Ableton link over ethernet cable (LAN)

The Lounge Other Gear
#1

Hi, I am wondering if anyone was successful connecting two computers with one Ethernet cable for Ableton Link sync?

I have MacBook running Maschine and Windows running Ableton. I want Macbook to act as host and I only want to send clock using Link method to Ableton (Windows). Can I do it by routing Ethernet cable out of MacBook directly to Ethernet port on Windows Laptop? Will it work that way?

#2

I haven’t tried it, but it will probably work.

You might have to manually set the IP addresses on the Ethernet interfaces on the two machines.

I would guess that using these two addresses:

172.16.20.2 / 255.255.255.0
172.16.20.3 / 255.255.255.0

will probably be safe and won’t conflict.

Try without manually setting the addresses first though!

1 Like
#3

You may also need a cross-over cable to NIC to NIC but I can’t remember as I’ve not connected two systems in this fashion in a long time. A cheap network switch would eliminate the guessing and also let you connect other systems in (or connect to your LAN at home giving internet access etc.)

#4

Thanks, I am trying to eliminate as much equipment as possible so I don’t want to introduce a switch in the chain, as my internet connection on both machines is disabled anyway. Those laptops are configured purely for music production/performance with all unnecessary stuff disabled. I know I could also connect it via WiFi but it will introduce a lot more latency.

I’ll try @tengig suggestion, I will need to get a cross-over cable though :wink:

#7

tl;dr: Yes, it will work.

  • You won’t need a hub, switch, or crossover cable. All Ethernet interfaces for about the last decade are auto sensing and will just work when directly connected.

  • You shouldn’t need to configure IP addresses as both systems support auto IP assignment out of the box. However, this feature can be disabled, so you may need ensure it is still enabled in the networking settings.

  • Sure, 1Gig wired Ethernet is lower latency than 54M WiFi… But, latency of WiFi between two adjacent computers is on the order of 10s of microseconds - or about a sample or 2 at 48kHz. There is far more latency in the audio stacks in each computer.

  • Furthermore, Ableton Link is designed to measure inter-machine latency and compensate for it. It works over much harsher conditions without any discernable lag.

In summary: use Wi-Fi if it’s easier, and never look back.

10 Likes
#8

Great explanation, thank you! I will give it a go and will sync both machines over WiFi.