Interface suggestions needed

[jazzpianousa]

My band use a combination of Behringer and Focusrite (Scarlett) interfaces and those all work well with JamKazam. We have a combination of Macs and PCs. In the case of the Macs, the Focusrite can achieve much lower latencies than the Behringers by using a bit of software from Focusrite that tweaks the Apple Core Audio. On the PCs, both makes of interface achieve low latencies using appropriate ASIO drivers.

We all use wired internet connections (which is a bit of a pain, but really the only option). We all use a sample rate of 48kHz: opinion is divided about whether standardising the sample rate makes any difference, but we decided to eliminate that potential problem. We configure JamKazam to use the lowest frame size that works without crackles and glitches: either 1ms or 2ms, depending on the computer and interface. We don't use video and we discourage other family members from using the Internet intensively during our rehearsals.

With the above setup, we are having regular band rehearsals without any majro technical issues.

We are also sometimes joined by a singer who uses a Mac with a USB mic and no external audio interface, again without problems.

_________________________________________________________

It's going to boil down then for everyone ultimately to who has the poorest internet connection. Old phrases such as: You're only as strong as your weakest member, Water always goes to the lowest point. As I mentioned, you could have great low latency with everyone, then one last person joins who has 80ms latency. Latency is additive and it will slow down everyone else's connections in trying to negotiate streams. It may boil down to (if people are comfortable) to maybe having two or more people share connections. Larger groups were doing this pre-Covid where you have 3-4 musicians in one location sharing a mutual stereo out (and one camera if desired). Time of day is a factor because it's not only users on someone's home network, but the web as well. Late afternoon weekedays before and through rush hour tend to be bad, especially Friday afternoons, Monday mornings. Weekends can be bad, especially afternoon through evening when people are back indoors trying to stream content.

I just did a session last night with a young drummer and saxophonist. The latency was good. If you'd like to hear the session I put a link below, it should open in Chrome or any browser which supports ogg vorbis playback. Jam Kazam appears to be saving the final track mix as ogg vorbis rather than .wav.

https://d.pr/a/PbFsrN

Hopefully you'll have as much success as we've been having.

One last thing, don't forget it's additive. So if you get upwards of 6-7 people, latency can get dicey.

Peace and blessings,

Reuel
www.rlubag.com
www.youtube.com/jazzpianousa