After doing a lot of research, I settled on this device primarily for the “Loopback” setting, which allows you to mix audio from the computer into what you are recording/streaming without a feedback loop. This feature will be helpful for my online karaoke parties.
My other main hope was that this interface would help me reduce my latency using Jamkazam for online real-time musical collaboration. I had read good reviews of this interface, and positive ones specifically about using this one with Jamkazam.
I also hoped to significantly simplify my wiring setup, which is pretty complex and chaotic.
In previous tests the best latency figures I could get on either my Windows or Mac computers was just over 10ms (10.9ms), which Jamkazam rates as acceptable (yellow). I was hoping to get under 10ms.
Eagerly, I downloaded the latest drivers onto my Windows computer, connected everything up, launched Jamkazam…and my results were worse than before:
Initial testing with Windows resulted in unacceptable latency
I tried fiddling with various settings, but I never was able to get my latency down even into the yellow (10-20ms) range.
I then switched to my Mac, again downloading the drivers, connecting everything up, and…success! With just one or two tweaks, my latency was down to 8.41ms:
Latency results on my Mac were great!
I’m sure after doing further testing and troubleshooting I should be able to achieve successful results on my Windows computer. I’ll share my findings when I do.
Meanwhile, I am planning to attempt live string quartets with friends in Idaho, Oregon, and California this afternoon. I’ll report how that goes here soon!
tl;dr: Doubt in WhatsApp’s privacy and security increases with new privacy policy
WhatsApp is one of the more popular encrypted messaging apps in the world. It claims “end to end” (aka “e2e”) message encryption, and supports iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS X 10.10.x and higher.
This week, WA announced it is changing its privacy policy, forcing users to allow data to be collected and shared including phone numbers, contacts’ phone numbers, locations, etc. If users don’t agree by the February 8, 2021 deadline, they will no longer be able to use WA.
WhatsApp notification of changes to its terms and privacy policy
I just got my first WA notification about the updated terms and privacy policy this morning.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, no friend of Facebook, this morning tweeted: “Use Signal.”
WhatsApp and Facebook appear to be feeling the heat of the criticism aimed at the policy change. An updated message from Facebook claims it will continue to honor the opt out feature in WA even if you agree to the new policy. But how much can one trust Facebook to honor that commitment?
Galling to those in the U.S., WhatsApp reminds users there will be no change in data-sharing practices in the UK and EU, presumably as laws there are more restrictive about data-sharing than in the U.S.
What To Do?
Active users of Facebook and Facebook Messenger unconcerned about privacy need do nothing. If you use Facebook and FB Messenger and are concerned with privacy and were unaware of the issues, read on.
WhatsApp users, at least in the U.S., are probably a bit more concerned about privacy and advertising. They should should consider changing applications – or at least watch to see if WhatsApp changes its tune in the month leading up the February 8, 2021 deadline.
Even if WA does change its policy, one has to ask oneself how much they trust any product owned by Facebook, a company with countless complaints about privacy violations?
WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram?
WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram are three of the most popular encrypted messaging apps out there. Here’s an excellent review comparing the relative security of each. It came out in July, 2020, before this latest kerfuffle.
Spoiler: In the above review, Signal comes out clearly on top.
We received an unusual gift last month. It came in a densely packed medium-sized box. It was a grow-your-own-mushroom kit. I had seen these at a farmers market a couple months back and was intrigued. Ours came from NearbyNaturalsFL.com and contained a Blue Oyster Grow Kit.
Basically, you leave everything in the box, open the top, make a small X incision in the top plastic, create a simple humidity tent with plastic (included) and mist it a couple times a day.
It took several days before we saw the first growth of baby mushrooms, called “pins.”
6pm, January 1
After the pins formed, we removed the tent and misted more frequently. I could not believe how fast the mushrooms grew!
10pm Jan 1 (4 hrs later)
8am, Jan 2 (10 hrs later)
Midnight, Jan 3 (4 hrs later)
9am, Jan 3 (9 hrs later)
7pm, Jan 3 (10 hrs later)
6am, Jan 4 (11 hrs later)
The photos above show the growth spanning all of 3 days! We likely will harvest them today.
