Journey into the Universe of Sounds and Magic

The Goal: Building an Energy-Efficient, Cost-Effective Music Production System

My aim is to build the entire operating system on a Libre Computer Renegade ROC-RK3328-CC Single Board Computer with 4GB of RAM. While the system works well with only 2GB, there are some limitations. To achieve optimal results, I need some help with coding to build an OS that is based on Armbian and Raspbian, designed exclusively for sound production or for use in a recording studio.

The concept behind this project is the need to consume less energy, both for the environment and for us. Producing music nowadays is very expensive in terms of laptop software costs and energy consumption. So, the idea is to use less energy with this one-board computer from LibreComputer.

By supporting this project, you’re not just helping to create a cost-effective, energy-efficient music production system, but also contributing to a more sustainable future for all of us.

Who am I.

Hello, I am an artist, wildly curious about any form of expression, with an unbridled passion for music. I have won SanRemoRock, had the honor of winning the “La Settima Nota” competition where I met Vittorio. This competition was founded by Luca Bonaffini, another great Italian artist and producer. Currently, I work as a video producer with Alberto Boi and Valerio Savino and am distributed by VSAdviceMusic.

Spotify Link

We strive to create art… to do interesting things where what really matters is the sound in its entirety. Even if at the end of the month we feel a bit silly because we have to deal with life… we’ve done few concerts and maybe the accounts don’t add up, we think about that melody that goes around in our heads… and everything turns into harmony…

Vitty is one of those great friends who can turn everything into music, he gives you joy. And we decided to take a walk together in this universe of sounds and magic.

The crux of the matter. I was looking for a new sound that I really liked. I liked the idea of using Ableton Live and some drum pads, but I realized it was very expensive. And I’m not just talking about the software, but also the time it takes to learn to use these tools. I wondered if there was an alternative, and I discovered some open-source software that was very interesting and totally free.

After some research, I discovered the ‘One Board Computer’ from LibreComputer, and boom! I created this multimedia machine. I started with Armbian and built my operating system, adding free software like Sooperlooper, QJACKCTL, and other free tools available thanks to the open-source community. Et voilà, here it is, a ‘small concert’ completely produced with open-source software on a LibreComputer running Armbian.

In terms of cost, it was ridiculous. I practically spent $50. It took me a month to learn to use the software, but above all, how to deal with problems like troubleshooting or connection. This machine is a simple "audio-server with connection to switch on the fly directly during a live session. In addition, I also included some synthesizers, like Yoshimi, Fluidsynth, and many plugins. At the moment, I am working on a “pushed-up” version of the board, it is pumped up to 4 GB, perfect for live performances. So stay tuned for updates and concerts.