Few things are as meaningful as the magic of creating music with your fellow artists. However, putting together a successful remote session can be surprisingly challenging since just a second of delay can easily throw your entire project out of sync. 

Fortunately, several dedicated tools can help you and your collaborators stream effortlessly from one DAW to the next or jam in real time over the internet. These suites allow you to mix audio remotely, though each has its own set of strengths and preferred use cases. 

In this article, we compare and contrast some of the top remote music collaboration software platforms so you can find the perfect pick for your next session. 

‍

What do I need to collaborate on music remotely? 

Requirements for remote streaming may vary from one software platform to another, but these are some of the essential tools every musician should have on hand to collaborate effectively: 

• DAW: Your digital audio workstation (DAW) serves as the center of your session for recording, producing, and mixing. Some web-based DAWs like BandLab allow you to work over the internet, but their features tend to be limited. A professional studio suite, like Pro Tools, is your best bet, and it’s a good idea to make sure all parties use the same DAW, if possible, to streamline your workflows. 

• Interface: An interface is your connection between live sound and digital recordings. This tool converts a sound source like a guitar or vocal into a digital signal, transmitting it into your DAW. A high-quality interface can help reduce unnecessary latency and ensure your sound is pristine, even over the internet. 

• Microphone: Your recordings are only as good as the gear you use to capture them. In most cases, condenser microphones capture studio sound, but you need to factor in a phantom power source to use the mics in your sessions. 

• Studio headphones: Opt for a top-notch pair of studio headphones during your remote sessions to minimize potential feedback issues. Avoid headphones intended for casual listening, as these headphones often have artificially boosted EQs. Studio headphones provide a flat frequency response, giving you the most accurate representation of your session possible. 

‍

Best tools for remote music production

Here are 7 of the top tools for remote music collaboration. Keep in mind that some of these suites are best suited to be included as part of a workflow, while others work as standalone solutions: 

1. Evercast

If you want to recreate an in-studio experience on a professional level, Evercast is the preferred software solution among audio pros. You can stream between different DAWs seamlessly or quickly transition from one stage of the music production process to another—from writing and composing to recording, mixing, and more. With ultra-low latency, you can collaborate without delay utilizing Evercast’s built-in video conferencing and high-quality video and audio streaming. 

Evercast offers 24/7 white-glove support and studio-grade security, letting you work confidently with clients and collaborators on any level. You don’t need any proprietary hardware, and participants can join the session by simply clicking a button. 

With time-stamped notes and annotation tools, Evercast is a valuable tool for version tracking your progress while making music. Record and monitor up to 7.1 surround sound live from the beginning of an idea to the final master. 

Key features for music collaboration 

• Works with any DAW or music production suite
• Ultra-low latency (<150ms globally)
• 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound audio streaming
• Flexible design, perfect for remote performance, recording, mixing, and songwriting sessions
• Built-in video conferencing and 4K video streaming 
• Live annotation tools with time-stamped notes and session playback for future use

Best for: Professionals seeking a dependable, all-in-one remote music collaboration solution. Evercast has everything you need, so you don’t have to segment your workflow. 

Pricing: Evercast starts at $849/month for a flexible month-to-month subscription. Music studios committing to a longer contract can start at $549/month. Custom pricing options are available through Enterprise packages.