Quickstart: How to Get Up and Running, Fast!
Here’s an example of Ethernet ports on a router/modem. This one has four ports; you only need one. Yours may not be labeled, but the shape would be the same.
The Jamulus main window. With each additional singer, another fader is added to the window. You control the mix that you’re hearing.
1. Use Ethernet to connect to the Internet, not WiFi.
WiFi introduces way too much lag. So, unless your house is already wired for Ethernet-based Internet connections, check your router/modem for an Ethernet port (see an example in the photo at left), buy an Ethernet cable (Cat 5, 6, or 7-type) like this one or this one (make sure it’s long enough to reach your computer), check if your computer has an Ethernet port (if it doesn’t, buy an inexpensive connector), connect the cable between your router and computer, turn off WiFi, and voilà, you’re connected to the Internet via Ethernet!
2. Download and install the Jamulus user software.
Check the hardware and operating system requirements first here. (Note that you need a computer, not a phone or tablet, and you do not need an external microphone.) You can download the software here. You won’t need to copy the Jamulus Server to your hard disk unless you plan to host a Jamulus session in that way; you’ll just need the file called Jamulus (the user application, also called the “client”). Windows users: Make sure you read the Hardware Setup and Windows instructions.
3. Run Jamulus and connect to a Jamulus server.
(a) Read this if you’re running Jamulus for the first time (including a new version). (b) Once it’s running, click the Connect button, then either select one of the public servers and join a jam, or enter the External IP address of a private server in the Server Name/Address box. If you’re the one who set up the private server, you know the address. If you’re using your friend’s private server, ask them for the address. If you need to set up a server, here’s how, or pay a fee to one of the Jamulus server companies you can find on the Links page (c) Once you connect, you’ll have a fader (volume control) for yourself, and a fader for everyone in your session. Click the Mute button under your fader to take yourself out of the mix you’re hearing through your headphones. Now you’re ready to sing with your friends! Need help? Check out excellent documentation here and here along with troubleshooting tips here. Learned something that everyone should know? Submit a tip through our Contact page.
Test Hosting Quickstart
Here’s a quick way to test out hosting live music-making:
Do 1 and 2 above.
Rent an hour on a Jamulus server, eg. through Melomax (more choices on the Links page). The closer the server is to you, the better it will work; it must be within 1000 miles of you and your friend in #3 below.
Ask a friend to get set up on Jamulus/wired Internet. Again, the closer the friend is to the server, the better.
Start up your server. Then, both of you run Jamulus, connect to your server, and voilà, you can sing/play together!