changed structure, finished adding all content

GLOSSARY.md

@@ -1,2 +1,5 @@
 ## DAW
 Your audio software (Ablton Live, Cubase, Logic, Reaper, Bitwig...). More preciselly, a digital audio workstation (DAW) is an electronic device or application software used for recording, editing and producing audio files. *[Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_audio_workstation)*
+
+## RTMP
+Stands for Real Time Messaging Protocol. One of the many existing streaming protocols.

README.md

@@ -2,12 +2,13 @@
 
 This guide is intended for people wanting to live stream a musical performance from home. It provides informations for most kind of setups, from purely acoustic performances to more complex cases implying a DAW, an external sound card with connected instruments and mics.
 
-**It focuses mainly on audio configuration** as it might be the most tricky part depending on your setup, although it also includes walkthroughs for all the steps from installing a streaming software to actually start streaming.
+**It focuses mostly on audio configuration** as it seems to be where most people struggle, although it also includes walkthroughs for all the steps from installing a streaming software to actually start streaming.
 
 ## Prerequisites
 
 - Knowing what you want to play and the involved equipment
 - Basic knowledge about your DAW (how to access its settings, add a plugin, manage tracks inputs and outputs)
+- The streaming platform you are going to use (Twitch, Facebook, Youtube...) and a link to its documentation
 - A computer running **Windows** or **macOS**[^1]
 - A bit of free time to read this guide carefully
 
@@ -16,18 +17,20 @@ We will use [OBS Studio](https://obsproject.com/) as our streaming software but
 ## How to use this guide?
 Simply follow the parts in the correct order! All parts can always be reached through the navigation side bar on the left.
 
-Start by part [1. Which audio setup do I use?](audio/readme.md) that will help you to figure out which instructions you should follow to configure your audio.
+Start by part [a super fast introduction to OBS (part 1)](obs.md) that will help you to install OBS and understand its basis.
 
-Before actually configuring your audio you should first follow [a super fast introduction to OBS (part 2)](obs.md), then configure the video in OBS [part 3](video.md).
+You will then make OBS work with your camera in part [2. Video configuration](video.md)
 
-Then come the main point of this guide: the [audio configuration (part 4)](audio/README.md)
+Then come the main point of this guide: audio configuration. You will first follow part [3. Which audio setup do I use?](setup/README.md) which will lead you to the proper instructions in part [4. Audio configuration](audio/README.md) corresponding to your case.
 
 You will then have to configure OBS to make it [stream to your favorite platform (part 5)](streaming.md)
 
+There is also a [Troubleshooting](troubleshooting.md) part that should help you to solve most encountered problems.
+
 ## Why I wrote this guide?
 It began during the COVID-19 lockdown. During this period we saw many initiatives (online festivals, groups, personal projects) aiming to live stream artists and musicians performing from their home.
-I got somehow involved in some of these projects and saw the lack of information regarding the audio configuration, which can differ A LOT depending on the musical project itself. So I tried to find a solution for most cases and sorting everything properly allowing people to find which case fit their needs and how to do it.
+I got somehow involved in some of these projects (especially the [Sottkvi festival](https://www.facebook.com/sottkvifestival/))and saw the lack of information regarding the audio configuration, which can differ A LOT depending on the musical project itself. So I tried to find a solution for most cases and sorting everything properly allowing people to find which case fit their needs and how to do it.
 
 ---
 
-[^1]Sorry dear Linux user, I have no specific instructions for you, but you might still find this guide useful! Solution logics are the same but you will have to find compatible alternative softwares by yourself. Have a look at [Jack Audio](https://jackaudio.org/) or [Pulse Audio](https://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Software/PulseAudio/)
+[^1]Sorry dear Linux user, I have no specific instructions for you, but you might still find this guide useful! Solution logics are the same but you will have to find compatible alternative softwares by yourself. Have a look at [Jack Audio](https://jackaudio.org/) or [Pulse Audio](https://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Software/PulseAudio/).

