FAQ
What is Lutefish?
Lutefish is a business that's dedicated to making remote music creation and collaboration simple. Lutefish offers a unique networking & collaboration platform that streams 48k audio and allows musicians to practice online in real-time with their band like they're in the same room. Lutefish Stream is the ultimate low-latency music product.
How does the Lutefish Stream device work?
The Lutefish Stream works for all instruments by connecting ¼ inch instrument cables, dynamic microphones, or audio mixers.
Unlike other collaboration tools, Lutefish uses a unique physical hardware solution to cut out computer processing lag that can drag you down.
The Lutefish Stream is connected directly to your home router via an Ethernet Cable to provide dedicated audio processing with the lowest possible latency. It does not rely on a laptop or desktop computer for audio transmission.
Unlike other products on the market, our system does not use the same open-source methods that other platforms utilize and instead is purpose built using the latest technology and for that reason only works with other Lutefish devices.
This makes Lutefish Stream easier to use, and provides a space for musicians to come together online and meet new players in their area.
What are Lutefish Stream's Tech Specs?
- 48k audio streaming
- Record and download sessions
- Dual audio inputs, XLR/1/4" combo with line/ instrument toggle
- Headphone volume control
- Intuitive, web-based controls allows users to log-in from any tablet, laptop, or desktop
What are Lutefish Stream's system requirements?
- Lutefish Stream device
- Monthly subscription ($12.99 Standard or $19.99 Premium)
- Cable or fiber internet connection
- Test for compatibility
- High-speed cable or fiber internet
- Direct ethernet connection to your home router
- Wired headphones
What internet/computer setups does Lutefish Stream work with?
The Lutefish Stream works with most internet and computer setups. Our streaming portal is web-based, so there's no software to download. This also allows Ipads and other tablet devices to be used.
How can I test if my internet is compatible or fast enough for Lutefish Stream device?
Because location and infrastructure can vary, we suggest taking a quick compatibility test here. If it passes, you're good to go!
How does Lutefish Stream achieve undetectable low-latency?
We cut down audio delay for remote music sessions by directly connecting audio sources, networks, and outputs, making sound travel incredibly fast up to 30ms or less—like you're just 30 feet apart on a big stage or rehearsing in your garage!
How far apart can you record or perform music sessions with other players?
Distance
For the best experience, we recommend limiting sessions to players that are within 500 miles of each other. Keeping all session members within a 500-mile radius allows for rhythmically tight sessions that feel like a live jam. However, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary due to differences in internet infrastructure, among other factors.
Why 500 Miles?
500 miles is an approximation. It really all depends on the internet infrastructure in your area. 500 miles is about when the transmission time goes beyond our target of under 35 milliseconds. When you jam beyond 500 miles, data travels further through cables, you can experience signal degradation, leading to slower speeds due to processing hubs and other technological barriers that are out of our control. This is why you can experience frozen virtual calls and long delays on other platforms.
What type of internet do you recommend using with Lutefish Stream?
We recommend using either fiber or cable internet for the lowest possible latency. Each is capable of low latency, adding the least possible delay to your audio signal. These internet types also provide low latency jitter, making for a smoother experience.
It takes a good cable or fiber internet connection for everyone jamming but believe it or not, the physics work out to get to under 35 milliseconds allowing you to jam in time! 35 milliseconds is the same time it takes for sound to travel 35 feet so it's like you're on the same stage but on opposite sides.
Are wired or wireless headphones better to use with Lutefish Stream?
While wireless Bluetooth headphones are convenient, they introduce additional latency, so we recommend using wired headphones to keep your sessions snappy and responsive. Psst… the audio quality is better, too!
What is audio latency?
Audio delay, or latency, is like a tiny echo when you play music, usually so small that you barely notice it. But with miles of cables involved, the delay can grow, making it harder to stay in sync when playing remotely, which can mess up timing and affect productivity.
Check out this helpful article for more information and to better understand auto latency in music.
How do you solve audio latency?
The Lutefish Stream cuts down audio delay for remote music sessions by directly connecting audio sources, networks, and outputs, making sound travel incredibly fast up to 30ms or less—like you're just 30 feet apart on a big stage or rehearsing in your garage!
Looking for more information or need support?
Head over to our SUPPORT PAGE for more information 🤘