Aeolus
Today, I’m adding a new category to the blog: Linux Audio.
For years, I went along using the same old software tools. Meanwhile, Linux audio was advancing. New software came along, and incredible new things became available.
I’m going to try to take you along while I explore this new world.
My first discovery came courtesy of Ubuntu Studio:
Aeolus
- Homepage: http://www.kokkinizita.net/linuxaudio/aeolus/index.html
- Current Version: 0.6.6
- Current Debian / Ubuntu Package: 0.6.6+2-4
I started out as a jazz guitar player. Jazz needs bass, so I learned to play fretless bass as well. Turns out, I enjoyed bass more, so shifted my focus. Today, I consider myself primarily to be a bass player (although the more general title of ‘composer’ is better suited).
However, I’ve always loved the sound of the organ, particularly the Hammond. This is odd for a bass player to say, because . . . well, the organ is an instrument that can do without a bassist entirely. The Hammond, for instance, has pedals, and a rich history of organists who have perfected a (literal) walking bass line.
Now, I’m just barely coordinated enough to play on two keyboards or two manuals, not to mention also be stomping out a third rhythm at the same time.
So understand when I see the console of a pipe organ (for example, this one), it’s a bit like putting Captain Jack Aubrey in command of the U.S.S. Nimitz. Sure, the principles are the same, but the machine itself is from an entirely different world.
That’s where I have to thank Aeolus. Aeolus is a software synthesizer designed to recreate the sound of a pipe organ. I have to say, in a few weeks of use, this program makes barely a dent in memory or CPU usage on my machine, and yet produces very realistic sounding audio (especially through a good set of speakers).
There is an excellent tutorial on getting started with Aeolus, complete with screenshots. Aeolus works well with Rosegarden, as well as MusE.
In my studio, I have two keyboards: the Hammond, of course, and a cheapo Yamaha from Best Buy (mostly for computer MIDI applications — I use an Edirol UM-3EX interface, which worked perfectly with Linux right out of the box). Most of the time I play Aeolus through one keyboard split into two channels. However, I’ve set it up before as 4 manuals (two keyboards in two channels) . . . .
It’s too bad Dr. Octopus turned to a life of crime, because he could have been a great pipe organist.
Anyway, I’m working on my 4th Jamendo album right now. One of my side projects is to actually write a pipe organ arrangement of “La vie sous la mer (or, The Mermaid Wife)” (song #2 on my 3rd album). Maybe I’ll get done with it in time for the new album.
Provided I can find a good pair of robotic, sentient extra limbs.
