Investigating Low-Cost Platforms for Ultra-Low-Latency Audio Streaming in Networked Music Performances

Abstract

The use of Network Music Performance (NMP) technologies has grown considerably over the last three years, due largely to the mandatory social distancing and lockdown rules imposed during the COVID19 pandemic. While the development of software based NMP platforms is steadily progressing, the vast majority rely on general purpose operating systems which are not optimised for ultra-low-latency high quality audio. Additionally, the hardware requirements can easily result in NMP systems costing thousands of dollars. This thesis finds that low-cost platforms for ultra-low-latency audio streaming in Network Music Performances are not only possible but are capable of providing lower-latency audio at a higher quality than existing high end NMP platforms.