Jamulus is free, open-source software for playing, rehearsing, or jamming remotely in real time over a broadband connection. It is described for choirs, bands, folk and classical musicians, music lessons, schools, and universities. Its client mixer lets each user adjust the level of connected musicians, with controls for muting, soloing, panning, and grouping. People connected to the same server can exchange text messages visible to everyone there. A MIDI controller can operate mixer volume, pan, mute, and solo controls, though availability depends on platform and version. Running a server yourself is optional; clients can use listed or unlisted servers. Audio quality depends on network conditions, and the manual says fewer than five players is usually fine on a slower home connection. Communications are sent without encryption. Normal use shares a user's name, city, country, instrument, and skill level with connected servers, other participants, and certain protocol-using third parties. If recording is enabled, unmodified servers display a notice, and the server operator controls the recordings. Jamulus is available across several desktop and mobile platforms, and its site points users to documentation and community forums for help.
Who it is for
Jamulus may suit musicians, choirs, teachers, schools, and universities that want to rehearse or play remotely. It also fits users who want mixer controls or the option to run a server themselves.
What is good
- Free and open-source under the GPL.
- Mixer includes mute, solo, pan, and grouping controls.
- Same-server clients can exchange text messages.
- MIDI controllers can operate mixer controls.
- Self-hosting is optional.
What to know first
- Communications are sent without encryption.
- Normal use shares profile details with connected parties.
- Audio quality depends on network conditions.
- Recordings are controlled by the server operator.
Verdict
Jamulus offers remote real-time music sessions with mixer controls and optional self-hosting at no software cost. Users should weigh its unencrypted communications and shared profile details, as well as the dependence on network quality.
Jamulus plans and pricing
All plansCompared on music collaboration software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Collaboration mode
- real-time
- Real-time audio
- Yes
