Thu, Jul 16, 2020

Hi everyone,

It’s an exciting new release this week - ConnectionOpen v3.5.0 is packed full of new features, a direct result of communicating and collaborating with you, the community.

We start with the big one; three participant sessions! That’s right, you asked for it and we listened: sessions can now support 3 participants at once. We’ve been working hard on this one, and we’re delighted to be able to go live with this exciting feature.

For a smooth experience we recommend quad-core or above processors - the faster the better, and also an internet connection with 15Mbps or above upstream and downstream.

This update includes a simplification and refinement of the audio settings panel. On Windows, WASAPI (Windows Audio Session API) is used by default and the sample rate set to 48KHz. All notification audio (session ringtone etc) is now played through the selected output device, rather than the system default audio device.

Finally, we’ve been working with a very helpful community member on making ConnectionOpen more accessible for visually impaired users - an area which is still very new to us, but one that we are keen to learn about and embrace. Many thanks to Łukasz, for working with and giving us invaluable feedback on this. With his help we’ve added voice assisted use to the ConnectionOpen application.

ConnectionOpen v3.5.0 for Mac and PC is available to download now via our website.

Update now and try it yourself. As always, if you have any questions, comments or feedback about this new update, or anything else, you are always welcome to get in touch.

Communicate, collaborate and create with us,
ConnectionOpen Team

Tue, Jun 30, 2020

Currently ConnectionOpen sessions are failing due to a server issue.

In order to resolve this matter as swiftly as possible, we have set up a new server, and have released an update for ConnectionOpen, v3.4.2, which you can download now to fix this problem.

After updating to v3.4.2 you will be able to create and connect to sessions again.

Download ConnectionOpen v3.4.2 for Windows and MacOS here.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused, if you need our help, support or have any questions, please get in touch and we will be happy to assist you.

Thu, Jun 11, 2020

In addition to adding new features to ConnectionOpen, we’re always looking for ways we can improve and enhance all aspects of the application, in terms of both functionality and performance.

The latest update released today for Mac and PC systems, v3.4.1, includes all of the general bug fixes and optimisations we have identified, with a focus on video stability and quality. This means you should be able to enjoy a smoother video picture with less glitching/artifacts.

ConnectionOpen v3.4.1 is available to download for PC and Mac now from our website.

Mon, Jun 1, 2020

Exciting news - ConnectionOpen now supports stereo audio!

We’re pleased to announce the release of ConnectionOpen v3.4.0 which brings low-latency, uncompressed, stereo audio directly into ConnectionOpen sessions.

Our ConnectionOpen community asked for this, and we listened. So today we’re happy to confirm that stereo audio is now possible with this latest update. This new version will make ADR/dubbing and music more like being in the studio for producers, engineers and artists who can now collaborate using the highest quality stereo audio, with talent anywhere in the world!

With greater power comes greater responsibility. Stereo is not enabled by default, and we advise to only use it when necessary.

While using the ConnectionOpen standalone client, the number of input channels will depend on the audio settings. The plugin version however, depends on the DAW host. Pro Tools allows you to instantiate mono tracks, but most other DAWs assume that all new tracks are stereo, and simply duplicate your mono audio in both left and right channels. Because of this, we have added a ‘Force mono’ option next to the input monitoring section of the ConnectionOpen plugin.

It is important that you only work in stereo if your project specifically requires it, as enabling stereo will use twice the amount of bandwidth to send the same audio signal through the network.

To ensure you are getting the best possible ConnectionOpen experience, you can check out our ‘Getting the most out of ConnectionOpen’ blog post.

ConnectionOpen v3.4.0 is available to download for Mac and PC, now.

Wed, May 20, 2020

Today we’d like to share with you the ConnectionOpen journey of Buggin Media, a Netflix partnered audio/visual studio in Portugal, as they talk about how and why they chose ConnectionOpen for the future of their remote collaboration and recording needs.

In the video we hear from studio partner and audio producer Bruno Golias, about the process of finding a reliable and convenient remote recording solution that fits into the studio’s workflow, while still meeting the audio quality standards expected of professional audio.

We also hear from some of the studio’s voice talent about how easy it was for them to set up and start using ConnectionOpen, and listen to their personal experiences of using the platform for commercial projects, in order to carry on working during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Finally, Bruno shares an example of the studio’s workflow, demonstrating the audio routing when using ConnectionOpen as a plugin inside Pro Tools.

If you’d like to share your story or testimonial about how ConnectionOpen works for you, then please get in touch via the website - we’d love to hear from you!

