|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39 |
Hello. I'm John from the UK.
I have a simple question. When playing rendered files from a player, (like an MP3 player), to an on stage mixer for PA, when device do you favour, please?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,562
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,562 |
Hi John. Welcome.
I assume from your question you are not looking for advice on the MP3 player, nor powered or PA amps and speakers - you want to know what we use just for the mixer. Is that correct?
If it is, does it matter if your mixer has iPad connectivity? Mine does, and that’s very cool to be able to walk around as you adjust the mix (my sound man does that).
Or are you looking for something such as a personal monitor like you use when laying down tracks in a studio and you can adjust the monitor mix?
Or are you looking for affirmation of brands ex. Behringer, no; Mackie, yes. Etc.
Finally, are you playing along with BIAB tracks? Not essential to the answer but just to get an idea what you are doing.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39 |
Hello Matt!
Actually, I AM taking about the MP3 player!
I have mixer and powered speakers etc etc all sorted. This is because I do open mic nights and have done about 300 I suppose.
I write, sing, and play the guitar and 80% of what I do is original material.
Using band in a box to create some substantial backing tracks for my own music only occurred to me recently. I know that my wife has bought me the ultra pack 20 24 for Christmas, but of course I'm not allowed to actually use it for another week or so!!!
The only thing I really think that I lack is an MP3 type player. I did plan to at least try to start off by using my phone but since it's only has a USB c output and using that is shockingly awful, I'm looking for something a little bit more, shall we say, industrial.
I did wonder about using playback from a handheld Tascam or something of that nature, and I have also seen an MP3 player advertised on Amazon UK which seems to have a quarter inch line out, however I have no idea what they quality of that it actually is.
What do you think?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,562
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,562 |
Ok. Now we know what you need. I agree, don't use your phone.
I have an older Tascam portable that is great, and it has RCA outputs that I like.
I have a newer Zoom H4N Pro and I like everything about it better EXCEPT that the output is a 1/8" headphone jack. Boy, do I hate those. The contacts can break and they can get noisy such that if you jostle the cable when it's connected to a PA, it sounds like thunder. I'm OK with 1/4" outputs, either two mono or one TRS. They do not suffer the same problem.
Five tips you might consider:
1) I do not use MP3s. I use WAV files. My devices have far more room than I need, so why not use the best quality?
2) I add 20 seconds of silence to the end of each song. If I'm performing to a recording, I want to be able to acknowledge the audience before scrambling to turn off the player.
3) Make sure your player has Folders. You can put all the songs for a set or an evening in the same folder.
4) If you are playing with a recording and want to start playing together with it at the beginning, unless you have a click, then I add a brief bit of hiss before the song, one or two beats out depending on tempo. I hear it, but the audience does not, or doesn't recognize it for what it is.
5) Assume any sound person at the open mic is woefully unprepared so bring any adapter cables they could possibly need. They may have a snake, but if they don't, you are either looking at telling some sound person how to operate your player (don't do that) or you need a very long cable to reach back to their mixer so you have the player next to you.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,147
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,147 |
Matt has a good point about the mini jack output but most mp3 players do seem to use a headphone jack output. one thing i learnt was not to use an ipod. if you play a file, the machine plays ther next file automatically which is a pain when you are live. I think other mp3 players do the same unless you create a playlist for each separate song. but if you use a tablet and select the file you want to play and use a playback app it just plays that one file. i've retired my ipod and now use an android tablet with all my songs and then from a file explorer window click on the file i want and use the default music playing app.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,562
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,562 |
Yes, I use the term folder in the same sense you called it a playlist. And you are correct, sometimes I only put one song in that folder.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39 |
Matt and Bob.
Guys, I'm really grateful for your input! Brilliant.
Some of your points will go into my "remember this as essential good sense" list. Very handy!
Sorry about the long delay, but we're 8 hours apart, and I've had a quick kip.
So........ Anyone hve any ideas of an mp3/wav player with a proper output jack, please? (UK 06,26 a.m.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,503
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,503 |
Have you considered a laptop computer instead of an mp3 player.? I use one to gig with, I can go from song to song instantly if I want, decide what song to play at the very last second (no playlist needed), and have immediate controls over all the functions. If I'm doing a fast song, and had a slow song planned next, but change my mind because I think they want another fast one, two or three key presses sets the song up. When the current song ends, I hit Enter and the next one starts immediately. Full description of how I use it is here https://www.nortonmusic.com/backing_tracks.htmlIt may be more than you need, but it's worth checking out, anyway Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39 |
Notes:
Thank you!
