[MusicTlk] Using Skype and audio interfaces with the Mac

[Ignasi Cambra]

I would forget about Skype if I were you. In my experience using Zoom with its high fidelity music mode turned on will give you much, much better results. Trying to send or listen to music over Skype just isn't a good idea...

There are several ways to do what you're trying to do. You will need a DAW to process, record and edit your recordings, and another program that's able to take whatever you're doing live in your DAW and send it to Zoom so that your teacher can hear you. Reaper is a great DAW, and it's also very cheap. Other options would be to use Logic or Pro Tools. All three are accessible and will do what you need, but pricing and included software and effects vary depending on which way you choose to go. In any case you will probably end up buying modeled amps etc, which will work fine with either DAW.

I would suggest you take a look at Rogue Amoeba's Loopback software, which can take any number of audio signals from apps and devices on your Mac and route them to Zoom. You have lots of work to do, but essentially if you connect a guitar to your Mac via your interface, use a DAW to process the audio and then Loopback to send it to Zoom or whatever video calling app you choose to use you should be able to play for your teacher. Having a microphone would probably also be a good idea so that he can hear you. You could take the signal from that microphone into your DAW, or use it directly from Loopback to send it to Zoom along with your guitar.

Hope that helps,

IC 

Sent from my iPhone

> On 7 Jan 2022, at 23:39, peter acosta via MusicTlk <musictlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I am beginning Skype guitar lessons with a very qualified guitarist off the West Coast.
> I installed Skype on my Mac which was quite a challenge but I got it done 
> I have purchased a PreSonus audio box interface…
> Which I will connect to my 2012 MacBook Air.
> I have purchased some PreSonus powered monitors.
> I am looking into some software which will give me models of guitar amps affects and so on.
> nothing is connected as of yet.
> and I am not sure which software is accessible and how accessible it is.
> most of these programs are written for sighted people…
> And I have no useable vision.
> That’s OK… I’m determined to get as far as I can with this.
> I am reaching out to others who may have a similar set up and would be willing to offer their expertise.
> I am aware that I may have to upgrade to a more recent MacBook but this one seems to be working fine for right now.
> I am prepared for the typical roadblocks when you’re connecting gear like this and The  issues that may arise.
> I am no stranger to the guitar electric or acoustic…
> however this type of connectivity is very familiar to some…
> But totally new to me.
> thank you in advance…
> And happy new year to all 
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