The Latest Version of Jamulus is 3.6.2 which was released on 12/13/20.
Everyone who had downloaded and installed Jamulus… if you can, reinstall the new version, the same way that you did with the old one (below).
BTW- The version that you have installed still works, so if you want to use that for now, no worries (but the new version has some cool new features).
INTRODUCTORY POST (WHAT IS THIS?)-
(OVER THE SUMMER, I REACHED OUT TO A SMALL GROUP OF STUDENTS...)
Hello CCP Members!
I hope that this message finds you and your family well, and trying to enjoy this summer-of-the-new-reality. I am trying to relax as much as possible, but like you, I can’t help but be thinking about what September will bring.
I have no inside information, no news, no idea what changes will be made to our life at Calhoun, and in the CCP. But as I said at the end of last year, I am trying to be ready for anything.
I am hopeful and focused on us “ensemble singing”. Although it will obviously not be my ultimate decision, I am doing everything possible to have us singing in September. But we have to be ready for any possibility, including some form of at-home Remote Learning at some point.
So, I’ve been doing research. And more research. And even more research. And… I’ve found something.
With the help of a number of colleagues, I’ve been testing an audio platform called Jamulus. It would take the place of the audio of Zoom.
Supposedly, Jamulus has very small amount of latency. Is it perfect? No. But I think it could allow for us to have online rehearsals, in the event that at some point, we have to have some sort of Remote Learning (which I think we all agree is better than just doing EdPuzzles).
Over the summer, we’ve been testing this with small groups. We have some hiccups with each test, but with each test, I learn more and more about how to get it better.
If you want to volunteer, here’s what is needed… Jamulus requires a Mac or PC (phone or iPad won’t work, and for now, neither will Chromebooks). You'll need WIRED headphones or earbuds (AirPods or other wireless earbuds won’t work, because they actually create latency). And you need to be able to download and install the Jamulus software (which is free).
It may take a little while to get everyone on and set, but with luck, we will be able to be SINGING, no matter WHAT setting we are in.
-S
*************************
How to Set Up Jamulus
I wish there was like a 1-button installation and it sets you all up without having to do anything, but unfortunately, there's not. Sorry.
This is going to look like a lot of information, and when I first saw it, I was like, “No way, I can’t do this”. But it really isn’t that bad. Trust me.
Ok, so… The point of Jamulus is to get around the latency that Zoom has. The idea will be that students will have a Zoom up and muted, and use Jamulus for the audio. There is a limit on the number of students that can use Jamulus together, so for those students that can not get connected, I will send the Jamulus sound mix through to the Zoom, so you can sing along (muted) with those that are on Jamulus. I may make a schedule to rotate those students who are using Jamulus and those that are just singing along. Again, not perfect, but it's better than nothing. Also, Jamulus stutters from time to time, but there are people from different countries using it to jam with each other, live, and there are a growing number of choirs across the US that have been giving it a go as well.
For those of you with a PC/ HP/ Dell/ Windows Computer, I’m not going to be able to help a lot with the installation… I’m hoping it is as easy as it is on a Mac. If you only have a Chromebook, you will only have the option to follow along with us on Zoom (read more below before trying to install).
Here’s the process (This is where it gets a little long and technical, sorry!)…
This 1st thing is a big ‘if’. If it is AT ALL POSSIBLE for your computer to be connected to your router with an Ethernet cable, instead of WiFi, please do so. The way that a big group works with Jamulus is based on the Internet speed of the slowest computer in the group. So if you can plug right into your router, it would help (remember to turn off your computer’s WiFi also). Most of you won’t be able to (or even know what I’m talking about). So if not, here’s the next helpful thing- If you have 2 different WiFi signals in your house (2.4GHz and 5GHz), connect to the 5GHz WiFi; it is MUCH faster).
If you can’t do either, don’t worry, I know some will need to do this with slower WiFi also.
