Remote Audio Mixing with Physical MIDI Hardware Over a VPN Connection

In today’s digital age, the ability to remotely control audio mixing sessions with physical MIDI hardware adds a layer of flexibility and creativity to the music production process. Whether due to geographical constraints or the need for remote collaboration, setting up a virtual private network (VPN) to connect your MIDI devices to Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) or digital mixer consoles can bridge the gap between physical presence and remote accessibility. This guide will walk you through setting up a seamless remote audio mixing environment using tools like Parsec for Remote Desktop, NordVPN for VPN connections, and VirtualHere for USB-to-IP functionality.

Establishing a VPN Connection with NordVPN

NordVPN is a software-based VPN solution that allows you to use their Meshnet feature to create a secure and private network over the internet, simulating a local area network (LAN) setup. This is crucial for real-time, low-latency audio work where the precision of MIDI controls is essential.

Instructions:

1. Installation: Download and install NordVPN on both your the host computer (hosting the DAW or digital mixer console) and remote computer (where the MIDI hardware is connected).
2. Enable NordVPN Meshnet: After installation, sign up and log in to the NordVPN computer software interface. Enable NordVPN Meshnet by following these steps.
3. Join the NordVPN Meshnet using other devices:
   • If joining using the same NordVPN account, just log into NordVPN and enable Meshnet, you will join automatically to the same Meshnet
   • If joining using a different NordVPN account, invite those different accounts to join your Meshnet.

Setting Up Remote Desktop Control with Parsec

Parsec for Remote Desktop offers a high-quality streaming experience with minimal latency, essential for real-time control and feedback during remote mixing sessions.

Instructions:

1. Install Parsec: Download and install Parsec on the same machines you’ve installed NordVPN.
2. Account Creation: Create a Parsec account and log in on both machines.
3. Host and Connect: On the host machine (DAW or digital mixer console host), enable hosting in Parsec. Then, from your remote computer, connect to the host machine using Parsec. This setup allows for real-time audio and video streaming, along with keyboard and mouse control, over the VPN connection.

Utilizing VirtualHere for USB-to-IP MIDI Connectivity

VirtualHere transforms your USB devices into network devices, enabling remote access to physical MIDI hardware as if it were directly connected to the remote machine.

Instructions:

1. Install VirtualHere: Install VirtualHere USB Server on your remote machine (where the MIDI hardware is connected) and VirtualHere USB Client on the host machine.
2. Share USB Device: On your remote machine, open the VirtualHere USB Server and share your MIDI device. It should now be visible to any machine connected to your VirtualHere server over the network.
3. Access Device Remotely: On the host machine, open the VirtualHere USB Client. You should see your shared MIDI device listed. Right-click and choose to use the device, making it available to your DAW or digital mixer software as if it were locally connected.

Configuring Your DAW or Digital Mixer Software

With your MIDI hardware now virtually connected to the host machine, the final step is to ensure your DAW or digital mixer software is configured to recognize and use the MIDI device.

1. DAW/Mixer Configuration: Open your software’s preferences or settings menu and navigate to the MIDI devices section. Your remotely connected MIDI hardware should be listed. Enable it for input and, if necessary, output.
2. Testing: Create a new project or session and add a track that uses the MIDI input. Test the setup by manipulating controls on your MIDI hardware to see if they affect the software as expected. Adjust buffer sizes and sample rates if you experience latency or audio glitches.

Conclusion

Combining NordVPN for VPN, Parsec for Remote Desktop, and VirtualHere for USB-to-IP, you can effectively bridge the physical gap between your MIDI hardware and remote audio production software. This setup not only allows for the tactile control of audio mixing from anywhere in the world but also opens up new possibilities for collaboration and creativity in music production. By following the detailed instructions outlined above, you can achieve a highly responsive and seamless remote mixing workflow that closely mirrors the experience of working directly within the studio.