Welcome to the Sounds of Music

Latency Issues

The Problem of Latency

Latency, defined as "Time it takes for a request to go from the client to the server and back to the client."
A brief definition of the problem of latency.

Synchronized activity over the internet – singing or performing music together, for example – is thwarted by sound lags inherent in the transmission of audio information. Latency (lag) issues are caused by the real time it takes for a packet of digital information to travel from a source to its recipient and back again. No one has yet devised a perfect solution to the problem, but guidance exists that helps to alleviate the obstacles in online ensemble communication. For our program, latency issues adversely affect simultaneous speech; group singing along to a music video projected from one computer source; or two or more people performing music together from different locations on the internet. Attempts to find solutions are ongoing, and progress in the area will benefit everyone involved in online participatory activities.

Our program takes advantage of the practical and efficient advice shared by James Sills of “The Sofa Singers.” Until a better alternative comes along, if a group wants to sing together, singers will be muted so they will hear only the musical output from the moderator and their own voice. At other times, channels will open so that people can enjoy communicating with one another.

For further information, you may wish to explore the following sites:  

Basic Suggestions

Tips for Sharing Music on Zoom



Optimizing Zoom Audio for Music and Singing



Zoom Settings for Musical Performance

How to Share Video on Zoom without Lag

Working Around Latency Issues

Performing Music over the Internet (Ben Loveridge, Aug. 2021)

How to Overcome Latency Issues Playing with Others Online

How to Fix Microphone Echo and Latency in your Computer (Arthur Fox, mynewmicrophone.com)

How to Optimize Zoom Settings for Music Performance (Philadelphia Folksong Society)

Virtual Community Singing During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Ester M.Morgan-Ellis, January-February, 2022)

10 Best Jamming Software – Enjoy Jamming with your Band Online (Preeti Seth, March 2, 2022)

Best Online Jamming Websites (Rodrigo Sanchez, Sep 7, 2020)



Research & Discussion

“What’s The Delay? Understanding The Impact of Latency in Digital Audio.ProSoundWeb, 17 (Samantha Potter, Nov. 17, 2021)

“How Latency Makes Jamming Together in Real Time Nearly Impossible” (Calib Dolister, Oct. 9, 2020)

Impact of Lockdown Measures on Joint Music Making: Playing Online and Physically Together | Psychology.

“Virtual Music Collaboration Tools: The Alteration of Rehearsal and Performance Spaces Post-Pandemic”