Tech Requirements for Online Learning and Ensembles

From Technical Projects Director Kim Nucci (they/them) — kim@cjc.edu

1. Internet connectivity requirements

   1. Minimum dedicated 5mbps upload speed if you do not share your network with other people. Check your speed here: https://www.speedtest.net/
      1. If you share the connection with other people I recommend that you have at least 10-20 mbps up. Especially if your family/roommates play online games or need to be on their own Zoom/Skype calls. 
      2. (Your download speed will generally be significantly higher than this, usually at least 50mbps down for 5mbps up.)
   2. An ideal connection is a gigabit fiber connection through ATT, Sonic.net, LMI, Google Fiber Webpass, Etheric Networks, Wave Broadband, Earthlink, Santa Rosa Municipal Fiber, etc.
   3. If you cannot get fiber, I recommend price-checking Comcast Business internet with at least 10mbps upload speed (most business connections will have at least 20mbps up). It may be cheaper than a comparable residential plan. 

1. Computer requirements

   1. Recommendation: a Macbook Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, or Mac Pro with at least 8 gigs of ram and 4 processor cores. 2015 or newer running High Sierra or better.
      1. Please no macbooks, macbook airs, netbooks, chromebooks or other underpowered bargain bin computers
   2. PCs are okay but have some issues with pro audio applications, if you have a PC or are thinking about buying one, please talk to Kim (kim@cjc.edu) to help you spec an appropriate machine. Note: you may need to dual boot Linux in order to use Jacktrip for ensemble classes. The PC version of Jacktrip is currently one version behind.
   3. NO PHONES OR IPADS IN LIEU OF A COMPUTER. The software for ensemble classes doesn’t work on iOS or Android.

1. Audio equipment

   1. Headphones wired studio monitor type headphones. No bluetooth.
      1. Suggestions: Audio Techinica ATH-M50x, AKG k240,  Sony MDR V6, Sony MDR 7506, etc.
   2. Audio Capture Device, any of the following:
      1. Audio interface + microphone
      2. USB microphone
      3. Field Recorder with USB audio capability such as a Zoom H2n or H4n
      4. Mixer with USB audio capability + microphone
      5. Contact Kim (kim@cjc.edu) if you have any  questions about audio gear. This is also a good resource: Sweetwater Buying Guide

A brief essay from Kim on why you should own a microphone:

Not owning your own recording equipment as a musician in the age of the bedroom producer puts you at a disadvantage. If you don’t own your own equipment you need to pay a studio whenever you want to record. Renting time at a recording studio can cost hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. Having your own basic setup allows you to record and fine tune your tracks before going to the studio, or avoiding it all together. It allows you to record your concerts, make an album, make an audition tape for graduate school, and record your friends. In the present Quarantime, it allows you to play with other musicians around the world and connect in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. 

When I previously did not have my own microphone(s), it held me back in class. I had to reserve time on school equipment, which didn’t always fit with my work schedule. It limited my college choices by preventing me from auditioning for music programs for my bachelor’s degree (I had no audition tape). In undergrad I had to purchase a field recorder to do my homework assignment one week. I got the recorder and the recordings that I made with it allowed me to document my compositions and get into graduate school. I bought microphones after graduating my master’s and it has allowed me to use my own audio interface to run recording sessions and record concerts. Now they enable me to jam with my friends online. 

I want to encourage you to make this investment in your musical future through purchasing these class materials for CJC ensemble classes. I also encourage you to consider purchasing used equipment, since it may make this whole experience a lot more affordable. You’ll also get higher quality gear for less. 

Best,

Kim Nucci

Technical Projects Director, CJC