I really want a small, pocketable device which suits my neuroses.
Why?? Because I have a "thing" called, "in an emergency, can I still complete the gig? "
This means I rely as little as possible on gear, especially anything heavy or awkward, (apart from PA, of course).
Sorry, I'm just eccentric, I think.
Great to "meet" you, and your site looks fascinating.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,147
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,147 |
of course, with a tablet you can have your phone as a backup - and use the same method to play the mp3s albeit ona much smaler and fiddly screen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,662
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,662 |
This means I rely as little as possible on gear, especially anything heavy or awkward, (apart from PA, of course).
Sorry, I'm just eccentric, I think. That's not eccentric, or if it is, there are a lot of eccentrics out here  Minimal complexity means minimal risk.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39 |
Hi Bob!
The screen size doent matter at the moment, as the device will only hold a setlist and nothing else, (which I'll write on my hand!!).
My biggest concerns are:
Portability
Reliability
Quality
Not necssarily in that order! :-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39 |
Gordon, Hi!!
Yes. Yes indeed!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 32
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 32 |
I use an iPad playing AVI files that include both scrolling chord sheet video and .WAV audio. Output from the iPad goes through a lightning cable into an audio interface, and the output from the audio interface goes into my Yamaha StagePas1K Mark II or to a JBL Eon One Compact for small rooms. I use the free VLC video player to organize and trigger everything. It's nice to be able to simply scroll and click with the fingers of one hand and to be able to glance at the scrolling chart if necessary.
The iPad is very light and thin and fits into a gig bag pocket designed especially for tablets. I'm very happy with this arrangement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,503
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,503 |
Notes:
<...snip...>
Why?? Because I have a "thing" called, "in an emergency, can I still complete the gig? "<...> I agree. The show must go on. I bring a spare computer, and it's up and running all the time. I use ThinkPads, because they are ultra reliable. Since 2002, when I started this, I had to go to the second computer twice. I simply moved the USB cable from one to the next, and the audience never knew I had a problem. Great to "meet" you, and your site looks fascinating. Nice to meet you, too. I hope you find what you need and it works out perfectly for you. Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 37
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 37 |
Hello John! if you have an iPad you can use a small adaptor that allows you to charge the iPad while sending audio out through the small 1/8" stereo headphone jack. The one that I have is "Model CAAB" purchased on Amazon I think. This is USB-c format but lightning versions should be available if that's your iPad's format.
In addition to above: FWIW ..... I agree with others here ..... I'm no BIAB expert but I have been a performing musician for a few decades & used MP3 backing tracks through several different PA systems extensively. I highly recommend against using MP3 format for backing tracks here's why: Imagine you have a cheep low resolution digital camera and you want to blow up your photos, the results are blurry and hard on the eyes of the viewer. if you are close to the picture you may not even be able to decipher the image at all. Now apply that concept to amplified audio files. The additional cost of the storage required for larger files is worth the results in terms of sound quality and listener experience.
Maybe the better quality backing tracks won't get you paid more and Mp3's will get the job done "well enough" but in my opinion: Being AWESOME is way more fun than being adequate.
MacBook Pro M3 Max Sonoma 14.1.2, BIAB Audiophile Edition 2023, Logic ProX 10.8.1, Focusrite 8PreX Interface.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39 |
Hello Banj
Thank you for taking time to comment.
I've never owned.,or even used, an Apple product, but I believe I understand what you are saying.
You'd suggest .WAV files, then? (If I've understood you correctly).
Sorry for the brief reply, but it's 5. 38 AM, and I'm getting ready for work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 37
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 37 |
HI John!
Yes I am saying use wav. files (Not Mp3) format especially if you are amplifying the backing tracks through a PA System.
MacBook Pro M3 Max Sonoma 14.1.2, BIAB Audiophile Edition 2023, Logic ProX 10.8.1, Focusrite 8PreX Interface.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 39 |
Thanks Banj.
D'y' know, I think I'm guilty of saying "Mp3 Player" when everyone else means "DAP"
I suppose it's just habit from years back.
Appologies to all for being imprecise all through my thread! (I've even managed to confuse myself).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,167
Posts801,497
Members40,061
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean