In today’s digital age, the ability to remotely collaborate on music production has become a necessity. Audiomovers LISTENTO is a pivotal solution, bridging geographical gaps and fostering creativity among artists, producers, and audio engineers worldwide.
This review will explore LISTENTO’s cutting-edge features, including its high-fidelity, lossless audio streaming capabilities, seamless MIDI integration, low-latency transmission, and flexibility through customizable streaming options. We’ll explore how LISTENTO simplifies the remote collaboration process for musicians/music producers and enhances the creative workflow.
My Personal Experience with LISTENTO
I was first introduced to this plugin in 2020 (during the global pandemic) as my friends and I searched for a way to continue making music together remotely. We tried several other options but had problems with latency, streaming issues, and multi-daw compatibility issues.
When we found LISTENTO, it solved them all. LISTENTO by Audiomovers boasts some amazing technical specs and features. Let me start by highlighting a few of my favorites:
- .05ms Latency: “Zero latency” simply does not exist, but thankfully, Audiomovers streams up to 32-bit PCM uncompressed with 0.05ms of latency. Remember that your hardware and internet connection could affect this, but if those are running smooth, it’s as close as you’ll get to zero latency in an audio-streaming setup, as we’ve found. You can of course, define the desired bitrate and latency of your stream
- Totally Lossless Audio Streaming: If you’ve ever tried streaming audio in the past, you may have found that despite the platform using “high-resolution audio,” it still sounded different. Despite high-resolution audio having a higher sampling rate and/or bit depth than standard lossy quality – it still has some compression that occurs. With lossless audio streaming – none of the original audio data is lost during transmission.
- MIDI Input Streaming: Despite having some amazing and expensive plug-ins on my system – I’m not much of a piano player; my primary instrument is the guitar. In the past, I’ve had friends who play piano send me MIDI files, and I worked them into the mix. But LISTENTO recently added support to allow users to MIDI stream via their “Instrument” plugin, which is a game changer! It now accepts MIDI information via stream, allowing users to play directly into the mix. It’s not latency-free, but a simple quantization after they’re done playing works fine and allows us to work together in real-time.
- Stream Link: I have a friend who’s a great vocalist but isn’t very tech-savvy. Rather than having to coach him on how to get this set up on his computer to have a session – LISTENTO includes the ability to share a streaming link. When I share this with him, he can open it up on any device (even his smartphone), allowing us to collaborate and get his feedback on beats I’m making for him in real time when he can’t make it to the studio to work alongside me. It’s incredibly convenient and as easy as it gets.
Ultimately, these features make LISTENTO an indispensable tool for modern music professionals & enthusiasts. Let’s explore everything the plugin has to offer in more detail below.
Discover the Power of Audiomovers LISTENTO for Lossless Audio Streaming & Collaboration
LISTENTO is a pivotal tool in revolutionizing how music professionals collaborate remotely. By allowing real-time, high-quality audio streaming directly from one’s Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to any location worldwide, LISTENTO dismantles geographic barriers.
This functionality quickly became a must-have tool in today’s digital music production landscape. This plugin’s robust functionality enables producers, sound engineers, and musicians to collaborate on projects with unprecedented efficiency and clarity.
The ease of setup and use means that users can broadcast studio-quality sound within minutes to collaborators. Your collaborators can then listen, review, and provide instant feedback.
This seamless integration into various DAWs ensures that LISTENTO is not just an add-on but a fundamental part of the music production process.
It facilitates a genuinely collaborative environment that was once only possible in physical studios.
Audiomovers LISTENTO Review: Features & Strengths
LISTENTO has garnered attention for its robust features and strengths, making it a standout solution for collaboration.
Let’s take a closer look at LISTENTO’s key features that make it indispensable.
#1) Real-Time Streaming with Unparalleled Audio Quality
LISTENTO excels in delivering real-time audio streaming without compromising quality. It supports streaming in high fidelity, offering options from uncompressed PCM formats to lossy AAC and Opus codecs.
This flexibility ensures the audio’s integrity is maintained.
Users can stream up to 16 channels simultaneously at bit rates as high as 32-bit PCM / 192 kHz. This guarantees that even the most subtle sound nuances are captured and transmitted clearly. This feature is crucial for music production, where every detail matters.
Finally, LISTENTO’s adjustable latency (from as little as 0.05 ms) further enhances this experience, allowing instantaneous feedback and collaboration as if all parties were in the same studio.