A new cycle of pins and mushroom growth should follow soon after this first harvest.
Next time, after the pinning and tent removal, I’m going to set up my GoPro camera for time-lapse photography. I just cannot believe how darn fast these guys can grow!
My two concerns going into this were unfounded:
Smell – there is none whatsoever. The substrate containing the mycelium (thread-like colony, kind of like mushroom roots) has no manure, pesticides, “or anything nasty.”
Mess – there is none. Everything is contained within the box and the tight plastic bag except for the mushrooms that grow out of the incision in the bag. There is no dirt or debris to clean up. We placed the grow box on our kitchen counter and have zero issues.
I’m very impressed with this kit and cannot wait to taste our first harvest.
There are several companies out there offering DIY mushroom grow kits like this. If you like mushrooms, I recommend you check ’em out!
I love singing karaoke, but due to the pandemic I have avoided singing in public. Instead, I have been hosting karaoke parties online. I have hosted over 40 50 so far.
I’ve been hosting online karaoke parties every few weeks since May, 2020. The story has been picked up by local TV stations and bloggers. I keep updating this post as new stories get posted.
1. KOIN AM Extra – Local musician shares how to host an online karaoke party. – Published December 31, 2020.
(MMOTIRT = Making Music Online Together In Real Time)
tl;dr: Getting a wired connection is simpler than many think
The most common obstacle to online real-time musical collaboration is the requirement of a wired network connection. Many assume that is a show-stopper – but it likely isn’t.
I wrote briefly about the need for a wired network connection in Step 1 – Tech Requirements to minimize latency. In this installment I will expand on and clarify this particular requirement and how to meet it.
Most internet-enabled devices in your home (laptops, tablets, TV streaming devices, etc.) probably use Wi-Fi. If you have a computer with a wired connection, often it may be a single desktop computer close to your network modem or router.
But if you have high-speed internet in your home, chances are good you can set up a wired network connection with minimal work and low cost.
You will need:
A free Ethernet port on your router or modem
A long enough Ethernet cable
An Ethernet port on the computer you wish to use
If you have high-speed internet, somewhere in your home you have a modem and/or router – sometimes this is one unified device, sometimes they are two separate devices.
If you use Wi-Fi in your home, look for the device with the antenna or antennas attached to it. Look on the back, and you should see one or more Ethernet ports. They look like oversize telephone cord ports. In the example below, you can see four unused ports labeled “Ethernet.” Note, too, that each port has two LED indicators (yellow and green).
Ethernet ports on the back of a network router
This is where you will attach one end of your Ethernet cable to. The other end will connect to your computer.
Most desktop computers have an Ethernet port on the back of them. Larger, older, and/or more powerful laptops might have a single Ethernet port, either on the back or one of the sides. It will also have two indicator lights, just like those on your router/modem above.
If you have a laptop and a docking station, many docking stations have a built-in Ethernet port.
But what if your laptop has no Ethernet port (e.g. my Mac PowerBook has none)? You can purchase an Ethernet adapter. For my Mac PowerBook, I purchased a Thunderbolt 3 (aka USB-C) to Ethernet LAN adapter for just US$15. Check your laptop to see what kind of adapter you can use (USB-C, USB 2.0, etc.).
USB-C to Ethernet adapter
Finally, you need an Ethernet cable sufficiently long to run from your modem/router to the computer you want to use for online real-time musical collaboration. Ethernet cables usually are usually 6 feet (two meters) long, but can come in much longer lengths up to and exceeding 100 feet (30 meters). Even the longest cables can be obtained for under US$30.
CAT 5 Ethernet cable
When shopping for Ethernet cables, you may see names like “Cat 5,” “Cat 5e,” “Cat 6,” “Cat 6a,” “Cat 7,” and beyond. Although these categories vary in potential data speed, Cat 5 should do you just fine. It is unlikely your home internet speeds go beyond the need for Cat 5. Cat 5 will be the cheapest, and usually more flexible than the higher rated cables.
