Laptops and backing tracks.

[doofie84]

My music project Spawn of Psychosis has always used a drum machine and people in the local scene are really wanting to see me live. I can get gutarist easy, but my plan is to use a laptop playing the drum tracks and incorporate some interludes and other bits and pieces to keep it interesting.

Id like advice on how to achieve a decent sound with this set up, I already know that i need a good laptop and a sound interface, like my toneport, but im wondering about the contecting to pas etc, latency and making it sound good over vocals.

I would assume my set up is nothing new, so any advice on this matter would be most appreciated as Im chopping at the bit to get out there and play some gigs.

Many thanks

[m_luhtala]

I guess you'll need controller of some sort (mixer / pad kontroller / midi keyb... ) and maybe Ableton Live would be right call to trigger your loops / pads / synths what you wanna play in live situation... OR freeware SHORTCIRCUIT VSTi sampler would be right choice first to hone your skills... (http://www.vemberaudio.se)

Latency is not a problem with decent laptop and I guess toneport is good enough for live situation.

One thing what you should think about is the sound crackles etc. when putting something out to main pa. mixer from your laptop. Problem is usually the laptops powersupply/adapter. So you will need at least one (recommeded two) DI. boxes with groundlift and the problem will be solved.

One of the main thing about playing live is that EVERYTHING will work without sudden problems --- leave room for your laptops performance don't test how much it will take in live situation. Live set up / gig should be really well rehearsed and it would be really good if you could play the show with feeling... you now... playing some parts longer than in recorded version, jamming with some nice loop in background and stuff like that. That is the way how you will get your audience feel better your live performance.

This is an example of our bands live rig (synth player plays drum hits / short loops with this) :

- HERMAN HOST (freeware VST host)
- SHORTCIRCUIT (freeware VSTi)
- Korg padKontrol
- Asio 4 All (no additional soundcard or Asio device needed)

Works without problems...

Hope this helps a bit.

[ecc83]

In addition to all the other information that you have got and will get, can I add;

Buy a transformer isolator so that the audio from the laptop is ground free. This could save you many a problem with PA interfacing at various venues. Check out the Art Cleanbox.

Dave.

[doofie84]

Thanks for all the info, and as for making such a live performence more interesting I was looking into adding some interludes and other things to try and make it all abit more organic.

Thanks again.

Chris D