Live Performance Ideas?

Map · #1 (**permalink**) 21st October 2008 , 09:28 PM

I wasn't really sure where to post this thread, but considered the "Live Sound" aspect to be most suitable.

Anyway, I need some ideas on methods for delivering a backing track for live performance: We used to use a 4-track, tape, porta-studio, but the linear nature of the tape made it difficult if anything went wrong in the set.

I have a laptop with both Cubase & Logic installed, as well as a couple of USB audio devices, but I'm not sure how easy it would be to operate on stage (i.e. stopping/selecting/starting songs).

Are there any (reasonably cheap) digital multi-tracks that would do the job?

Basically, I need, at least, 4 outputs & some method to start/stop the playback, on stage.

I'm pretty sure I'm not in the only band that needs to use backing tracks, so what do others use?

trbguy · #2 (**permalink**) 21st October 2008 , 10:02 PM

Well, I've been doing quite similar thing using Alesis fusion 6hd's sequencer. I have sequenced all the tracks with logic, but logic especially with exs24 is really buggy. So I just transfered files made with Logic in SMF format in to Fusion. I myself have been thinking of getting either Ableton Live or some hardware Vsti player in order to get better sounds. You can control almost any sequencer with a midi controller. Fusion has 2 main outputs and 2 aux outs. That is really the minimum if you want to use click track. Others here may help you on using cubase and logic live, that's one thing I haven't been brave enough to try. Also look for Ableton Live. I don't know how well it works with either Cubase or Logic if you use audio tracks.

Khazul · #3 (**permalink**) 22nd October 2008 , 12:25 AM

+1 for Ableton Live - its designed for live use - clip triggering etc.

While it is used for live (re)mixing dance music mainly, there are also alot of people who use for managing backing tracks etc.

For outputs, then thats down to whatever audio interface you use.

mutilatedlip · #4 (**permalink**) 24th October 2008 , 10:37 AM

I stick with my trusty Akai MPC and Akai Z4 for all samples and backing when playing live.

The former triggering the latter, as well as a keyboard set up to the sampler.

Never once hath it let me down

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#1 (permalink) 21st October 2008 , 09:28 PM
Map Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1	Live Performance Ideas? I wasn't really sure where to post this thread, but considered the "Live Sound" aspect to be most suitable. Anyway, I need some ideas on methods for delivering a backing track for live performance: We used to use a 4-track, tape, porta-studio, but the linear nature of the tape made it difficult if anything went wrong in the set. I have a laptop with both Cubase & Logic installed, as well as a couple of USB audio devices, but I'm not sure how easy it would be to operate on stage (i.e. stopping/selecting/starting songs). Are there any (reasonably cheap) digital multi-tracks that would do the job? Basically, I need, at least, 4 outputs & some method to start/stop the playback, on stage. I'm pretty sure I'm not in the only band that needs to use backing tracks, so what do others use?
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#2 (permalink) 21st October 2008 , 10:02 PM
trbguy Chilled to the 'bone Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Finland Posts: 412	Well, I've been doing quite similar thing using Alesis fusion 6hd's sequencer. I have sequenced all the tracks with logic, but logic especially with exs24 is really buggy. So I just transfered files made with Logic in SMF format in to Fusion. I myself have been thinking of getting either Ableton Live or some hardware Vsti player in order to get better sounds. You can control almost any sequencer with a midi controller. Fusion has 2 main outputs and 2 aux outs. That is really the minimum if you want to use click track. Others here may help you on using cubase and logic live, that's one thing I haven't been brave enough to try. Also look for Ableton Live. I don't know how well it works with either Cubase or Logic if you use audio tracks.
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#3 (permalink) 22nd October 2008 , 12:25 AM
Khazul Furry Filter Phreak Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Reading, UK Posts: 915	+1 for Ableton Live - its designed for live use - clip triggering etc. While it is used for live (re)mixing dance music mainly, there are also alot of people who use for managing backing tracks etc. For outputs, then thats down to whatever audio interface you use.
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#4 (permalink) 24th October 2008 , 10:37 AM
mutilatedlip Pushing the Envelope Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 555	I stick with my trusty Akai MPC and Akai Z4 for all samples and backing when playing live. The former triggering the latter, as well as a keyboard set up to the sampler. Never once hath it let me down
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