27 replies to this topic

[OllieBrooke]

So I need some advice on running a wireless PC based DJ setup.  Using logitech music anywhere I can broadcast an MP3 from a transmitter to a receiver.  However it won't take live audio input so I need to bounce my line input signal off the HDD and back out through winamp to the music anywhere setup.  What software will let me record a live stream direct to disk? :-

[Cheyne]

Not sure if this is what your after, but this is how I rip streams

http://streamripper.sourceforge.net/

[OllieBrooke]

Doesn't look like what I'm after, I'm planning on using a BCD and run the output from it into the line in on my lappy and then bounce that signal off the HDD and back out through winamp.  So i need something that records on the fly and pretty much nowt else...  Thanks anyway

[Jay Parker]

You wont be able to route like that.

Unless you get a usb/ firewire interface with flexible routing configs.
Then you will need to have some sort of software or host to route that back to winamp then out again... seems like far too much work for something that could possibly have a lot of issues

[OllieBrooke]

I actually found a solution that I'd suspected would work and when someone on another forum mentione dit I tried it.
I used winamp to setup a shoutcast server and then used another instance to play the stream via the localhost (http://localhost:8000), once I've minimised the bufferring etc it works like a charm.  It may be wise to use a different media player to receive the stream because of possible confusion with plugins initialising.  Not sure how stable it'll be at this stage but I plan to test it soon.
Moral: Never say never Jay!

[Jay Parker]

My point in general was that it seems like a lot of work for SFA gains.

Well i guess, my reply originally had an element of truth.
Whats the point of all this tomfoolery?? 

[Jester_Fu]

Quote

I actually found a solution that I'd suspected would work and when someone on another forum mentione dit I tried it.
I used winamp to setup a shoutcast server and then used another instance to play the stream via the localhost (http://localhost:8000), once I've minimised the bufferring etc it works like a charm.  It may be wise to use a different media player to receive the stream because of possible confusion with plugins initialising.  Not sure how stable it'll be at this stage but I plan to test it soon.
Moral: Never say never Jay!

I was involved with something similar to this for an environmental monitoring station at a previosu job. Basically, there was a real time SPL metering noise. The environmental guys thought they'd like to listen as sounds peak from a location about 4km from the SPL meter. Basically, from go to wow, the system was a fuckup. On top of the problems with creating the link, which was best resolved using a second soundcard... there is a huge amount of latency IF you're trying to do things real time. That is, if you were trying to mix a DJ set or record a live band using such a system, you'd have set up a permanent delay from what's coming in to whats going out. It sounds shite, and it works poorly. Jay's suggestoin will work, with a high level of stability and lower latency (thoughnot a large amount lower).

Good luck with it.

[Spectrum]

What's the buffering/latency end up like?

Seems that even if it was up and running, and I can think of a theoretical way to get it running via iTunes, however, surely the delay incurred would make it impractical for a DJ set-up? Well that is, if you the DJ can hear the delay wireless rig in the background.

EDIT: Sorry, just realised Jester's covered my thoughts re latency already.

[OllieBrooke]

I have yet to test it for latency but by removing the bufferring I can get it to pretty much play in real time.  It is for a DJing setup.  I'll test it with a little demo mix and post my results...

[OllieBrooke]

Sorry, missed your reply Jay, the point is that the venue I'll be playing at is a fairly up market styled joint (in Port Macquarie!!??) and they wanted the DJ to be almost invisible rather than have a venue with a DJ as a main feature, more just sit in the background setting the vibe.  also we wanted to be able to have the DJ locate anywhere around the venue and hard-wiring patch panels wasn't an option.
So i've tested it and there is a significant lag, about 1 second.  Means I have to mix solely through the headphones but there is surely a better piece of kit than the Music Anywhere that'll broadcast a live signal?

[Cheyne]

There's wireless guitar leads around , and theres no possible way you can play guitar with even half a second lag .. so the technology DOES exist ...  You should be able to find it

[Jester_Fu]

Yeah, get a wireless guitar pack. You might find them a) expensive and only in mono (so twice as expensive!!), but the range is good, as is the sound quality.

On the other hand... something like:

http://www.jaycar.co...x=&SUBCATID=254
or
http://www.dse.com.a...duct/View/L5965

Would be less than the price of 1 guitar pack. When i sold wireless PA stuff, 2 Guitar packs + a dual channel receiver would set you back around $1500 or so. Might be worth trying the DSE and Jaycar options as they both do 7 day money back gaurantees!! Worth giving the cheapies a go to see if they have the range, then looking at the real Pa solution once the gig is up and running and the venue see's the value of spending $2k to get a decent wireless system!!

Keep in mind that a lot of guitar packs, if you pick the right one, can be selected between hi-z (guitar/synth/mixer) and Mic input, allowing the venue to use the system as a wireless PA for functions. May be a bit easier sell to them Even if the system you pick doesn't have a hi-z/mic selection, the wireless packs are typically around the $300 mark, and you just get one to match the frequency of the receiver... then they have wireless PA! Hell, they may already have a wireless mic, in which case all they need are the packs to match it.

Bloody good idea, Cheyne.

[OllieBrooke]

Nice one lads, will investigate those options for sure.  One problem that occurred when testing an AV transmitter/receiver setup was that there was a huge amount of interference from what I can only assume was the amount of coolers/pumps etc  in the bar.  So the 2.4GHz frequency seems to be able to overcome that...

[Cheyne]

Theres actually a 5.7Ghz or something now aswell , that is better again , I use it for AV senders at home as my  2.4Ghz wireless router was fucking with it before..

[Jester_Fu]

5.8GHz - refer my first link.

[Spectrum]

re: Jaycar's get-out-of-jail-card on 5.8Ghz:

***DISCLAIMER***
We must point out to you that 5.8GHz Audio/Video transmission equipment does NOT comply with the ACMA class license requirements for this band (The regulations specify digital transmissions only on this band). Therefore, these products do not carry C-Tick compliance. It is quite legal, however, for us to offer these products for sale. Should you wish to take advantage of interference-free 5.8GHz A/V transmission you must understand that by using such equipment you are in breach of ACMA regulations.
Applies to Australian Customers ONLY.

:wtf: You radio piratez! ;D

Curious to know who/what's assigned by the respective authorities to use this band though?

[Cheyne]

REally ?? i use a Jaycar transmitter ... Never noticed that though !

[OllieBrooke]

It's prolly just the protocol that they're breaching rather than it being used for any illicit purposes, AFAIK the higher the frequency the lower the range so it would seem odd for it to be anything like ASIO etc...  Pity!

[dec0n]

is it just me or did I lose a post in this thread?  ;D

[Jester_Fu]

Quote

It's prolly just the protocol that they're breaching rather than it being used for any illicit purposes, AFAIK the higher the frequency the lower the range so it would seem odd for it to be anything like ASIO etc...  Pity!

Actually, it's the lack of protocol. It's a straight FM transmitter... it modulates the video and audio over FM, hence it's not digital, hence it breaks the rules. 5.8GHz is meant to be public domain, for digital applications.