Chapter 1. Introduction

Welcome to the Aldrin User Manual. In this book you are going to learn how to master Aldrin, a powerful music composition software for the GNU/Linux operating system. Its compact and integrated structure allows you to write electronic music without requiring expensive audio gear, but in case you have those already, they can be easily utilized as well.

Aldrin features a flexible audio routing system commonly found in expensive audio software, enabling you to mix, split, mutilate and modify audio signals emitted by software synthesizers and samples. An ever-expanding number of included plugins ensures that you never run out of good sounds. The wavetable organizes your samples and sampler patches, enabling multiple instruments to share the same set of sounds. The classic tracker interface supports sequencing rhythms and melody patterns using your PC keyboard as a piano. Finally, a multitrack sequencer organizes your overall song structure, allowing you to arrange patterns along a vertical timeline.

With Aldrin, you're no longer alone. Exchange songs with others, remix and extend unfinished works. Aldrin embeds easy access to Freesound, the online sample library for creative commons licensed sounds. Aldrins CCM song format contains everything required to faithfully reproduce a composition on a different installation: patterns, sequences, sounds, effects, instruments, everything is preserved in a compact and extensible format.

1.1. Features

Here is a list of some of Aldrins features to wet your appetite. It can never be complete, as Aldrin is constantly being extended and improved.