What You Need To Run Rehearsal Live Share
Our resources have always been designed to work well with a variety of equipment, and this remains true to run Rehearsal Live Share. The core items are a computer, headphones, and a mic (either an external mic or your computer’s internal mic). For computers, we’ve divided our recommendations into Macs and PCs and then further subdivided them by participant type, as those running the rehearsal will need a more powerful machine than additional participants.
Apple Computers
Director's Computer
Due to the fact that RLS is more computationally intensive for the director’s machine, we recommend that anyone assuming that role should utilize a computer with 4 cores or more.
Modern iMacs and MacBook Pros have built in cameras, as well as microphones, making them a great out-of-the-box solution to get going with RLS. The only equipment necessary to be added is a pair of headphones.
Participant's Computer
The modern iMac and MacBook Pro linked above are fantastic options for RLS users in performer role as well. The new MacBook Pros come with upgraded three-mic “studio” array, which is better microphone quality than most stock computer microphones.
Since the performer role in RLS is not as computationally intensive as the director role, utilizing a computer with fewer than 4 cores such is possible. We recommend Apple’s MacBook Air.
Modern Macbook Airs also have built in cameras, as well as microphones, making them a great out-of-the-box solution to get going with RLS for cast members. The only equipment necessary to be added is a pair of headphones.
Windows Computers
Director's Computer
As noted above, RLS is more computationally intensive for the director than other participants, and we recommend that anyone assuming that role should utilize a computer with 4 cores or more.
Participant's Computer
Since the performer role in RLS is not as computationally intensive as the director role, utilizing a computer with fewer than 4 cores such is possible.
Accessories
Wired Headphones
We recommend wired headphones such as the Sony MDRZX110 (without mic) for a straightforward experience without latency. Note that many headphone sets now come with mics built-in. The built-in mics on many devices will be incompatible with RMS Coach/RLS, and can lead to issues using our software.
Bluetooth Headphones
Wireless options like AirPods are becoming more common, and may be used with RLS. However, there are trade-offs involved in using them. For one, you can’t monitor yourself without a pronounced delay. This is due to the inherent latency involved in using such devices. Also, you will need to switch to a different microphone device in RMS Coach, as the ones included in bluetooth sets are typically incompatible with RMS Coach.
Audio Interface
If possible, it's great to handle sound through a dedicated audio interface. In general, these will offer better sound, more flexibillity with audio routing and will off-load some of the processing so that your computer has a little more breathing room. There are hundreds of different types of audio interfaces, tailored to different types of users. If you don't already have an audio interface, here are a few reliable and inexpensive models. Be sure to get an interface that is compatible with your computer! They can connect via FireWire or USB2.0, or sometimes both. These interfaces frequently have MIDI ports as well.
Mics
While the built-in mics on most computers are functional for performers, the best quality is achieved by using either dedicated usb microphones, or pro analog mics in conjunction with an audio interface.
In theory, any microphone may be used for RLS, but be aware that some devices with built-in microphones are incompatible with RMS Coach/RLS.
Adapters
With computers becoming smaller and lighter, some may not feature the kind of plug-in required for compatibility with some mics or wired headphones. The appropriate adapter easily solves this problem.
Software
Additional Software for RMS Creator Users
Those who wish to use Rehearsal Live Share for Coach with their own music content will need MIDI Sequencing software to create or edit their own MIDI sequences.
Most MIDI Sequencing software will work for this task, but we at RMS recommend the software used in-house for all of our content: MOTU’s Digital Performer.
Most other MIDI sequencing programs such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Cubase are fine for the purpose of making sequences used in RMS Coach. Just be sure to check the requirements for MIDI sequences used in RMS Coach, which you will find here.