All user reviews for the Ardour Ardour 2

Install super easy in os X and facilitates Linux (in package)
Very active community, you can seek help including designers, you will have answers.

ADQUATION / PERFORMANCE

IMAC OSX Leopard
Happiness with Jack and Reaper, I do what I want ...

For many years I Ardour, who was laughing a lot of people at the beginning, which attracts more and more experienced professionals. Collaboration Paul Davis / SSL / SAE / Harrison begins to bear fruit. (You will not that do not play in the yard of the small, small and small softs lite sound cards, but in the big leagues, and even the very large ... SAE SSL HARRISON.)
https://www.sae.edu/en-gb/content/80/Ardour_-_SAE_Edition
http://www.harrisonconsoles.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108&Itemid=42

We adsormais for about 70dollars, Ardour and Harrison Mixbus ... standard package. AF does not speak?

NOTICE GLOBAL

I followed the project since the years and I have long hesitated between Samplitude and Ardour.

I Pivoted on Ardour, dfinitivement the Ardour-Reaper duo enabling me to do everything .. Abandondonc Windows dfinitif for me (without regrets ...) in favor of Mac os X and Linux, especially computer music.

For Mixbus Harrisson (Association Ardour / Harrisson consoles)

http://www.harrisonconsoles.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108&Itemid=42

Did you have any problems during the installation?
I haven't had any issues with tango studio (10.04).

How complicated is the overall configuration?
It's important to know that this sequencer works with the jack audio server (well-configured) and a driver (alsa or ffado for firewire), which is a bit surprising at first, but you'll quickly understand the advantages it brings with itself! You are free to route anything you want anywhere you want!

Did you have any incompatibility problems?
You need to inform yourself whether the soundcard is compatible with the driver, otherwise Ardour won't be functional. For firewire, which is what I have, go to the ffado.org website to look at the list of compatible firewire cards.

Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive?
The documentation is pretty clear, plus there are useful online forums where you can ask your questions.

PERFORMANCE

What's your computer setup?
HP elitebook workstation 8530w, core 2 duo 2.8 Gtz, 8 gb ram, HDD 320 7200 rpm, focusrite saffire pro 26 IO soundcard

How is the performance?
Recording 16 tracks simultaneously, the latency is about 2.5 ms at 16 bit 88200 Hz

Does the software work correctly with your setup? Is the hardware+software configuration stable?

Everything works impeccably.

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you been using the product?
About a year.

Did you try any other models before buying this one?
I worked with cubase previously and also tested Tracktor.

Which feature do you like the most / the least?
The most: Free software, unlimited number of tracks, automation of effects gain (and other parameters), you can route anything to and from it via Jack, it comes with 80 plug-ins, it never crashes.

The least: The interface is not as nice as that of cubase.. Version 2 doesn't support midi but I don't use it anyway! Version 3 is supposed to support midi.

An indispensable software! It is very responsive and the stability of Linux needs not be proven, I don't know why so little people use this software! Rather than cracking software (to end up with unstable tools) or paying licenses with abusively prohibitive prices for products whose stability isn't the best, and using opaque audio engines that are very resource-intensive, try this software out and save your money for some good gear! Don't be afraid of Linux: The times are gone when you had to do everything via command line, now everything's done via the GUI!

Conclusion: You could have less for much more money!!!

Go for it!

Installation without any issues, as long as you're running the normal version of Ubuntu (the studio version is a pain to install).
As the documentation states, besides Ubuntu, you need to install the corresponding audio packages and plug-ins and it works right away! It's automatically configured and everything!
I have never used the user's manual, I discover things on the way and take notice (I have some experience with Cubase).
Anyway, the Ardour forum is very useful, jut like the Linux community in general and the Ubuntu one in particular.

PERFORMANCE

I currently use a 2GHz laptop with 2 Gb RAM.
It works great.
Several years ago I worked with it on a netbook!
Linux's advantage is that it uses much less resources than Windows, which is great for this type of software tools. I get latency times of less than 5 ms!!
I used to connect my instruments directly into the soundcard (it's risky, so be careful!).
EDIT: Ever since I use a Digitech RP355 pedalboard as soundcard. The pedalboard is perfectly recognized by qjackctl and you can check my info if you want to develop ideas together (collective songwriting).

