3 Steps to your perfect setup for music lessons

1. Devices, Browser & Network

Devices

SIRIUS is browser-based and thus can be used with any device, be it a computer, tablet or smartphone. However, we recommend using SIRIUS with a desktop or laptop computer for your best teaching experience.

Whether it's MacOS, Linux, or Windows, we've got you covered as long as you can run an up-to-date and supported browser! For more detailed information we recommend reading our article about Supported Devices & Browsers.

Browsers

Desktop or laptop computer: We recommend using the latest version of the Chrome browser for your best sound experience. SIRIUS also supports a number of other browser which can be found in our article Supported Devices & Browsers.
Android tablet or smartphone: Please use the latest version of the Chrome browser.
iPhone or iPad: Please use the latest version of the Safari browser.

Network requirements

We recommend a minimum speed of 10 Mbit download and 5 Mbit upload. The download is important to get high quality audio and video, while the upload is important to give the other participants good audio and video quality. Check your Internet speed with www.speedtest.net.

Poor WiFi connections are the main cause of quality and connection problems with SIRIUS, so we recommend using an ethernet cable that connects your end device directly to the Internet router. Ethernet cables can be purchased online for as little as 5-10€: amazon.de/s?k=ethernet+cable.

If you depend on WiFi, please position yourself as close as possible to the router (preferably in the same room). All other programs and tabs in the browser should be closed and nothing should be downloaded or streamed at the same time (no YouTube, Netflix, etc.).

For more detailed information we recommend reading our article about Network Requirements.

2. Microphone, Camera & Headphones

SIRIUS can be used with any microphone, webcam and headphones.

Most devices have a built-in microphone as well as a built-in camera. Unfortunately, the quality of built-in microphones is often poor. Since SIRIUS is designed to transmit high quality sound, we strongly recommend using an external USB microphone or another microphone with an audio interface. This will allow the nuances of the sound to be picked up much better, resulting in a fuller sound. Furthermore, we recommend using headphones for a better sound experience.

External USB microphones are affordable and easy to set up:

External USB microphones are easy to set up – Connect the USB microphone directly to your computer. If you use a smartphone/tablet, please use a compatible adapter. Select the correct microphone in the video session and make sure the audio indicator moves when you speak or tap the microphone. Adjust the audio input level in the settings of your end device, as it can make a big difference in how the other participants receive your sound.

3. Positioning your setup

It is very important to take time with your students at the beginning of a video session to make perfect adjustments and position the equipment so you get the most out of the online lesson!

Microphone

Make sure that your device with built-in microphone or external microphone is not too close to the instrument. Usually 1-2 meters is a good distance. Too close will cause the sound of the instrument to be too loud for the microphone and cause distracting noise to the other participants. When turning up the audio input level, you will need to position the microphone further away. Try lowering the level, so you can position yourself closer to the microphone. Also pay attention to the acoustics of the room - the best acoustics for online music lessons are as dry as possible. It can be difficult for the microphone to capture the sound if you are in a room with a lot of reverb.

Webcam

Position your end device with built-in webcam or the external webcam so the other participants can see you well.