Navigating the audio setup in JackTrip might seem daunting, especially if you're new to audio technology. However, understanding the basics can greatly enhance your experience, so let's break down the key aspects JackTrip's audio settings.
Video: Audio Device Setup in JackTrip
In order to send and receive audio in JackTrip, we need to correctly setup our audio devices. While we all have different hardware (including audio interfaces and microphones), this article provides universal information and principles that can help you navigate your audio setup effectively.
Understanding the fundamentals of pre-gaining microphones, adjusting levels, and the difference between Mono and Stereo will help you navigate your custom setup with JackTrip.
Select Output and Input Device in Audio Settings
When joining a studio session, you'll be prompted to choose your audio devices.
You can also access the audio settings by clicking on 'Settings' (bottom-right) in your Desktop App. If you're in a JackTrip studio and want to change your audio devices, you can click on the 'Devices' icon (bottom-right) to access a similar menu.
Screenshot of the Audio Settings menu in the JackTrip Desktop App
Output Device Configuration
In order to hear audio in JackTrip, you need to determine where the audio will be sent (= output). Here's what you need to consider:
- Headphones: It's highly recommended to use headphones, preferably with a wired connection for minimal latency (no bluetooth).
- Audio Interface: If you're using an external audio interface, we recommend you plug your headphones into your interface and select it as your output device for better control over audio levels.
Input Device Configuration
Selecting the appropriate input device is crucial for capturing your audio accurately. Here's how to set it up:
- Microphone Selection: Choose the device where your microphone(s) and/or instrument(s) are connected. Note that you can only use one audio device as your input.
- Input Channels: Depending on your setup, you may have multiple input channels. Select the relevant channels based on your audio sources.
Understanding Mono and Stereo Options
Understanding the difference between mono and stereo options is essential for optimizing your audio setup.
- Mono: Ideal for single-channel audio sources (such as a vocal microphone or a simple guitar input). It ensures that the audio is evenly distributed to both headphone outputs for all participants.
- Stereo: Suitable for stereo audio sources, such as instruments with left and right channels (such as a pair of drum overheads or a processed stereo piano). Selecting stereo will pan the first channel all the way to the left, and the second channel all the way to the right.
Advanced Setup Scenarios
Keep in mind that you can only send up to two channels to JackTrip. In some cases, you may have complex audio setups that require additional hardware or configurations:
- External Mixer / Mixing Board: For setups with more than two input channels, consider using an analog mixing board to manage the mix and send it to JackTrip. Such audio mixers often have multiple microphone/line inputs, which can be mixed and panned as desired. Such mixers output a stereo sum (2 channels), which can then be sent to JackTrip. This allows for greater control over audio levels and mixing flexibility.
See this article for a few mixer recommendations. - Routing audio from/to a Digital Audio Workstation: Routing audio from or two a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) may result in additional latency. However, here's an article/video on how to use software to route between your DAW and JackTrip.
- Additional Routing Software: Depending on your setup, you might want to consider getting additional software to help route various audio source inputs into JackTrip. However, third-party softwares might introduce additional latency, so we would recommend to use hardware routing over software.
Consider LoopBack or BlackHole (macOS) for additional software audio routing.
Pre-Gaining Microphones for Optimal Performance
In JackTrip, optimizing microphone levels often requires pre-gaining, a process of amplifying the microphone signal before it's sent to the software. While platforms like Zoom or Teams handle gain digitally, JackTrip's higher audio quality might demand manual adjustment. Most audio interfaces feature analog gain knobs, allowing you to adjust the input level directly on the hardware. Some interfaces may offer digital software for gain control as well. Pre-gaining ensures that your microphone signal is robust and clear, minimizing noise and maximizing audio fidelity during your JackTrip sessions.
In order to understand your audio equipment, your audio interface's manual might provide valuable insights into how to effectively utilize your interface's features for optimal performance. When setting microphone levels, it's generally better to use the analog gain knobs rather than JackTrip's digital faders (e.g. to get a lower noise floor).
It's crucial to leave some headroom when setting microphone levels. Aim to keep loud passages in the yellow area of JackTrip's VU meters to ensure a healthy signal level without clipping. Clipping occurs when the audio signal exceeds the maximum level that the system can handle, resulting in distortion. In JackTrip, clipping is monitored and displayed in the GUI, allowing users to adjust levels accordingly and maintain optimal audio quality throughout their sessions.
Conclusion
With these audio settings, you should be well-equipped to optimize your audio quality and enhance your collaborative sessions on JackTrip. If you have any questions or need assistance with your setup, feel free to contact our support team. We're here to ensure you get the most out of your JackTrip experience!