Lyrekos

Getting Set Up

Last updated 2026-04-22

Getting set up for Lyrekos is straightforward — if you can run Zoom, you can almost certainly run Lyrekos. Here is everything you need to know before your first session.

Getting Set Up for Lyrekos

The Quick Checklist

Lyrekos setup checklist showing internet, computer, and audio requirements

Three things to have ready:

  1. A good Internet connection — if it works for Zoom, Teams, or Meet, it works for Lyrekos.
  2. A computer running the Chrome browser — any modern laptop or desktop will do.
  3. Earbuds or headphones — strongly recommended, especially for singing.

That's it. No software to download, no special audio interface, no account to create before your first session.

Internet Connection

Any broadband connection that supports video conferencing is sufficient. Lyrekos works over both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — no hardwired ethernet connection is required.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi icons with "Yes!" indicating both work with Lyrekos

Computer and Browser

Lyrekos currently runs only on the Chrome browser. Other browsers will be supported in a future release.

Chrome browser logo with "Yes!" and note that other browsers will be supported later

Supported operating systems

Supported operating systems: macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, Linux

macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, and Linux are all supported, as long as you run Chrome.

Leaders: We recommend a laptop or notebook computer rather than a smartphone. The Leader interface has more controls on screen, and they are easier to manage on a larger display. Performers and audience members can use any screen size.

iOS and iPadOS — not yet

iPhones and iPads are not currently supported. This is a browser limitation, not a hardware one — Chrome on iOS does not yet provide the audio APIs Lyrekos needs. MacBooks running Chrome work perfectly.

iPhone and iPad with a red "no" symbol — iOS not yet supported by Lyrekos

Audio Setup

The main reason to use earbuds or headphones is feedback prevention: if your speakers are on while you sing or play, the sound leaks back into your microphone. This matters most for a cappella singing. For most other scenarios you can get by with your laptop's built-in speaker and mic.

Wired earbuds and AirPods — both work well with Lyrekos

External microphone + headphones (best quality)

If you want the best possible audio, a dedicated USB or analog microphone combined with over-ear headphones is outstanding. Any quality mic will do — you do not need studio-grade equipment.

External microphone on a stand next to over-ear headphones for optimal Lyrekos audio quality

AirPods: Three Settings to Change

If you use AirPods or AirPods Pro with Lyrekos, three specific settings will give you the best experience. Open System Settings → AirPods (macOS) or the AirPods settings in the Bluetooth menu and set:

AirPods Pro settings screen showing Automatic Ear Detection turned off, Noise Control set to Off, and Microphone set to Always Left AirPod

  1. Automatic Ear Detection → Off. This is the most important one. If Automatic Ear Detection is on, removing an AirPod from your ear can pause audio or interrupt the session mid-calibration. Turn it off.

  2. Noise Control → Off. Noise cancellation and transparency mode both process the audio in ways that can affect fidelity. For music, keep it simple and leave both off.

  3. Microphone → Always Left AirPod. Setting a fixed microphone means you always know which AirPod to position closest to your mouth, and Lyrekos gets a consistent input level every time.

Adding a Video Background (Mac)

Chrome on macOS lets you set a virtual background image for your camera — useful if you want to show a logo, sheet music, or any other image behind you during a session.

Click the video camera icon in the Mac menu bar (top-right of the screen while Chrome is running), then choose Background.

How to add a background image in Chrome on a Mac — click the camera icon in the menu bar, then select Background to choose or upload an image

Tip: If your background image contains text or a logo, upload both a normal and a horizontally-mirrored version. Chrome sometimes mirrors the camera feed, so having both on hand lets you quickly switch to whichever looks correct.

Disable Chrome-Wide Echo Cancellation

This is a one-time Chrome setting that is required for Lyrekos calibration to work correctly. Chrome has a built-in echo cancellation feature that, when enabled, processes your audio in ways that interfere with Lyrekos's timing measurements during calibration.

To disable it:

  1. In Chrome, navigate to chrome://flags
  2. Search for echo cancellation
  3. Find Chrome-wide echo cancellation and set it to Disabled
  4. Restart Chrome

Chrome flags page showing Chrome-wide echo cancellation set to Disabled — required for Lyrekos calibration to work correctly

You only need to do this once. The setting persists across sessions.

One Important Note

Lyrekos uses your computer's microphone exclusively while a session is running. You cannot run Zoom, Teams, Meet, or any other application that uses your camera and microphone at the same time as Lyrekos — they will compete for the same resources. Close other conferencing apps before starting a Lyrekos session.

You're Ready

That's the complete setup. The next step before making music together is a quick one-time calibration process.

Next step: Calibration — a brief process that lets Lyrekos measure your specific audio setup.