Since Skype’s inception, Holy Zoo and Drek collaborated with their music by rigging multiple soundcards and mixers. It isn’t without flaws, but things have improved on all fronts. Compared to the alternatives – the issues are predictable and free.
To jam via skype with a mixer and DAW:
You’ll need:
- 1 external audio interface
- 1 mixer
- 1 computer
- Multiple adapters
Important: In ALL software solutions, where your computer is also the instrument, its better to have one computer dedicated to the audio processing, layering, and effect. Then have another computer broadcast the audio. The CPU drain of both streaming audio and processing it will always lead to clicks or lag. This is less relevant as time goes on, yet it’s a considerable bottleneck.
Let’s try to break it down how we do it….
1. Ableton outputs audio through your external audio interface, to a stereo channel on the mixer.
2. All external instruments go through your mixer via the ALT 3 /4 or whatever mixer bus setup you care to use.
3. ALT 3/4 connects to your external audio interface’s inputs.
4. Main mix connects to your Line In jack via a conversion jack.
5. Skype receives its audio input from Line In, not the microphone.
6. Skype sends audio from your partner, into a channel on the mixer.
NOTE: This channel must be routed ALT 3/4 or your mixer’s bus setup.
HINT: As your partner’s audio is mono, pan it left. Pan your instruments to the right. I have only two inputs so I can’t divy up my inputs.
7. Listen via headphones.
I will finally unveil, the worst diagram I’ve ever made. It’s also how I wire my mixer for Skype jams using Ableton live.
This gives you a set that contains your mix and all its tracks – with one track containing your online partner. The same goes for your partner.