A. Test your speed beforehand
It’s a good idea to see what your speed and latency is before you connect your Ethernet cable. To test your download and upload speeds, point your browser to either of these two websites: https://www.speedtest.net/ – just click “GO” https://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ – just click “Start Test”
Both of these sites will run a test for about a minute or so and will report your Upload and Download speeds. I recommend you write these down. For example, a friend I helped started out with a download speed of 30 MBPS and an upload speed of 10.9 MBPS.
Now connect your Ethernet cable. Make sure it is firmly inserted into your modem/router, and into your computer, or Ethernet adapter at the computer end. The cable should lock; you might hear a click or “snap” sound when it does.
Although it may be hard to see, look carefully at the Ethernet ports into which you have inserted your cable. If everything is turned on, you should see one or both of the lights illuminated or flashing at both the modem/router end and the computer end. If not, make sure your cable is firmly connected, or unplug and replug it in (use a different port if you have that option).
Ethernet adapter. Note the illuminated green LED. I could not catch the yellow LED illuminated – it flashed intermittently.
C. Turn off Wi-Fi on your computer
You want to ensure your computer is using Ethernet, so you will need to disable Wi-Fi. On a Mac, locate the Wi-Fi icon on your title bar and select Turn-Wi-Fi Off (or in the new Big Sur macOS release, flip the Wi-Fi switch off).
On a Windows computer, there are several ways to turn off Wi-Fi. One way is to locate the the Network control panel and disable Wi-Fi there:
Once you have disabled Wi-Fi, see if you can surf the web. If you are unable to surf the web, double-check your Ethernet connection and/or try rebooting your computer.
D. Testing your Ethernet Connection
Once you have verified your Ethernet connection is working, repeat the network speed test I described above and note your download and upload speeds. You may see a significant increase in one or both numbers (in this case, bigger is better).
Try testing your latency in Jamkazam again. You should see marked reductions in latency (lower is better).
Latency in this example is 13.9ms
Assuming you have yellow (medium: 10-20 ms) or green (good: 0-10 ms) latency numbers in Jamkazam, you are ready to go! Connect and jam with your friends.
When you are done with your Jamkazam session, you can disconnect and coil up the Ethernet cable and re-enable Wi-Fi on your computer.
Optional: A Permanent Wired Solution
If you want to enjoy a wired Ethernet connection permanently, an Ethernet port can be installed. If you are handy (or know someone who is), Ethernet cable can be “fished” through walls, under floors, and above ceilings so a permanent Ethernet port can be installed in a convenient location. One will need to be installed near your modem/router, and the other near your computer.
There are many YouTube videos (here is one example), books, and web pages that explain how to do this. An electrician can do this as well as someone you might know who works in IT or Telecomm.
Jamkazam allows and encourages you to find strangers on the ‘net with whom to jam. But for your first time, you probably will feel more comfortable trying it with a friend you know. If your friend has a Jamkazam account, first add them to your Jamkazam friends list.
Adding Someone to Your Jamkazam Friend List
1. Launch and log into the Jamkazam client software. You should see the home screen:
2. In the upper right corner of the home page, click in the Search box
3. Enter the name of your friend and press Enter/Return. You will be presented with search results. If you see your friend, click the orange Connect button. An invitation will be sent to them.
Keep an eye on your Notifications in the lower right corner. A white number will appear if a) someone has sent you a friend request or b) someone has accepted your friend request.
Once your friend request has been accepted, your friend will be added to your list of friends on the home page. You will be able to see if they are logged in and available. If so, you can invite them to an online jam session!
Starting You First Jamkazam Session With A Friend
You and your friend are both logged into Jamkazam. Here’s how to connect and jam!
1. Ensure your audio gear is properly setup.
If needed, you can review your audio setup by clicking the down arrow next to your name in the upper-right and selecting Audio Gear.
After you have verified your audio settings, return to the Jamkazam Home Page.
2. Click the big orange Create Session button. You will see the Start a Session window:
3. Click Quick Start Friends (3rd orange button on the left). You will then see the Session screen:
4. Click the small Invite Musicians link just below Personal Mix. The Invite Musicians popup window will appear:
5. Click Choose Friends and a list of your Jamkazam friends will appear. Select the ones you want to invite by clicking on them. A checkmark will appear next to each selected friend.
