This article is part of the Source-Connect Now User Guide

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General Information

What platforms does Source-Connect Now work on?

Source-Connect Now requires Google Chrome version 48. Chrome 50 is the last version available on OSX 10.6 and Windows. Some operating systems may no longer support Chrome, for future continued support you will need:

• Mac OSX 10.9 or higher
• Windows 8.1 or higher
• Modern Linux support

Why doesn't Source-Connect Now work on older systems?

Source-Connect Now is dependent on security and feature updates by Google Chrome. Unfortunately this means that as Google decides to stop supporting older systems, we need to update our systems also. This ensures the most secure experience for all users. It is Source Elements policy to take security seriously and this does mean that older systems may not remain supported.

What is the recommended method for staying up to date?

• Make sure you have Chrome automatic updates enabled under Chrome::Preferences.
• If you cannot upgrade your computer operating system to the minimum requirements for Chrome, you can also use modern Android tablets and phones, or the Chromebook

How much does it cost?

All accounts will be able to connect two people at broadcast-quality 128kbps -for free. Source-Connect Now is the most affordable and flexible IP Audio system available.

Security

Is Source-Connect Now encrypted?

Yes, Source-Connect Now is encrypted E2E (end-to-end, full encryption).

Where is the encryption key for E2E encryption generated and stored?

Source-Connect Now connections are encrypted using the Diffie-Hellmann key exchange method. The keys for the peer-to-peer SSL connection are generated by the peers and exchanged over the signaling protocol. The peers use a self signed certificate (asymmetric-key) based on RSA to exchange the symmetric keys they will use for the communication. The peers then use Diffie-Hellman to generate symmetric keys.

What is the encryption algorithm used for E2E encryption?

Streams are sent via DTLS (Datagram Transport Layer Security). DTLS is modeled after TLS.

Does the exchanged audio data go through the Source Elements server?

Yes. About 10% of the time, if there are firewall restrictions, it will pass through our relay server. However, it is encrypted.

Is the exchanged audio data stored on the Source Elements server?

No, it never is.

The Web Browser as an Audio Codec: Source-Connect Now

The arrival of web audio in the browser has sparked development in affordable, high-quality options for audio professionals to record and monitor remotely. Source-Connect Now is a new service from Source Elements built on cutting-edge features including a new high-quality codec called OPUS. Deciding on using a new codec is not only about whether it provides suitable audio quality but also whether it offers the features you need, and about understanding how it works so you can make good technical decisions when setting up or if things go wrong.

What features makes it good for professional audio?

• High quality audio streaming.
• Low latency for interviews and radio conversations.
• Easy setup.
• Built-in recorder.
• Easy conferencing.
• Works everywhere - a great backup option that everyone should have.

What features makes it not so good for professional audio?

• Accurate gain handling is not guaranteed.
• Accurate clocking is not guaranteed.
• May time stretch, making file replacement and transport locking difficult.
• Does not allow for predictable network setups.
• No way to mitigate the hazards and effects of high-latency connections.
• Cannot specify ports, thus hard to apply "QoS" tags.