JackTrip on Cable Internet: Tips to Tame Latency for Remote Jamming

Ever tried jamming with your bandmates across town—or across the country—only to be stopped cold by high latency? If you’re a musician looking to collaborate remotely, JackTrip is a powerful tool that can make real-time music sessions possible, even without a fiber connection.

What Is JackTrip?

JackTrip is open-source software built for high-quality, low-latency audio streaming over the internet. Created by Stanford’s SoundWIRE group, it’s specifically designed for musicians who want to rehearse or perform together remotely. Unlike standard video conferencing tools, JackTrip captures the feel and nuance of live playing.

Fiber Is Best, But Cable Can Work

Most JackTrip users agree that fiber-optic internet is ideal. Its symmetrical upload and download speeds, plus lower latency, make it the gold standard for real-time music. Musicians using fiber often report latencies under 25 milliseconds, which can make remote jamming feel just like being in the same room.

But what if fiber isn’t available? Good news—cable internet can still work. While not quite as fast or consistent as fiber, cable can deliver a decent JackTrip experience. In real-world testing with a standard cable setup, I saw latencies of 50–60 milliseconds. Not perfect, but usable—especially for some types of music.

Latency and Your Instrument: What to Expect

Latency affects instruments differently, and understanding this can help you adjust your setup:

• Drums & Vocals: These need tight timing. At 50–60ms, drums feel out of sync, and vocal harmonies may not lock in well. You’ll notice the delay.

• Guitar with Backing Tracks: More forgiving. Playing guitar to pre-recorded tracks or alongside a live drummer is manageable. The slight delay can be compensated for with some practice.

So, while cable internet isn’t ideal for every instrument, it can still be a viable option for certain setups.

Tips to Optimize JackTrip on Cable Internet

If you’re using JackTrip over cable, here are some tips to improve performance:

• Use a Wired Ethernet Connection: Avoid Wi-Fi. A stable, wired connection reduces packet loss and jitter.

• Choose Nearby Servers or Peers: The closer the connection, the lower the latency. Always aim for minimal physical distance.

• Upgrade Your Audio Interface and Drivers: A good audio interface and updated drivers can reduce processing time and lower overall latency.

Final Thoughts on JackTrip and Cable Internet

JackTrip is revolutionizing remote musical collaboration by making it possible to rehearse and perform together from virtually anywhere. While fiber-optic internet provides the smoothest experience, cable internet is still a solid alternative—if you understand and work within its limits.

By optimizing your setup and knowing how your instrument reacts to latency, you can unlock the potential of JackTrip even without fiber. Remote jamming is more accessible than ever, and with the right approach, the distance won’t stop the groove.