Streaming Announcer Audio with MyRacePass

The Purpose of this article is to explain the features and connection process for streaming Announcer Audio in the MyRacePass App from your PA feed. 

Note: MyRacePass cannot account for all variables with every sound system.  Please use caution when changing anything with your sound setup, and if you find an issue please consult with your audio engineer who configured your track's sound system. 

Getting Started

To get started, there are a few general requirements & pieces of hardware you'll need to make this connection happen. 

1. To start, you'll need a computer with a USB port that can connect to the internet. It's also a good idea to have Google Chrome installed and use that as the browser. 
2. Next, you'll need to make sure your sound board has a free "main out" or a splitter so you can send the feed to your PA system and also to the USB Audio Interface (see below).  
3. Now, you need to get the audio from your board to your laptop, and you'll do that using a USB Audio Interface. We have a few that we recommend, listed below. 
   
   1. M-Audio M-Track Solo
   2. Mackie Onyx
   3. Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
      
      All of these options should be available at most common retailers: Sweetwater, Musicians Friend, Music Go Round, Local AV Stores, Amazon ect.
      
      
4. The final things you'd need to make sure you have is the correct XLR cables to connect the soundboard to USB audio interface

Instructions for initial connection and setup

Below are the steps for connecting the hardware and the process of getting up and running as an announcer!

1. Connect the laptop or computer you'll use to the USB Audio Interface
   Note: Follow the instructions for first time setup from the USB Audio Interface
2. Connect the USB Audio Interface to the soundboard with the XLR cable.
   1. This works best if you have an open "main out" jack.
   2. Use a splitter if you do not have an open jack.
   3. This should be a “main” out

Once you have the Hardware connected properly, you'll next need to create the stream. 

Creating a Stream

1. Start in the MRP Live tab of Race Management where you'll see a new option to Add Audio Stream. 
2. The next option will allow you to set a stream name, description, and restrict access by geo-location. 
3. Once the stream is added, there you'll see a link created. Send the “host” link to your announcer.

Connecting to the stream

Start by opening the MRP web “host” view using the link generated from the "MRP Live" tab of race management. From there you can do a few things I'll list below. 

A. Edit Stream Details. This button will allow you to edit the name of the stream if it's something different than the event name, edit the description to add sponsor notes or talent name, and also add a Geofence to limit the reach of the feature if needed. 

B. Select the USB Audio Interface as your input microphone

C. Check the box to confirm MyRacePass is not responsible for profane content in the stream. 

Click connect - You are now LIVE!