I've been playing live for years since BIAB was on floppy discs and I've always transferred to PT, creating and editing midi files which I played on a file player through a Roland sound module.

But now with BIAB 2018 I'm seeing whole lot of potential beyond midi. I can create wav or mp3 files no problem but for playing live does anyone have a recommendation? I can use an ipod or a personal cd player.

What I want is a clear display I can see tracks on so I can select the right one and move about to change the set list on the fly. I also want a method that will play one file/song and stop - not go on to the next.

What have other forum members found best?

I don't do much of this but when I do, I put .WAV files or .MP3 files on my SONY PCM-M10 portable player/recorder.

http://www.mike-warren.net/dfbhelp/


Regards,


Bob

I use backing tracks in my solo shows. I use iTunes on my laptop to run my mp3 and wav files. It's easy to organize your tracks into a play list. Just drag and drop songs to change thier order and use the space bar to start and pause songs. Been doing it this way for over 6 years now.

I use a Digitech looper pedal to play my BIAB created backing tracks at gigs. Once I've created and saved by BIAB file, I then transfer it over to my looper pedal using software that is available from Digitech. I store the files as "singles" and not "loops" on the pedal. This is great at gigs because I can move through my different songs using a foot pedal. I prefer this presentation as it seems a bit less obvious visually to an audience, rather than scrolling through songs on a MP3 player or a laptop computer.

Each song is numbered on my set list. I have a separate FS3X foot switch that allows me to quick scroll through the songs on the pedal. This makes it very easy to change the set list or play requests.

If you purchase extra memory cards you can increase the amount of storage space on most looper pedals. I currently have 80+ songs (saved as WAV files) on my pedal, and have only used a small percentage of my available storage space.

Yep.... put the files into a reliable format. You don't need things going wrong at gigs and always have backup and duplicate machines...mp3/wave players.... etc.... because with anything electronic, it's not "if" but "when" until something will go wrong.

I have been using .wav via a laptop using Windows media player. I use a Roland Tricapture as the audio card plug my guitar into the Tricapture then using TH2 balance my guitar to the mix. This way I can plug into others PA systems or my own with a minimum of fuss. It is easy to carry spare files.

Tony

Nothing much wrong with an iPad loaded with Onsong giving you sets, lyrics and Mp3 backing tracks.

I have mine on my phone in airplane mode. You could just play from BIAB using the jukebox as another option. Could be a little close to the edge for comfort though.:-)

American Audio SDJ-1 Dual SD/MP3 Player

Musician Friend states "The American DJ SDJ-1 is the perfect example of the power of two. With two MP3 players in one unit, two LCD displays, dual jogwheels, slots for two SD or SDHC cards (4GB max each slot) and all the same adjustable features/functions for each individual MP3 player....."

Using SD cards for your music means (that) just a few SD cards ... you're good to go. Other features include auto cue, folder search, auto BPM, ID3 tags, single/continuous play, unlimited skip protection and more. The SDJ-1 MP3 Player comes with two mono 1/8" control cables, two sets of stereo RCA cable, and a switching adapter."

This particular unit is no longer available but I used it for reference because I own one. It's a rock solid unit made to withstand live gigging and to have all the features one would need to play live gigs.

Simple, redundant, rack mountable, a display you can read, and large buttons. They also have true line outs to connect with your gear and no moving parts.

Behringer Mixer with MP3 Player

Is a reasonable cost alternative for less than $100.

I use an app called One Track: One Track website

Create track lists that are independent of iTunes, one at a time or continuous playback for breaks, etc. This does everything I need for live performance except display charts; for that I use iGigbook.

I highly recommend the app. Sean does a good job.

I use a never-been-activated Android phone, $65 from Walmart, with the free version of Rocket Player Ap. I installed a 32 gig SD card. My backing tracks are MP3 files. I rename the files with numbers in front of the song name to create set lists.
Example
1-JustAnotherDayInParadise
2-BoatOnARiver
3-SweetViolets

This way they show up numerically in the order I intend.
I have another set list in alphabetical order so I can find a song quickly that way when needed.

