Quick & Simple - Setting up Jack Server and Q-synth

There is so much technical information regarding Linux studio recording - I just want a quick and simple tutorial to get it going...!

OK, I AGREE!

This *quick* tutorial will demonstrate setting and running the Jack Server and Qsynth.

NOTE: This example uses the Tascam US-122 Audio/MIDI USB device to connect to the computer in order to record music keyboard, guitar, and/or vocals (via microphone).
The basic principles relate to other sound capture devices. To view a list of several hardware interface options, click on the link below:

[ Considerations BEFORE Building a Recording Studio (Hardware) ]

Initial Assumptions

Before proceeding I assume that you have:

• installed Ubuntu Studio with the Real-Time Kernel
• Checked that your Tascam US-122 Audio/MIDI USB device is working (i.e. green light is "on").

If you haven't been able to get your Tascam US-122 device to work, click on the link below and CAREFULLY READ THE INSTRUCTIONS:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/TASCAM_US-122)

Launch and Setup Jack Audio Server

The abbreviation Jack stands for "Jack Audio Connection Kit". Jack is a Sound Server Daemon which means that it runs in the background and allows low-latency connections of Audio and MIDI devices to sound applications (via an API).

You need to setup the Jack Audio Server to specify which devices you will record audio input from. You can also make other selections such as run Jack Audio Server in Real-Time (requires Ubuntu running in RealTime RT Kernel), as well as setting the Frames Per Second FPS, Sample Rate SR, and Frames Per Buffer FPB.

Steps to Launch and Setup Jack Audio Server:

1. Select APPLICATIONS -> SOUND & VIDEO -> AUDIO PRODUCTION -> Jack Control
2. Click the Setup button located on the right-hand side.
3. A Jack Setup dialog box appears. Remain in the default settings tab.
4. Under Parameters, the RealTime option should be selected.
5. Under Parameters (3rd column - i.e. right-most column), there should be selections for Input and Output devices.
6. For the Input Device click on the right-most button (the one that looks like a greater than sign - i.e. ">").
7. A menu appears. Select the device that is labelled TASCAM US-X2Y.
8. For this tutoriai, we will have the audio output going to your sound card. Under Parameters, for the Output Device, click the right-most button.
9. A menu appears. Select the device that is labelled HDA Intel.
10. Click OK to save changes and exit the Jack Settings dialog box.

Starting Jack Audio Server

Once the Jack Audio Server has been setup, you can start the server by clicking the START button.

If there are any problems that prevent the Jack Audio Server from functioning properly, then dialog boxes would appear in the form of error messages.

The main display in the Jack main window provides useful information including:

• CPU Usage (RT Kernel allows for reduced load to prevent distortion or interuptions)

Launch Setup Qsynth

Steps to Launch and Setup Jack Audio Server:

1. Select APPLICATIONS -> SOUND & VIDEO -> AUDIO PRODUCTION -> Qsynth
2. Click the Setup button located on the left-hand side.
3. The Qsynth settings dialog box will appear.
4. Select the tab labelled Sound Fonts.
   
   NOTE: Sound Fonts are sampled or stored banks of sounds that can be downloaded and used with Qsynth to create music or other sound-effects. These sound fonts can be downloaded and added into Qsynth to play.
   
   For more information regarding Sound Fonts, refer to the link below:
   
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoundFont

Sound Fonts can be proprietary, but there are many public domain sound fonts that can be downloaded free of charge.

Here are some public domain sites for sound fonts:

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