6. Once you’ve selected the friends you want to jam with, click Add Selected Friends.
7. Click Invite. You will be returned to the Session window.
8. While you wait for your friend(s) to join, click the Video button. A window will pop up with a live video of yourself.
9. Once your friend joins, their live view will appear, and yours will become a small video image in the corner:
You should now be able to see and hear each other.
10. Note the Audio Settings for your session on the left. You may need to move or minimize the live video window to see this:
Note the first speaker icon to the right of the larger musical note in the circle.
That first icon (the speaker), lets you adjust the gain or volume of your voice. If your voice is too low for the others in the session, click on it, and a vertical slider will appear:
Drag the slider up to increase the volume of your voice for the rest of the people in the Jamkazam session.
11. Sing and jam away!
12. When done, click the Leave button in the top right corner to leave the Jamkazam session.
(MMOTIRT = Making Music Online Together In Real Time)
tl;dr: Step-by-step instructions for launching JamKazam and setting it up for your first jam session
JamKazam looks pretty good, but in actuality is not intuitive, even to an experienced IT person like myself. So in this post I will give step-by-step instructions how to set it up to prepare for your first online jam sessions. Most of the steps are identical on both the Mac and the Windows client. The software may be updated, so the steps listed below may vary from what you experience.
Note: These instructions assume you have a) created a login account with JamKazam b) dowloaded and installed the JamKazam client software (log in and choose Download App from the drop-down menu next to your name in to top right) and c) connected a mic and headphones as well as an Ethernet cable to your computer. If not, review Step 1 – Tech Requirements
1. Launch the JamKazam client. Depending on your setup, you may be prompted for your login and password. If so, enter those and continue. You will be presented with the JamKazam Home Screen:
2. In the upper-right corner, just to the right of your name, click the little down arrow and select Audio Gear. You will be presented with your audio profiles.
3. Click Add New Gear on the bottom left corner. You will be presented with an “Understand Your Gear” window.
4. Click Next. You will be presented with the Select & Test Audio Gear window.
5. Click the Resync button in the lower middle of the screen
6. Under the Audio Input Device, click the down arrow next to Choose… You should see list of possible audio input (microphone) choices. Choose the one you want to use (in this example I am choosing my Plantronics C520-M headset).
7. Under the Audio Output Device column, click the down arrow next to Choose… You will see a list of possible output (speaker/headphone) choices. Choose the one you want to use (in this example I am choosing my Plantronics C520-M headset or “Same as Input”).
After selecting your audio input and output choices, JamKazam will run a latency test and show the results on the rightmost column. In this example, my latency is 13.9ms (yellow). The goal is to get as low a latency value as possible while still maintaining good sound quality. If your Latency value is greater than 20ms, JamKazam will pop up a warning that your computer and network is too slow.
8. Experiment by changing the Frame Size value (bottom of the Audio Output Device column). JamKazam will rerun the latency test whenever you alter a value. In this case, I was able to reduce my latency to 10.9ms.
Speak into your mic or play your instrument and listen to yourself over the headphones. Make sure to note if you hear the sound quality diminish. You want the lowest latency value without sacrificing sound quality.
You can try modifying the Sample Rate. I have found you can lower your latency by changing that value, however, in my experiments so far, the sound quality degrades significantly when alter that value. I also typically get a pop-up warning that my “sample rate settings are currently in conflict.” At this point, I’ve decided to leave the Sample Rate at Match and just change my Frame Size to get the best (lowest) possible latency value.
If you have different headsets and or microphone options, you can plug them in, go back to step 5 above (Resync) and test them out to see which has the lowest latency and best sound quality.
9. Once you are satisfied with your latency value, click Next. You will be presented with the Configure Voice Tracks window. Unless you are going to use multiple tracks (voice, instrument, etc.), simply click Next. You will see the Configure Voice Chat window.
