AUDIOENCE Manual

Minimum System Requirements

Supported DAWs

AUDIOENCE is compatible with any DAW that supports VST3, AU, and AAX plugins:

Network Requirements

• Internet Connection: Required for all features
• Bandwidth: Minimum 1 Mbps upload/download for basic features
• Recommended: 5+ Mbps for optimal P2P audio streaming
• Firewall: May require configuration for P2P connections
• Ports: Dynamic port allocation (UPnP recommended)

Setup Process

1. Set Your Nickname: Click the user icon in the top-right corner to personalize your identity
2. Upload Avatar (Optional): Add a custom avatar image to personalize your profile (PNG, JPG, GIF supported)
3. Choose Your Mode: Select between Globe Messages for global communication or Rooms for focused collaboration
4. Configure Audio: Ensure your microphone and audio settings are properly configured
5. Start Communicating: Join existing rooms or create your own space

Room Types

Room Discovery

Nearby Rooms: Find rooms within your specified distance range (0-100km)

Distance Control: Use the slider to adjust your search radius and discover local communities

Room Information: Each room displays member count, last activity, and distance

Interactive Global Communication

The Globe Messages feature provides a 3D interactive world map for location-based communication:

• Interactive Globe: Navigate using mouse controls - drag to rotate, scroll to zoom
• Location Markers: Glowing markers indicate active message locations and show real-time user activity
• Smart City Search: Type any city name and the globe automatically rotates to show that location with auto-complete suggestions
• Live Activity Indicators: See immediately if people are currently messaging in your searched city or location
• Nearby User Discovery: Find other AUDIOENCE users within your area or in any city worldwide
• Real-time Chat: Open location-specific chat panels for instant communication
• Audio Messages: Record and share audio messages with specific locations

P2P Audio Streaming

Private rooms utilize advanced peer-to-peer streaming technology for professional-grade audio collaboration:

Audio Stream Info Panel

Access detailed audio streaming information and controls through the Audio Stream Info panel:

Real-time Monitoring

• Audio Settings: Sample rate, buffer size, and OPUS compatibility status
• Connection Status: P2P Connection, Audio Track, Data Channel, and MIDI Channel states
• Latency Panel: Real-time and normal buffer latency modes

Channel Management

• Dynamic Switching: Switch between OPUS and PCM channels in real-time
• Quality Optimization: Automatic fallback for unsupported audio settings
• Bandwidth Control: Monitor and optimize bandwidth usage

Recording & Playback

• High-Quality Recording: Capture audio messages with professional clarity
• Real-time Streaming: Live audio transmission in private rooms
• Audio Message Sharing: Send recorded messages to locations or rooms
• Playback Controls: Full audio player with seek and volume controls
• Download Support: Save audio messages for offline listening

Intelligent Audio Resampling

AUDIOENCE features advanced real-time resampling technology that automatically handles different sample rates:

• Automatic Conversion: Stream audio at either 44.1kHz or 48kHz - our plugin handles the resampling seamlessly
• Universal Compatibility: Works with any DAW sample rate configuration without manual adjustment
• Professional Recommendation: For optimal performance and minimal latency, we recommend using the same sample rate across all connected sessions
• Transparent Processing: When sample rate conversion is needed, it's handled automatically without interrupting your workflow
• Quality Preservation: High-quality resampling algorithms ensure audio fidelity is maintained during conversion

File Sharing Capabilities

Avatar Images

Personalize your AUDIOENCE experience with custom avatar images:

• Profile Customization: Upload custom avatar images to represent yourself
• Visual Identity: Stand out in rooms and conversations with unique avatars
• Image Support: Support for common image formats (PNG, JPG, GIF)
• Automatic Sizing: Images are automatically optimized for display

MIDI Integration

AUDIOENCE provides comprehensive MIDI support for electronic music production:

• MIDI Recording: Capture MIDI performances and sequences
• MIDI Playback: Built-in MIDI player with tempo and timing controls
• MIDI Sharing: Send MIDI files to rooms and locations
• MIDI Channel: Dedicated channel for MIDI data transmission
• Real-time MIDI: Live MIDI streaming in private rooms

Standard Audio Routing

AUDIOENCE handles audio routing just like any synthesizer or audio instrument in your DAW.

Standard MIDI Routing Setup

AUDIOENCE uses standard DAW MIDI routing - no special or sophisticated routing is required. Set it up just like you would route MIDI to any synthesizer or instrument.

DAW-Specific Terminology

Different DAWs use different terms for the same routing concept:

Quick Setup Example

1. Load AUDIOENCE on an instrument track/channel
2. Send MIDI to AUDIOENCE using your DAW's standard MIDI routing
3. Send MIDI from AUDIOENCE to other instruments using standard output routing
4. No special routing required - it's all standard DAW MIDI workflow

Ableton Link Integration

Professional synchronization capabilities for tight musical collaboration:

• Tempo Synchronization: Share BPM across all Link-enabled applications
• Transport Control: Synchronized play/stop/record states
• Beat Alignment: Precise beat and bar synchronization
• Multi-DAW Support: Works with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and other Link-compatible software
• Real-time Sync: Sub-millisecond timing accuracy for professional production

DAW Timing Information

Monitor both local and remote DAW timing in real-time:

Latency Panel

Advanced latency control for real-time audio collaboration:

• Normal Mode: ~500ms buffer for stable audio (default)
• Real-time Mode: ~10ms buffer for immediate response
• Latency Trade-off: Real-time mode may cause audio dropouts but provides immediate response

General Questions

Q: What is AUDIOENCE exactly?