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for 3-4 years and it's great for me. It's stable, reliable, light... And free (but do consider contributing to support such an impressively serious project!!)
It's clearly better than Audacity, which is pretty good all the same, just like Cubase I'd say.
Afterwards, if you fiddle with it, it can get really complicated. It's a really pro software, so you can configure the plug-ins, map the hardware by hand or use the hammer/chisel tools if you want to develop your skills further, which isn't my case.
I'm all for simple/effective/efficient computer tools and Ardour fits that description perfectly!

I speak here as dveloppeur Ubuntu Studio distribution based on Ubuntu but very popular multimedia oriented production, which will release THE FIRST guides around the audio. https://ubuntustudio.org

So we've compiled (among others) in Ardour2. Deb package according to the spec packaging for Ubuntu / Debian (just about technical history of once), and therefore, installation is super simple using the installer Synaptic package. Anyone with an Internet connection hight flow can do so, since I recall that installing Linux without a network loses some of its meaning.

Note that Linux, like Mac, support for VST plug-in for Ardour2 is not pr-compilation should pick up the SDK on the website Steinberg, decompress, add in source files, and start the installation manually. A bit technical for beginners, for cons ... This is to license the SDK from Steinberg VST plugins, which is not compatible with some libraries used by Ardour2 that they are GPL (including time-stretching and CSOs)

In contrast, in Linux, there is the architecture of effects "Ladspa", which while not great graphical interfaces, are plug-in dvelopps by universities or researchers in sound processing, and frankly, sounds serious. Forcment not need the VST, then, but we'll have to take time to listen.

The technical part of the installation is the configuration of Jack, the sound server used by Ardour2. Linux, be careful, all professional sound cards are not sandstone. You can learn more these addresses:
- Http://www.alsa-project.org/alsa-doc/ for PCI, PCMCIA and USB
- Http://freebob.sourceforge.net/index.php/List_of_Supported_Devices for firewire cards
NB: Be aware that some cards have SPECIFICATIONS utilities for configuration, but they are included if you install Ubuntu Studio Audio packets. Example, RME.

If your sound card is on the list, so it's as simple as mac: you connect, it works. It only remains for you so that rgler latency, etc ... in jack ... Consider installing qjackctl interface to make your life easier (installed by default with Ubuntu Studio audio packets)

For Mac, all sound cards are sandstone CoreAudio detects and work, it only remains for you that set the latency, etc ...

Coupled "patching" to grate the connections between all terminals and software, and "jackrack" to the effect racks, you can work virtually as in the analog world.

I put a note of trs to install, since there is nothing special about Linux if you do not want to use the VST, which are not really useful given the amount of TRS good plugins.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I turned on my Sony laptop, an ultraportable with Intel Centrino quip, and a workstation based on an AMD Athlon X2, 2ghz of RAM memory and hard drive Sataya 3 in 10,000 rev / min , I dveloppe and assembles. The two computers running Ubuntu Studio (the beta version, since I'm dveloppeur)

I have several sound cards, including an RME MultifaceII (PCI and PCMCIA) and an Echo Indigo I / O (pcmcia) and runs really well. Using a Linux kernel optimized for working in low latency, I'm running without problem (no clip, no X-run) card RME 2.67 ms latency, and the card until Echo can Get You Started 1.33 ms, but it's the laptop that does not follow. Basically, working 2.67 ms latency, was running fine on two machines.

With the workstation, I have not really found a limit in terms of number of tracks, unless you really care too much processing.

With the laptop, the LED 8 tracks with effects, clipper started a little when I work in low latency trs. But for mobile recording, I traced back the latency and allows me to record 16 tracks tranquil 8 on a firewire external drive.

It's more than trs stable, low on Linux, which should be remembered, is the leading operating system and high Available turns virtually all web servers, etc. ... It is a ideal solution for working all day long, and do not crash in the middle of a working session (not like some expensive trs whose interface bugue another time, what) .

The software works in wave, you can choose The definition, 24 bit or 32 bit float. Everything is saved in a session file, so one can easily rcuprer all or part of the project if necessary. Everything is saved rgulirement if o is a false manipulation with the Systm, as I recall, has not crash.

So I put the maximum score for this part of the notice.

OVERALL OPINION

I used version 0.99 for quite some time, and version 2 for a few days / weeks since I had had the prmices.