10. Unless you are using multiple microphones (e.g. one for your instrument, one for your voice), simply leave the setting at the default Use Music Microphone and click Next. You will see the Turn Off Direct Monitoring screen.
11. Click the Play button in the middle of the screen. If you hear the little three-note tone repeated, you are fine and can click Next. If you don’t hear anything, you may be using an audio interface and/or having incorrect settings.
12. You should now see the Success! window. Click Close and you will be returned to the Audio Profiles window. The new profile you just created should be listed and “active.” In this example, the first item “In/Out Plantronics C520-M (active)” is my active audio profile.
13. Click Back at the lower right (or the little house icon on the upper right) and you will be returned to the JamKazam home screen.
You are now ready to start a session with a friend!
My next post will be about adding friends and launching your first jam session! Stay tuned!
tl;dr: Initial tests have worked for both Mac and Windows
I am eager to get JamKazam (or any online real-time music collaboration tool) working and document it so others can do the same for themselves. Here are my goals:
Get JamKazam working on and document the process for both macOS and Windows
Successfully play string quartets with my friends online
Successfully stage online performances with remote musicians and remote audience members
Successfully tie JamKazam (or another music collaboration tool) into Google Meet, Zoom, or other video conferencing tool
I had my first brief successful JamKazam session last night! With this post, I have made major headway on Goal #1 above.
Mac to Mac Test #1: Success! I am in Portland, Oregon, and my friend is in Idaho. For our first test, we used this combination:
Test #1
Me
Friend
Computer
MacBook Pro
Desktop Mac
Network Speed (download/upload)
500Mbps/802Mbps
222Mbps/10Mbps
Microphone
Plantronics wired USB Headset
Blue Yeti USB Mic
Headphones
Plantronics wired USB Headset
Headphones plugged into Mac audio jack
Latency
10.9ms (yellow) Sample Rate: Match Frame Size:1
I heard a slight echo in my own voice (like I was in a hallway or bathroom), but it wasn’t disruptive. My friend heard no such echo. We brought up video and were able to see each other with no significant delay between sound and video.
We first tried clapping together. I counted, “1-2-3-4,” and then we started clapping. It was satisfactorily close to unison. I picked up intermittent static when I talked, but my friend heard no such noise.
Mac to Mac Test #2: Success! Since I wanted to try playing a musical instrument, I needed to switch to a different microphone. A headset mic would do fine for singing, but not for acoustic instruments. I own a Yeti Blue USB mic (same as my friend’s), so I plugged it in.
Test #2
Me
Friend
Computer
MacBook Pro
Desktop Mac
Network Speed (download/upload)
473Mbps/802Mbps
222Mbps/10Mbps
Microphone
Blue Yeti USB Mic
Blue Yeti USB Mic
Headphones
Plantronics wired USB Headset
Headphones plugged into Mac audio jack
Latency
9.77ms (green) Sample Rate: Match Frame Size: 1
The first thing I found was that JamKazam does not seem to let you change equipment mid-session, so I ended our jam session, reconfigured JamKazam to use my USB mic, started a new session, invited my friend, and we connected.
Again, sound and video worked fine, although I did still heard some intermittent static when I spoke (which my friend did not hear). It wasn’t terrible or untenable, but it was there. I suspect interference from my numerous electronic gadgets and wireless devices.
I invited my friend to play, so she pulled out her viola, as did I, and we were able to play duets together effortlessly. We started with slower music, so I suggested a faster piece which would have tighter timing demands. Success!
Mac to Windows Test – Success! Update: My first attempt with running JamKazam on Windows last night was a failure, but I just now ran a test and it was a rousing success. Here was my configuration:
Test #3
Me
Friend
Computer
Windows 10 Desktop
Desktop Mac
Network Speed (download/upload)
600Mbps/930Mbps
222Mbps/10Mbps
Microphone
Blue Yeti USB Mic
Blue Yeti USB Mic
Headphones
Headphones plugged into Blue Yeti Mic
Headphones plugged into Mac audio jack
Latency
19ms (yellow)
7.77ms (green)
Not only was my last test running JamKazam on Windows successful, but I experienced none of the static I had last night.
