Prototype Overview - finlayrodbert/soundtrak GitHub Wiki

Description

The preferred prototype for demonstrating the soundtrak concept involves using one PC with an existing DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) of choice, mousemux, multiple screens, keyboards and mice as well as means of multiple audio outputs or shared speaker system.

This prototype model facilitates collaboration in person that simulates what would take place remotely between participants. As such, it can only be used by two (or more) participants whilst in person. This prototype is ideal for working on track mixing and mastering as it allows concurrent listening and work on one element by multiple persons. Whilst this model could facilitate writing and recording aspects of the production process, there are certain limitations of this prototype style (A) which would better suit model B (As described in Design Process: Phase 2)

Instructions

To use the prototype, at least two pieces of software must first be downloaded:

  • Reaper: for editing the music project (alternatively, any other preferred DAW could be used)

  • Mousemux: for multi cursor control

There must also be access to monitor speakers that both collaborators can use to listen whilst working on the project. Otherwise, an audio splitter could be used so that collaborators can each use their own headphones to listen from the same PC.

A second screen (or laptop) should be connected to the PC running the project, as well as extra mouse and keyboard provisions, so that a second participant can view and interact with the project synchronously.

Once all hardware and software is installed, any music project or track can be loaded onto the DAW. For the purposes of testing and demonstration I have provided a copy of the reaper project files for a song: Standing on the Hill.

After the DAW session is launched with the correct project, mousemux should be activated (in switched input mode) to allow the simulation of two mouse cursors on the screen at once.

From here, the mixing/mastering session can commence, where participants should communicate with one another speaking in the room, edit the tracks, levels and effects in order to produce a piece of music together.

Alternative Implementation

Below, there are instructions for another model of prototype which can facilitate trve remote collaboration, yet this relies on very high quality internet and audio transfer connections. In my testing, this model provides an inferior experience to that of working in person, despite the fundamental interfaces being the same, simply due to the limitations that come from working over internet connection, thus the former model is used for demonstration purposes.

This implementation works with two users on different PCs in remote locations. Similar to the former, a DAW must first be installed. TeamViewer must also be installed to allow screen sharing and virtual collaboration and Jitsi should be used to transfer higher quality audio over the internet.

note: Jitsi must be used with a URL similar to the one linked above, as this has specific settings configured to allow for high quality audio transfer

Once this software is installed, participants should join the jit.si call and share audio with eachother, then connect to the PC running the DAW through TeamViewer, enabling remote control for participants so they can both use the mouse and simultaneously. Then the session is ready for remote collaborative mixing/mastering from the participants, similarly as explained in the previous model.