Gear checklist for the JackTrip Digital Bridge
1. JackTrip Digital Bridge
This guide assumes you're using a JackTrip Digital Bridge with a USB audio device. If you're not sure which JackTrip Bridge is right for you, return to Step 0: What is the JackTrip Virtual Studio?
In addition to the JackTrip Bridge itself, you'll need a few basic components:
2. Power Supply
Depending on how you purchased your JackTrip Bridge, a power supply may have been included.
If not, this part is important to get right, in order for the device to perform well and to avoid damaging any of the internal circuitry. You can't use your phone charger!
You need a USB-C power supply appropriate for your region, which provides 3 amps of current. Some Options:
- Raspberry Pi's official 4B power supply ($8 - PiShop)
- CanaKit's power supply is another good option ($9.99 - Amazon)
- For an extra $1, you can buy CanaKit's power supply with switch ($10.99 - Amazon)
3. Ethernet cable
Depending on how you purchased your JackTrip Bridge, an ethernet cable may have been included.
The JackTrip Bridge doesn't work over WiFi. Unfortunately, wifi is just too slow. For this reason, the device doesn't even come with a wifi adapter; you'll need an Ethernet cable instead.
You need a Cat5E or better Ethernet cable. Here are a few options known to work well on Amazon:
- 5ft Cat6 Ethernet Cable ($2.49 - Sweetwater)
- 10ft Cat6 Ethernet Cable ($6.67 - Amazon)
- Cable Matters 10ft Cat6 10-pack ($28.99 - Amazon)
- If you need multiple ethernet cables
- Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 75 ft Flat with Clips ($21.99 - Amazon)
- If you need a LONG ethernet cable to reach your route
- Monoprice sells quality Ethernet cables with a lifetime guarantee in many lengths, for very reasonable prices.
4. USB Audio Interface with compatible Microphone and Headphones
Sabrent Audio Adapter, AKA "External Sound Card"
Presonus USB Interface
Blue Yeti USB Microphone with Headphone Port
There are a ton of USB audio devices out there! They range from $10 - $10,000. They can look like microphones, guitar amps, electric pianos, digital mixers, or audio interfaces.
When choosing a USB audio interface, the most important thing is to make sure it supports using a microphone AND headphones. Some USB microphones, for instance, do not allow plugging in headphones.
Here is a short list of Tested Sound Cards for some ideas about interfaces that have been used with the VS successfully. We'll show a couple of examples of USB interfaces in Step 2.
Whatever audio interface you choose, make sure you know how to plug in your desired microphone and headphones into it!
Next Steps
You should now have all the right gear! You're ready for Step 2 (JackTrip Digital Bridge): Plugging it all in
Comments
1 comment
It is great that this Build Your Own Section was recently updated to include a USB interface in addition to a sound card but it is a bit confusing now because the two different options for mic/headphone connectivity are listed in #5 but not differentiated. I think instructions for each would be preferable or those who choose the sound card option should be pointed to the Pre-Built pages.
Sound Card Option:
A. If you choose a Hi-Fi Berry or other sound card, then the case in Step 1 #2 will not work. A taller case is needed such as the PI Shop HighPi Raspberry Pi Case for Pi4 in Black, White or Clear
B. Under Step 2 i.e. Pluggin It All In, the instructions now show a USB setup. An alternate Sound Card page should be added.
C. A "Y" cable for headphones is required to convert the HI-FI Berry RCA jacks to a mini headphone jack.
USB Alternative
The instructions now listed are for the USB option, which should be less expensive.
There is no discussion as to whether USB or the Sound Card alternative is superior in terms of sound quality. The USB alternative appears to be significantly lower cost, at least if using the Sabrent Audio Connector.
Thank you for clarifying a 3 amp charger is required. I had gotten some earlier information that an iPad charger would work but that is NOT the case. It only is about 2.4 amps.
My comments are based on the earlier Build Your Own instructions which did not include USB. It is good to see progress is being made and that the cost is decreasing.
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