The Basics of Simultaneous Virtual Music-Making Online

Resources

You will, no doubt, have already heard much information about all this, as it comes in many forms (but is basically saying the same things) and some of the later stuff is more complex. Take it slow, get a partner to geek out with you and just experiment!

First, about THE HOLY TRINITY of basics(!)

*An ethernet or HARD-WIRED connection —yes using a cord— between your computer and the router….. could be a 6 ft. cord or 30 feet of router cable—- that’s the only possible initial expense. THERE”S NO WIFI anywhere in this chain (although, that said, I’ve had some clients use wifi and it’s not a dealbreaker, it’s just NOT the best it might be….but don’t let this stop you—let’s try).

Laptops, desktops computers on either platform— this caveat is pretty unbendable- no phones or ipads for this as they work on wifi and are no good for this. IF you have to use WIFI, for whatever reason, just know that the quality of the connection won’t be as good, but you can certainly still fool around with it and get the feel, but the latency reduction won’t be as optimal.

Next:

*Wired headphones, open-back if possible (with all Apple products I’ve sometimes NOT used my headset and it was fine, or I used earbuds so the pain in my ears did not discourage me right away!) . Again NO wifi/bluetooth equipment.

*A microphone; XLR or USB —-they have different capabilities and different requirements. This you can do soon, but again as long as it’s NOT wifi or bluetooth it’s not a dealbreaker.

Once you have access to your router we can do the rest together!!!! SO, get information on your own system, its router, its compatibilities, its strengths, and quirks ASAP. Find your router page on your computer using the credentials found ON the router device itself…..

Then we’ll make some browser choices, learn how to access your router settings page, and perhaps consider making a new user on your computer…..all in under 30 minutes!

(Certainly, Youtube has tons of tutorials)

Below you’ll find much detailed information:

You should start with: information on your ISP, your router and your computer system: its age, speed, and built-in components. I can help you find it if you don’t know where to start. (Macs are what I know, and they are easier to deal with for me, but PCs are fine too, they may need more info than I have. FMBs are beyond the scope of this introductory session)

EASY:

https://www.nats.org/_Library/Virtual_Conference_2020/NATS_Bootcamp_Presentation.pdf 

MORE CHALLENGING:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k0VmgoD1PjpIqmq8c--hunaWY_LXV3hKmHkPL6PyeEQ/edit

DEEP DIVE into THE WHOLE ENCHILADA!!!!— if not immediately then probably eventually most of this.  (This is the educator at the cutting edge of all this.)

***https://www.ianhowellcountertenor.com/soundjack-comprehensive-user-guide---->

https://www.dropbox.com/s/sgewsa3muvnzdet/SoundJack%20Guide%202020%20comprehensive.pdf?dl=0

EQUIPMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS   depending on your own system, and resources (Mac or PC) and what else you decide to buy…..

https://necmusic.edu/sites/default/files/documents/SoundJack%20Equipment%20for%20Students.pdf