Streaming any audio output from Windows to Linux machine over network

[Mike Timberlake]

Hi,

 

I'm new to these forums, so thanks for having me

 

let me start by saying that I'm by no means a noob when it comes to computers and audio, but this problem has me stumped.

 

My basic situation is this:

 

I want to use Ableton on my Windows 7 machine and stream the output over the local network to my HTPC. My HTPC runs XBMCBuntu, although because it's Linux I can install some kind of service to receive the audio stream.

 

The more detailed situation is this:

 

I live in a small flat. My HTPC setup is based around the aforementioned machine, with audio output going optically to a Beresford DAC, then on to my lovely old JA-S22.

 

My desk is in the same room as the HTPC. Generally I use a remote or Marachino to play music from the HTPC. That all works fine.

 

But I'm an ableton user. My girlfriend will not be happy if I put another pair of speakers on my desk, and to be honest, I don't want to, as whatever I buy is not going to sound as nice as my Monitor Audio BX2s.

 

Obviously I could simply run a cable from my windows machine to the amp, but I'm sure there must be a better solution?

 

In my mind the solution would be a virtual sound device in windows, which would send the audio over the network to the linux box, which would decode and output to the amp? Sounds simple, but I'll be *^**^ed if I know how to achieve that.

 

I suppose a lossless wireless audio transmitter/receiver would work easily, but I can avoid the cost and clutter involved, that'd be great.

 

Lastly, I'm guessing that even if what I want is possible, latency issues with Ableton will appear and ruin my idea..

 

Any ideas warmly welcomed!

[phofman]

There are technically viable solutions (pulseaudio, jack/netjack) but you will fight them a long time and the end result will not satisfy you (stability, almost impossible to switch samplerate easily, additional adaptive resampling, etc.) And most importantly - for audio work (abbleton) you need the lowest latency you can achieve. All the network solutions will ruin it.

 

Plus you have both machines in the same room AND your DAC ( Beresford TC-7520SEG DAC ? ) offers multiple SPDIF/TOSLINK inputs. Absolutely no reason to hassle with the network audio chain.

[Mike Timberlake]

Beresford TC-7510, but yes, it has 2 coaxial and optical inputs. Of course that would involve another cable snaking around the room, which is what I was trying to avoid, but from the research I've done since I posted, and past experience, I can see that what you say is true

 

Even if there is a way to make it work, there'd be too much lag, like you say

 

Oh well ...

[Audio_ELF]

Okay - a suggestion here which may or may not work - not something I've tried...

 

IIRC XBMC will work as AirPlay "speakers"; then use Rogue Amoeba | Airfoil to "transmit" your audio to the XBMC via AirPlay.

 

Eloise

 

PS. AirPlay - XBMC may be of use to you.

[Mike Timberlake]

thanks Eloise.

 

Actually, I've just got exactly that working! It works without problems, and from Ableton too, but the 2 second lag is a killer.

 

It's still nice to have though, as it allows me to play anything that not in my XBMC library or folders directly

[Audio_ELF]

thanks Eloise.

 

Actually, I've just got exactly that working! It works without problems, and from Ableton too, but the 2 second lag is a killer.

 

It's still nice to have though, as it allows me to play anything that not in my XBMC library or folders directly

Ahh yes - just looked what Ableton is (sequencer software) I can see any lag would be detrimental - I think a digital cable to your existing DAC is the best option.

 

Eloise