Trinity Audio Group announced an upgrade to its Linux-based “audio operating system,” with an improved user interface, the real-time kernel 2.6.31, and a player that lets users change the speed of a song without altering pitch. “Transmission 4.0” is available as a download, on a USB stick, or preloaded on a netbook or ultra-mobile PC (UMPC), the company says.

Trinity's audio-centric Linux software was originally based on 64Studio, a community project that maintains a Linux distribution for creative content professionals, such as A/V producers and recording engineers. Last year, however, the company ported its suite to a Transmission 3.0 Linux distro that was said to be based on Ubuntu Linux 9.04.

The newly announced Transmission 4.0 release is now said to be based on a Linux 2.6.31 real-time kernel, with a GNOME-based user interface "for easier navigation." According to Trinity, a key addition is Stretchplayer, an audio file player that allows a user to change the speed of a song without changing the pitch.

Upgraded features are said to include:

• Ardour 2.8.9, a powerful digital audio workstation (DAW)
• Hydrogen 0.9.4, a drum machine and step sequencer application
• Audacity 1.3.12, a popular sound editor and multi-track recording software program
• Mixxx 1.7.2, the open source Digital DJ solution "with a purpose and a movement"

Another touted addition, meanwhile, is ArdourXchange (AXC), described as a "useful tool that allows entire Pro Tools sessions to be imported directly into Ardour, an industry first." It's said Transmission 4.0 also includes LinuxDSP, "a high-end 'boutique' type suite of mastering plug-ins optimized for mobile appliances that includes the ground-breaking application JP1 [link].

Tony Stewart, creative director for Trinity Audio Group, stated, "JP1 is one of the most important pieces of audio software released this year. It's a 'Total Recall' feature allowing the user to quickly reconnect a complex studio session or an advanced virtual patch bay type environment. JP1 is ideal for anyone on the go, who handles many different or elaborate audio software setups." says Stewart.

According to Trinity, Transmission 4.0 also includes the "first commercially available release" of VSTHost, which allows users to run Windows-based virtual instruments with "rock-solid performance." VSTHost utilizes WINE, allowing popular applications such as Ableton Live, Reason, Guitar Rig and Native Instrument bundles the ability to run inside one platform, the company says.

Indamixx Portable Studio (Click for details)

As noted earlier in this story, Transmission 4.0 is available for download as an ISO ($99), or on a bootable USB stick ($149). It is also offered on the $1200 Indamixx Portable Studio (right), a private-label version of Samsung's Q1 Ultra UMPC (ultra-mobile PC).

Last year, Trinity released an Indamixx Netbook, said at the time to be based on the Intel Atom N270-equipped MSI Wind U100. Pictured below, the currently offered, $599 "special edition" of this device appears to still be U100-based, but it has now been upgraded to include not only Transmission 4.0, but also a six-cell battery and a 320GB hard disk drive, according to the company.

The Indamixx Netbook

Further information

More information on Transmission 4.0 and the Indamixx devices preloaded with it may be found on the Trinity Audio Group website, here.

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