I have a passive stereo volume pedal on the floor between the phone and the PA so I can fix any goofs quickly in case I start a song and realize I forgot to put my capo on.

volume pedal is a smart idea. I might do that.

The right cables is the trick to it though.

Here are some Hosa Cable options

3.5mm to 2 1/4" TS
Model Length MSRP
CMP-153 3 ft $8.60
CMP-159 10 ft $12.30
HMP-003Y 3 ft $16.65
HMP-006Y 6 ft $18.00
HMP-010Y 10 ft $19.95


Then a 2 pair of 1/4 TS - 1/4 TS
I use a Keyboard cable that essentially is 2 1/4"TS to 2 1/4"TS. But, I've also put a pair of instrument cables together and zip tied them every 10 inches or so. If you do it that way you can use 2 different colors to designate left and right if that matters to you.
Also check the pedals impedance before you buy it. I know this matters but I don't remember what is correct/best.
The volume pedal also gives me the ability to lower the volume on tracks that are too loud. After a while I start to take note and redo (normalize) those tracks on the computer.

I suppose I could use a single cable and let the 3.5mm TRS end of the cable sum it into a single mono 1/4" TS. But, I just don't like the idea of combining a left and the right amp output together via a cable.
Or, if your PA/Amp has 1/8" input just use 2 of the 3.5mm to 2 1/4" TS cables. One into and the other out of the pedal.

Thanks. I need to try it. I have a zillion cables lying around and a BOSS volume pedal from memory. My setup is super simple at the moment as I play in a wine bar where people want to talk and have a bit of background music.

About the volume pedal, when I used one, it was a stereo pedal. Of course this depends on what you use as a PA.

I use an iPod touch and input all my songs into a setlist. I like doing it this way because I don't have to worry about my computer failing on me or having it break causing me to not be able to ever create backing tracks again. What I do is load the songs onto my iPod, plug it into my JBL Eon One Pro, mic up my steel drum, open the setlist folder with all the sheet music that I have imported onto the fourscore app on my iPad Pro and play away. If BIAB for Mac had the ability to allow the jukebox to create playlists then I would probably use my MacBook Pro. As of now, I'm happy with my current set up. I also use the Airturn pedal to turn the pages on my iPad.

On the last comment do you know with forScore on your iPad you can put backings onto your iPad and then associate the relevant mp3 or wave files with the sheet music versions. Once that is done you can play the backing track direct from your forScore sheet music and then you would no longer need your iPod touch. You can even tell forScore where page turns are (if you have a multi page scores) and then it will automatically do the page turns for you. Works brilliantly. ForScore is such a great app.

Lots of useful suggestions but I still can't work out how to play one song at a time. All the IPODs seem to play a song then go on to the next one. I just want one song at a time then choose te next one. I can create a play list but it does seem time consuming to create playlists with just one song. But that might be the only way to go.

http://www.mike-warren.net/dfbhelp/



This is a small free program, that supports wav files (and MP3's), has lyrics and set lists, etc. You can jump to any song, whether in a set list or not.

I've used it for years and it works.


Regards,

Bob

thanks 90db but that looks like a program I'd have to install on a laptop. I'm looking for an ipod type player solution and so far the 'one song playlist' seems to be the only solution

I use a laptop, because I need the security of it. Also, it's good to have the lyrics at my age!



Regards,


Bob

Hi Bob,

If you don't mind spending a few extra bucks, a CD/media player made for DJs (aka a CDJ) only plays one track at a time, and most newer models can read songs from a USB stick or SD card.

These things'll have a lot of features you don't need, but they're built like tanks and very dependable. You can usually find used ones on Craigslist or eBay for a decent price.

You could also use a DJ app on an iOS device, rather than the default music app. That'll do one song at a time as well.

Cheers
Kent
PG Music

thanks Kent will look on ebay in the UK