The particularity is that we must learn to configure the server from its jack. Ardour2 does not start if jack is not running and well configured. It's both a good thing because it is the basis of performance in terms of latency and quality of digital summation, but it is a ngatif for people who do not want to discovering a new fawn to work. Once configured not need to touch it, but sometimes you tweak a little beginners. We can save presets depending on what you want to do.

The interface is easy, there is a window for editing, another to the mix, and the menus have finally t simplifies and clarifies. Paul Davis, the author of Ardour and Ardour2, took into account the views of users and the community to this new version trsrussie, easier to take in hand, etc ...

The quality price ratio has no competition: it is free, so free, and the audio is comparable a Pro-Tools, Nuendo, Logic or Samplitude. This especially so dpend your acquisition interface for audio quality of the recording. I recall that there is no limit on number of tracks, unlike most of the paid solutions. I do not have surface CONTRL, but Ardour2 is compatible with Mackie Control, among others.

Namely:
- The audio engine used by Ardour is particularly useful Harrison, a manufacturer of consoles, high-end production by Muse Research for its squenceurs / bass recorders on Linux, and IRCAM for his dveloppements around her.
- Paul Davis, Ardour of the crateur, collaborate with other SSL, and is one of the popes of computer music, whether Linux or not.
- Expect an audio engine therefore cost of a high quality trs trs a wide dynamic range (prparez you decrease the volume of your HP monitor, and this without changing card sound) and a digital summation among the best, if comparisons are made in the studio.

As the Previous version of Ardour sounded really good but not great n'tait use, as the new version is really accomplished. So I prfre dsormais to 1000 in peripherals or a good quality converter than buying a software license equivalent.

Remains that we are on Linux, everything is perfect in terms of interface (Mac compartment, for example), and some applications are around Ardour2 amliorer. So I do not put the maximum.

The installation is done it without problems?
Linux newbie I had some problems to install version 2 of ardor. Ubuntu is supposedly a distribution accessible for newcomers which is also partly true. Let me explain: the software "standard" Ubuntu is very easy to install, easier on the microsoft OS, for against the programs that are not on the list of packages rely on a set of manipulations not always simple. Finally, to compile and install Ardour 2 (since version 1 is in the package list), I use scons that I simplified the task.

Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
I have a card RME Multiface I had already configured. There is a good tutorial on the ubuntu site. I failed the first time but hanging a bit you get there though.
Through jack, I had problems "real time" but still there is a good follow-up Linux community on the Internet.

The general configuration is easy?
The connections are logical in jack. Ardour is only following what was asked by Jack.

The manual is clear and sufficient?
Personally, I have not read a single line of the manual, I'm a little used to the sequencer of this type. Also, I really think that if the manual is not complete, the answers to your questions are on the forums.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

- What is the configuration of your computer? (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Disk / sound card ..)
1.5 GB of ram, 1.8 ghz processor, nvidia k7, 30 GB HDD, RME Multiface.

The software works he correctly on this configuration?
yes very well

- What performance? (If quantifiable)
Linux has nothing to envy to other OS in sound: this is only my humble opinion.
The use is a little complex is a bit like the logic from cubase. Linux and ardor, it really comes in the configuration of home studio.
So it's a real tool in a more general config. So resources are not charged for anything. we therefore have a real choice in the use of resources.

- This software + hardware is stable?
yes

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
one week appointment so soon for a more refined critique.

What is so special that you like most and least?

his mercy is an undeniable asset for its quality of performance.

- Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Acid, Cubase, Logic, ProTools. Less versatile, it is equally effective on what he can do. As you can rotate it with other software that perform the functions they are missing, it goes easy software mentioned.

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...

Since I do not have much experience I would say I would do without experience this choice without hesitation.

Installation: supplied as a module in pure: dyne / home with ubuntu studio (which also had the era DCID install an editing station at work in this distribution plutt another)

Configuration / grip: not empty the beginners (under an ardor, my beginners), especially when you just samplitude trs * is * fast for shipping. Then we remember that pro-tools a little too silent Austre discovering, and read on ...

... Manual: Essential to know the keyboard shortcuts and the intricacies of operating software (concept of 'playlists', etc.). English. Clear, well-organized. The official site is a wealth of information.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Configurations with various current and Intgr chipsets, the software works as well as its Systm host. Sometimes small bugs depending on the version used, but I never t ESG by their impact.