SUMMARY.md

@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 # Summary
 
 * [Introduction](README.md)
-* [1. Which audio setup do I use?](setup/README.md)
+* [1. A super fast introduction to OBS](obs.md)
+* [2. Video configuration](video.md)
+* [3. Which audio setup do I use?](setup/README.md)
   * [Acoustic/mic-captured performance](setup/dawless.md)
   * [DAW without external audio interface](setup/daw.md)
   * [DAW with an external audio interface](setup/dawinterface.md)
-* [2. A super fast introduction to OBS](obs.md)
-* [3. Video configuration](video.md)
 * [4. Audio configuration](audio/README.md)
   * [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux Source](audio/micaux.md)
   * [Case 2: OBS + Desktop Audio Source](audio/desktopaudio.md)

audio/README.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # 4. Audio configuration
 
-**Please read carefully [1. Which audio setup do I use?](./setup/README.md) to know which of the following case(s) will match your setup.**
+**Please read carefully [3. Which audio setup do I use?](../setup/README.md) to know which of the following case(s) will match your setup.**
 
 - [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source](micaux.md)
 - [Case 2: OBS + Desktop Audio Source](desktopaudio.md)

audio/asiomixer.md

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ This is by far the hardest case of all, but also the most documented online. I h
 
 -   [VoiceMeeter Banana](https://download.vb-audio.com/Download_CABLE/VoicemeeterProSetup.exe) (free) is maybe the most user friendly and most documented solution.
 -   [Asio Link Pro](https://give.academy/posts/2018/03/02/AsioLinkPro/) (free) should be the most powerful and flexible solution, bu also the hardest to set up (thanks to a 20 years old GUI). [For the record](https://give.academy/posts/2018/03/02/AsioLinkPro/), it's an old piece of software which you had to pay for. The developer passed away a few years ago so nobody could buy it anymore. In 2019 his nephew decided to create a "legit" crack allowing anyone to use Asio Link Pro for free.
--   [Jack Audio](https://jackaudio.org/downloads/) should be actually simpler to configure even though it does not provide a GUI (graphical user interface). All is done with command lines, but you need very few to get your setup working properly.
+-   [Jack Audio](https://jackaudio.org/downloads/) (free, open source) should be actually simpler to configure even though it does not provide a GUI (graphical user interface). All is done with command lines, but you need very few to get your setup working properly.
+- [Synchronous Audio Router](http://sar.audio/) (free, open source) might be another solution.
 
 If all these solutions seem too hard to get through, just go with [Case 3](reastream.md).

audio/reastream.md

@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ The following instructions are based on ReaStream, a VST plugin made to send aud
 
 12. Now if you play some sound in your audio software you should get it into your OBS audio input capture device. If so, you're good to go to part [5. Streaming configuration](../streaming.md). If not, see below for some troubleshooting.
 
-What to do if ReaStream in OBS do not receive sound from my audio software?
+## What to do if ReaStream in OBS does not receive sound from my audio software?
 
 - Make sure you are using the same sample rate (44.1Khz or 48KHz) in your audio software and OBS (Settings \> Audio tab)
 - Right click the Audio input capture, open "Properties" then select another input device. For some reasons, it might not work with some devices (especially the "Default" one).

obs.md

@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 # A super fast introduction to OBS
 
+**Note:** If you are already familiar with OBS, feel free to skip the next two parts and go straight to part [3. Which audio setup du I use?](setup/README.md).
+
+---
 
 1.  Start by downloading OBS Studio from [here](https://obsproject.com/download), then install it.
 

setup/README.md

@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
-# Which audio setup do I use?
+# 3. Which audio setup do I use?
 
-First you need to determine the kind of audio setup you are using. This will lead you to the appropriate instructions to prepare your live stream:
+First you need to determine the kind of audio setup you are using:
 
 - [My performance is purely acoustic and/or I just need one mic to capture it](dawless.md)
 - [My performance requires an audio software but no external sound card](daw.md)
 - [My performance requires an audio software and an external sound card](dawinterface.md)
+
+This will lead you to the [appropriate instructions](../audio/README.md) to prepare the audio part of your live stream.

setup/daw.md

@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
 # My performance requires an audio software but no external sound card
 
-You will need [**OBS**](https://obsproject.com/download), and its configuration is quite straightforward in most cases:
+Choose the case corresponding to your situation:
 
--   macOS user: refer to **Case 6: OBS + BlackHole (macOS only)** in part 2 / Using a computer (OBS) / Audio setup
+-   **macOS users**: refer to [Case 6: OBS + BlackHole (macOS only)](../audio/blackhole.md).
 
