Source-Connect vs SESSION™ Playback
Source-Connect is built around remote recording, synchronization and recovery workflows. SESSION™ Playback is for hearing and reviewing a live stereo mix through a private link.
In this guide: SESSION™ Playback. Mac sender · macOS 14.2+ · AU, VST3 and AAX. Plans and requirements.
Published by Capiscana, Inc., maker of SESSION™ products. About these comparisons.
On this page 9 sections
Price and what you are buying
| Product / plan | Price and billing | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Source-Connect Standard / Talent | $35/month or $385/year | Performer tier |
| Source-Connect Talent short‑term | $25 for two days | Short booking |
| SESSION™ Playback | $9.99 a month or $59 a year | Sender subscription; free browser listeners |
Studio and Facility have different recording features and prices. The Talent price is not the price of every Source-Connect capability. Buy-In licenses include separate initial and recurring charges.
US dollars unless another currency is shown. Taxes may apply. Confirm current offers, renewal terms and requirements on the linked product pages.
The workflow difference
Source Elements documents different Source-Connect tiers, remote transport synchronization, backup recordings and Auto-Restore/Auto-Replace features. Channel counts and recovery capabilities vary by tier. These are recording requirements, not simply another way to let someone hear a mix.
If a remote performance must become a usable recorded take, define the capture and recovery requirements first. If the performer or client only needs to review playback and request a change, a stereo listening path addresses a smaller job.
SESSION™ Playback at a glance
- Price
- $9.99 a month or $59 a year
- Requirements
- macOS 14.2 or later on Intel or Apple silicon. AU, VST3 and AAX sender plugins. A sender subscription is required; browser listeners are free.
- Input and setup
- Insert Playback Send on the stereo bus, choose the quality before starting, and share the listening link. A browser listener opens the link and presses play without creating an account or installing a plugin.
- Working with it
- Use the stream for listening and mix review, with a separate call for conversation. Playback Receive provides a native receiving route. Review the device and quality requirements before choosing the stream format.
- Before the session
- Up to five simultaneous listeners, with lower limits for the highest Studio formats. Each subscription includes 200 GB per monthly anniversary, counting delivery to each listener. Unused delivery does not roll over; streaming stops at the allowance until reset, without automatic overage charges.
Before the first session
Verify the exact Source-Connect tier and both ends' setup. A successful live stream does not establish that a recovered recording will align correctly in the production timeline.
See the SESSION™ Playback workflow and product demonstration
Sources and scope
Product documentation reviewed October 17, 2026. These are comparisons of published capabilities, not independent performance tests. Prices and availability can change.
Related comparisons
Questions before choosing
Can Playback replace Source-Connect for synchronized recording?
Playback's current scope is live listening and review, not synchronized remote performance or automatic replacement of recorded takes. Match the tool to the recording requirement.
When should I choose SESSION™ Playback instead?
Choose Playback for stereo client review. Choose Source-Connect when the job includes remote recording, synchronization or recovery of takes.
What does Source-Connect cost compared with SESSION™ Playback?
Source-Connect Standard / Talent is $35/month or $385/year; the Talent two-day license is $25. Studio, Facility and Buy-In terms differ. SESSION™ Playback costs $9.99 a month or $59 a year.