Virtual Concerts in the Park: Classical Music in Second Life - Part 5 Appendix

~ A multi-parts series ~
By Linda Rogers/Kate Miranda

Access Part 1 here
Access Part 2 here
Access Part 3 here
Access Part 4 here

PART 5:

Appendix A: Technical Instructions for PC streaming:

In order to stream "live" audio into SL, first you need to capture your music through microphone (s) and “broadcast” your sound from your computer. It is recommended that if you are going to broadcast more than one track (several instruments, instrument plus voice, or instrument plus recorded accompaniment) that you use an external mixer to enable you to broadcast one mixed signal. There are 3 broadcast programs available to download: Winamp {with a dsp plugin called Shoutcast}, SimpleCast, or SAM. Simplecast and SAM, can be found at http://www.spacialaudio.com/ If you have the Newest Version of Winamp, you can also find the SHOUTcast plugin at this site. Edward Lowell, a leading provider of streaming services in Second Life, finds Simplecast to be his broadcaster of choice noting is as simple and reliable, and by far the easiest to set up. Download the broadcaster to your PC according to the instructions provided at their site.

The Spacial audio site is a great place to invest some time in reading, now only about their products but about what Internet streaming really is. There is an ongoing wiki built by users for users and discussion forums It is a great place to get knowledge and a basic understanding on how this works.

Setup Encoder for SHOUTcast Server

The next step is to create an encoder that can supply the streaming server with a source stream. (The following instructions are for SimpleCast but can be easily adopted to other broadcasters.)

• Click on Encoders button in SimpleCast
• In the Encoders window click on the add encoder button
• Select MP3 and mp3PRO and Click OK
(Note: You may use the legacy ACM MP3 encoder, but it is not recommended.)

Configurations below for MP3 and mp3PRO encoder apply.

MP3 (PRO) Encoder & Streamer Configuration
• On the Converter tab, set Quality to Medium
• Under Format, select the format that matches the URL of your stream host provider, such as http://www.audiorealm.com/streamX
• Check Auto Start encoder after 5 seconds
• Uncheck “Allow scripts in stream.” Note: If left checked, you will have problems with stream.

Server Details tab
• Server type is SHOUTcast
• Enter Host in Server IP field
• Enter Port in Server Port field
• Enter password in password field

APPENDIX B: Selected Second Life Performer Links

Akito Kuramoto, violin (France) http://www.myspace.com/akitokuramoto

Alessandro Marangoni, piano (Italy) performs as Benito Flores in Second Life. http://www.alessandromarangoni.com and a SL interview and performance at: http://www.slcn.tv/music-academy-alessandro-marangoni

David Weiss and Alpha Hockett Walker, oboe, piano and musical saw. The Schumann Duo in Second Life (USA) http://www.davidweissgallery.com/welcome.html http://www.slcn.tv/music-academy-schumanns

Thom Dowd, Renaissance Flute (Switzerland) http://www.myspace.com/thomascoardthomdowd

Delia Auer, lute (Italy) http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=831441
Winters Kanto, jazz/classical piano (Uruguay) http://www.myspace.com/slwinterskanto

Paul Kwo/ Enniv Zarf, composer, piano, multimedia (USA) http://www.myspace.com/paulkwo & http://www.paulkwo.com

ABOUT LINDA ROGERS/KATE MIRANDA
Linda Rogers is an art administrator in real life and is active in promoting Classical Music in the virtual world of Second Life. Check out her blog to learn more about her.