Network errors during Sonobus sessions

[pltrader8]

Hello,
I recently started using Jambox on a Raspberry Pi4 with a 2i2. Jamulus has been working fine. When joining Sonobus sessions with 2 or more users, I have been experiencing random pauses with audio during the sessions. I've looked at the network statistics when these problems occur and have notice rx errors occurring during the audio dropouts. So far, I have swapped out ethernet cables and the actual switch. The issue still seems to occur. I've also posted an inquiry on the Sonobus Discord forum. Has anyone encountered similar issues?

Thx

[kdoren]

@pltrader8 Exactly which network statistics are you referring to? UDP errors with "netstat -s"?

I did some tests and I did see some udp receive errors with SonoBus that I don't see with Jamulus.
If you are running Pi4, I am using a custom build of 64-bit PREEMP_RT kernel. so we can give it priority.
I made a sonobus startup script that does this, and tested it with 3 Pi's, with no UDP receive errors.

So please try the following to see if it helps. (also run update apps button to pick up latest sonobus if you haven't already)

sudo cp -p /usr/local/bin/sonobus_start.sh{,.bak}
sudo wget https://github.com/kdoren/jambox-pi-gen/raw/jambox-rt/stage3/08-install-sonobus/files/sonobus_start.sh -O /usr/local/bin/sonobus_start.sh

[kdoren]

@pltrader8 glad it helped. FYI I made one more change to the script which is to remove the "nice -18" in front of starting SonoBus, I am seeing some evidence that this fights with the SonoBus process priority setting. You can re-run the wget command above to pick it up.

It appears that Jesse is setting priorities for the SonoBus sub processes, but that there is something in the main process that needs higher priority, which is what my script change gives it.

[TheRico12]

Hi Kevin,

I have the same Sonobus issue on my RBPi and I was trying to follow your suggestions...but I'm not really into code language and terminal ;(
Could you please explain me what do I have to do?
Do I have to copy this in the terminal:

sudo cp -p /usr/local/bin/sonobus_start.sh{,.bak}
sudo wget https://github.com/kdoren/jambox-pi-gen/raw/jambox-rt/stage3/08-install-sonobus/files/sonobus_start.sh -O /usr/local/bin/sonobus_start.sh

and then? What about "remove the "nice -18" in front of starting SonoBus" means?
I'm sorry, I'm feeling really ignorant (and I'm actually on this topic) ;)

Thank you so much.

[kdoren]

@TheRico12 All you should need to do is tp copy those commands into a terminal window (">_" icon in taskbar at top), and execute them (hit enter after second command). The first command makes a backup copy of the existing file, the second command replaces it with a copy pulled from the working branch of my github repo.

Don't try to type the commands, use copy/paste.

copy/paste with noVNC is a 2-step process, you can't paste directly in. First you need to paste into the clipboard in the tool palette that pulls out from the left side of your browser screen. Then, you can "Edit -> Paste" in the terminal window running on Raspberry Pi desktop.

FYI in its current form this change will only work on RPi4.

I will be releasing an updated Jambox image that includes this change in the not-too-distant future. But until then, you can pull the updated file to work around the problem.

[TheRico12]

@kdoren Thank you so much Kevin! 🙏🏻
I have another question...is it Jamulus server installed on the Jambox image? How can I start it?

Thank you again

[kdoren]

@TheRico12 There are some instructions in the README file on the desktop:

• Running a Jamulus Server
  • Jamulus server can run on Raspberry Pi. It's best run on its own separate box. Running on the same Raspberry Pi that runs a Jamulus Client will increase jitter.
  • Your internet connection needs enough upstream bandwidth to send streams to multiple clients. DSL and Cable internet typically don't have very much.
  • You router will likely require port forwarding set up.
  • Customizable Settings are described in file /home/pi/.config/Jamulus/jamulus-server.conf
  • jamulus-server doesn't need the "jack" service, so stop it unless you're running a client: "sudo systemctl stop jack"

[pltrader8]

@kdoren I will download the new script now. Got another questions for you. Do you know if a USB mic can be used with the Pi vs an audio interface?

[kdoren]

@pltrader8 yes you can use a USB mic but they are not all the same. With Jamulus you need one that can monitor the (delayed) mix coming from USB. I have tried a Samson USB mic that did not have that capability. I also have Pyle PDUSBPP10 which is a USB interface that plugs into an XLR mic. That works fine but the power supply filtering leaves something to be desired.

You might want to do a reboot after installing the new script, not sure it's required but can't hurt.

[kdoren]

Personally I would not buy a USB mic unless it had a "mix control" or "Blend" (or maybe a direct/USB monitor switch ). This is what allows you to listen only to the mix coming from the Jamulus server. You need to do that in order to play in time with the others. That rules out most of them, especially the cheaper ones.

see: https://jamulus.io/wiki/Getting-Started#having-trouble-cant-keep-in-time

However, if your delays are really short and your musical style doesn't require accurate timing, you might be able to get away without a mix control. (see another discussion thread here "Setup without the cost of audio interface".

I haven't tried any of these, but a few that do have a Mix control:
Talent USB-PRO (only $49): https://www.parts-express.com/Talent-USB-PRO-Professional-USB-Microphone-with-Headphone-Output-Mix-and-Volume-Controls-233-094
Audio-Technica AT2020USB ($149)
Rode NT-USB ($169)
ART M-One/USB ($119)
M-Audio Uber Mic ($119)
Mackie Chromium ($199)

Other than the Talent mic, they are pretty expensive. My preference is for a cheap interface like the Behringer UM2, then you can use any mic you want.

[kdoren]

@pltrader8 I posted a beta image for Jambox 1.3.0 under "releases". No network problems connecting with multiple SonoBus clients. I have hit 50M UDP packets with 0 UDP network errors.

[TheRico12]

@kdoren Thank you so much Kevin! I’m already testing it and it’s seems working really well!!

[techtalktoll]

Yes the new beta release is running very well with the new release of Sonobus. Still have issues when somebody jumps on with Manual set in jitter buffers with the buffer too small. It also crashes with certain external network errors but that is fixed in the new beta Sonobus release. In jackdrc.conf with Pi4 my audio devices (8) all work better with NPERIODS=4 but as long as it's an easy change = distortion in and out. Overall looking good

[kdoren]

Thanks for the feedback! When the new SonoBus release comes out of beta, I'll put it in my repo, then the "Update Apps" button will install it.