m-dist is a compact embedded Linux system optimized for MIDI and audio applications, weighing only 140 MB.
M-dist is a unique and highly-functional embedded Linux system specifically designed for MIDI and audio usage. With a total size of only 140 MB, this software can be easily downloaded and added to your computer without having to go through an installation process. All you will need is the ISO image, which you can then burn to a CD-ROM and insert into your computer’s CD drive.
It must be noted that the PC you will be using needs to be able to boot from a CD-ROM, which should not be an issue with most systems. However, you may need to enable this feature in your BIOS. The software requires a minimum of 64 MB of RAM, but it is highly recommended to have at least 128 MB or more. In fact, if your PC has more than 256 MB of memory, it is highly recommended that you load m-dist fully into your RAM, in order to speed up the process of loading applications. To achieve this, simply type “linux copy2ram eject” at the boot splash and press enter/return.
m-dist touts a range of unique features, including a Linux 2.4.25 kernel, ALSA MIDI API, Kaconnect ALSA MIDI connector, JACK Linux audio connection kit, Ecamegapedal real-time audio processor, Vkeybd ALSA virtual MIDI keyboard, Qsynth QT frontend to Fluidsynth Soundfont player, MuSE MIDI sequencer, Ardour digital audio workstation, JAMin JACK audio mastering interface, and Hydrogen drum machine.
Furthermore, the software is based on Linux-Live!, Slackware 9.1, AudioSlack, and XFce while requiring minimal use of the System Console (the system runs as root, so no password is required). The latest release of m-dist comes with several new features and updates, including an upgrade to ALSA-1.0.5, an upgrade to X.org's X11R6.7.0 from XFree86, an upgrade to XFCE-4.0.5, and other improvements such as the reduction of ISO footprint by 20 MB, an altered boot timeout value, and more. Overall, if you are looking for a low-maintenance, lightweight, and highly functional software for MIDI and audio use, m-dist is definitely worth considering.
It must be noted that the PC you will be using needs to be able to boot from a CD-ROM, which should not be an issue with most systems. However, you may need to enable this feature in your BIOS. The software requires a minimum of 64 MB of RAM, but it is highly recommended to have at least 128 MB or more. In fact, if your PC has more than 256 MB of memory, it is highly recommended that you load m-dist fully into your RAM, in order to speed up the process of loading applications. To achieve this, simply type “linux copy2ram eject” at the boot splash and press enter/return.
m-dist touts a range of unique features, including a Linux 2.4.25 kernel, ALSA MIDI API, Kaconnect ALSA MIDI connector, JACK Linux audio connection kit, Ecamegapedal real-time audio processor, Vkeybd ALSA virtual MIDI keyboard, Qsynth QT frontend to Fluidsynth Soundfont player, MuSE MIDI sequencer, Ardour digital audio workstation, JAMin JACK audio mastering interface, and Hydrogen drum machine.
Furthermore, the software is based on Linux-Live!, Slackware 9.1, AudioSlack, and XFce while requiring minimal use of the System Console (the system runs as root, so no password is required). The latest release of m-dist comes with several new features and updates, including an upgrade to ALSA-1.0.5, an upgrade to X.org's X11R6.7.0 from XFree86, an upgrade to XFCE-4.0.5, and other improvements such as the reduction of ISO footprint by 20 MB, an altered boot timeout value, and more. Overall, if you are looking for a low-maintenance, lightweight, and highly functional software for MIDI and audio use, m-dist is definitely worth considering.
What's New
Version 0.1 Alpha 4: N/A