When talking about recording studios, you can’t avoid two operating systems. One of them comes preinstalled on most PCs and laptops, you can buy the hardware for a few euros at any grocery store, and its name is basically synonymous with “PC”: Windows. The other comes from Apple, is tied to comparatively expensive hardware, and is built on a Unix-like kernel. Usually, producers start out on a Windows PC, then professionalize at some point and switch to Mac. The reason is pretty simple: Mac is stable and doesn’t force updates on you while you’re rendering your 64-track audio.
Mainly because of its widespread use, Windows is the quasi-standard in every smaller studio — and definitely among bedroom producers. But let’s be honest: Is Windows even up to date for studio work anymore?
I used Linux in the studio for many years. Now, as part of becoming more professional as a musician, I had to switch back to Windows. Not because my DAW isn’t available for Linux, but because I rely on plugins that simply don’t work on Linux, even with Wine. This text is a call to Native Instruments, Orchestral Tools, Musio, and all the other brilliant developers who make plugins for Mac and Windows — but neglect Linux.
Sounds good. Does anyone have any experiences using VSTs on linux?
Myself and my producer, Neigsendoig, have done this using Yabridge. Despite the older versions of WINE required, it's real solid for what we do. I've been slowly producing a series of happy hardcore tracks, though using many proprietary plugins that Windows users have the luxury of using. As long as iLok DRM isn't required, you're good to go.