I tried a few distros as a replacement for KXStudio (which I really liked and have used for over 5 years). Install for usb was easy and straightforward. There were a few tweaks needed to get some of the functionality with Jack that just worked in KXStudio but no real deal breaker there. Ardour works well as it always seems to but having some named setups within plugins in KX meant that the plugin was not recognised in AVL; I still had my old distro running so could take a note the settings and update the new distro. All in all for audio production AVL is great.
Found issues getting Wine to work properly, mostly from fonts in Windows packages not being recognised. I needed to add fonts to wine one at a time because some just won't install. This is still work in progress.
Could not get past the password setting screen during install as the rules don't work. It would be better to remove this. I would have loved to have tested it, but I could not come up with a password it would accept, as it didn't matter how long or how many characters, special characters, numbers caps I used, it would not accept it. Even Google's create password failed.
It would be better to remove the password check and just refer users to a good password creation site in the tool tip.
UI: AV Linux is a much, much gui improvement over MX 21.3. Icons, layouts, choice of colors and wallpapers are beautifully done.
Installation: The installation process was a breeze and there was no hiccup. Most required infos are consolidated so that there is not a lot of pop ups requesting for infos.
Usage: Menus and options are placed properly. Standard Xfce4 menus but organized properly. Right mouse click menus are nice but seems crowded to me for some reason.
CONS:
Since I tested this out on VMware, the only issue I have is that the internet is not working. I have gone into networking settings and checked the internet card. The status on it says that it is enabled but for some reason it still cannot reach the internet. I tried enabling dhpcd and it say file is missing (along that line). I tried other internet solutions that people seem to recommend but still no connection. I can't remember too much if other distros that I have come across have an internet problem, especially using VMware. For the time being, I'll wait to see if other people have the same issue as me using VMware.
Not being able to connect to the internet for any distro at this point is a major downer so I can took 3 points off.I know that there are many nic cards out there but I think vmware nic is almost the same for as long as I've used it and there has not being internet issue with it for me for many distros that I have tried out.
Overall:
The distro is very professional looking and would impress many people to use it. It looks very stable and fast with miminal ram and cpu usage.
As a tool to edit video and audio files AV Linux is brilliant.
I use AV Linux (32 bit) via Ventoy (fantastic USB multiboot tool) so I don't have AV linux installed but just use as a live USB whenever I need to edit some video or audio.
One of the best video editors is Avidemux as it allows you to edit videos without trans coding (unlike Handbrake) which means there is zero loss in picture quality as the file is copied rather than trans coded and it is much much faster than say Handbrake. For example a 500mb file could take perhaps 15-20 mins using Avidemux whereas Handbrake would take several hours for a inferior picture quality.
I highlight Avidemux because it is THAT good, now for sure you can install avidemux on other distros which I have used it on such as Mint and Peppermint, however Avidemux will not be available for all distros and in my experience getting Avidemux to work, even if it can be installed is not always successful because of various issues with dependencies etc.
As far as I am aware AV Linux is the only disto (please correct me if I am wrong) that has a working Avidemux "out of the box".
Having Avidemux as well as all the other useful packages such as Audacity, K3b, xfburn out of the box is brilliant because it means you not, only do you get a properly working package, you don't have to worry whether Avidemux or K3b is available to install or whether the package becomes obsolete.
I have taken steps to not only have AV Linux on my Ventoy live USB but I have also got the AV Linux ISO on Data DVD (those shiny silver discs and also uploaded a copy to the cloud (just in case!)
A big thumbs up to all those who brought us AV linux, MX linux and of course Avidemux!
Pros : Brilliant "Out of the box packages" that are not available elsewhere.
The docs reference KXStudio, yet not all the KX apps are here - no Cadence, no Catia. I even had to configure the KX repo before installing them.
The worst part is the live-usb.. It’s a total kludge with a jumble of poorly documented steps to go through to get their live-usb working. The “help” is so jargonated that I need another help doc just to understand it. And once working, it’s a constant pita.
It shouldn’t be that difficult - I have chromeflex desktop, so I have installed debian to a usb - some linux apps just don’t work on Chrome. All I did was select sdb instead of sda in the install program and from there it’s as simple as dual boot.
The music creator part is not impressive - I don’t see any real difference between this and my homemade linux-on-a-stick with KXStudio installed. Except the mouse is slower on AVLinux. Feels like there is peanut-butter inside of it.