--   Windows user:
+-   **Windows users**:
 
-    -   If you use default MME/DirectX drivers, refer to **Case 2: OBS + Desktop Audio source**
+    -   If you use default **MME/DirectX drivers**, refer to [Case 2: OBS + Desktop Audio Source](../audio/desktopaudio.md)
 
-    -   If you use ASIO drivers (such as [ASIO4ALL](http://www.asio4all.org/), [FL Studio ASIO](https://www.image-line.com/support/flstudio_online_manual/html/envsettings_audio.htm#FLStudioASIO) installed along with [FL Studio](https://www.image-line.com/downloads/flstudiodownload.html) but compatible with any audio software, or [ReaRoute](https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/route-master) with [Reaper](https://www.reaper.fm/)), you have two solutions:
+    -   If you use **ASIO drivers** (such as [ASIO4ALL](http://www.asio4all.org/), [FL Studio ASIO](https://www.image-line.com/support/flstudio_online_manual/html/envsettings_audio.htm#FLStudioASIO) installed along with [FL Studio](https://www.image-line.com/downloads/flstudiodownload.html) but compatible with any audio software, or [ReaRoute](https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/route-master) with [Reaper](https://www.reaper.fm/)), you have two solutions:
 
-        -   The ReaStream VST plugin solution might be the simplest one as you keep your audio software configured as usual with your favorite ASIO drivers. Refer to **Case 3: OBS + ReaStream VST (Windows only)** in part 2 / Using a computer (OBS) / Audio setup
+        -   The **ReaStream VST plugin** solution might be the simplest one as you keep your audio software configured as usual with your favorite ASIO drivers. Refer to [Case 3: OBS + ReaStream VST (Windows only)](../audio/reastream.md).
-        -   You can also choose to keep your audio in an ASIO context using an additional ASIO mixer such as [VoiceMeeter Banana](https://www.vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter/banana.htm), [Asio Link Pro](https://discuss.cakewalk.com/index.php?/topic/3519-odeus-asio-link-now-available-free/) or [Jack Audio](https://jackaudio.org/downloads/) (all free). This is the most tricky way to go and can be hard to configure properly to get less latency than with MME/DirectX drivers or ReaStream. Because latency is why you use ASIO drivers I guess. You can refer to **Case 5: OBS + OBS-ASIO + ASIO mixer** in part 2 / Using a computer (OBS) / Audio setup if you want to give it a try, and go back to **Case 3** (ReaStream) if you are unsuccessful.
+        -   You can also choose to keep your audio in an ASIO context using an additional **ASIO mixer** such as [VoiceMeeter Banana](https://www.vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter/banana.htm), [Asio Link Pro](https://discuss.cakewalk.com/index.php?/topic/3519-odeus-asio-link-now-available-free/) or [Jack Audio](https://jackaudio.org/downloads/) (all free). This is the most tricky way to go and can be hard to configure properly to get less latency than with MME/DirectX drivers or ReaStream. Because latency is why you use ASIO drivers I guess. You can refer to [Case 5: OBS + OBS-ASIO + ASIO mixer (Windows only)](../audio/asiomixer.md) if you want to give it a try, and go back to [Case 3](../audio/reastream.md) if you are unsuccessful.

setup/dawinterface.md

@@ -1,40 +1,40 @@
 # My performance requires an audio software and an external sound card
 
-This might be the case for most of you. The idea is quite simple: we want to turn your main audio software output into an audio input in OBS. You can do that virtually, using your external sound card software (only for compatible models/drivers) or a 3^rd^ party virtual audio device, or you can do it physically, by wiring one of your external sound card's output to a physical audio input. Here are some details for all of these ways, each leading you to the **appropriate case shown in part 2 / Using a computer (OBS) / Audio setup**.
+This might be the case for most of you. The idea is quite simple: we want to turn your main audio software output into an audio input in OBS. You can do that virtually, using your external sound card software (only for compatible models/drivers) or a 3<sup>rd</sup> party virtual audio device, or you can do it physically, by wiring one of your external sound card's output to a physical audio input. Here are some details for all of these ways, each leading you to the **appropriate [audio configuration](../audio/README.md)**.
 
 A virtual loopback might be preferred as it does not need extra piece of hardware, but depending on your case a hard-wired loopback can eventually be easier to achieve. Choose the option you feel the most comfortable with.
 
 
 ## Virtual loopback
 
--   Your sound card supports multi-initialization from multiple applications, and has a built-in **loopback feature**. It is the case of all 3^rd^ gen Focusrite Scarlett, 1^st^ gen 8i6 Focusrite Scarlett, most RME interfaces (using TotalMix), some Motu interfaces (using CueMix), the Roland Quad Capture, the Behringuer XR18, and some other devices I'm not aware of. This should be the best way to go as it is quite simple to configure and should add little to no additional latency. The loopback feature (generally accessible from your external sound card's mixer software) will allow you to route your audio output back into one of its (either virtual or physical) audio inputs. You can then easily select this input in OBS. First refer to your external sound cards owner manual to see how to use the loopack feature. Then, depending on your OS:
+-   Your sound card supports multi-initialization from multiple applications, and has a built-in **loopback feature**. It is the case of all 3<sup>rd</sup> gen Focusrite Scarlett, 1<sup>st</sup> gen 8i6 Focusrite Scarlett, most RME interfaces (using TotalMix), some Motu interfaces (using CueMix), the Roland Quad Capture, the Behringuer XR18, and some other devices I'm not aware of. This should be the best way to go as it is quite simple to configure and should add little to no additional latency. The loopback feature (generally accessible from your external sound card's mixer software) will allow you to route your audio output back into one of its (either virtual or physical) audio inputs. You can then easily select this input in OBS. First refer to your external sound cards owner manual to see how to use the loopack feature. Then, depending on your OS:
 
