Sonocast Live Streaming: Complete User Guide

Welcome to Sonocast live streaming by Sonorous Arts. This guide will teach you how to create a stream, manage your broadcast studio, and listen to others.

Table of Contents

  1. Phase 1: Creating Your Stream
  2. Phase 2: Accessing the Broadcast Studio
  3. Phase 3: Using the Broadcast Studio (For Streamers)
  4. Phase 4: Using the Listener Page (For Audience)

Phase 1: Creating Your Stream

Before you can go live, you must register the stream session in the system.

  1. Navigate to the Sonocast Menu and select the Livestream link.
  2. Streaming Allowance: Review the "Your Streaming Allowance" region to ensure you can proceed.
  3. Title Field (Required): Type a name for your stream in the "Title" edit box.
  4. Description Field (Optional): Add details about your broadcast in the "Description" text area.
  5. Proceed: Press Enter on the "Start stream" button to move to the Credentials page.

Phase 2: Accessing the Broadcast Studio

After creating your stream, you will land on the Stream Credentials page.

  • For beginners, ignore the "RTMP" settings (used for complex software like OBS).
  • Locate the WHIP (Browser/WebRTC) radio button and select it.
  • Find the link labeled "Open Browser Broadcast Studio" and press Enter. This is the easiest way to stream directly from your microphone without extra software.

Phase 3: Using the Broadcast Studio

The Broadcast Studio is where you manage your audio and go live.

Important: Initializing the Audio Engine

To comply with browser security, the audio processing engine remains "asleep" when you first enter the page.
Once the page is loaded, you will be asked for microphone permission. Please make sure to allow microphone permission before using the broadcast studio. If you fail to do this, the system will not be able to receive your audio.
Note: The Effects Rack buttons (which allow you to add reverb or EQ) will not expand or function until you interact with a primary audio button. We recommend pressing the Monitor (Loopback) button first to wake up the studio.

Button Descriptions and Functions

Main Controls

  • Go Live Button:
    • Function: Starts the transmission to your listeners.
    • State: When clicked, the "Status Badge" changes from "OFFLINE" to "LIVE" and the timer begins.
  • Mute Button:
    • Function: Toggles your microphone on or off.
    • State: Your screen-reader will announce if the microphone is currently active or muted.
  • Monitor (Loopback) Button:
    • Function: Allows you to hear your own processed audio through your headphones.
    • Pro Tip: Use this to verify your volume before clicking "Go Live."

Audio Input Sections

  • Primary Input Select: A dropdown menu to choose which microphone you want to use.
  • Input Gain Slider: A range slider (0 to 2). Use the Up/Down arrow keys to increase or decrease your microphone's sensitive volume.
  • Effects Rack (Primary/Secondary/Master):
    • Function: These are collapsible regions containing professional audio tools.
    • Activation: As noted above, click Monitor or Go Live first, then click the "Effects Rack" button to see options for Reverb or EQ.

Spatial Audio (The 3D Radar)

  • Description: This section allows you to position your sound in a 3D space (Binaural Audio).
  • Function: While visually it looks like a radar, screen-reader users can interact with the spatial controls to move their "voice" to the left, right, or behind the listener. This creates an immersive experience for your audience.

Phase 4: Using the Listener Page

If you are joining someone else's stream, you will use the Live Stream Player.

Player Controls

  • Play Button:
    • Function: Connects you to the live audio stream.
    • Note: Browsers often block audio from starting automatically, so you must press this button manually.
  • Unmute/Mute Button:
    • Function: By default, the stream starts muted. Press this to hear the audio.
  • Volume Slider: Use the Arrow keys to adjust the volume. Your screen-reader will announce the percentage (0.1 to 1.0).
  • Stream Information Region: Press the 'D' key (Landmark) or 'H' (Heading) to jump here. It lists the Streamer's name, the number of current listeners, and how long they have been live.

Need Help? If the audio sounds distorted, try lowering your Input Gain Slider. If you cannot hear anything on the listener page, ensure you have clicked both Play and Unmute.