Subject: [linux-audio-user] [Fwd: Edirol FA-101 Linux Support]
From: Dan Harper (tech_AT_danharper.org)
Date: Wed Mar 10 2004 - 07:14:36 EET
I just sent this e-mail to Edirol. It may be useful to someone if
they're contacting them or any other company for Linux support.
Dan
-----Forwarded Message-----
From: Dan Harper <tech_AT_danharper.org>
To: sales_AT_edirol.com
Cc: artists_AT_edirol.com
Subject: Edirol FA-101 Linux Support
Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 16:11:58 +1100
To Whom It May Concern,
I'm a recording musician with a home studio and I am looking to upgrade
and go mobile with some of my gear. I will be purchasing a laptop in
the next few weeks along with a new pair of studio monitors and a
multi-channel audio interface upgrade.
I happened to stumble across your new product, the Edirol FA-101
Firewire interface that seems to fit all the criteria I had for the new
interface. The final and deciding requirement I have for the hardware
however, is not mentioned on your web site, and that is Linux
compatibility.
My existing studio setup consists of using the DAW software Ardour
(http://www.ardour.org) along side the JACK realtime audio server
(http://jackit.sf.net) and the mastering suite Jamin
(http://jamin.sf.net). I currently have no problems using my PCI audio
card with my desktop machine, but it seems that FireWire interfaces are
not fully supported as yet.
Currently ALSA (An audio system for Linux that Jack utilises,
http://www.alsa-project.org) supports many audio interfaces, including
several Edirol USB products. I haven't checked with the Linux Audio
community yet as to what they know of your product, but are there any
plans to, or would you consider:
- releasing the product data, specifications and other technical
documentation of the FA-101 unit?
- assist in writing drivers, or supporting the developers (by e-mail)
in writing drivers for ALSA?
One positive aspect of companies such as Edirol releasing product data,
specifications, and other technical documentation regarding their
products to the Linux community, is that there is no need to invest time
or money in supporting and continually developing drivers. The
Linux/ALSA community is happy to develop and support drivers for your
hardware at no cost.
I realise that Linux has not been a traditional market for professional
audio, but I have successfully and happily made the switch from
Microsoft Windows to Linux and I know of many other musicians that have
also switched over, or are looking to do so. This would be a great
opportunity to increase the compatibility and user base of your hardware
with minimal effort on your part.
For me personally, since I have fully made the switch to Linux, my next
audio interface upgrade would have to have (or plans to have) Linux/ALSA
drivers.
If you require any further information, please con't hesitate to contact
me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks,
Dan Harper
-- Dan Harper Songwriter and Musician Melbourne, Australia
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