Linux Journal

Page 55

NEW PROJECTS

Regarding binaries, the manual also noted: “This software is compiled for x86 processors; we still don’t know what happens if you run it under a 64-bit OS/environment; try it and tell us your experience.” Yes, I’m on 64-bit Linux, and it runs just fine. Once you have the dependencies out of the way, download the latest tarball and extract it. Personally, I found I could just open the new folder, click on the binary, and it worked. For those wanting more control, open a terminal in the new folder, and enter the command: $ ./giada_lin

the thing on which you type, and not something that resembles a piano. Before I explain the three modes of operation, let’s first load some samples so we have something to play with. In terms of format, Giada likes only 44KHz .wav files. A good starting point is Hydrogen’s drumkits. If you have Hydrogen installed (and if you don’t, at least install the drumkits), look for .wavs under /usr/share/hydrogen/data/drumkits. Kicks, snares and a cymbal or two— hi-hats in particular—are the best starting point. With these, you can lay down a basic beat and then layer other samples over the top to make a song. To load these samples, click on the long and wide buttons that say, “-- no sample --”, and choose your .wav file from the file browser. Now, if you look to the left of each sample, a keyboard character is shown; with this, you switch samples on and off. Try pressing it now, and nothing will play, but fear not. I

Usage Once you’re inside, using Giada is actually pretty easy. Although I was rather confused at first glance, a quick bit of “RTFM” shows that its methodology is very basic, but you need to understand a few things from the outset. First, this isn’t for programming songs over some sort of grid, such as the way that programs First, this isn’t for programming like Fruity Loops operate. songs over some sort of grid, Giada is for playing live. All of your actions take place such as the way that programs in real time, as you perform like Fruity Loops operate. what is essentially a live DJ Giada is for playing live. set (even if it’s only in your bedroom to an audience of discuss Giada’s three running modes one). So trust me, you’ll want to below, and it all will make sense. practice before using it in public. Oneshot mode: this is the most Second, Giada is designed to be run basic way of operating Giada. Press a by your keyboard, and by that I mean

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