Using the Jitter Buffer in Bonza

Using the Jitter Buffer in Bonza

What is the jitter buffer?

The jitter buffer in Bonza is a small, intentional delay applied to incoming audio from other participants to stabilise playback.

Under the hood, it’s made up of multiple network buffers. The size of the jitter buffer is determined by how many of these buffers are used:

• More buffers = more stability, more latency
• Fewer buffers = lower latency, less protection against instability

This allows Bonza to smooth out irregularities in how audio packets arrive over the internet, helping prevent dropouts, crackling, or uneven timing.

Where to find it

You’ll find jitter buffer controls in the Liveroom Mixer, under each remote participant.

Each connection behaves differently, so buffers are managed per person rather than globally.

How it works in practice

When everything is working well, Bonza can automatically adjust the jitter buffer based on network conditions.

However, this system relies on detecting packet irregularities to decide when to increase buffer size.

Important: Using Wi-Fi

If you’re using Wi-Fi, you will need to manually manage your jitter buffer.

Wi-Fi connections naturally introduce:

• Packet loss
• Timing inconsistencies
• Small transmission interruptions

These are normal for Wi-Fi, but they can confuse the automatic jitter system.

What happens?

Because packets are regularly lost or delayed on Wi-Fi:

• The system interprets this as instability
• It increases the number of network buffers
• This adds unnecessary latency, often more than needed

What you should do on Wi-Fi

To avoid excessive latency:

• Set your jitter buffer manually
• Start low and increase only if needed
• Find the lowest setting that gives stable audio

This prevents the system from overcompensating and keeps your latency as tight as possible.

When should I increase the jitter buffer?

You may need to increase it if you hear:

• Audio breaking up or cutting out
• Crackling or glitches
• Inconsistent timing from a specific player

Increase gradually until the audio stabilises.

A note on latency vs stability

The jitter buffer is always a balance:

• Lower buffer → tighter timing, higher risk of instability
• Higher buffer → more stable audio, increased delay

In most musical situations, a slightly higher but stable latency is far more usable than a lower, inconsistent one.

Summary

• The jitter buffer is made up of multiple network buffers
• Increasing it improves stability but adds latency
• It is controlled per participant in the Liveroom Mixer
• Wi-Fi users should set this manually to avoid unnecessary latency
• Aim for the lowest stable setting