Using Ubuntu real-time kernel

Introduction

Ubuntu provides a real-time (RT) kernel which can be used on SnakeOil. A RT kernel provides consistent and predictable processing of audio streams, thereby minimizing latency and jitter.  It has the potential to further improve sound quality.

To use the Ubuntu RT kernel, you will need to:

1. Join Ubuntu Pro, which provides free personal subscriptions for 5 machines.

2. Install the Ubuntu Pro Client on your machine (if not done during the Ubuntu install process for AMD).

   sudo apt update && sudo apt install ubuntu-advantage-tools
   

3. Attach your subscription to your machine.
   
   The simplest way to attach is to use the token in your Ubuntu Pro subscriptions and copy the "sudo pro attach" command with the token and run on your machine.

   

4.  Install RT kernel.
   For AMD

   sudo pro enable realtime-kernel
   

   For Pi

   sudo pro enable realtime-kernel --variant=raspi
   

5. Change kernel in SnakeOil/Kernel tab (Activated version), if required

Useful links

Ubuntu introduction: https://ubuntu.com/real-time

Ubuntu documentation: https://documentation.ubuntu.com/real-time/en/latest/

Ubuntu how to enable RT kernel: https://documentation.ubuntu.com/pro-client/en/docs/howtoguides/enable_realtime_kernel/