2.3. Configuring Aldrin

Most likely, you will want to configure Aldrin a bit before you get started. If it hasn't opened automatically, open the preferences by selecting View->Preferences... from the menu. The preferences dialog will reveal itself to you:

Figure 2-2. Aldrin preferences window (Audio tab).

The Audio tab is usually selected by default. It allows you to change settings related to audio output. Following explanation of parameters should you give a better understanding on what to choose.

Device

The output device you wish to use. This usually lists JACK (if enabled), ALSA and OSS output drivers available on your system. All of these drivers require exclusive access to the soundcard for performance reasons, so make sure you have no other sound applications active in the background. I recommend ALSA to be tried first, then JACK, then OSS.

Samplerate

The samplerate at which to render audio in Hz (impulses per second). 44100Hz is usually a good setting (CD Quality). The higher your samplerate is, the more performance Aldrin consumes to render sound. With a lower samplerate, Aldrin consumes less CPU time, but the sound quality is degraded.

Latency

The time between the rendering of a signal and the actual output on the soundcard. Latency controls the size of the internal audio buffer that data is being rendered into before it is sent to the soundcard. A low latency value will give you a better response time, while a higher latency value gives you better performance. A value of 5-10ms should be acceptable.

Once you have set up your favorite settings, hit Apply to test your new settings. If everything works correctly, move over to the Sound Library tab:

Figure 2-3. Aldrin preferences window (Sound Library tab).

The Sound Library window allows you to manage a list of sample repositories. In order to access samples on your harddrive, you should at least add one sample repository. Click on Add..., then choose a folder to add.

If you want to download samples online from within Aldrin, you need to supply your freesound credentials. If you don't have a freesound account yet, visit the website and get yourself one.

If you are using external MIDI gear, you should have a look at the MIDI and Controllers tabs. They allow you to select MIDI input/output devices and configure MIDI controller bindings.

Aldrin allows you to use your keyboard like a 2-octave piano. Depending which keymap you use, you need to select a proper keymap on the Keyboard tab:

Figure 2-4. Aldrin preferences window (Keyboard tab).

These are the most important settings. Once you are done adjusting, hit OK to apply your preferences and close the preferences window.