Next… everyone I talk to recommends to use headphones instead of earbuds. If earbuds are all you have, that’s fine, but you want to hear the sound coming from everyone else more than your live sound (just like in the Vocal Room), so headphones help (I have noise-canceling ones that are awesome). Also, just as a reminder… Bluetooth/ AirPods won’t work, because they have built-in latency.
Having said that…
HERE WE GO!!!!
Go to https://jamulus.io
You’ll see a button that says Download Now. Click that, and it should automatically start downloading. Don't click any of the "Other Useful Software" stuff below... That is all just ads.
(OVER THE SUMMER, I REACHED OUT TO A SMALL GROUP OF STUDENTS...)
Hello CCP Members!
I hope that this message finds you and your family well, and trying to enjoy this summer-of-the-new-reality. I am trying to relax as much as possible, but like you, I can’t help but be thinking about what September will bring.
I have no inside information, no news, no idea what changes will be made to our life at Calhoun, and in the CCP. But as I said at the end of last year, I am trying to be ready for anything.
I am hopeful and focused on us “ensemble singing”. Although it will obviously not be my ultimate decision, I am doing everything possible to have us singing in September. But we have to be ready for any possibility, including some form of at-home Remote Learning at some point.
So, I’ve been doing research. And more research. And even more research. And… I’ve found something.
With the help of a number of colleagues, I’ve been testing an audio platform called Jamulus. It would take the place of the audio of Zoom.
Supposedly, Jamulus has very small amount of latency. Is it perfect? No. But I think it could allow for us to have online rehearsals, in the event that at some point, we have to have some sort of Remote Learning (which I think we all agree is better than just doing EdPuzzles).
Over the summer, we’ve been testing this with small groups. We have some hiccups with each test, but with each test, I learn more and more about how to get it better.
If you want to volunteer, here’s what is needed… Jamulus requires a Mac or PC (phone or iPad won’t work, and for now, neither will Chromebooks). You'll need WIRED headphones or earbuds (AirPods or other wireless earbuds won’t work, because they actually create latency). And you need to be able to download and install the Jamulus software (which is free).
It may take a little while to get everyone on and set, but with luck, we will be able to be SINGING, no matter WHAT setting we are in.
-S
*************************
How to Set Up Jamulus
I wish there was like a 1-button installation and it sets you all up without having to do anything, but unfortunately, there's not. Sorry.
This is going to look like a lot of information, and when I first saw it, I was like, “No way, I can’t do this”. But it really isn’t that bad. Trust me.
Ok, so… The point of Jamulus is to get around the latency that Zoom has. The idea will be that students will have a Zoom up and muted, and use Jamulus for the audio. There is a limit on the number of students that can use Jamulus together, so for those students that can not get connected, I will send the Jamulus sound mix through to the Zoom, so you can sing along (muted) with those that are on Jamulus. I may make a schedule to rotate those students who are using Jamulus and those that are just singing along. Again, not perfect, but it's better than nothing. Also, Jamulus stutters from time to time, but there are people from different countries using it to jam with each other, live, and there are a growing number of choirs across the US that have been giving it a go as well.
For those of you with a PC/ HP/ Dell/ Windows Computer, I’m not going to be able to help a lot with the installation… I’m hoping it is as easy as it is on a Mac. If you only have a Chromebook, you will only have the option to follow along with us on Zoom (read more below before trying to install).
Here’s the process (This is where it gets a little long and technical, sorry!)…
This 1st thing is a big ‘if’. If it is AT ALL POSSIBLE for your computer to be connected to your router with an Ethernet cable, instead of WiFi, please do so. The way that a big group works with Jamulus is based on the Internet speed of the slowest computer in the group. So if you can plug right into your router, it would help (remember to turn off your computer’s WiFi also). Most of you won’t be able to (or even know what I’m talking about). So if not, here’s the next helpful thing- If you have 2 different WiFi signals in your house (2.4GHz and 5GHz), connect to the 5GHz WiFi; it is MUCH faster).
