Distro Question

[xx_jess7er_xx]

Hello - I'm a long time Windows user and wanting to move to Linux. The main reason I have not switched sooner is that I use Ableton and want to make sure I choose a good distro for that. I have been watching reviews on Zorin, Mint, and Feren OS, which I understand are all friendly for those making the Windows switch. However, I welcome any opinions or suggestions. My understanding is that I can run Ableton using Wine or Bottles? If anyone has experience running Ableton with either or both of those, it is very much appreciated. Thank you all for your time!

 

[Alexzee]

Hi! & Welcome to Linux.org xx_jess7er_xx.

I highly recommend Linux Mint.

Home - Linux Mint

Linux Mint is an elegant, easy to use, up to date and comfortable desktop operating system.

linuxmint.com

It's one of the easiest distributions for folks that are new to Linux and it takes about 15 minutes to install.

I'm not familiar with Ableton sorry.
And, yes you can use Wine.

WineHQ - Run Windows applications on Linux, BSD, Solaris and macOS

Open Source Software for running Windows applications on other operating systems.

www.winehq.org

There are applications for Linux for composing and editing music if you'd like to take a look.

Ardour, free and open-source digital audio workstation | Ardour DAW

Ardour is a free and open-source digital audio workstation for Windows, macOS, and Linux

ardour.org

Bitwig | Home | Bitwig

The only software you need to realize any musical idea across every stage of creation. Linear and non-linear workflows, a flexible modular design, 140+ instruments and effects, and over 20GB (and counting) of world-class sound content. Set your sound free on Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

www.bitwig.com

REAPER | Download

I used Audacity in the past on Linux and it worked well with a Logitech headset.

Audacity ® | Free Audio editor, recorder, music making and more!

Audacity is the world's most popular audio editing and recording app. Edit, mix, and enhance your audio tracks with the power of Audacity. Download now!

www.audacityteam.org

 

[Brickwizard]

Welcome to the forums
some info here.... https://linuxvox.com/blog/ableton-linux/

 

[KGIII]

There are Linux-native DAW options, including Bitwig Studio (which is not free).

 

[xx_jess7er_xx]

Hi! & Welcome to Linux.org xx_jess7er_xx.

I highly recommend Linux Mint.

Home - Linux Mint

Linux Mint is an elegant, easy to use, up to date and comfortable desktop operating system.

linuxmint.com

It's one of the easiest distributions for folks that are new to Linux and it takes about 15 minutes to install.

I'm not familiar with Ableton sorry.
And, yes you can use Wine.

WineHQ - Run Windows applications on Linux, BSD, Solaris and macOS

Open Source Software for running Windows applications on other operating systems.

www.winehq.org

There are applications for Linux for composing and editing music if you'd like to take a look.

Ardour, free and open-source digital audio workstation | Ardour DAW

Ardour is a free and open-source digital audio workstation for Windows, macOS, and Linux

ardour.org

Bitwig | Home | Bitwig

The only software you need to realize any musical idea across every stage of creation. Linear and non-linear workflows, a flexible modular design, 140+ instruments and effects, and over 20GB (and counting) of world-class sound content. Set your sound free on Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

www.bitwig.com

REAPER | Download

I used Audacity in the past on Linux and it worked well with a Logitech headset.

Audacity ® | Free Audio editor, recorder, music making and more!

Audacity is the world's most popular audio editing and recording app. Edit, mix, and enhance your audio tracks with the power of Audacity. Download now!

www.audacityteam.org

Thank you for all the suggestions! I will explore further.

 

[xx_jess7er_xx]

Welcome to the forums
some info here.... https://linuxvox.com/blog/ableton-linux/

Thank you so much for all the info!

 

[xx_jess7er_xx]

There are Linux-native DAW options, including Bitwig Studio (which is not free).

Thank you! I will check those out!

 

[ron.alan]

I'm one of the types that strongly recommends not to install wine. As others already mentioned, check out the Linux alternatives to Ableton. If none of them work for you, check out wine's application database (link below). There's no guarantee that any Windows program will work in wine. Also be forewarned that an update to wine can cause a program that was working to stop working. Wine is hit and miss.

https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&iId=2113

 

[Alexzee]

Thank you for all the suggestions! I will explore further.

You're welcome-

 

[deb_user]

There are two viable choices. Either find another DAW, of which there are several choices, or run Windows in a VM for ableton. Any Linux distro is fine, the only real differences between distros is the package manager. They all use the Linux kernel. Some distros hold the hands of new users more tightly, but they work the same underneath.

 

[ron.alan]

or run Windows in a VM for ableton.

This is much preferred over using wine. Another option is to have a second dedicated Windows machine (which is what I do).

 

[kc1di]

Hello @xx_jess7er_xx
Welcome to the Linux.org forum, enjoy!
Mint would be a good choice. Lots of help if needed on that one.

 

[dos2unix]

Have you looked at Ardour ?

 

[dos2unix]

Ardour is good enough, some pros use it as a DAW.

 

[deb_user]

Another possibility is Reaper. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and seems widely used. I have it installed, but I don't do much audio recording, so I'm far from expert with it.