Although I have been using the same notebook for years - a 2010 model, definitely not fast for the current standards - AVLinux always gave me very, very good results.
The latest version - MX-21.1, released on April 17th, 2022 - works absolutely flawless. On the same 2010 computer.
I've tried different Linux compilations throughout these years, including Ubuntu Studio, KXStudio, Audiophile and some defunct distributions such as Tango Studio and others I honestly can't remember. I can say than, IMHO, AVLinux has become to me the standards for Linux Audio Production.
I really thank Glen MacArthur for all of his time for his GREAT project... for free?!? It is a true gift.
P. S.: Calf plugins achieved an impressive level to me.
Overview: I've been using AVL for 7 years. Each time installing it was a pain. The RT kernel issues were also a frigging pain but i worked around them. As clunky as it was i could use it pretty well. I liked it. A lot. During that 7 years I periodically looked at the alternatives but would always just roll back to the latest AVL. Not any more. It took a jump into a different market space. MX. So this time I spent a lot of time comparing the systems before i installed Ubuntu Studio. I'm using the latest. I brought this install up to my everyday use level (multiple cameras, JACK feeds,ARDOUR,virtual cams,STEAM games,google drive,) in low hours replacing many hours of fooling with AVL and never quite getting everything. I've still got AVL ready to install but so far i do not fancy its chances. Watch this space. If I come back and comment it may be useful.
Pros: I know how it works, if you take the time you'll find it has everything for audio work you might wish for.
Cons: This version now uses a low latency kernel. Like Ubuntu Studio. So why not go with the larger collaboration?
even for a linux n00b like me, this is great... making the transition from microshit wimpdows super easy, seriously. I'm not sure how much better it could be honestly... having a hard time finding any issues!
Pros:
Very cool, based on two very popular distros, it's easy to find info related via internet or via the mx forum, good packages instaled for default.
Cons:
No cons.
Just the best for multimedial purposes, and in general for everyday purposes.
Note: I suggest you to install the liquorix kernel to improve the computer in performance.
I'm a serious audiophile and sound is my hobby. AV Linux has always been my go to distro to blend. and record audio. MX, wow what a difference to an already very fine tuned distro with Xfce and Openbox.
Pros: Don't take my word for it but do an install even if you aren't a hobbiest it's still a robust and attractive distro.
It is an awesome version, slick & fine design; much finer than the previous one. I was able to easily install the previous version on my hard drive, yet for some reasons and several attempts I cannot even find the install button on the new version. I could only use it using a Live version on a USB stick. Please let the world know where is the install button hiding or to put is simply; have the install button on a link from the desktop. Make it very visible for us to see it instantly. I would also like to see LMMS installed already bounded to CARLA in a way that all my plugins work well. Time is precious. In this regards, I want to congratulate you for your hard work & making this distribution a top tool for users to provide in turn professional & high quality work. Daniel
A beauty !
Based on the excellent MX-Linux, it provides all the features, stability and low-latency required by a music maker like I am (even Ardour is one of the latest !).
It also provides other multimedia tools for other than music creatin, but I did not look at it.
Easy to install, easy to use, fast, even on older machine (I personnaly uses an ideaPad U350).
It should overcome any other distribution for creation.
have been working with them for years process music (reaper mixbus 32c bitwig) vst and vsti no problem works well with wine, with a lot of plugins, avl mxe, safe and good and just looks great
There's a high chance that this becomes the go-to distro for many audio/visual focused users in the near future after this recent switch of base to MX Linux. Really appreciate the creator for keep working on this for more than 10 years!
I really like how start-up scripts read the devices attached to the PC and configure things like the jackpanel with a good, usable default configuration
I have no interest in extra audio or video applications personally, but I regularly refurbish/repurpose old PC's for people and thought this might be a good fit for some who are into that kind of thing.
As a reformed 'distroholic' who finally settled on MX Linux, I was also curious to see what this MX Linux variant was all about. The lighter desktop also sparked my interest as a possible midway point betwwen midweight distros like MX and genuine lightweight ones like Antix.
Turns out that's exactly what it is, all the MX tools and extra goodies I like, but snappier than full XFCe MX Linux. Of course it would be overkill if you don't need that kind of extra software, but still a valid option if an old beast can't quite cope with straight MX Linux. Even on a small SSD which I invariably use on older PC's, the extra software doesn't really impact on the size that much - a GB or so extra.
