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Getting Started on Bonza

A quick-start guide to smooth operation of Bonza

 

Internet Connection Settings & Configuration

For the best possible performance, a wired Ethernet connection is strongly recommended. Wi-Fi can work, but it is much more likely to introduce dropouts, latency, and instability - especially when collaborating in real time.

 

Recommended Setup

  • Connection Type: Wired Ethernet (preferred).
  • Minimum Speed: 10 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload.
  • Stability: Low latency and jitter are more important than raw speed.

 

Step-by-Step: Wired Setup

  1. Plug an Ethernet cable directly from your router into your computer.
  2. Disable Wi-Fi on your device to ensure traffic always routes through Ethernet.
  3. Run a speed test (e.g., Speedtest.net) to confirm your connection is stable.

 

If You Must Use Wi-Fi

  • Stay close to your router to maximize signal strength.
  • Use a private, secure Wi-Fi network, avoid public/shared networks.
  • Minimize interference (e.g., avoid streaming video on the same network during a session).

 

Firewall & Network Configuration 

  • Ensure your firewall or antivirus allows the application’s internet access.
  • If you are on a managed network (school, office, etc.), check with your IT administrator to ensure required ports are open. Here is a list of the required ports needed for Bonza to operate (hyperlink needed).

 

 

Connecting your Audio Interface

Our app relies on wired headphones for clear, low-latency playback. An audio interface is required only if you want to connect microphones or wired instruments. Setting this up correctly ensures you and others in your session hear everything clearly.

 

Before You Begin

  • Make sure your wired headphones are connected to your computer or audio interface.
  • If using an audio interface, install the latest driver or control software from the manufacturer’s website.
  • Connect your microphone or instrument to the interface before launching the app.

 

Step-by-Step Setup 

1. Connect the hardware
    • Plug your audio interface into your computer via USB/Thunderbolt.
    • Ensure the interface is powered on.
2. Check physical connections
    • Use XLR cables for microphones and ¼” Tip-Sleeve (Jack) cables for instruments.
    • Turn on phantom power (+48V) only if using a condenser microphone.
    • Adjust gain knobs so levels peak around -12 dB to -6dB (avoiding clipping).

 

3. Select the interface in the app
    • Open the application and go to Audio Settings (found within the Liveroom).
    • Set your interface as the input device (for microphones/instruments).
    • The device your wired headphones are connected to should remain selected as the output device.

 

4. Test your setup
    • Speak into the microphone or play your instrument.
    • Check that the app shows activity on the input meters and that you hear playback clearly through your wired headphones.
    • You may find your interface is providing you with additional ‘direct monitoring’ on top of Bonza. Use your interface’s control software to turn your signal down in the headphones mix.

Tips

  • Always use wired headphones, not Bluetooth or speakers, to avoid feedback and latency.
  • If you experience no sound:
    • Confirm the correct device is chosen in both your operating system and the app.
    • Double-check cable connections and input channels.
    • Restart the app after plugging in new hardware.

 

 

Sessions & connecting to others

Sessions are where real-time collaboration happens. You can start one instantly, schedule one for later, or join an existing session if you’ve been invited.

 

Creating a Session 

When you click Create New Session, you’ll see two options:

  • Create Instant Session - start right away. Ideal for quick jams or spontaneous rehearsals.
  • Schedule a Session - plan ahead by setting a time. Invite collaborators in advance so they’re ready to join.

 

Inviting Others 

Once inside a session, click Invite to add collaborators.

  • Invitees will receive an email notification letting them know they’ve been invited.
  • The actual invite to accept and join appears in the app, under the bell icon (top right).

 

Joining a Session 

You can only join a session if you’ve been invited by another user.

  1. Open the app.
  2. Click the bell icon in the top right to view your notifications.
  3. Find the session invite and select Accept.

 

About the Groups Tab 

You may also notice a Groups tab in the menu.
This is a separate feature and does not affect creating or joining sessions. During the beta, most users won’t need to use Groups - feel free to ignore it unless you’ve been asked to test it.

 

 

 

Bonza settings

The Settings tab (inside the Liveroom) allows you to configure how your audio and video are handled during sessions. For most users, only a few adjustments are needed.

 

Audio Settings

  • Input Device - Select your audio interface if you are using a microphone or wired instrument.
  • Output Device - Select the device your wired headphones are plugged into (likely your audio interface).
  • Input Channels - Choose the number of channels to use (up to 4 inputs).
  • Output Channels - Choose the number of channels to use (only 2 are required for headphones).

Video Settings

  • Resolution – Adjusts your outgoing video quality.
  • The maximum is 720p HD at 30 FPS. This limit is intentional: Bonza prioritizes speed and stability of audio over video fidelity, since clear, real-time audio is most important for musical collaboration.

Advanced Mode

Enabling Advanced Mode reveals additional settings for fine-tuning. These include:

Audio

  • Audio Codec – Choose the codec used for encoding audio.
  • Device Sample Rate - Adjust the sample rate of Bonza. We recommend 48kHz; it is also worth matching your audio interface’s sample rate to the same as Bonza.
  • Own Delayed Feedback - Enable if you need to hear a delayed copy of your own audio.

Video

  • Additional controls for video behaviour. Reducing the resolution may improve network performance on slower or unstable connections, since lower resolution requires less bandwidth.

Network

  • Audio Buffer (Latency) Sample Count – Increasing this can help reduce pops, clicks, and dropouts at the cost of slightly higher latency.
  • Network Buffer Sample Count – Adjust this to stabilize performance on slower or less stable connections.