A: AUDIOENCE is a VST3/AU/AAX plugin that enables real-time audio collaboration between musicians worldwide. It combines global messaging with high-quality peer-to-peer audio streaming for professional music collaboration.

Q: Do I need an internet connection?

A: Yes, AUDIOENCE requires a stable internet connection for all features. We recommend at least 5+ Mbps for optimal P2P audio streaming quality.

Q: Is AUDIOENCE compatible with my language?

A: Yes! AUDIOENCE is compatible with any language and any alphabet. The interface supports international character sets and can be used worldwide.

Q: How many people can join a private room?

A: Currently in beta, private rooms support a maximum of 2 users (creator and member). This limitation will be expanded in future releases.

Technical Questions

Q: Why can't I hear audio in private rooms?

A: Make sure your DAW transport is playing. AUDIOENCE buffers incoming audio until you start playback to ensure no audio is lost. Also check your P2P connection status in the Audio Stream Info panel.

Q: What's the difference between OPUS and PCM modes?

A: OPUS mode provides high-quality compressed audio (256kbps) with efficient bandwidth usage. PCM mode offers uncompressed audio with ultra-low latency but requires more bandwidth (~1.4Mbps).

Q: How do I route audio and MIDI to AUDIOENCE?

A: Use standard DAW routing - treat AUDIOENCE like any synthesizer. Route audio/MIDI TO the track where AUDIOENCE is placed, and audio/MIDI comes OUT of that track naturally.

Q: What does "OPUS Not Available" mean?

A: This means your current DAW sample rate or buffer size isn't compatible with OPUS compression. The system will automatically fall back to PCM mode, or you can adjust your DAW settings for OPUS compatibility.

Q: Should I use Real-time mode (10ms) or Normal mode (500ms)?

A: Use Normal mode (500ms) for stable production sessions. Real-time mode (10ms) is for immediate response testing and jamming sessions but can cause audio dropouts and isn't ideal for production work.

Features & Usage

Q: Can I share any type of file?

A: In private rooms, yes - you can share any file type securely. In public rooms and globe messages, only MIDI and audio files are allowed for safety reasons.

Q: How do I set up Ableton Link synchronization?

A: Enable Link in the Sync section of the Audio Stream Info panel. Make sure your DAW and other applications also have Link enabled. AUDIOENCE will automatically sync tempo, transport, and timing.

Q: Can I use custom avatar images?

A: Yes! Upload custom avatar images to personalize your profile. AUDIOENCE supports common image formats (PNG, JPG, GIF) with automatic optimization.

Q: What's the Globe Messages feature?

A: Globe Messages provides a 3D interactive world map for location-based communication. Type any city name and the globe automatically rotates to show that location. You'll instantly see if people are currently messaging there. Click and drag to rotate the globe, scroll to zoom, click markers to open location chats, and send audio/MIDI messages to specific locations worldwide.

Q: Can I use mobile hotspot with AUDIOENCE?

A: Yes, Android hotspots work perfectly with AUDIOENCE for all features including P2P streaming and MIDI. However, iPhone hotspots have limitations - while messaging and file sharing work, P2P real-time audio streaming and MIDI may not function properly due to iOS network restrictions.

Beta & Community

Q: This is a beta version - what does that mean?

A: AUDIOENCE is currently in beta testing. Features and capabilities are being actively developed and improved based on user feedback. Some limitations (like 2-user private rooms) will be expanded in future releases.

Q: How can I help improve AUDIOENCE?

A: Share your feedback, report bugs, and suggest features by contacting us. Your questions and suggestions help us improve the platform and will be included in future manual updates.

Q: What about my data privacy and message storage?

A: AUDIOENCE respects your privacy. We do not collect personal data beyond what's necessary for functionality. All messages are automatically deleted after 24 hours - nothing is stored permanently on our servers. Your conversations remain private and temporary.

Q: Can I share AUDIOENCE with others?

A: Absolutely! Please share AUDIOENCE with your friends, bandmates, and fellow musicians. The more users join our global community, the better the collaborative experience becomes for everyone.

Q: How can I support the AUDIOENCE project?

A: You can support AUDIOENCE development through VSTOPIA's support page. Community support helps us improve server infrastructure, add new features, and expand capabilities for larger group sessions.

Need More Help?

Common Issues and Solutions

Audio Issues

• No Audio in Private Rooms: Check P2P connection status in Audio Stream Info panel
• OPUS Not Available: Adjust DAW sample rate and buffer size for compatibility
• High Latency: Switch to PCM Data Channel for ultra-low latency
• Audio Dropouts: Disable Real-time mode or increase buffer size in your DAW
• Transport Not Playing: Ensure your DAW transport is playing to receive audio in the shortest time possible

Connection Issues

• P2P Connection Failed: Check firewall settings and network connectivity
• Room Join Issues: Refresh the room list and try again
• Message Sync Issues: Ensure stable internet connection

Sync Issues

• Link Not Working: Ensure all applications support Ableton Link
• Timing Drift: Enable Low-latency mode temporarily to test sync accuracy
• DAW Not Detected: Check that your DAW is Link-compatible and enabled

Performance Optimization

• CPU Usage: Use OPUS mode for lower CPU overhead
• Audio Quality: Balance between latency and quality based on use case
• Sample Rate: Match the sample rate of your DAW to the sample rate of the other peer
• Bandwidth: Close any browser tabs that are not needed, better to close the browser than to have it open

Credits & Development

AUDIOENCE is developed by Ostin Solo in collaboration with VSTOPIA.

• Lead Developer: Ostin Solo
• Organization: VSTOPIA
• Contact: contacts.vstopia@gmail.com
• Website: vstopia.com