If you can’t do either, don’t worry, I know some will need to do this with slower WiFi also.
Next… everyone I talk to recommends to use headphones instead of earbuds. If earbuds are all you have, that’s fine, but you want to hear the sound coming from everyone else more than your live sound (just like in the Vocal Room), so headphones help (I have noise-canceling ones that are awesome). Also, just as a reminder… Bluetooth/ AirPods won’t work, because they have built-in latency.
Having said that…
HERE WE GO!!!!
Go to https://jamulus.io
You’ll see a button that says Download Now. Click that, and it should automatically start downloading. Don't click any of the "Other Useful Software" stuff below... That is all just ads.
WINDOWS/ PC PEOPLE- (Mac and Chromebook People, Scroll Down)
Troubleshooting- There’s a great how-to at https://github.com/corrados/jamulus/blob/master/src/res/homepage/manual.md#settings-window
Here's where to get ASIO4ALL- https://download.cnet.com/ASIO4ALL/3000-2120_4-75724497.html
Here's a good video to help you get set up using ASIO4ALL- https://youtu.be/_GzOsitVgLI
To test out your settings ahead of time, you can open Jamulus, click the Connect button, and literally connect to ANY server that doesn’t have people in it. Some public servers are like empty rooms that are always running. Once you connect, you can play around with settings to see if you hear yourself, or if a signal is coming thru.
IMPORTANT- When you have figured out how you solved your problem, write down what you did. Because I’m going to need you to help out everyone else that has a Windows computer LOL.
Here's where to get ASIO4ALL- https://download.cnet.com/ASIO4ALL/3000-2120_4-75724497.html
Here's a good video to help you get set up using ASIO4ALL- https://youtu.be/_GzOsitVgLI
To test out your settings ahead of time, you can open Jamulus, click the Connect button, and literally connect to ANY server that doesn’t have people in it. Some public servers are like empty rooms that are always running. Once you connect, you can play around with settings to see if you hear yourself, or if a signal is coming thru.
IMPORTANT- When you have figured out how you solved your problem, write down what you did. Because I’m going to need you to help out everyone else that has a Windows computer LOL.
MAC PEOPLE (Windows/ PC and Chromebook People, Scroll Down)
Double click the file that was downloaded. Open the installer file that was created. You will see 2 files, and and arrow pointing to your Applications Folder. Drag the Jamulus file to Applications (NOT THE JAMULUS SERVER FILE). UPDATE- THE ONE YOU WANT IS NOW IN BLUE, NOT RED.
IMPORTANT!!! If at any time, you get some sort of security ‘you can’t open this bc it is from an unidentified developer’ error, click OK, then go to System Preferences (under the Apple menu)-> Security & Privacy-> General tab-> Click the Open Anyway button.
NOTE- If you ever update to the latest version, you'll need to do the previous step again.
Once Jamulus is installed, you can go ahead and trash the installer icons.
—--
Now that you are installed…
Open Jamulus (It should have been put in Applications… I added it to the dock to make it easier).
Click the Settings button in Jamulus. Select your Device In/ Out (which for most of you will be System Default In/ System Default Out).
If you have a really cool sound setup with an external professional mic, you can select your interface here (and you’ll have a very fun experience with this).
Also click the Enable Small Network Buffers box. You can leave the rest of the settings the way they are.
Once Jamulus is installed, you can go ahead and trash the installer icons.
—--
Now that you are installed…
Open Jamulus (It should have been put in Applications… I added it to the dock to make it easier).
Click the Settings button in Jamulus. Select your Device In/ Out (which for most of you will be System Default In/ System Default Out).
If you have a really cool sound setup with an external professional mic, you can select your interface here (and you’ll have a very fun experience with this).
Also click the Enable Small Network Buffers box. You can leave the rest of the settings the way they are.
