Feature Request: Audio Channel Routing and Real-Time Sync over Wi-Fi

Dear MuseScore Development Team,

I’d like to propose two features that would significantly enhance MuseScore 4 for live performance, ensemble practice, and educational use:

1. Independent Audio Routing by MIDI Channel
2. Real-Time Playback Sync over Wi-Fi

These additions would make MuseScore 4 a more powerful, user-friendly solution for both individual musicians and ensembles, eliminating the need for external DAWs or complex audio routing tools.

1. Independent Audio Routing by MIDI Channel
   Feature Description:
   Allow users to assign specific MIDI channels (such as the metronome or individual instrument tracks) to different audio output channels directly within MuseScore. This functionality would enable routing flexibility, so users could send selected audio tracks to different outputs based on their needs.

Use Case Examples

Live Performances:
In a performance, the metronome could be routed to in-ear monitors for performers, while playback is sent to speakers for the audience. This way, performers can stay in time without the metronome being audible to the audience.

Customized Monitoring:
Different instrument tracks could be routed to separate channels, allowing performers to customize their monitoring experience according to their specific needs.
Suggested Implementation:

New Routing Settings:
Add a “MIDI-to-Audio Channel Routing” section in Audio Preferences where users can choose an audio output channel for each MIDI track.
Metronome Control: Include a dedicated routing option for the metronome, giving performers control over metronome monitoring separately from other playback.
Internal Routing: Ensure all routing options are handled entirely within MuseScore, avoiding the need for external DAWs or complex audio setups.

2. Real-Time Playback Sync over Wi-Fi

Feature Description:
Allow MuseScore playback to sync in real-time across multiple devices (e.g., other PCs, tablets, or mobile devices) connected via Wi-Fi. This feature would allow each performer in an ensemble to view the synchronized playback on their own screen, with a single device acting as the host controller.

Use Case Examples:
Ensemble Practice and Performance: Each performer can follow their own part on their device while MuseScore keeps all screens in sync with the playback. This removes the need for printed sheet music and ensures perfect timing across the ensemble, especially helpful for in-person or remote rehearsals.
Classroom and Teaching: Educators could control playback on a main device, with students following along in sync on their own devices, making it easy to coordinate group exercises and part studies.

Suggested Implementation:
Wi-Fi Sync Settings: Add a “Wi-Fi Sync” option in Preferences, allowing the primary MuseScore instance to act as a host and connect to other devices in the network.
Device Management: Include a device management panel where users can add, remove, or configure connected devices and control what each device displays (e.g., entire score or specific parts).
Centralized Playback Control: The host device would manage playback, tempo, and part selection, with changes reflected on all connected devices in real-time.

Benefits:
Enhanced Flexibility for Performers: By combining independent audio routing with Wi-Fi sync, MuseScore would allow for private monitoring and personalized audio setups in live performance scenarios.
Simplified Workflow: Eliminating the need for DAWs or third-party routing software, these features would make MuseScore a fully self-contained solution for complex audio and display configurations.
Improved Collaboration: Real-time sync over Wi-Fi would greatly benefit ensemble rehearsals, remote collaboration, and educational environments, providing a seamless experience for group settings.

These two features, independent audio routing by MIDI channel and real-time playback sync over Wi-Fi—would expand the scope of MuseScore 4, enabling it to support professional-level performance setups and collaborative music-making without the need for external software. Thank you for considering this request, which would be a valuable addition for the MuseScore user community.

Sincerely,
Marc Nongmaithem