Hydrogen (Software)

Hydrogen is a virtual drum computer and sequencer for GNU / Linux. There are now also versions for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X ( Intel only). Hydrogen offers the usual drums software for standard functions, some professional functions, such as complete control via MIDI and user-definable sample. Samples can be combined into libraries that can be pass as a file. Under Linux Hydrogen is compatible with the JACK sound server. This allows hydrogen with other applications associated with JACK sync.

Hydrogen is being developed by Alessandro Cominu. The source code is available under the GNU General Public License. The graphical user interface uses the Qt library.

Concept and operation

In Hydrogen can be in a Matrix Editor drum notes to rhythmic figures, called patterns, put together. The length of these figures comparable with clocks is adjustable, so can be in addition to the usual in pop music 4- quarter time and three - quarter - or five - quarter time figures compose. The Patterns can be played in endless loops (loops ) or put together in a song editor to specified procedures. Here, several patterns can be played simultaneously. The sounds used can be defined in an instrument editor and cut from version 0.9.5 with a simple tool. The program also has a mixer in which can be integrated in LADSPA format and effect plug-ins. On Linux, all mixer channels can also spend individually via the audio server JACK.

Finished songs or individual patterns can be directly from hydrogen as a file in the format. Export WAV.

As of version 0.9.5 provides hydrogen in its Matrix Editor is also a piano roll mode in which allows for the individual sound samples also create notes in different pitches. This also melodic patterns in Hydrogen can compose the percussion samples or melodic instruments can control such as bass or organ sounds.