-    -   macOS user: refer to **Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source**
+    -   **macOS user**: refer to [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source](../audio/micaux.md).
-    -   Windows: refer to **Case 4: OBS + OBS-ASIO** if your external sound card uses ASIO drivers, or **Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source** otherwise.
+    -   **Windows users**: refer to [Case 4: OBS + OBS-ASIO (Windows only)](../audio/obsasio.md) if your external sound card uses ASIO drivers, or [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source](../audio/micaux.md) otherwise.
 
--   Whichever the external sound card you use, you can still create a virtual loopback using additional softwares (but it can increase your audio latency):
+-   Whichever the external sound card you use, you can still create a virtual loopback using **additional softwares** (but it can increase your audio latency):
 
-    -   macOS users: refer to **Case 6: OBS + BlackHole (macOS only)**
+    -   **macOS users**: refer to [Case 6: OBS + BlackHole (macOS only)](../audio/blackhole.md)
 
-    -   Windows users:
+    -   **Windows users**:
 
-        -   The ReaStream VST plugin solution might be the simplest one as it should work for any case and it allow you to keep your audio software configured as usual with your favorite sound card drivers (ASIO or other). Refer to **Case 3: OBS + ReaStream VST (Windows only)**
+        -   The **ReaStream VST** plugin solution might be the simplest one as it should work for any case and it allow you to keep your audio software configured as usual with your favorite sound card drivers (ASIO or other). Refer to [Case 3: OBS + ReaStream VST (Windows only)](../audio/reastream.md).
-        -   If your external sound card uses MME/Direct drivers, you should be able to catch its output directly by selecting it as a "Desktop Audio" source in OBS. Refer to **Case 2: OBS + Desktop Audio source**
+        -   If your external sound card uses **MME/Direct drivers**, you should be able to catch its output directly by selecting it as a "Desktop Audio" source in OBS. Refer to [Case 2: OBS + Desktop Audio Source](../audio/desktopaudio.md)
-        -   If your external sound card uses ASIO drivers, you can try to use an additional ASIO mixer such as [VoiceMeeter Banana](https://www.vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter/banana.htm), [Asio Link Pro](https://discuss.cakewalk.com/index.php?/topic/3519-odeus-asio-link-now-available-free/) or [Jack Audio](https://jackaudio.org/downloads/) (all free). This is the most tricky way to go and can be hard to configure properly to get less latency than with MME/DirectX drivers or ReaStream. Complexity goes even higher if you need your external sound card to output/input audio to/from external audio effects, synths, mics involved in your performance... You can refer to **Case 5: OBS + OBS-ASIO + ASIO mixer** if you want to give it a try, and go back to **Case 3** (ReaStream) if you are unsuccessful.
+        -   If your external sound card uses **ASIO drivers**, you can try to use an additional ASIO mixer such as [VoiceMeeter Banana](https://www.vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter/banana.htm), [Asio Link Pro](https://discuss.cakewalk.com/index.php?/topic/3519-odeus-asio-link-now-available-free/) or [Jack Audio](https://jackaudio.org/downloads/) (all free). This is the most tricky way to go and can be hard to configure properly to get less latency than with MME/DirectX drivers or ReaStream. Complexity goes even higher if you need your external sound card to output/input audio to/from external audio effects, synths, mics involved in your performance... You can refer to [Case 5: OBS + OBS-ASIO + ASIO mixer (Windows only)](../audio/asiomixer.md) if you want to give it a try, and go back to [Case 3](../audio/reastream.md) if you are unsuccessful.
 
