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JamKazam and the JamBlaster interface

JamKazam, the online platform for musicians who want to play together via the internet, launches a project of audio interface on KickStarter.

JamKazam is a free service that gives musicians worldwide the opportunity to collaborate, in real time, from their home, by using their audio interface, computer and an internet connection. The sessions can be recorded, mixed and shared to the social networks, or you can organize a live streaming with an audience connected from a computer, tablet or smartphone.

The technology requires a bandwidth of at least 1 Mbps (ADSL, cable or fiber) in order to reduce the latency.

The JamKazam team has been analyzing the sessions and use of its members and noticed than many wasted time processing the audio (85% of the gear used needs between 10 and 20 seconds to process the audio). So they decided to develop a dedicated audio interface that would reduce this time to 3 seconds only.

 

The JamBlaster is designed as a plug-and-play device in order to avoid computer-related issues (drivers, hardware and software compatibility). Even musicians who are not used to playing with a computer can use the system.

The JamBlaster interface uses a quad-core ARM 1.2 GHz processor, 1 GB of memory, 8 GB of storage, two USB ports and a GigE Ethernet port. JamKazam chose a Linux OS with an optimized real time kernel.

On the audio part, the JamBlaster offers a resolution of 24-bit / 96 kHz and a 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response for the mic/instrument inputs. I/O include two Neutrik XLR and 1/4” TS combos that support microphone, instrument and line levels with separate phantom power ; a headphone output and a microphone is built-in for chatting with your collaborators. A universal power supply (100–240V AC) is included but the plug is in US format, so you may need an adapter (not provided) for your country.

If you wish to record your sessions, you can connect the interface via USB to your computer (Mac or PC) or an external drive on the second port. The interface is completed with an app for Mac OS X, Windows, Linux as well as iOS and Android.

The JamBlaster is currently a project on the KickStarter crowdfunding website, with a price of $199. If funded, the first models should be available in August, 2015.

You can discover the free JamKazam system at www.jamkazam.com, with more new features to come, including video.

 

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