My friend mentioned she experimented plugging her headphones directly into her Mac versus into the jack on her Blue Yeti USB mic. She found she had some static when plugging her headphones into the Mac, but not into the mic.
Testing JamKazam with Google Meet: Fail We returned to the Mac to Mac configuration for my last test, which was to see whether I could share my JamKazam session with Google Meet.
Why do I want to do this? I host regular online karaoke parties using Google Meet. During those parties, only one person can perform while the others all listen while muted. I would love to be able to sing or play duets with a friend and have my Google Meet attendees see and hear us. Also, my understanding is that although you can stage online performances using JamKazam, I believe it requires all audience members to have a JamKazam account. Tying JamKazam into Google Meet (or Zoom, etc.) would skip that requirement.
So we repeated the setup #2 above, and on my Mac I launched Google Meet and had a second person connect into my Google meeting. I shared my desktop and my second friend was able to see my JamKazam video, but they could not hear my friend in Idaho.
I suspect there may be a permissions setting I need to set to allow my Mac computer sound to be shared on Google Meet. I will continue to investigate and test.
In future posts I hope to connect with different people, getting Windows working (done), and give step-by-step instructions for creating a jam session and inviting friends.
In this post I will go over technical requirements to minimize latency, which apply to any online musical collaboration solution, as well as other equipment needed and the first steps to getting set up for JamKazam in particular,
The key to success, and the biggest hurdle to real-time online musical collaboration is minimizing latency. Every step of the way – from you singing or playing a note, the mic picking it up, the sound being converted into electronic form and being transferred into your computer, out your network connection, over the internet to your musical collaborator(s), etc. etc. until they hear it on their end – every step introduces a hesitation, a lag, a latency. For success, we must do everything to reduce and eliminate latency.
1. You must have a wired network connection to your computer
No if, ands, or buts. You cannot use Wi-Fi on your laptop or desktop computer for your internet connection. You could have the fastest internet service (I just upgraded to gigabit, which affords me up to 950Mbps upload and download speeds), but if you use Wi-Fi, an untenable delay will be introduced.
“But my router and computer are in different rooms” That’s okay. Look on the back of your router or modem. You will likely find a row of ports which look like they are for oversized telephone jacks. These are Ethernet ports, and you can run an Ethernet cable from your router or modem to your computer.
Ethernet ports
If there are no unused ports available, see if you can free any up by removing any unused cables or devices. You can also try switching a device to Wi-Fi (e.g. many printers now support Wi-Fi) and removing its Ethernet cable connection.
If you can’t free up a port, you can purchase an inexpensive Hub or Switch, which is rather like a power strip: you plug it into one port on your router or modem, and the hub or switch will offer up several free Ethernet ports to use.
Ethernet cables, sometimes called “Cat5” or “Cat6” cables, can be purchased for mere dollars, and can be 5, 10, 25, 50, or even 100 feet long. Figure out how much length you need (error on the long side). Of course you want to minimize trip hazards and cables getting crimped in doorways.
If you are, or have a friend who is handy, Ethernet cables can be “fished” through walls, under floors, and above ceilings and an Ethernet jack can be installed in your wall in a more convenient location. This permanently avoids having to string a cable under doors and across hallways..
Ethernet cable
Once you connect your Ethernet cable to both your modem/router and your computer, turn off Wi-Fi on your computer to ensure it is not using Wi-Fi and that it is using your Ethernet connection. You can also test your internet speed which may very well be improved.
Both of these sites will run a test for about a minute or so, and then will report your Upload and Download speeds.
Note: Upload and Download speeds do not indicate what your latency is. However, you may see improved overall speeds with a wired Ethernet connection versus one over Wi-Fi. Low latency coupled with fast internet service will improve your online musical collaboration experience.
“My computer doesn’t have an Ethernet port!” Many laptops have no network port into which you can plug an Ethernet cable. My Mac PowerBook has none, but I was able to purchase a “USB C to Ethernet Adapter” for US$15. Check to see what kind of connections your device has first (USB-C, USB-B, etc.).