I might even remove most of that software and remaster the ISO into a more general purpose thing because it's quite impressive.
I am Linux newbie and found this distro to be very easy to use and not too over-the-top with software. A good distro to dip your toe into the Linux water. I will continue to use it as a live USB until I am confident enough to replace my Win 7 Pro installation - which is now so disparaged by Microsoft.
Great desktop, nice polish! great for AV buffs for sure!!! Love the extras. Nice touch. Now the tech stuff. I Installed WICD and removed network Manager. I installed Slim and removed LDM, I installed LILO and removed grub, then I installed the systemd-shim and systemv-init +helpers. These all installed fine. Then I ticked the box to uninstall systemd. cant do it will have to uninstall the 220 packages. So I unticked the box and attempted to install runit,nope cant do it, then tried runit-sysv, nope,
k so good layout and options, however this sytem is not sysd free in the slightest, it says sysv in the description box above, but there was no sysv installed, - on top of that grub indicated that i had a choice between sysv and systmd, that would indicated both were installed , however If I have to install sysv and its sysd shims, then exactly what was grub asking ?
anyway, just a test for the day.
Latest Reviews
Project: AV Linux Version: MX-21.3 Rating: 9 Date: 2023-08-02 Votes: 7
I tried a few distros as a replacement for KXStudio (which I really liked and have used for over 5 years). Install for usb was easy and straightforward. There were a few tweaks needed to get some of the functionality with Jack that just worked in KXStudio but no real deal breaker there. Ardour works well as it always seems to but having some named setups within plugins in KX meant that the plugin was not recognised in AVL; I still had my old distro running so could take a note the settings and update the new distro. All in all for audio production AVL is great.
Found issues getting Wine to work properly, mostly from fonts in Windows packages not being recognised. I needed to add fonts to wine one at a time because some just won't install. This is still work in progress.
M (Scotland).
Project: AV Linux Version: MX-21.3 Rating: 1 Date: 2023-03-01 Votes: 0
Could not get past the password setting screen during install as the rules don't work. It would be better to remove this. I would have loved to have tested it, but I could not come up with a password it would accept, as it didn't matter how long or how many characters, special characters, numbers caps I used, it would not accept it. Even Google's create password failed.
It would be better to remove the password check and just refer users to a good password creation site in the tool tip.
If this should get fixed, I would try again.
Project: AV Linux Version: MX-21.3 Rating: 7 Date: 2023-01-26 Votes: 3
The GOOD:
UI: AV Linux is a much, much gui improvement over MX 21.3. Icons, layouts, choice of colors and wallpapers are beautifully done.
Installation: The installation process was a breeze and there was no hiccup. Most required infos are consolidated so that there is not a lot of pop ups requesting for infos.
Usage: Menus and options are placed properly. Standard Xfce4 menus but organized properly. Right mouse click menus are nice but seems crowded to me for some reason.
CONS:
Since I tested this out on VMware, the only issue I have is that the internet is not working. I have gone into networking settings and checked the internet card. The status on it says that it is enabled but for some reason it still cannot reach the internet. I tried enabling dhpcd and it say file is missing (along that line). I tried other internet solutions that people seem to recommend but still no connection. I can't remember too much if other distros that I have come across have an internet problem, especially using VMware. For the time being, I'll wait to see if other people have the same issue as me using VMware.
Not being able to connect to the internet for any distro at this point is a major downer so I can took 3 points off.I know that there are many nic cards out there but I think vmware nic is almost the same for as long as I've used it and there has not being internet issue with it for me for many distros that I have tried out.
Overall:
The distro is very professional looking and would impress many people to use it. It looks very stable and fast with miminal ram and cpu usage.
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.06.18 Rating: 10 Date: 2022-06-15 Votes: 23
As a tool to edit video and audio files AV Linux is brilliant.
I use AV Linux (32 bit) via Ventoy (fantastic USB multiboot tool) so I don't have AV linux installed but just use as a live USB whenever I need to edit some video or audio.
One of the best video editors is Avidemux as it allows you to edit videos without trans coding (unlike Handbrake) which means there is zero loss in picture quality as the file is copied rather than trans coded and it is much much faster than say Handbrake. For example a 500mb file could take perhaps 15-20 mins using Avidemux whereas Handbrake would take several hours for a inferior picture quality.
I highlight Avidemux because it is THAT good, now for sure you can install avidemux on other distros which I have used it on such as Mint and Peppermint, however Avidemux will not be available for all distros and in my experience getting Avidemux to work, even if it can be installed is not always successful because of various issues with dependencies etc.
