Linux and MIDI: In the beginning...

Greetings! This article will hopefully be the first in a series covering various aspects of MIDI and sound with Linux. The series will be far from exhaustive, and I sincerely hope to hear from anyone currently using and/or developing MIDI and audio software for use under Linux.

Perhaps most Linux users know about MIDI as a soundcard interface option, or as a standalone interface option during kernel configuration for sound. As usual, some preparatory considerations must be made in order to optimally set up your Linux MIDI music machine. Be sure to read the kernel configuration notes included in /usr/src/linux/Documentation: you will find basic information about setting up your soundcard and/or interface, and you will also find notes regarding changes and additions to the sound driver software.

Common soundcards such as the SoundBlaster16 or the MediaVision PAS16 require a separate MIDI connector kit to provide the MIDI In/Out ports, while standalone interface cards such as the Roland MPU-401 and Music Quest MQX32M have the ports built-in. Dedicated MIDI interface cards don't usually have synthesis chips (such as the Yamaha OPL3 FM synthesizer) on-board, but they often provide services not usually found on the soundcards, such as MTC or SMPTE time code and multi-port systems (for expanding available channels past the original limit of 16).

Having successfully installed your card and kernel (or module) support, you will still need a decent audio system and a MIDI input device. If you use a soundcard for MIDI record/play via the internal chip, you will also need a software mixer; if you record your MIDI output to tape, and then record your tape to your hard-disk, you will also want a soundfile editor.