[Nfb-web] Looking to audio stream our state convention this year

Wed Aug 12 04:04:24 UTC 2015

The NFB of Missouri uses a Apple MacBook with a Yeti Blue usb microphone taped to the podium Microphone. No fighting with the hotel sound system no Echo works fine so long the hotel internet connection doesn't go down.

On Aug 11, 2015 9:48 PM, Bryan Schulz via Nfb-web <nfb-web at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Hi, 
>
> Wow, thanks for that description. 
> Where have I heard this before? 
> Oh yea, it's basically the same strategy someone documented and tried to 
> implement at least six years ago! 
> It's much easier said than done. 
>
> If any affiliate is in need of hardware such as an Alesis 4ch. Mixer w/ usb, 
> extra xlr mic cables and a few senheiser wired and two wireless microphones 
> and table stands, send a message to b.schulz at sbcglobal.net. 
> Original packaging plus padded travel bags are also available. 
> Bryan 
>
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Nfb-web [mailto:nfb-web-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Rachel 
> Olivero via Nfb-web 
> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 8:03 PM 
> To: 'NFB Webmaster's List' 
> Cc: Rachel Olivero 
> Subject: Re: [Nfb-web] Looking to audio stream our state convention this 
> year 
>
> Richard, 
>
> I'm sending this to the list since I've been asked this question a couple of 
> times, but if folks want to have a more in depth discussion, please feel 
> free to reach out off list. It's not terribly technically complex to live 
> stream a convention. The two biggest issues are getting the audio feed into 
> the computer, and a stable internet connection. I've been meaning to write a 
> guide for affiliates so people will have something to reference, but here 
> are some general considerations: 
>
> 1. Audio source 
> a. In order to have the cleanest sound for the audio stream, it is 
> ideal to have a direct "audio out" connection to the sound system feeding 
> the meeting room. 
> b. Frequently hotel meeting rooms are configured with a couple of 
> inputs for microphones, and they use a simple amplifier to feed their 
> speakers. Unfortunately there aren't generally connections to get audio out 
> of the hotel sound system. 
> c. This generally means connecting a mixer between the hotel 
> provided microphones and the hotel's audio system. 
> d. Some hotels will be okay with you bringing your own equipment, 
> some will prefer that you do not. They will either rent you equipment, or 
> grudgingly allow it if you can convince them you know what you are doing and 
> won't wreck their system. (Some hotels have contracts with audio/video 
> companies to provide this type of equipment. I usually have the person 
> negotiating with the hotel include a provision that we will provide some of 
> our own equipment, but we usually rent some of it from them to help offset 
> things.) 
> e. My general configuration looks like: 
> i. All microphones (wired and wireless) connected to the 
> mixer. 
> ii. Mixer main audio connected through a Direct Box (ground 
> loop isolater) to the microphone jack for the hotel's audio system. I 
> learned the hard way that without the direct box, there is an unpleasant 
> (putting it mildly) hum/hiss in the background. 
> iii. Audio out from the mixer connected to the computer 
> being used for streaming. Depending on your mixer this could be a USB 
> connection, or a cable from the tape out jack into the line-in on the sound 
> card. I often use a USB sound card to cut down on extraneous noise some 
> laptops make. Additionally, you will want a sound card  with a true line-in 
> jack, mic level will be difficult to tweak so it's not too loud. 
> 2. Audio streaming provider. 
> a. In order to "broadcast" your convention to the Internet at large 
> you will need to utilize an internet stream provider. This is different from 
> your usual internet service provider for your website; they specialize in 
> providing audio streaming. 
> b. You will want to compare options including number of simultaneous 
> listeners desired, quality of the stream, etc. 
> c. I often stream conventions at 96k mono. 
> d. Nationally, the NFB uses serverroom.us to host the audio for our 
> streamed events. We've had good luck with price and quality. 
> c. Once you have an account, the provider will give you the 
> necessary links to publish on your website for users to launch the stream. 
> 3. Internet connection 
> a. If the hotel will provide it, a wired connection is optimal. 
> b. Be careful using wireless connections that require you to accept 
> terms and conditions every so often. I accidentally killed the NFB of 
> Maryland's stream for about 15 minutes one year because I was away from the 
> computer and din't realize my 24 hours of wireless had expired. 
> c. If you end up using a wireless timed connection, try and time 
> your initial connection so your allotted time will expire on a break. 
> 4. Streaming client 
> a. Tying it all together is a piece of software that will send the 
> audio from the convention site to the streaming provider so listeners can 
> connect. 
> b. I'm a fan of EdCast Reborn, which has apparently gone dark. You 
> can try AltaCast (http://altacast.com) or I'd be happy to furnish folks with 
> the binary files. It was an open source program. 
> c. Whatever encoder you use, you will enter the connection 
> information your streaming host provides, select the audio source, and 
> connect. Once connected the audio from your mixer will be fed to the 
> internet. 
>
> This is just a quick overview. There are other things you can do, such as 
> record the convention audio on the same computer doing the streaming, play 
> audio files when necessary during convention sessions, and much more. 
> However, if this is your first time, this will be plenty to get you started. 
>
> It might seem like a lot, but if you take things a step at a time you'll be 
> streaming in no time. 
>
> Feel free to reach out if you have questions. 
>
> Good luck. 
>
> Rachel 
>
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Nfb-web [mailto:nfb-web-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Richard 
> McGaffin via Nfb-web 
> Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 13:31 
> To: nfb-web at nfbnet.org 
> Cc: Richard McGaffin 
> Subject: [Nfb-web] Looking to audio stream our state convention this year 
>
> Good afternoon all; 
> I'm not quite sure if I'm in the correct group, so please accept my apology 
> if I'm not. I am from the state of Connecticut, and we're hoping to audio 
> stream our state convention for the first time this year? 
>
> Although I consider myself somewhat computer literate I've never attempted 
> to undertake a project such as this before. I am hoping some one can guide 
> me in the proper steps to take, and perhaps explain to me what I need to do? 
> Or if not, if it's possible to lead me to the proper person who may be able 
> to assist me. 
>
> Thanks 
> Rich 
> P.S, If you prefer to answer this question off the list here's my e-mail 
> address rmcgaffin at snet.net 
>
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