Stay safe,
ConnectionOpen Team

Tue, May 12, 2020

Hi everyone,

Continuing our ongoing improvements to the ConnectionOpen experience, today we are releasing v3.3.2 on Windows and Mac, which offers greater control over screen sharing.

This update is of particular interest to users with multiple monitor setups, as ConnectionOpen now allows you to choose which display to share with the session.

We hope this helps you focus on sharing exactly what needs to be shared, and aids productivity as a result.

Note: The ConnectionOpen iOS app does not include this new feature.

As always, if you have questions or need any help, feel free to get in touch via our website contact page for a chat.

Stay home, stay safe, stay connected,
ConnectionOpen Team

Tue, May 5, 2020

Today we have released ConnectionOpen v3.3.1 for Windows, Mac and iPad.

This new version features the latest optimisation and performance enhancements across all platforms, plus some important changes specific to the iPad app.

If you use ConnectionOpen on iPad, It is strongly recommended that you update the app to ensure that you are getting the best possible user experience.

ConnectionOpen v3.3.1 is available to download for Windows and Mac from our website, and for iPad via the App Store now.

Tue, Apr 21, 2020

Today we're announcing the release of ConnectionOpen v3.3.0 which introduces a new feature - live screen-sharing inside of the ConnectionOpen application. As the world adapts and adjusts to working remotely, this key feature is invaluable for better workflow, the sharing of ideas and online studio collaborations.

ConnectionOpen v3.3.0 also includes improvements to the user interface with refinements to the mixer and recording controls, plus a refresh of the settings panel.

To update both standalone and plugin versions, simply download ConnectionOpen v3.3.0 for Windows or Mac OS from our website now.

Thank you from all of us at ConnectionOpen who encourage you to
stay home, stay safe and stay connected.

Mon, Apr 6, 2020

We’re always working hard to improve ConnectionOpen and make sure everyone gets the best user experience possible. Based on user feedback, we found that some users were able to create and connect to a session but without any audio and video.

Today we have released a new version which strengthens and enhances our system connectivity, to prevent this issue from happening.

Version 3.2.0 of ConnectionOpen for Windows and Mac is available to download now from our website.

If you experience any technical issue or challenge when using ConnectionOpen, please do let us know by getting in touch via our contact page.

Thanks for your support,
ConnectionOpen Team

Tue, Mar 31, 2020

We’re often asked by users ‘How can I get the best experience using ConnectionOpen?’ So here’s a compilation of tips and tricks to check and optimise everything. The three key areas are connection, computer and audio hardware.

Connection

- Always use wired ethernet connection when possible
- If using WiFi, stay as close to the router as possible and use 5Ghz band if available
- Check your connection with speedtest.net - ideally both upload and download should be above 7Mbps (for mono audio sessions)
- Ensure no other apps are using bandwidth such as Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, etc.
- Connect directly to access point (no switches or WiFi extenders in middle)

Computer
- Quad-core processor recommended
- Close other apps which may be using CPU
- If using a laptop, plug it in and disable power saving

Audio hardware
- Use a good quality sound card/audio interface
- If you are on Windows, be sure to use the manufacturer ASIO drivers if available. When not available use a generic ASIO driver such as ASIO4ALL
- If possible choose 48000 sample rate (ConnectionOpen's internal rate)

Stereo audio

It is important that you only work in stereo if your project specifically requires it, as enabling stereo will use twice the amount of bandwidth to send the same audio signal through the network.

We hope this will help you get the best possible experience using ConnectionOpen. If you have any questions or need further advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Mon, Mar 16, 2020

Today we are launching ConnectionOpen 3.1.0 with our brand new iPad app!

ConnectionOpen 3.1.0 is now available to download from the App Store for iPad, and for Mac and PC from our website.

Setup is easier than ever on iPad, just open the App Store, download the free ConnectionOpen app, then login to your ConnectionOpen account - ready to communicate, collaborate and create, in just a couple of minutes.

Alongside iPad support, we’ve been busy tweaking and optimising the ‘under the hood’ code to improve the CPU used by the video streaming while ensuring our fantastic audio quality, stays fantastic. We've also updated the settings menu, where you can now choose from a selection of incoming session ringtones and specify the volume.

Don't forget, right now you can try ConnectionOpen completely free - sign up and get 3 free day passes today.

If you have any questions or need assistance with anything related to ConnectionOpen, you can contact our support team via our website.

