Start Menu & More!

EVERY Windows 11 User Should Know About THIS Free Customization Utility!

 

If all software developers made their programs in Linux versions then Windows would be dropped by most musicians, adding a hell of a lot of new customers for their plugins and utilities, my main PC is windows 7 with all the software I require for music it is offline and so needs nothing else, why update anything in a fully functional PC. My win 10 is basically just to use with some newer programs and general use, as for win 11 won't need it I'll probably be using Linux soon on a third PC.

 

Last edited: Oct 17, 2025

I just bought a new PC which is trying every which way to get me to use a Micro$oft account, and they're blocking all the workarounds on a daily basis to stop users having a local account.

I've dabbled with LINUX since the first kernels were released back in the day, but it's never quite become my goto OS for anything.

If Microsoft keep up the pressure I'm tempted just to ditch computers and go back to analogue.

 

I created this list some time ago; you have to do something yourself to make your operating system secure.

1. After installing Windows 11, you should first run this program:
O&O ShutUp10++: Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11
https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10
Then restart your PC.

2. 5 crucial Windows 11 settings I always change ASAP
Changing these five settings makes Windows 11 much better in under five minutes of your time.
www.pcworld.com/article/1782303/5-crucial-windows-11-settings-i-always-change-asap.html

3. Examplify: Add Admin Rights to a User Account in Windows 11
Windows 11 Instructions
- Select the Windows Start button, and then, select Settings.
- Select Accounts.
- Under Family & other users, select the user's name.
- Then, select Change account type.
- Under Account type, select Administrator.
- Select OK.
- Sign in with the new administrator account.

4. Better use the following links to optimize your computer for music production.
- Don't let audio glitches ruin your performances! www.cantabilesoftware.com/glitchfree/
- The Ultimate Guide to Optimize your Windows PC for the Stage
https://gigperformer.com/docs/ultimate-guide-to-optimize-windows-for-stage/index.html

5. Run System File Checker ---> In the Command Prompt window, type the following command, and press ENTER:
sfc /scannow
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...em-files-79aa86cb-ca52-166a-92a3-966e85d4094e

 

I changed from windows to mint mate. But the reason was not because windows was getting bad.
If you make music and/or if your are not working on a programming project i can not see one reason to change. The difference in handling things on windows and linux is very different. Linux is way more inconvenient in terms of multimedia and as a general household or office system.

Windows is by far not as bad as people make it. It is a very convenient system. It may be more prone to errors, but one is able to manage this by just stripping down his experiments on a system he does not know how to use properly in those affected areas. "Less tools" basically lead to a more stable windows system in general.

 

This (HDSP integration ) is what stopped me so far to take a much closer look .I have some other hardware and bits and pieces which will probably not work or need fiddeling . But so far the HDSP would be mandatory. I have been using Ubuntu for some time for daily use on a notebook . But i am still a total newb . For me (newb) it seems not easy to get a multiple I/O RME working on Linux including totalmix . But I have not tried it again the last year or even longer . Do you have some helpful links by accident ? cheers

 

For those who absolutely want to update to Windows 11:

FlyOobe Download: https://github.com/builtbybel/FlyOOBE
Use Windows 11 on older hardware
FlyOobe (formerly Flyby11) helps you bypass the installation limitations of Windows 11 if your PC does not meet the system requirements.

O&O ShutUp10++ Download: https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10
Antispy Tool for Windows
O&O ShutUp10++ helps you customize the convenience features of Windows 10/11 and reduce the sharing of data with Microsoft.

 

When I was younger, I still had the nerve, the patience, and the time to try out Linux.
I don't know how much time you have, but AI will certainly provide some assistance for your notebook's Linux system.

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

Hey there! I totally get the hesitation—RME gear is killer, but Linux support can feel like a puzzle, especially with TotalMix being Windows/macOS territory. The good news is that as of late 2025, things have stabilized quite a bit for HDSP-series cards (like HDSPe variants) on Ubuntu. Basic audio I/O works reliably via ALSA/JACK/PipeWire, but TotalMix FX isn't natively available on Linux (RME hasn't ported it, and community efforts haven't cracked the full DSP routing yet). Instead, you'll use hdspmixer (an ALSA-based clone that's functional for basic routing, levels, and metering—think of it as TotalMix Lite). It's not as polished, but it gets the job done for monitoring and simple mixes.

Since you're on Ubuntu and a self-proclaimed newb, I'll keep this step-by-step and newbie-friendly. Assume you're running a recent Ubuntu (24.04 LTS or 25.04 by now—let me know your exact version if issues pop up). You'll need to compile a driver from source, but it's straightforward with copy-paste commands. No guarantees on zero fiddling (PCIe cards can be picky with kernels), but recent reports show it's stable for daily use.

Quick Setup Overview

1. Prep your system: Update Ubuntu and install build tools.
2. Install the driver: Use the community-maintained snd-hdspe (for modern HDSPe cards like AIO, MADI, AES, RayDAT).
3. Configure and test: Load the module, run hdspmixer, and hook it to JACK/PipeWire for low-latency I/O.
4. DAW integration: Use something like Reaper, Ardour, or Bitwig—they play nice with RME on Linux.

If your card is an older HDSP (non-e, like 9632), swap to the legacy snd-hdsp driver—lm me details for tweaks.

Step-by-Step Guide
Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run these one by one. I'll explain what each does.

1. Update and Install Dependencies
This grabs the latest packages, including kernel headers for compiling.

text

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install build-essential linux-headers-$(uname -r) git dkms alsa-utils jackd2 qjackctl pipewire pipewire-jack pavucontrol -y

• Why? Build tools for compiling, ALSA/JACK for audio, PipeWire for modern routing (replaces PulseAudio for pro audio).