#2) Compatibility Across DAWs: A Seamless Integration
LISTENTO’s most significant advantage is its compatibility with various Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Regardless of whether music professionals use Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, or another major DAW, LISTENTO integrates effortlessly.
This compatibility ensures users can incorporate LISTENTO into their existing workflows without needing adjustments to their existing setup. The ease of integration simplifies the process of remote collaboration.
Ultimately, LISTENTO enables artists and producers to focus on creativity and production rather than technical hurdles.
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#3) Upgraded Features
LISTENTO’s recent updates have significantly enhanced its functionality, particularly with the introduction of MIDI streaming capabilities. These updates mark a significant leap forward in remote music collaboration.
They enable musicians, producers, and sound engineers to work together more efficiently and creatively than ever before. These updates include:
- Real-Time MIDI Streaming: LISTENTO now supports transmitting MIDI data in real time directly from any DAW over the internet. This feature allows remote collaborators to work with MIDI synthesizers and sound modules or manage MIDI control surfaces. All while enjoying low-latency feedback, as expected.
- Enhanced Creative Collaboration: Musicians can stream audio and MIDI simultaneously, facilitating real-time creative collaboration. This means you can work on tracks together and stream beats and keyboard lines to each other. This significantly enhances the workflow for composing and producing music remotely.
- Remote Synchronization: One of the standout features of the MIDI streaming update is the ability to synchronize remote DAWs using transmitted MIDI Time Code (MTC) timecodes generated by LISTENTO streams. This ensures the playback position is consistently shared across all collaborators. It enables precise coordination and synchronization during remote sessions.
- Multichannel DOLBY Atmos Streaming: Many streaming platforms are moving towards spatial audio, and with that in mind, mixing with ATMOS is becoming increasingly important. LISTENTO supports multichannel uncompressed audio streaming, up to 16 channels, meaning you can stream up to 9.1.6. Additionally, the recent LISTENTO iOS App update means incoming 7.1.4 Atmos streams (7.1.4 is the standard for uploading to Apple Music) can be binauralized into Apple Spatial.
- Multiple Audio Encoding Options (OPUS/AAC): LISTENTO also supports the OPUS Codec! Each codec offers its own strengths and limitations regarding streaming – but now you can choose what’s best for you. If you’re unsure, Audiomovers created a guide to help you determine what audio quality settings are right for you.
Exploring the LISTENTO Suite
Audiomovers LISTENTO transcends traditional plugin boundaries, offering a suite of plugins/apps designed for versatility in remote music production and collaboration. Each plugin is engineered to meet specific needs while ensuring high-quality audio streaming across various platforms.
LISTENTO Plugin
The core tool in the LISTENTO ecosystem, the LISTENTO plugin is the quickest way for DAW users to be streaming lossless audio, in up to 32-bit PCM uncompressed with 0.05ms of latency. Engineers can either put the plugin at the end of their effects chain and stream their master bus to collaborators or clients or use multiple instances in individual DAW channels.
Instrument Plugin
The Instrument plugin caters specifically to musicians incorporating MIDI instruments into their mix. It stands out for its ability to transmit MIDI data in real time, facilitating dynamic collaboration.
The plugin supports a wide range of sample rates and bit depths, ensuring that every nuance of performance is captured and conveyed with precision.
Receiver Plugin
Designed for seamless integration into any DAW, the Receiver plugin lets recipients receive high-fidelity audio streams directly.
It supports streaming resolutions up to 32-bit/192kHz, ensuring that the received audio maintains its integrity and quality, essential for critical listening and mixing.
Web Transmitter
The Web Transmitter feature exemplifies LISTENTO’s commitment to accessibility, allowing users to initiate high-quality audio streams directly from their web browsers. This tool is especially useful for quick reviews or when collaborators lack access to a DAW.
It supports adjustable bit rates and sample rates, accommodating varying internet speeds while maintaining audio quality.
Mobile Accessibility: iOS and Android Apps
LISTENTO’s iOS and Android apps provide a mobile solution for receiving audio streams, ensuring you’re always connected to your projects.
These apps are optimized for low latency and support high-resolution audio streaming, making them ideal for listening and providing feedback on the go.
The Desktop App
The Desktop app is the centerpiece of the LISTENTO suite, offering advanced control over audio and MIDI streaming. With the capability to handle extensive multichannel configurations, it accommodates up to 16 channels at a pristine 32-bit/192kHz resolution.