Thank you for being part of our journey,
ConnectionOpen Team

Wed, Feb 12, 2020

Continuing our tutorials series, this week we show you how to use ConnectionOpen inside Ableton Live as a plugin.

After a quick tip regarding audio buffers, we jump straight into creating the audio tracks we need and setting up the necessary routing of audio. Then we initiate a live session 5,000 miles away and start recording, all without leaving Ableton Live.

Check out this convenient workflow for yourself, and when you’re ready to give it a try yourself, head over to ConnectionOpen.com and sign up to get your 3 free day passes. Need more time to decide? Explore everything ConnectionOpen has to offer with a 14 day free trial, available now.

ConnectionOpen Team

Thu, Feb 6, 2020

In our previous tutorials we showed you just how easy it is to install, setup and start a session with ConnectionOpen on both Windows and Mac.

This week we look at how to use ConnectionOpen as a plugin inside your DAW. For this video we're using Avid Pro Tools, the number one choice for professional audio producers, but you can use any DAW that supports AAX, VST or AU plugin formats; ConnectionOpen is available in all three formats.

Check out this week’s video and see for yourself. Sign up for your free ConnectionOpen account today, and we'll give you 3 free daily passes to get started.

ConnectionOpen Team

Fri, Jan 31, 2020

This week we've released a new version of ConnectionOpen that includes a couple of minor bug fixes and contains a new feature: contact removal.

If you haven’t updated your ConnectionOpen client application and DAW plugins in a while, be sure to download the latest version to experience ConnectionOpen at its best.

We have been listening to your feedback are constantly working to improve and enhance the ConnectionOpen experience to meet your needs. As always, we welcome any feedback, comments and suggestions. Send us a message anytime! We value your input.

Today is the last day to receive 50% OFF of any subscription plan for the next 12 months. Sign up and input code JAN2020 for your 50% discount.

To make it easier to discover the many advantages of ConnectionOpen, we now offer three free passes when you sign up for an account.

The ConnectionOpen Team

Thu, Jan 23, 2020

Following on from last week’s video, this week we show you that it’s just as easy to setup and get started with ConnectionOpen on a Mac.

In the video we set everything up, add a contact and make a connection with both audio and video 5,000 miles away. The audio is crystal clear and the latency super low - that’s what ConnectionOpen is all about.

Check out this week’s video and see for yourself. Don’t forget you get 3 free passes when you create your free ConnectionOpen account today.

Also remember that until the end of January, you can subscribe to any monthly plan using the code JAN2020 and get 50% off for 12 months - 14 days free trial, no minimum term, cancel anytime.

Thanks for watching,

ConnectionOpen Team

Fri, Jan 10, 2020

Last week we released ConnectionOpen 3.0, and today we wanted to show everyone just how quick and simple it is to start using ConnectionOpen.

This video shows you the process, from downloading and installing, to adding contacts, right through to starting your first session.

To try it yourself, sign up for a free ConnectionOpen account today and get 3 free day passes worth $30 as soon as you verify/activate your account. Absolutely no purchase required, whatsoever.

Also remember that until the end of January, you can subscribe to any monthly plan using the code JAN2020 and get 50% off for 12 months - 14 days free trial, no minimum term, cancel anytime.

Try ConnectionOpen 3.0 completely free today.

The ConnectionOpen Team

Fri, Jan 10, 2020

Today we’re pleased to announce the release of ConnectionOpen 3.0 which includes an exciting new feature: Live Video Streaming!

You can now send and receive live webcam video inside your PC or Mac ConnectionOpen session, whether you are using the standalone client or DAW plugin version. Improving your workflow with low-latency communication has never been easier!

ConnectionOpen version 3.0 also includes several other improvements and optimisations. We’ve tweaked the interface to improve the overall user experience, making it easier to navigate the menus and controls. The session window has been given a vertical makeover and we’ve added the user account profile section so it can be edited from inside the client. Finally, some ‘behind the scenes’ changes have improved session reliability and quality, and we’re delighted with the results.

ConnectionOpen 3.0 is available to download from our website now, with its quick and easy installer, you can be ready to go in just a couple minutes. If you have any questions, or if there's something you’d like to talk to us about, you can get in touch with our support team at anytime, with the convenient link on the ConnectionOpen Home Page.

And there’s more! To celebrate this release we’re offering a great deal on all monthly plans with a huge discount for a limited time only. Right now until the end of January, subscribe to any monthly plan using the code JAN2020 and get 50% off for 12 months - 14 days free trial, no minimum term, cancel anytime.