CHROMEBOOK PEOPLE, AND PEOPLE WHO CAN'T GET JAMULUS WORKING
Soooo.... there is a way to install Jamulus onto a Chromebook, but it is WAY difficult, and requires you to actually install a Linux Operating System on the machine (which I couldn't even begin to tackle). I also don't want to be responsible if someone screws up their Chromebook by doing the programming. I am going to recommend that students with Chromebooks try to use a Mac or Windows computer if they have one. For anyone that absolutely must use a Chromebook, for now, you will join the Zoom and sing along (muted) with the mix. Same goes for anyone who simply can't get Jamulus working (setting everyone up will take some time, but we'll get there).
FOR EVERYONE...
Find “My Profile”… For Mac People, it is under the View Menu.
Add your first name. Select your Voice Part under Instrument.
With luck- You should be ready to go! And it should save all your settings).
—--
HOW TO CONNECT TO A CCP REHEARSAL-
First- Connect to the Zoom link. If you are using Jamulus, DO NOT JOIN COMPUTER AUDIO ON ZOOM. If you already did, then select LEAVE COMPUTER AUDIO next to the Mute Button. If you are only using Zoom, Mute yourself.
Then- Open Jamulus.
Click the Connect Button.
A window will pop up with a list of servers. At the bottom, you'll see a place to input the address for a private server. Type the following- 72.69.223.183
Connect to it.
(If it doesn't connect, you may have come in too early. You won’t see it until I start the server, a few minutes before the scheduled time.)
Make sure your headphones/ earbuds are in, or you WILL feed back!
You will see some sliders pop up after connecting. Find the one with my name, slide it up so that you can hear me louder than everyone else.
And the rest on the info, I will give you when you are on!
-----
ARE YOU BRAVE AND WANT TO SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING WITH JAMULUS???
If you want to play around with connecting prior to us doing it together, you can actually eavesdrop on other Servers (rooms) to get the hang of it. This is VERY VERY IMPORTANT… CLICK THE “MUTE MYSELF” button on the Jamulus window, which is different than the Mute button on each slider. Now, no one will hear you. Click the Connect button. Find a Server with people in it (probably 3 or more). There will be a lot of servers with no one on, depends on the time of day. When you find one to connect to, click Connect. You may hear music, you may hear talking, you may hear feedback. They will see that you connected, and they might ask you to leave. If you get freaked out (which I do), you can always click Disconnect lol.)
Add your first name. Select your Voice Part under Instrument.
With luck- You should be ready to go! And it should save all your settings).
—--
HOW TO CONNECT TO A CCP REHEARSAL-
First- Connect to the Zoom link. If you are using Jamulus, DO NOT JOIN COMPUTER AUDIO ON ZOOM. If you already did, then select LEAVE COMPUTER AUDIO next to the Mute Button. If you are only using Zoom, Mute yourself.
Then- Open Jamulus.
Click the Connect Button.
A window will pop up with a list of servers. At the bottom, you'll see a place to input the address for a private server. Type the following- 72.69.223.183
Connect to it.
(If it doesn't connect, you may have come in too early. You won’t see it until I start the server, a few minutes before the scheduled time.)
Make sure your headphones/ earbuds are in, or you WILL feed back!
You will see some sliders pop up after connecting. Find the one with my name, slide it up so that you can hear me louder than everyone else.
And the rest on the info, I will give you when you are on!
-----
ARE YOU BRAVE AND WANT TO SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING WITH JAMULUS???
If you want to play around with connecting prior to us doing it together, you can actually eavesdrop on other Servers (rooms) to get the hang of it. This is VERY VERY IMPORTANT… CLICK THE “MUTE MYSELF” button on the Jamulus window, which is different than the Mute button on each slider. Now, no one will hear you. Click the Connect button. Find a Server with people in it (probably 3 or more). There will be a lot of servers with no one on, depends on the time of day. When you find one to connect to, click Connect. You may hear music, you may hear talking, you may hear feedback. They will see that you connected, and they might ask you to leave. If you get freaked out (which I do), you can always click Disconnect lol.)