Linux Mumble Experiments

I've been messing about with various pieces of hardware for communicating using Mumble:
A Linux Mint PC; a couple of Raspberry Pi 1 Model B's (original release); and Ubuntu webserver.

I thought I'd make some notes of my experiments and testing to help other people out.

Mumble-Pi

"Mumble-Pi" tee hee hee

What Is Mumble?

Good question! - It's free, open source VOIP (Voice Over IP) software. It's really easy to install and configure.

You can treat it as your own personal version of Skype, where nobody (Microsoft) snoops on your conversations, gathering your data...

How Does It Work?

A Server computer runs the server software, and all other devices run the client software (computers, smartphones etc..). The clients all connect to the server and can talk to each other.

Audio Hardware Used

£2.50 USB sound card and Beyer Dynamics DT109 headset has worked well on a Raspberry Pi 1, Plug & Play. The headset alone worked plugged directly into my Mint PC motherboard audio sockets.

Philips VOIP USB handset found and tried on Raspberry Pi, also worked very well, Plug & Play most of the time, but somtimes simply refused to work.

Raspberry Pi 1 as Mumble Client (GUI)

Unfortunately I've not yet found an easy way of having a headless client for embedded applications. My current thoughts are to use VNC to remote desktop to an embedded Raspberry Pi to configure and set up.

I found that this installation (desktop / GUI) needs an SD card bigger than 4GB, as running out of space caused crashes, and eventually would hang up when booting to desktop. using a bigger card (8GB) fixed the issues.

Some patience is needed when configuring your microphone and quality, as it can sound pretty bad to begin with, but with a bit of tweaking (and probaby a decent USB headset) you do end up with a very readable good quality communicatinos device! I imagine a Raspberry Pi 2 or 3 would perform a lot better, this experiment was with first generation Raspberry Pi's.

Linux Mint PC as Mumble Client (GUI)

Worked excellently.

Raspberry Pi 1 as Mumble Server (Headless)

Worked excellently. Headless OS and mumble software fit onto 4GB SD card. Only tested on my LAN, but would make the basis of a great home intercom system. Could be upgraded with SSL Security certificate to accept external connections.

Ubuntu Server as Mumble Server (Headless)

Worked excellently.

Client Configuration

The installation on either a Raspberry Pi, or Linux Mint PC is the same.

On a Raspberry Pi, the Update can take a while if it's not been done before, go out for a coffee.. or a curry...

$~sudo apt-get update

$~sudo apt-get install mumble

Set up audio drivers using the OS sound settings, keep these settings open for next stage.

Run through the Mumble Audio Wizard.

Add the server, go play!

Note, for different operating systems, check out the link at the bottom of this page

Server Configuration

The installation on either a Raspberry Pi, or Ubuntu server machine is the same.

$~sudo apt-get update

$~sudo apt-get install mumble-server

Follow the on-screen setup process

Note, to use on the internet, you will need an SSL security certificate installing on your machine

Android Smartphone App

I have tried two phone apps: "Mumble" Version 0.5 by LordMarty; and Plumble (Free) by Andrew Comminos available from the Google Play store.

I've successfully used them both to speak to a Raspberry Pi and Mint PC via my Ubuntu server. However, Plumble has a few advantages over Lord Marty's Mumble:

External Internet Connections

After setting up Port Forwarding in my router (very painful process in a Huawei HG633) it worked like a charm to the outside world. The Port forwarding settings needed are:

Usefulness

I've been using Mumble while working away from home to talk to my family, as far away as Canada. It's cheaper than a phone call (being free), and unlike Skype, is private. In these circumstances, I've been using my Ubuntu Server as the Mumble Server, and my Linux Mint laptop with a USB headset, and at home, my family has been using an Android phone with Plumble.

Refrences and links

Installing Mumble on various Operating Systems

Official home page

Mumble Forum