With time and practice, Ardour s'avre trs be effective for advanced editing (my main activity, and even more for me to test the ergonomics of a soft gender). The prsence two heads (read + edit) and especially the possibility to make dcoupes / dplacements playing s'avre very practical for the rapid drushage taken.
The dcoupes with the mouse cursor + a touch keyboard, super ide.

I expect the possibility of a freezer section with replacement IMMEDIATE file obtained by the (prvu ending for me to appear there). In the meantime we have to go repcher export and place ourselves on the same track, it's just a little longer
By the way, a "dtail" which is a real treat is the organization of transparent record of each session.

The overall usability of the software is really good think, and its evolution can not portend good things, although personally I do not press to have MIDI and support the piano roll.
I prefer the ide of "a soft, one task". Squenceurs of twelve o'clock there dj Ardour but if the future is better, great ^ ^

Finally, the possibilities offered by routing make jack (Ardour + Jack) an extremely powerful tool.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a year, 6 months Manir 'intensive'.
Before a;
-Mainly Samplitude8, but also fast in comparison less (Bond of stopping playback to dcouper, factory gas interface, customizable shortcuts, except when it is a reset for no reason, etc ...) ;
- Cooledit / adobe audition: erf, that stuff never AIM.
-A little Pro-Tools, which is somewhat less transparent and above use only * * Owner '
- Cubase trs away.

Ardour, version 2, there is me as a professional solution well above many squenceurs trade, all points of view. Try it. ^ ^

I chose the Tango Studio Linux distribution... it's easy to install and, more importantly, it was conceived with musicians in mind, not programmers ... low-latency and other configurations that make it ready-to-use.
I tried Ubuntu Studio but I had a hard time with my M-Audio 24/96 soundcard, even though it is recognized by linux ... However, I had no issues under tango studio (thanks to its Alsa configuration)...

I must add, though, that I chose this soundcard because, unfortunately, Linux does not recognize all soundcards, which can be a real pain...


PERFORMANCE

4 gb ram on a 3-year old pc... It would be better to have some more, but...

It has some bugs but nothing too bad (I must admit that my computer is not very recent and isn't the best for making computer music).

My M-audio soundcard has no preamps. That's why I added a tube-pre (presonus)... which has only one input, but it's better than nothing. I play one instrument after the other (guitar, piano, vocals...)...
It's more than enough together with my Audio technica AT2020 mic.
There are obviously better things out there, but they are more expensive, and I'm not for winning the hardware race.
I think I have good low-cost gear.
What's important is what you do with it (in my opinion).

OVERALL OPINION

In conclusion,

After one month of use, I've almost mastered it and I think it's pretty good.
Pros:
1 It's free but a donation to Paul Davis (ardour's creator) is very welcome....
2 Thanks to the Jack software, you can connect to it a drum machine, an additional synth (already installed under Tango Studio), compressor (jamin)...
3 Plug-ins: Heaps of them...for free.
4 It's easy to get used to it (although I still have lots to learn)...

Cons:
1 Linux doesn't recognize all soundcards, so...


I admit I don't know any other software tools, most of which aren't free, but the times are tough right now...
They are either too expensive and you have to get them illegally... I chose Ardour as a conscience decision.
And after what I've heard... Ardour has not much to envy its paid counterparts... and given the results I get, I don't doubt it (I'm talking about the sound and the huge possibilities it offers).

With hindsight, I'd definitely choose it again...If you're on a low budget, don't think it twice.

Did you have any problems during the installation? I had no installation problems (version 2.8.1)
Did you have any incompatibility problems? I work with an rme hammerfall 96/52 and the result is very professional
How complicated is the overall configuration? You need some time to get used to it, but once you're comfortable with it, it's very user-friendly, with a couple of minor bugs, but nothing too nasty.
Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive? You can get help in forums.

PERFORMANCE

What's your computer setup? (motherboard/CPU/RAM/HDD/sound card..) Quadcore 2.6 ghz, 8 gb ram, 300 gb western digital velociraptor, rme hammerfall 96/52
Does the software work correctly with your setup? yes
How is the performance? (if measurable) Excellent (as for MIDI, version 3.0 will support it...)
Is the hardware+software configuration stable? Everything works great

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you been using the product? One year
Which feature do you like the most / the least? The most, the punch in and out, which are a great idea. The least, the bugs.
Did you try any other models before buying this one? I've worked with digital performer and sonar
How would you rate its value for money? Value for money? It's free!!!
Based on your experience, would you buy this product again? Of course