As far as I am aware AV Linux is the only disto (please correct me if I am wrong) that has a working Avidemux "out of the box".
Having Avidemux as well as all the other useful packages such as Audacity, K3b, xfburn out of the box is brilliant because it means you not, only do you get a properly working package, you don't have to worry whether Avidemux or K3b is available to install or whether the package becomes obsolete.
I have taken steps to not only have AV Linux on my Ventoy live USB but I have also got the AV Linux ISO on Data DVD (those shiny silver discs and also uploaded a copy to the cloud (just in case!)
A big thumbs up to all those who brought us AV linux, MX linux and of course Avidemux!
Pros : Brilliant "Out of the box packages" that are not available elsewhere.
Cons: None for what I use AV linux for!
KL Oxford UK
Project: AV Linux Version: MX-21.1 Rating: 3 Date: 2022-05-17 Votes: 0
The docs reference KXStudio, yet not all the KX apps are here - no Cadence, no Catia. I even had to configure the KX repo before installing them.
The worst part is the live-usb.. It’s a total kludge with a jumble of poorly documented steps to go through to get their live-usb working. The “help” is so jargonated that I need another help doc just to understand it. And once working, it’s a constant pita.
It shouldn’t be that difficult - I have chromeflex desktop, so I have installed debian to a usb - some linux apps just don’t work on Chrome. All I did was select sdb instead of sda in the install program and from there it’s as simple as dual boot.
The music creator part is not impressive - I don’t see any real difference between this and my homemade linux-on-a-stick with KXStudio installed. Except the mouse is slower on AVLinux. Feels like there is peanut-butter inside of it.
Project: AV Linux Version: MX-21.1 Rating: 10 Date: 2022-04-23 Votes: 43
I've been testing AVLinux since 2014.
Although I have been using the same notebook for years - a 2010 model, definitely not fast for the current standards - AVLinux always gave me very, very good results.
The latest version - MX-21.1, released on April 17th, 2022 - works absolutely flawless. On the same 2010 computer.
I've tried different Linux compilations throughout these years, including Ubuntu Studio, KXStudio, Audiophile and some defunct distributions such as Tango Studio and others I honestly can't remember. I can say than, IMHO, AVLinux has become to me the standards for Linux Audio Production.
I really thank Glen MacArthur for all of his time for his GREAT project... for free?!? It is a true gift.
P. S.: Calf plugins achieved an impressive level to me.
Project: AV Linux Version: MX-21 Rating: 5 Date: 2022-04-04 Votes: 2
Overview: I've been using AVL for 7 years. Each time installing it was a pain. The RT kernel issues were also a frigging pain but i worked around them. As clunky as it was i could use it pretty well. I liked it. A lot. During that 7 years I periodically looked at the alternatives but would always just roll back to the latest AVL. Not any more. It took a jump into a different market space. MX. So this time I spent a lot of time comparing the systems before i installed Ubuntu Studio. I'm using the latest. I brought this install up to my everyday use level (multiple cameras, JACK feeds,ARDOUR,virtual cams,STEAM games,google drive,) in low hours replacing many hours of fooling with AVL and never quite getting everything. I've still got AVL ready to install but so far i do not fancy its chances. Watch this space. If I come back and comment it may be useful.
Pros: I know how it works, if you take the time you'll find it has everything for audio work you might wish for.
Cons: This version now uses a low latency kernel. Like Ubuntu Studio. So why not go with the larger collaboration?
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.06.18 Rating: 10 Date: 2022-01-09 Votes: 3
even for a linux n00b like me, this is great... making the transition from microshit wimpdows super easy, seriously. I'm not sure how much better it could be honestly... having a hard time finding any issues!
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.06.18 Rating: 10 Date: 2022-01-03 Votes: 0
Super impressed. Like MX Linux plus. As a multimedia creator this distro is my current go to.
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.06.18 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-12-18 Votes: 0
excellent out of the box distro for music production!I installed yabridge and i was ready!
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.06.18 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-10-06 Votes: 2
pros
great for music and for everything
cons
no cons
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.06.18 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-09-12 Votes: 0
Pros:
Very cool, based on two very popular distros, it's easy to find info related via internet or via the mx forum, good packages instaled for default.
Cons:
No cons.
Just the best for multimedial purposes, and in general for everyday purposes.