This makes the Desktop app indispensable for complex productions and spatial audio endeavors.
The app’s precision in adjustable latency settings revolutionizes remote collaboration, ensuring flawless synchrony and participant interaction. Furthermore, its seamless integration across all major DAWs guarantees a smooth, uninterrupted creative flow.
All in all, this unmatched amalgamation of versatility and power positions the Desktop app as the ultimate tool in the LISTENTO arsenal. It redefines the boundaries of what’s possible in digital audio collaboration.
How Much Does LISTENTO Cost?
Audiomovers offers a variety of LISTENTO subscription plans tailored to different user needs. These options ensure that individuals and businesses can find a package that suits their remote audio collaboration requirements.
Additionally, all three options are available on both a monthly and yearly subscription basis. You can save 20% on whatever tier you choose by opting for a yearly subscription.
What Comes With Each Subscription?
- LISTENTO Basic: The LISTENTO Basic plan, at $12.99 monthly or $99 annually, supports streaming to up to 10 listeners. It features high-quality audio up to 32-bit/192 kHz, including Dolby Atmos in up to 9.1.6 Surround Sound. Users can stream from DAWs using VST/VST3/AU/AAX plugins, with adjustable latency and bitrate for optimized performance. The plan also ensures secure streaming with listener approval and recording controls.
- LISTENTO Pro: LISTENTO Pro, at $24.99 monthly or $199.99 annually, includes all Basic features plus access to additional features. These include MIDI streaming for interactive sessions, custom-branded backgrounds for personalized streaming links, and previews of new features. Additionally, it supports Apple Spatial rendering from incoming 7.1.4 on iOS, an essential step in mixing and mastering Atmos content for Apple Music.
- LISTENTO Business: Specifically designed for larger teams or businesses, this plan is priced at $275 yearly. It offers custom features tailored to the needs of business users, including a custom simultaneous listener count. It also offers on-hand audio expert support, the ability to revoke and reassign licenses across users, and payment via invoice.
Basic and Pro plans come with a 7-day free trial, allowing users to test the service before committing to a subscription. This flexibility ensures potential subscribers can explore LISTENTO’s features and determine the best fit for their needs without initial financial commitment.
Tips for Maximizing Your LISTENTO Experience
To maximize your experience with LISTENTO, consider these expert tips. These strategies are designed to enhance the efficiency and quality of your remote music production and collaboration sessions:
- Optimize Streaming Quality: Firstly, adjust the bitrate and latency based on your and your listeners’ internet speeds. Higher settings offer better audio quality but require a stronger connection. For critical listening sessions, use the highest quality your connection allows.
- Utilize MIDI Streaming: If you’re a Pro subscriber, take full advantage of MIDI streaming. This feature can transform remote sessions by allowing real-time playing and manipulation of MIDI instruments or control surfaces from different locations. All LISENTO streams also generate a MIDI Time Code, which, with the LISTENTO Desktop App, can be used to sync up remote DAW sessions by conveying time code information as MIDI.
- Customize Your Streaming Experience: Use custom backgrounds for your streaming links to create a branded or more personalized listening experience. This feature makes your stream visually appealing and reinforces your brand identity among collaborators and clients.
- Stay Updated with New Features: Additionally, you should regualrly check for updates and new features from Audiomovers. Early access to new features can provide advanced capabilities to improve your workflow and collaboration efficiency.
- Secure Your Streams: Protect your work using the secure listener approval and recording controls. Ensuring only authorized listeners have access to your streams is crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of your projects.
Conclusion: Why LISTENTO is Essential for Every Music Producer
In conclusion, navigating the complexities of remote music production and collaboration becomes significantly more manageable with the right tools and knowledge.
LISTENTO stands out as a powerful solution. It offers high-quality audio streaming, MIDI integration, and customizable features that cater to the diverse needs of music professionals.
With its ability to deliver studio-quality sound over the internet, facilitate real-time MIDI interactions, and provide a platform for secure and personalized streaming experiences, LISTENTO addresses the core challenges faced in the digital music creation space.
For those looking to enhance their remote production capabilities, exploring LISTENTO is highly recommended. Its comprehensive feature set makes it a valuable asset for music production enthusiasts.
If you’re looking to learn more about LISTENTO, check out our interview with Audiomovers below:
