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Multi-Device Sync

PixelBoop supports real-time collaboration between multiple iOS devices on the same local network. Play together with synchronized playback, share patterns, and collaborate as host and followers.

Overview​

Multi-Device Sync Controls

Multi-Device Sync Controls

Row 23 contains sync and collaboration controls
Sync Button
Columns 10-12, Row 23. Tap to open sync interface, long-press for quick join/leave.
Device Indicators
Columns 13-20, Row 23. Shows connected devices (up to 8).
Link Button
Columns 5-7, Row 23. Toggle Ableton Link for timing sync.

Key Features​

  • WiFi Sync: Local network synchronization (no internet required)
  • Ableton Link: Tempo/phase synchronization with Link-enabled apps
  • Orchestra Mode: Host/follower collaboration model
  • Step Sync: Real-time pattern editing synchronization
  • Playback Sync: All devices play in perfect time

Quick Start​

Starting a Session (Host)​

Host Session

Host Session

Gold sync button = you're the host
Sync Button (Gold = Host)
Tap to start a session. Gold color indicates you're the host.
Connected Followers
Green indicators show connected followers.
  1. Tap the Sync button (row 23, columns 10-12)
  2. Choose "Start Session"
    • Device becomes host (gold indicator appears)
  3. Set session options:
    • Session name (auto-generated or custom)
    • Orchestra mode or Free mode
  4. Wait for followers to join
    • You'll see green pixels appear for each connected device

Joining a Session (Follower)​

Follower Session

Follower Session

Green sync button = connected as follower
Sync Button (Green = Follower)
Tap to join a session. Green color indicates you're connected.
  1. Tap the Sync button
  2. See available sessions in the list
  3. Tap a session to join
    • Your device indicator turns green
  4. Start playing together!

Sync Technologies​

PixelBoop uses two complementary sync technologies:

WiFi Sync (State Sync)​

  • Purpose: Syncs musical state (tempo, key, scale, patterns)
  • Transport: WiFi direct connection (Multipeer Connectivity)
  • Range: Local network only (same WiFi or peer-to-peer)
  • Latency: Low (~20-50ms)
  • Purpose: Precise playback timing and tempo synchronization
  • Transport: UDP multicast on local network
  • Range: Local network only
  • Latency: Ultra-low (under 5ms)

How they work together:

  • WiFi Sync sends what to play (tempo, key, notes)
  • Ableton Link ensures when to play it (timing/phase)
  • Result: Perfect synchronization between devices
tip

For best results, enable both WiFi Sync (connect devices) AND Ableton Link (timing accuracy).

Sync Modes​

Free Mode​

Independent playback with optional tempo sync

  • Each device has its own patterns
  • Shared tempo and key (optional)
  • Great for jamming with independent parts
  • Each musician controls their own patterns

Use cases:

  • Live jamming sessions
  • Multiple musicians playing different parts
  • Improvisational performance

Orchestra Mode​

Host-controlled collaborative mode

Orchestra Mode

Orchestra Mode

Host (gold) controls everything, followers (green) receive patterns
Host Device (Gold)
Host controls tempo, key, patterns. Edits sync to all followers.
Follower Devices (Green)
Followers receive patterns from host. Grid is locked.

Orchestra Host​

  • Controls tempo, key, and scale for all devices
  • Edits the master pattern
  • All changes sync to followers in real-time
  • Gold indicator shows host status

Host can:

  • Edit all patterns (changes sync immediately)
  • Change tempo (all devices follow)
  • Change key/scale (all devices follow)
  • Use all gestures and controls normally

Orchestra Follower​

  • Receives patterns from host
  • Cannot edit pattern grid (locked)
  • Can still control local settings (volume, mute/solo)
  • Green indicator shows follower status

Follower can:

  • Adjust track volumes locally
  • Mute/solo tracks
  • Use section controls (local view only)
  • Access WLED and Link settings
  • Cannot edit pattern notes (grid locked)

Use cases:

  • Teaching/learning scenarios
  • Conducted ensemble performance
  • Live sets where one person controls the patterns

Sync Button (Row 23, Cols 10-12)​

Sync Button States

Sync Button States

Color indicates connection status
Disconnected (Gray)
No active session. Tap to open sync interface.
Host (Gold)
You're the host. You control the session.
Follower (Green)
Connected to a host. Receiving patterns.