 
 ## Physical (hard-wired) loopback
 
 -   Your sound card does not provide a built-in loopback feature, but you have **two unused audio outputs** (or one stereo output) and possibly two unused audio inputs on your audio interface (can be an SPDIF in and out -- SPDIF is better for quality as the signal stays digital -- or two balanced jack/XLR outputs and two line inputs). If so, you can "manually" create a loopback with real cables from real life, by plugging your available output into your available input. The input can either be one of your external sound cards inputs, your computer built-in line mini-jack input (although not advised for quality reasons) or even a secondary external sound card (see next point). Notice that using an input from your only external sound card should only work if this sound card supports multiple initialization from multiple applications. As this feature is very rarely made explicit by sound card manufacturers, just try and see if it works. To proceed, in your audio software, find a way to double the output of your master (using a bus or return track, or an "External audio effect" in Ableton Live) so it can be sent to both your usual master/monitoring audio output, and the extra audio output available on your sound card. Then wire the selected secondary output back into an available input. Then:
 
-    -   For macOS users, refer to **Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source**
+    -   For **macOS users**, refer to [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source](../audio/micaux.md)
 
-    -   For Windows users:
+    -   For **Windows users**:
 
-        -   If you loop your audio back into your computer built-in line-input, refer to **Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source**
+        -   If you **loop your audio back into your computer built-in line-input**, refer to [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source](../audio/micaux.md)
-        -   If you use an available input on your external sound card, refer to **Case 4: OBS + OBS-ASIO** if your external sound card uses ASIO drivers, or **Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source** otherwise
+        -   If you use an **available input on your external sound card**, refer to [Case 4: OBS + OBS-ASIO (Windows only)](../audio/obsasio.md) if your external sound card uses ASIO drivers, or [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source](../audio/micaux.md) otherwise
 
 -   You have **two external sound cards**, so you can use one with your audio software and the other one as an input for OBS. Your case is then similar to the previous one. You need to wire one of your main sound card output to the secondary audio interface input, then select this input in OBS. To do so:
 
-    -   For macOS users, refer to **Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source**
+    -   For macOS users, refer to [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source](../audio/micaux.md)
-    -   For Windows users: refer to **Case 4: OBS + OBS-ASIO** if your secondary external sound card uses ASIO drivers, or **Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source** otherwise
+    -   For Windows users: refer to [Case 4: OBS + OBS-ASIO (Windows only)](../audio/obsasio.md) if your secondary external sound card uses ASIO drivers, or [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source](../audio/micaux.md) otherwise

setup/dawless.md

@@ -1,17 +1,18 @@
 #My performance is purely acoustic and/or I just need one mic to capture it
 
-Using your **computer with [OBS](https://obsproject.com/download)**, a free and open-source software available for Windows macOS and Linux. This is the way to go you you have a microphone that requires to be connected to your computer. It can be the built-in microphone of your webcam, an external microphone you plug into the mic in, or a USB microphone, or even an XLR microphone connected to your external sound card.
+If you don't necessary need a computer for your performance, you might consider streaming from a smartphone as it is very simple to set up. Just download the app corresponding to your streaming platform, do what they tell you to do and you should be good.
+If you need to stream to a custom RTMP server, you can use Larix Broadcaster because it's free, simple to use, and available for [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/larix-broadcaster/id1042474385) and [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wmspanel.larix_broadcaster&hl=en). If you don't have a proper microphone, many phones these days still have a decent quality, sometime even in stereo, so why not!
+
+You may prefer to use a computer if you don't have a smartphone, or if you use a webcam with it's built-in mic, a USB microphone, a mini-jack microphone or an XLR microphone you nee to plug into your external audio interface. We assume here that you do not need a DAW. Choose the case corresponding to your situation:
 
 -   If you use the **built-in mic of your computer** or your **webcam**, the
     **build-in mic input** of your computer or an **USB microphone**, refer
-    to [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source]()
+    to [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source](../audio/micaux.md).
+
 -   If you have to **plug your microphone into your external audio interface**:
 
-    -   **macOS user**: refer to [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source]()
+    -   **macOS user**: refer to [Case 1: OBS + Mic/Aux source](../audio/micaux.md).
 
     -   **Windows user**:
-
+        -   External sound card with **MME/DirectX drivers**: [Case 2: OBS + Desktop Audio Source](../audio/desktopaudio.md)
-        -   External sound card with **MME/DirectX drivers**: [Case 2:
+        -   External sound card with **ASIO drivers**: [Case 4: OBS + OBS-ASIO (Windows only)](../audio/obsasio.md)
-            OBS + Desktop Audio source]
-        -   External sound card with **ASIO drivers**: [Case 4: OBS +
-            OBS-ASIO]()

video.md

@@ -15,4 +15,4 @@
 
 4.  Once you created your video source, make sure it fill the whole area of your scene by stretching it to the correct dimension. To stretch it, select the source in the Sources window, then a red frame should appear around your view. Click a corner and stretch.
 
-5.  Good, you can now go to the next part to [configure your audio](audio/README.md).
+5.  Good, you can now go to the next part to [fid the best audio setup that fits your situation](audio/README.md).