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Audio Ingest

To begin streaming an event into the platform, an audio feed must be provided by the onsite A/V team.

Web Browser Ingest

A USB capture device connected to a laptop provides an audio signal that is transmitted to the application server.

  • Signal Flow: 
        graph LR
    A(Audio Signal) e1@==> B(USB Capture Device) e2@--> C(Laptop Computer) e3@--> D(((volo)))
    e1@{ animate: slow }
    e2@{ animate: slow }
    e3@{ animate: slow }

Best Practices for USB Audio Ingest into a Web Browser

Proper audio ingest is the foundation of any professional live stream. Clean gain structure and correct sample settings minimize distortion and dropouts, while low latency keeps presenters and remote listeners in sync. By following these best practices, you can avoid common pitfalls and deliver a smooth, reliable audio experience to users.

Info

The goal is to ensure that what your audience hears is clear, balanced, and free of technical artifacts—from the moment you press “go live” until the stream reaches the End User.

1. Prerequisites

  • Hardware:

    • USB audio interface
    • High-quality XLR cables and adapters
    • Computer with a modern browser (Chrome is recommended)

  • Software:

    • Latest browser version

2. Hardware Setup

2.1 Connecting to the Mixing Board

  • Use balanced XLR outputs from the mixing board
  • Connect to the USB interface inputs
  • Label cables and channels to avoid confusion

2.2 USB Audio Interface Tips

  • Choose a low-latency, class-compliant interface
  • Use USB 3.0 ports when available
  • Avoid USB hubs if possible
  • Keep cable lengths reasonable to minimize noise

3. Software Configuration

3.1 Operating System Settings

  • Adjust sample rate to 48 kHz and bit depth to 24-bit
  • Disable exclusive mode (Windows) if audio is not present in the browser

3.2 Browser Permissions

  • Grant microphone access via the prompt from the browser

4. Browser Capture Best Practices

  • Test audio levels before going live
  • Monitor with headphones to catch issues early

5. Audio Quality Optimization

  • Keep input gain at unity or slightly below to avoid clipping
  • Use EQ sparingly; aim for a flat response
  • Monitor for background noise and apply noise suppression if needed

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue Possible Cause Solution
No audio in browser Wrong input selected Re-select USB interface in OS settings
Choppy or dropouts USB bandwidth/latency issues Use direct USB port; lower sample rate
Permission denied Browser mic access blocked Guide user to allow mic permissions