Technique: ISDN Bridge with Remote Desktop and Source-Connect

As used by Joe Cipriano

You can easily use Source-Connect to extend your ISDN studio to be available world-wide, in effect creating your own bridging studio. If you don't have ISDN, this also helps to explain how bridging services work so you can access any ISDN studio in the world, on any format.

More information on Source Elements bridging partners.

1: Mobile Setup

Set-up 1 can be any Source-Connect system you travel with, for example a Powerbook or laptop and an audio device such as an Mbox. Don't forget your iLok!

2: Home Studio

Use Remote Desktop or VNC (Virtual Network Computing) to log into your home studio, which is also running Source-Connect. Now, connect directly to your Source-Connect account. Make sure you routed your audio in and out of your ISDN box before leaving on vacation. Upon connecting remotely with Source-Connect you'll be ready to conduct your ISDN session.

3: ISDN Studio

The ISDN studio dials into your home ISDN line. When the ISDN connection has been established and if the audio is properly routed, you'll now hear each other.

Tech Tips

To minimise delay and allow for finer control, use Source-Connect Pro.

Save network resources: set the bitrate at your home studio to low, or 48kbps. Unless you are recording, use a low quality setting for feedback. In some hotels and strict networks you may have trouble making a connection. In most cases though you'll be able to send out, even if you have to use a telephone to get feedback the remote studio can still hear you at high quality.

Recommended Tools

• Hardware (per location)
  • Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini or similar audio device
• Apple Macbook or any recommended computer/laptop
• iLok
• Microphone
• Software (per location)

Source-Connect

• Pro Tools or any recommended VST host
• RealVNC (macOS) or Apple Remote Desktop

For PC you can also use GotomyPC.com (for example) to avoid having to configure your network.