🔵 Concept
Creative Tools Updated January 15, 2025

Wave-Kernel

Professional-grade Linux native DAW with sub-5ms latency, lock-free RT processing, and hybrid CLI/GUI architecture

Feasibility:
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Excitement:
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Seriousness:
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The Problem

Linux audio production lacks a truly native DAW that leverages kernel-level optimizations, RT scheduling, and the full power of the platform. Existing DAWs are either ports from other OSs or lack professional features like distributed processing and lock-free architectures.

The Story Behind This App

Wave-Kernel

A professional-grade Linux-native Digital Audio Workstation leveraging kernel-level optimizations, lock-free real-time processing, and a unique hybrid CLI/GUI architecture for maximum performance and flexibility.

Technical Highlights

  • Real-Time Performance: Sub-5ms latency with JACK2/PipeWire, SCHED_FIFO scheduling
  • Lock-Free Architecture: Ring buffers and atomic operations for zero-latency IPC
  • SIMD Optimization: AVX2/NEON assembly for critical DSP paths
  • Memory Safety: Pre-allocated RT-safe memory pools with huge pages
  • Plugin Ecosystem: Native LV2 support with sandboxed VST3 bridge
  • Hybrid Interface: Choose between efficient ncurses TUI or full Qt6/JUCE GUI
  • Sample-Accurate: Buffer-level automation with bezier curve interpolation

Built on the foundation of decades of Linux audio development, Wave-Kernel represents the next evolution in open-source DAW technology.

Key Features

1. Sub-5ms Latency Engine

What: Lock-free RT audio with JACK2/PipeWire, SCHED_FIFO priority

Why: Professional studio-grade performance for recording and monitoring

2. Graph-based Processing

What: Pull-model DSP graph with 64-256 sample buffers, 32-bit float

Why: Optimal balance of latency and CPU efficiency

3. Native LV2 + VST3 Bridge

What: Sandboxed plugin hosting with automatic crash recovery

Why: Stability without sacrificing plugin compatibility

4. SIMD Optimized Mixing

What: AVX2/NEON assembly for critical DSP paths

Why: Maximum performance on modern CPUs

5. Hybrid CLI/GUI Interface

What: ncurses TUI with optional Qt6/JUCE GPU-accelerated GUI

Why: Best of both worlds - keyboard efficiency with visual feedback

6. Lock-free IPC

What: Ring buffers, atomic variables, shared memory for RT communication

Why: Zero-latency communication between audio and UI threads

7. Memory Pool Architecture

What: Pre-allocated RT-safe memory pools with huge pages

Why: Eliminates allocation latency and fragmentation

8. Sample-accurate Automation

What: Buffer-level automation with bezier curves

Why: Professional mixing and mastering precision

User Journey

  1. 1 Launch wave-kernel with RT priority configuration
  2. 2 Connect to JACK/PipeWire audio backend
  3. 3 Create tracks with hierarchical folder organization
  4. 4 Record with <5ms monitoring latency
  5. 5 Edit using vim-like modal commands or Qt6 GUI
  6. 6 Apply LV2/VST3 plugins with sandboxed stability
  7. 7 Mix with sample-accurate automation
  8. 8 Master with SIMD-optimized processing chain
  9. 9 Export with dithering and format conversion

Technical Architecture

Frontend

Hybrid: ncurses TUI + Qt6/JUCE GUI with OpenGL/Vulkan acceleration

Backend

C++17 RT engine with Rust state management, assembly DSP hot paths

Data

Lock-free ring buffers, memory pools, project XML + binary audio files

APIs

  • JACK2/PipeWire with SCHED_FIFO RT scheduling
  • ALSA direct for MIDI and fallback audio
  • LV2 native + VST3 sandboxed bridge
  • OSC for control surfaces, shared memory IPC
  • FFTW3 for FFT, libsndfile for file I/O

Hosting

Native packages (deb/rpm/AUR), Flatpak with RT permissions

Moonshot Features (v2.0)

  • ☐ Distributed processing across multiple Linux machines
  • ☐ GPU-accelerated convolution reverbs and spectral processing
  • ☐ Kernel module for ultra-low latency (<1ms)
  • ☐ AI-powered mixing with genre-specific models
  • ☐ Real-time collaboration with OT conflict resolution
  • ☐ Neural amp modeling and synthesis
  • ☐ Automatic latency compensation across complex graphs
  • ☐ Live coding interface for algorithmic composition
  • ☐ Integration with Eurorack via DC-coupled interfaces
  • ☐ Immersive spatial audio (Ambisonics, Atmos)
  • ☐ Profile-guided optimization per system
  • ☐ Blockchain-based sample licensing verification

Market Research

Similar to: Ardour, Reaper, Bitwig Studio, Renoise, non-DAW, Qtractor

Different because: True Linux-native architecture with kernel optimizations, lock-free RT design, and unique hybrid CLI/GUI approach

Target users: Professional Linux audio engineers, electronic musicians, live coders, studio engineers seeking stability and performance

Open Questions

  • Optimal balance between RT safety and feature richness?
  • Best strategy for VST3 sandboxing without latency penalty?
  • How to handle plugin GUI embedding in both TUI and GUI modes?
  • Memory pool sizing strategies for different system configurations?
  • Distributed processing synchronization over network?
  • Supporting both JACK and PipeWire optimally?
  • Accessibility features for visually impaired users?

Resources & Inspiration

Discussion