USB-C to Ethernet adapter
2. Headphones and Earbuds You will need headphones or earbuds to minimize echo and feedback. I recommend wired vs. wireless/Bluetooth, since the latter can add latency. You will want a long cord/extension cord to give you freedom of movement.
3. Microphone If using a laptop, it likely has a built-in mic. You can use that, but the sound quality will be limited. But it may do for your initial testing.
My first tests were with wired USB mics. I tried a wired headset with mic (Plantronics Blackwire C520) and a Blue Yeti USB plugged into my Mac PowerBook. Both worked great.
Plantronics C520 Blackwire Headset
For singing, a headset would be fine. However, if you want to play an an acoustic instrument, a mic that isn’t right in front of your mouth makes better sense. If you are going to play an electric instrument (keyboard, electric guitar, etc.), an audio interface (see below) is likely required.
Yeti Blue USB Mic
If you are using a laptop, you may have a limited number of USB ports, or you may have no standard USB ports (e.g. my Mac PowerBook only has USB-C ports). You may need to use, for example, USB to USB-C adapters US$4-10 or a dock with USB ports.
4. Computer requirements It may vary depending on the musical collaboration software you use, but since I started with JamKazam, https://jamkazam.com/ I’ll list their requirements (although other solutions may support Linux and other operating systems, JamKazam is strictly for Windows or macOS – no Linux, Android, or iOS):
Windows: Window 7, 8, or 10, 64-bit
First-Time Setup – Step 1 – Understand Your Gear – Windows
Unsure which Operating System you have? Right-click the start menu and choose “System” and it should display the version of Windows you have and whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit.
Mac: MacOS 10.8 Mountain Lion or later
First-Time Setup – Step 1 – Understand Your Gear – Mac
Unsure what MacOS you have? Click the Apple icon in the top left and choose “About this Mac.” The top line indicates the name of the OS (e.g. “macOS Catalina”) and the second line the version.
5. Sound Interface (optional) If you view JamKazam setup videos (above and elsewhere), you will see many references to “audio interfaces.” I don’t own one, but may end up purchasing one at some point. They can be less than US$100 but can be much more depending on the features and number of inputs. If you go that direction, I recommend you do your research and buy one with a USB interface.
Unless you want to play an electric instrument (keyboard, guitar, etc.) you don’t likely need one to get started.
JamKazam Account To use JamKazam, you must create an account. It’s free. Just follow the steps at: https://www.jamkazam.com/signup
A free account will give you up to a 1-hour long session, and 4 total hours per month. During your first month, you are given “Gold” level service which has no time restrictions, supports higher-level sound quality, and offers email support. Here’s a comparison of their various plans.
tl;dr: Singing and playing duets and larger ensembles in real-time over the internet is possible. It’s not intuitive, but it’s simpler than you think!
I ache to sing and play together with others – that is one of my greatest sources of joy. Since all concerts and gigs have been cancelled, I have hosted a couple outdoor, distanced, masked “driveway concerts,” performing string quartets and string quintets with friends. But winter weather and darkness have made that impossible.
Screenshot from one of many online karaoke parties I’ve hosted
What we haven’t been able to do, however, is to sing duets or trios with distant friends. Singing or playing over the internet usually introduces a time lag (aka “latency”) of .25-1 second, which is untenable. Up to this point, only those who are sheltering together during the pandemic have the option of singing/playing together.
I was aware there is technology out there that minimizes latency over the net and enables people to perform together (e.g. JamKazam, Jamulus, JackTrip, etc.). But even as an experienced IT professional, my earlier investigations into JamKazam and Jamulus were unsuccessful and frustrating. I found the software unintuitive and glitchy, the help documentation seriously lacking, and I just couldn’t get them to work.
Last night I had my first successful test with JamKazam. I am in Portland, OR, and I was able to play duets with a friend in Moscow, ID. Sound was passable, and we had live video so we could see each other. We were both so excited!
I know many musicians, singers, and teachers who would benefit from being able to perform in real-time with friends, colleagues, and students over the net. I will document my journey and recommendations. My goal is to make this understandable and within reach for the non-techie person.
Blatant Calm 