Thank you for following our journey,
The ConnectionOpen Team`

Fri, Nov 29, 2019

This weekend we’re pushing ConnectionOpen to the next level, by offering some incredible Black Friday discounts, that are simply too good to miss:

• Day Passes: Buy 1 and get 4 extra passes for FREE!
• Monthly Subscriptions: Apply the discount code BF2019 and get 50% Off for the first 12 months (no minimum term)

Right now until Monday, for every day pass you buy, your account will be credited with 5 day passes - it’s 5 for the price of 1!

Plus sign up for either a BASIC or PRO monthly plan before the end of Monday and get the first 12 months for half price! There’s no minimum term either, just a great value monthly plan, half price for the first year - super savings, super simple. Just use the code BF2019 when purchasing a plan.

Fancy giving us a go? There’s never been a better time to jump on board and join the ConnectionOpen revolution. Be quick though, these very special offers must end Monday; when they are gone, they are gone - don’t miss out!

The ConnectionOpen Team

Tue, Nov 26, 2019

With sand still in our shoes, we’re excited to tell you about our recent adventure in Costa Rica; six days of music industry workshops at the fantastic Neverland Retreats event!

Led by co-founders Adam McInnis and Sam “Heights” Garay, it offers aspiring artists and producers the chance to get away from the daily grind and learn about the music business from people on the inside; a selection of award winning producers, songwriters, vocal coaches and other seasoned professionals who have worked with some of the biggest names in music. With a sell out attendance of up and coming artists and a plethora of music industry mentors in the same hotel, it was a real hotbed of talent, surrounded by the beautiful jungles of Nosara, Guancaste.

Idyllic as the scenery may sound, this was not just a holiday, we were keen to demonstrate (OK, show off!) what ConnectionOpen can do, and how it can be used to empower artists to work remotely, so we decided to really push it. We performed a live ConnectionOpen session from Costa Rica to Portugal - over 5,000 miles away! We’re pleased to report everything went smoothly and the response was really positive, attendees were especially impressed by the quality of the session, and how easy it was to set up.

If you like the sound of Neverland Retreats, we highly recommend them if you want the insider guide to making it in the music industry - maybe we’ll see you at the next one!

The ConnectionOpen Team

Wed, Oct 2, 2019

This week we released a new version of ConnectionOpen which includes a couple of minor bug fixes and some ‘behind the scenes’ updates and improvements.

If you haven’t updated your ConnectionOpen client application and DAW plugins in a while, be sure to download the latest version to experience ConnectionOpen at its best.

We are always looking for ways to improve and enhance the ConnectionOpen experience, and we welcome any feedback, comments and suggestions. Whatever’s on your mind, it’s quick and easy to send us a message.

The development of ConnectionOpen is a journey, and we’re grateful to everyone that joins us along the way.

The ConnectionOpen Team

Wed, Sep 18, 2019

With a big year ahead, we’d just like to give everyone a quick reminder of what ConnectionOpen is all about.

What is ConnectionOpen?
ConnectionOpen is an application designed to transmit uncompressed audio over the internet with close to zero latency, for the purpose of remote collaboration and recording.

Key Features
- Quick to set up, easy to use
- Available as a standalone application and VST/AU/AAX plugins
- Simple, cost-effective pricing structure including day pass sharing

What makes ConnectionOpen so special/different?
The concept of using uncompressed audio with no perceivable latency is the core of ConnectionOpen - it’s a killer combination not available with other online communication tools. Users located miles apart can collaborate and record as if they were in the same studio.

How is that possible?! The magic behind ConnectionOpen is the innovative communication technology we designed, built and patented ourselves. With other online solutions there has always been a trade off between speed and quality, ConnectionOpen is designed to remove this compromise.

Who is ConnectionOpen for? Voice over artists - The ability to perform and work remotely offers VO artists greater flexibility; a win-win for both the artist and their client.

Musicians/producers - you don’t have to be in the same location to make a hit record anymore; collaborate anywhere over the internet with studio quality sound.

Podcasters - say goodbye to awkward, low quality Skype interviews plagued with lag issues, and start recording professional interviews with guests around the world.

Questions? Feedback to share? Need support? If you want to get in touch with us for any reason, the quickest way is via the website chat facility. Look out for the little green circle at the bottom right of the screen - give it a click or a tap to start a new chat. Sign up and start your 14 day free trial now

Thanks for reading; be sure to let us know what you think!

The ConnectionOpen Team