Loopling Internet Musical Instrument

Loopling is a musical instrument for realtime online collaboration. It also serves as a fun and creative educational tool.

Overview
Getting Started
Troubleshooting
System Requirements
License


Overview

Loopling is launched as a Java Applet in your web browser window. It uses Java's built-in music synthesizer by default, to provide a range of instruments including drum kit, pianos, guitars, strings, brass, electronic sounds, etc. All musical events are handled using the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) standard, so you can also hook up an external MIDI keyboard or synthesizer.

Several users can connect together over the Internet as Members of the same Group. Users can listen to each others' instrumental "loops", play along in perfect sync, and record their jam sessions as General MIDI files. These can be played by many media players (QuickTime, Windows Media Player, etc) or edited further.



Getting Started

Click Create to create a new Group. Use a password-protected group to limit membership to people you know. The LAN (Local Area Network) option may be used when all members will use a local network (eg in the same household).

Click Connect to connect to an existing group.

Once you're connected, read the User Guide and FAQ for music-making tips. The User Forums are another helpful source of information. You will also find that many of Loopling's controls have tooltips that appear when you place your mouse over them.


Troubleshooting Connection Problems

Authentication. You may get a prompt to "Trust" the download from Muskrat Works. Please click OK to proceed with the download. The Loopling applet contains no spyware or malware.

Difficulty creating a Group. You may experience problems creating a Group, as noted in the log area at the bottom of the Loopling applet. There are three ways to create a group:

  1. Internet automatic IP/Port. This is the default method and the one which is appropriate for most users. Loopling will detect the presence of a UPnP-compatible Internet Gatway Device (using software provided by SuperBonBon Industries), establishing port-forwarding if necessary. Members will be able to connect from the Internet. Here are some reasons why Loopling may be unable to establish an automatic connection:
  2. LAN. This method is appropriate when you want to limit Members to your Local Area Network. Selecting the 'LAN' option will provide the Group leader's local address to Members, instead of the external Internet address.
  3. Direct IP. Use this method if you know the IP address and Port you want Members to connect to. If the Group is created on a computer which has a direct Internet connection, then Members will be able to connect reliably. However, if the Group is created on a computer connected to an Internet router (as is usually the case), then you will have to setup Port Forwarding on the Group computer. Instructions for Port Forwarding may be found with the documentation for your router. Specify the router's IP address and the port you've selected in the Create dialog.

Get Java and Java Soundbank. If the Applet does not work you may need to download the latest version of Java for your computer. Java 1.5 (aka Java 5) or later is required.

Audio or MIDI device unavailable. You also may need to install a Java soundbank. In some cases this error message appears because another program is using your sound card. You may need to quit iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc and/or restart your web browser.

Why is the applet so small? On some older browsers the Loopling applet may not take advantage of all the space available in the browser window. Try resizing your browser window after starting Loopling.

If you are still having trouble getting Loopling started, try the User Forums.


System Requirements

Loopling is written in Java and should be compatible with most modern operating systems (Linux, Mac, Windows, etc) and a Java-compatible browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc).


Loopling License

Loopling and MemberMan are copyright 2010 Muskrat Works. Redistribution in any form is prohibited.

MemberMan includes software developed by SuperBonBon Industries.

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED ``AS IS'' AND ANY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL MUSKRAT WORKS OR ITS CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT,INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.



©2009 Muskrat Works