Tap: Open Sync Interface​

Shows sync control panel with options:

  • Start Session: Become host
  • Join Session: See available sessions and join
  • Leave Session: Disconnect from current session
  • Session Settings: Configure sync options

Long-Press: Quick Join/Leave​

  • When disconnected: Quick-join first available session
  • When connected: Quick-leave current session
  • Useful for rapid session switching
ColorMeaningDetails
GrayDisconnectedNo active session
GoldHostYou're controlling the session
GreenFollowerConnected to host

Device Indicators (Row 23, Cols 13-20)​

Device Indicators

Device Indicators

Shows up to 8 connected devices with unique colors
8 Device Slots
Each connected device gets a unique color indicator.

What They Show​

Each connected device gets a colored pixel indicator

  • Unique color per device: Auto-assigned
  • Brightness: Indicates connection strength
  • Position: First available column (left-to-right)

Tap Device Indicator​

  • Shows device name tooltip
  • Example: "iPhone 15 Pro"
  • Displays for 2 seconds

Maximum Devices​

  • Up to 8 devices can connect simultaneously
  • Indicator positions: columns 13-20
Ableton Link Button

Ableton Link Button

Columns 5-7, Row 23: Toggle Link timing sync
Link Off
Columns 5-7, Row 23. Dark = Link disabled.
Link On (Connected)
White = Link active and connected to peers.
Link On (No Peers)
Dim white = Link enabled but no peers found.

Ableton Link is a technology for synchronizing musical timing across apps and devices.

PixelBoop + Link:

  • Syncs playback phase (beat alignment)
  • Locks tempo across all Link-enabled devices
  • Works with Ableton Live, AUM, Loopy Pro, etc.
  • White: Link is active and connected
  • Dim: Link enabled but no peers
  • Dark: Link is off
  • View connected Link peers
  • See timing diagnostics
  • Check sync latency
ColorMeaningDetails
WhiteConnectedLink active, peers connected
Dim WhiteEnabled but no peersLink waiting for connections
DarkDisabledLink is off

Troubleshooting​

Can't See Sessions​

Check:

  • All devices on same WiFi network
  • WiFi is enabled (even for peer-to-peer)
  • Bluetooth is enabled (for discovery)
  • PixelBoop is open on host device

Try:

  • Pull down to refresh session list
  • Restart PixelBoop on both devices
  • Check WiFi doesn't block multicast

Connection Keeps Dropping​

Common causes:

  • Weak WiFi signal
  • Router blocking multicast
  • Too many devices (>8 limit)
  • Background app is suspending PixelBoop

Solutions:

  • Move closer to WiFi router
  • Use peer-to-peer mode instead
  • Reduce number of connected devices
  • Keep PixelBoop in foreground

Patterns Not Syncing​

Check:

  • You're in Orchestra mode (not Free mode)
  • You're the host (gold indicator)
  • Follower's indicator is green (connected)

Try:

  • Leave and rejoin session
  • Restart session
  • Check pattern wasn't edited locally on follower

Timing Is Slightly Off​

Check:

  • Ableton Link is enabled (white indicator)
  • All devices show Link connected
  • WiFi latency is low (under 50ms)

Try:

  • Enable Link if disabled
  • Move closer to WiFi router
  • Close other apps using Link
  • Restart Link on all devices

Best Practices​

For Hosts​

  • Start session before followers arrive
  • Use custom room codes for recurring jams
  • Test pattern edits before big changes
  • Communicate tempo/key changes to band

For Followers​

  • Join session early to sync patterns
  • Don't try to edit patterns in Orchestra mode
  • Use local mute/solo for your mix
  • Keep PixelBoop in foreground

For All Users​

  • Use strong WiFi signal
  • Keep devices close together
  • Enable Ableton Link for best timing
  • Test connection before performance

What Gets Synced​

Always Synced (All Modes)​

  • Tempo (BPM): 40-300 BPM
  • Root Key: C through B
  • Scale: Major, Minor, Pentatonic

Orchestra Mode Only​

  • Patterns: All track patterns sync from host to followers
  • Pattern edits: Real-time sync as host edits
  • Section changes: Active section syncs

Never Synced (Always Local)​

  • Track volumes
  • Mute/solo states
  • WLED settings
  • MIDI settings

See Also:

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