Eric, sad to say but really, if you want to use Linux for audio the very least you will need is a properly Linux cartified soundcard. Even then, its definitely not suitable for anybody but real linux savants is my experience. nothing wrong with linux but youll just save yourself so much headache just going windows and Asio such as with cubase. they just work plus do anything youd ever need in music.
Dee
"When life's a biatch, be a horny dog"
Amps: Marshall JVM 410H w/ Plexi Cap mod, Choke Mod & Negative Feedback Removal mod, 4x12", Behringer GMX110, Amplitube 3/StealthPedal
Half a dozen custom built/bastardized guitars all with EMG's, mostly 85's, Ibanez Artwood acoustic & Yamaha SGR bass, Epiphone Prophecy SG, Vox Wah, Pitchblack tuner plus assorted pedals, rack gear etc. for home studio use.