Hardware

Requirements

1. Computer:

   SousaFX works on both MacOS and Windows, with the same requirements as Max's system requirements. It's also possible, with a steeper learning curve, to run SousaFX on a Raspberry Pi 5 microcontroller.

2. Audio interface:

   Any USB interface with one mic input, and two stereo outputs (one for the main mix, and one for the monitor mix) will do. The Zoom AMS-24 is nice and inexpensive.

3. Headphones, in-ear monitors, or loudspeakers:

   To hear yourself while performing live, in ear monitors are vastly preferrable to headphones or speakers.

4. XLR microphone:

   A clip-on mic such as the Audio-Technica Pro35, velcroed in the bell with fastener strips, works well.

5. Wireless game controller:

   Most controllers are supported. For use with a tuba, Xbox controllers are slightly more ergonomic than PlayStation controllers. SousaFX is tested with an Xbox Elite 2 controller.

6. Tuba or didgeridoo:

   Any will do!

Setup

1. Connect your computer, interface, mic, and monitors.

   • On the interface, ensure that direct monitoring is disabled.

   • While playing tuba as loudly as possible, adjust the mic's input gain so that the mic peaks safely below clipping.

2. Pair the game controller with the computer via bluetooth, and attach the controller to the tuba using velcro, cable ties, or rubber bands.

   Note

   Check that the start/select buttons don’t trigger anything outside of SousaFX, such as Steam, or your operating system. For example, on MacOS 13 or later, follow these steps to disable "Share Gestures":

   - open System Settings
   - scroll down the sidebar and click Game Controllers
   - scroll down to Profiles and click + to add a new profile
   - scroll down to Share Gestures and set “Double Press” to “Off”
   - Click “Done”
   - Scroll up to your controller and select it
   - Set “Use Profile” to the new profile
   - Click “Done”