Note: I suggest you to install the liquorix kernel to improve the computer in performance.
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.06.18 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-09-08 Votes: 0
I'm a serious audiophile and sound is my hobby. AV Linux has always been my go to distro to blend. and record audio. MX, wow what a difference to an already very fine tuned distro with Xfce and Openbox.
Pros: Don't take my word for it but do an install even if you aren't a hobbiest it's still a robust and attractive distro.
Cons: Haven't found any!
Kudos to the folks at AV, another fine release!
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.06.18 Rating: 9 Date: 2021-09-07 Votes: 0
It is an awesome version, slick & fine design; much finer than the previous one. I was able to easily install the previous version on my hard drive, yet for some reasons and several attempts I cannot even find the install button on the new version. I could only use it using a Live version on a USB stick. Please let the world know where is the install button hiding or to put is simply; have the install button on a link from the desktop. Make it very visible for us to see it instantly. I would also like to see LMMS installed already bounded to CARLA in a way that all my plugins work well. Time is precious. In this regards, I want to congratulate you for your hard work & making this distribution a top tool for users to provide in turn professional & high quality work. Daniel
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.06.18 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-08-08 Votes: 0
A beauty !
Based on the excellent MX-Linux, it provides all the features, stability and low-latency required by a music maker like I am (even Ardour is one of the latest !).
It also provides other multimedia tools for other than music creatin, but I did not look at it.
Easy to install, easy to use, fast, even on older machine (I personnaly uses an ideaPad U350).
It should overcome any other distribution for creation.
In one workd: a best in class.
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.06.18 Rating: 10 Date: 2021-06-22 Votes: 0
have been working with them for years process music (reaper mixbus 32c bitwig) vst and vsti no problem works well with wine, with a lot of plugins, avl mxe, safe and good and just looks great
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.05.22 Rating: 9 Date: 2021-05-27 Votes: 1
There's a high chance that this becomes the go-to distro for many audio/visual focused users in the near future after this recent switch of base to MX Linux. Really appreciate the creator for keep working on this for more than 10 years!
Project: AV Linux Version: 2020.5.10 Rating: 9 Date: 2021-05-26 Votes: 0
I really like how start-up scripts read the devices attached to the PC and configure things like the jackpanel with a good, usable default configuration
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.05.22 Rating: 8 Date: 2021-05-25 Votes: 1
I am Linux newbie and found this distro to be very easy to use and not too over-the-top with software. A good distro to dip your toe into the Linux water. I will continue to use it as a live USB until I am confident enough to replace my Win 7 Pro installation - which is now so disparaged by Microsoft.
Project: AV Linux Version: 2021.05.22 Rating: 8 Date: 2021-05-25 Votes: 2
I have no interest in extra audio or video applications personally, but I regularly refurbish/repurpose old PC's for people and thought this might be a good fit for some who are into that kind of thing.
As a reformed 'distroholic' who finally settled on MX Linux, I was also curious to see what this MX Linux variant was all about. The lighter desktop also sparked my interest as a possible midway point betwwen midweight distros like MX and genuine lightweight ones like Antix.
Turns out that's exactly what it is, all the MX tools and extra goodies I like, but snappier than full XFCe MX Linux. Of course it would be overkill if you don't need that kind of extra software, but still a valid option if an old beast can't quite cope with straight MX Linux. Even on a small SSD which I invariably use on older PC's, the extra software doesn't really impact on the size that much - a GB or so extra.
I might even remove most of that software and remaster the ISO into a more general purpose thing because it's quite impressive.
Project: AV Linux Version: 2020.12.03 Rating: 6 Date: 2021-05-09 Votes: 1
Great desktop, nice polish! great for AV buffs for sure!!! Love the extras. Nice touch. Now the tech stuff. I Installed WICD and removed network Manager. I installed Slim and removed LDM, I installed LILO and removed grub, then I installed the systemd-shim and systemv-init +helpers. These all installed fine. Then I ticked the box to uninstall systemd. cant do it will have to uninstall the 220 packages. So I unticked the box and attempted to install runit,nope cant do it, then tried runit-sysv, nope,
k so good layout and options, however this sytem is not sysd free in the slightest, it says sysv in the description box above, but there was no sysv installed, - on top of that grub indicated that i had a choice between sysv and systmd, that would indicated both were installed , however If I have to install sysv and its sysd shims, then exactly what was grub asking ?
anyway, just a test for the day.
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