A Complete Guide to Professional Audio Setup for Manjaro Linux

Introduction

Linux has emerged as a powerful platform for professional audio production, providing a flexible and stable environment for musicians, sound engineers, and producers. If you're keen on using Linux for your audio projects and are specifically interested in Manjaro, this guide will walk you through the initial setup to prepare your Manjaro distribution for professional-grade Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Reaper, Harrison Mixbus, and Ardour. From configuring your user account to installing crucial software, this guide will equip you to dive into the world of professional audio production on Manjaro.

1. Join and configure the Audio Group

To begin your journey into professional audio production, you need to grant your user account access to the audio group. Execute the following command to add your user to the audio group:

sudo usermod -a -G audio $USER

This step ensures that your user account has the necessary permissions to handle resource-intensive audio tasks with ease.

For optimal audio performance, you'll want to configure resource limits for the audio group. Open the /etc/security/limits.conf file for editing:

sudo nano /etc/security/limits.conf

Add the following lines to establish appropriate limits:

@audio           -      rtprio           95
@audio           -      memlock          unlimited
@audio           -      nice             10

These limits empower your system to handle even the most demanding audio projects with ease.

2. Installing the essentials for Audio Production

Manjaro Linux offers a rich selection of software that is essential for audio production. We are going to install the following critical packages:

• Pipewire: A modern audio and video handling system that forms the backbone of your audio setup.
• Jack Audio Connection Kit support: Essential for DAWs to communicate seamlessly with other software or hardware sources.
• qpwgraph: A versatile patch bay that allows you to connect your software and hardware I/Os as needed.
• wine-staging: Facilitates the installation and execution of Windows VST and VST3 plugins on Linux.
• Yabridge and Yabridgectl: Tools that convert Windows plugins into native-like Linux plugins, expanding your creative possibilities.
• Gstreamer: Enables previewing and playing H.264 videos and other essential codecs.
• qastools: A universal graphical soundcard mixer and controller.

Install all these packages with a single command:

sudo pacman -S manjaro-gstreamer manjaro-pipewire pipewire-jack realtime-privileges wireplumber qastools yabridge yabridgectl wine-staging winetricks qpwgraph

3. Configuration for Optimal Audio Production

3.1 Ensuring Compatibility with Windows VST Plugins

Some Windows VST installers may require Windows SP6 for compatibility. To address this, first, update Winetricks and then install the necessary component:

sudo winetricks --self-update
winetricks vcrun6sp6

Next, configure Wine by running:

winecfg

In the Wine configuration window, select "Windows 10," and then click "OK" to ensure compatibility with modern Windows VST plugins.

3.2 Configuring Yabridge for Windows VST Plugins

Windows VST plugins typically store their files in specific folders. Yabridge needs to be aware of these locations to search for and convert new plugins accurately. Create the following folders:

mkdir -p "$HOME/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/Steinberg/VstPlugins"
mkdir -p "$HOME/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/Common Files/VST3"
mkdir -p "$HOME/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/VSTPlugins"

Inform Yabridge about these folders for efficient plugin management:

yabridgectl add "$HOME/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/Steinberg/VstPlugins"
yabridgectl add "$HOME/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/Common Files/VST3"
yabridgectl add "$HOME/.wine/drive_c/Program Files/VSTPlugins"

Whenever you install new plugins, execute the following command to synchronize Yabridge:

yabridgectl sync

3.3 Realtime Kernel for Enhanced Performance

For those seeking maximum audio performance, consider utilizing a Realtime Kernel. Manjaro simplifies this process with the Manjaro Kernel Manager application, allowing you to effortlessly switch to a Realtime Kernel for improved audio responsiveness.

Conclusion

With this comprehensive guide, you are now fully prepared to unlock the potential of professional audio production on Manjaro Linux. From configuring your user account and installing vital audio software to ensuring compatibility with Windows VST plugins and optimizing your system for audio performance, you have the knowledge and tools needed to embark on your audio production journey with confidence. Whether you are a musician, sound engineer, or producer, Manjaro Linux provides the platform and versatility to create music and audio projects at a professional level.