Add your user to audio groups (logout/login after):

text

sudo usermod -aG audio $USER


2. Install the HDSPe Driver (snd-hdspe)
This is the key community driver—it's actively maintained and supports multi-I/O with low latency.

text

git clone https://github.com/PhilippeBekaert/snd-hdspe.git
cd snd-hdspe
make
sudo make install

• Unload old driver if present (older cards used snd-hdsp): sudo rmmod snd-hdsp
• Load the new one: sudo modprobe snd-hdspe
• Reboot: sudo reboot

Check if it's loaded: lsmod | grep snd_hdspe (should show it) and aplay -l (lists your RME as a card, e.g., "HDSPe AIO").

3. Configure the Card
Use the included tool for sample rate, sync, buffers, etc. (like TotalMix's settings panel).

text

hdspeconf

• Set your clock source (internal or external), sample rate (44.1/48kHz start simple), buffer size (128-512 samples for low latency).
• Save and exit.

4. Run the Mixer (hdspmixer)
This is your TotalMix stand-in—routes inputs to outputs, adjusts gains, and unmutes channels (defaults are muted!).

text

hdspmixer

• It's a basic GUI: Drag faders, route via matrix view. Read the RME manual's TotalMix section for concepts—it maps closely.
• Pro tip: Run it on startup via gnome-session-properties or a cron job.

5. Test Audio I/O

• Playback: speaker-test -c 2 -D hw:HDSPe (replace "HDSPe" with your card name from aplay -l).
• JACK Setup (for DAW/low-latency): Install QjackCtl (sudo apt install qjackctl), launch it, set interface to your RME, frames/period to 128/3, start server. Connect ports in the graph window.
• PipeWire (easier for desktop + pro audio): It auto-detects; use pw-cli or Carla for patching if needed.

If latency spikes or dropouts: Tweak buffer in hdspeconf or use rtirq script for real-time priority (search "linuxaudio rtirq").

Helpful Links & Resources

• Official RME Linux Forum (goldmine for troubleshooting—search "HDSPe Ubuntu"): forum.rme-audio.de/viewforum.php?id=10
  • Specific thread on HDSPe AIO Pro drivers: Linux drivers for HDSPe AIO Pro now available
• Driver Repo (snd-hdspe—full README with install quirks): github.com/PhilippeBekaert/snd-hdspe
• Detailed Blog Guide (HDSPe AIO Pro on Ubuntu/Debian, incl. hdspmixer): interfacinglinux.com/2024/01/09/rme-hdspe-aio-pro/
• RME Forum Guide for Multiface/HDSPe Setup: A guide to making Multiface, other RME HDSPe devices work under Linux
• Reddit Thread (community tips on RME Linux support): r/linuxaudio: Anyone interested in better support for RME cards?
• Legacy Driver Archive (if you're on older HDSP): archiv.rme-audio.de/en/downloads_driver_archive.php

Alternatives if TotalMix is a Dealbreaker

• ffado-mixer: For FireWire RME (if yours is that), it's closer to TotalMix for routing. Install via sudo apt install ffado-mixer.
• Run TotalMix in Wine/VM: Spotty, but some folks get basic routing via Wine (see this forum thread). Or passthrough to a Windows VM with QEMU/VFIO for full TotalMix.
• Other Hardware: If fiddling wins, check MOTU (native Linux routing) or Focusrite Scarlett (class-compliant, simple).

Hit me up with your exact HDSP model, Ubuntu version, or error messages if it barfs—happy to debug. You've got this; Ubuntu's audio stack is solid once the driver's in. Cheers! ️

 

Cool , thank you ! I totally forgot that . Was too busy looking for a new job since i first checked a youtube video about Suno . )-: And it is similar over here. The older I get I am losing more energy / patience for those kind of things and rather spend my time doing something creative . As long as it is still of any use ...
I have the feeling MS will pull the plug on those ways to circumvent the hardware requirements (maybe in october 2026 ? ) .I would HATE to throw away perfectly working hardware . May be I just freeze W10 offline and try another dual boot with Linux then . This time on seperate drives.

 

Last edited: Oct 29, 2025 at 11:20 AM

i stay with win10 for music (out of network) but i have installed Mint for network!

 

I read somewhere that Windows has already partially backed down.

The best thing to do is stop spending money on upgrades or forced upgrades. Businesses are happy with the revenue generated until new purchases, because there's no more support for Windows 10. So, a deliberate attempt to create panic, since many users are clueless, and the fear-inducing message "Without Defender, you're lost," end of support... fear of viruses and Trojans, then ultimately switching to Windows 11.

It can permanently stop updates, disable Defender, and also takes care of a complete backup of your C:/ drive to another hard drive. Forget about cloud storage on the internet; nothing is secure there.

I can recommend this program to you:

StopUpdates10 --> https://greatis.com/stopupdates10
Take your Control over Windows 11/10/8/7 updates with StopUpdates10 Free!
Version: 4.7.2025.0424 (Date: 04/24/2025 - April 24 2025)
Windows 11 24H2 is supported!

ionuttbara / windows-defender-remover --> https://github.com/ionuttbara/windows-defender-remover
A tool which is uses to remove Windows Defender in Windows 8.x, Windows 10 (every version) and Windows 11.

Malwarebytes - AdwCleaner --> www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner
The world’s most popular adware cleaner finds and removes unwanted programs and junkware so your online experience stays optimal and
hassle-free.

 

https://linuxdaw.org/
Just leaving this here: a database of Linux-native VSTs. Commercial and free
Could be useful to someone