REQUIREMENTS

FarPlay works right out of the box, with no additional setup required — you can use it with your computer’s built-in mic, and even over Wi-Fi. For the ultra-low latency needed for making rhythmically sync’d music online, we strongly recommend using an Ethernet connection.

Choose Your Setup

FarPlay supports Mac, Windows, and Linux computers. Linux requirements are similar to Mac requirements. We don't support tablets and phones except for Windows tablets with Intel processors.

My computer

I'm on Mac

My audio

I'm not using an external audio interface

Questions about your setup? Use our forum, and we’ll respond as soon as we can!

This simple setup provides ultra-low latency and great audio quality that's fantastic for rehearsing and teaching a wide variety of tempos and styles in rhythmic sync.

Operating system

FarPlay requires your Mac to run be running macOS 10.13 High Sierra or higher.

Internet connection

Fiber internet is preferred. If you have no choice but to use cable, a business cable plan can perform better than a residential cable plan. FarPlay has been successfully tested with upload speeds as low as 8 Mbit/s, but an upload speed of 50 Mbit/s or more is highly recommended. A connection with a ping consistently below 10 ms is recommended. Test your upload speed here.

Ethernet cable

Please use a CAT5e or higher Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your router.

Monoprice 25' (7.6 m) Cat 6 Ethernet cable $11

Other lengths are available at the above link. Please see our video tutorial on setting up Ethernet. Yes, it is possible to get low-latency working over certain types of Wi-Fi, but if you don't already have a Wi-Fi 6/6E home network properly set up, using Ethernet might be easier.

USB-Ethernet adapter

If your computer doesn't have an available Ethernet port, you'll need a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. Check that the type of USB connector the adapter uses to connect to your computer fits the USB port you'd like to use on your computer.

If you don't have a lot of free USB ports, consider buying a hub with an Ethernet port and additional USB ports:

Wired headset

Use an integrated headset that includes both a microphone and headphones.

The Apple EarPods used to be distributed with iPhones, so you might already have an old pair lying around. The Power Gear headset lets you hear your voice through the room, which is nice for classical voice.

Headphones are required for preventing feedback. Don't use Bluetooth headphones—they add a lot of latency. Use headphones that plug into your computer.

On Macs from 2016 and after, avoid using the built-in mic, which adds around 30 ms of latency.