We have an opportunity to do some small, private venue, social event gigs. These venues have no PA or mixing boards so we need to be entirely self-contained. Our first is scheduled in April and I’m seeking ideas to play our backing tracks should our primary approach suffer technical failures at a gig. Right now, we have a keyboard player and myself on bass guitar but that could expand to include a percussionist, an acoustic guitar player and vocalists in the future.
Our PA system consists of a single QSC floor monitor. To various degrees we will have backing tracks that we will play along with. Our keyboard, a mic and the backing tracks will be inputs to my Tascam interface and will be output to the floor monitor. This is not that different from my home studio setup. The backup for the Tascam is a portable 6-channel Peavy mixer. And I’ll play my bass thru a 40W bass amp.
At this time our primary way of playing the backing tracks is to connect a Win 11 laptop to the Tascam (or Peavy mixer) via USB and the tracks will be played by my DAW (Fender Studio Pro). The bass players on these tracks will always be stem-removed. An added benefit of FSP is that it can display the chords as we play thru the songs.
I’m looking for a secondary method to play the backing tracks should my laptop fail at a gig. I’m thinking that I could load the playlist of songs (WAV or M4A files) on a portable digital audio player (DAP) with a 3.5 or 4.4mm output and with appropriate cabling, connect it to the Tascam (or Peavy). If this ends up as our backup audio player, I’d need to bring chord sheets in a 3-ring binder and a music stand, which is not a big deal.
To those with gig experience, am I thinking along the right path or is there a better approach than a DAP? If a DAP is the way to go, there are a ton out there. Any suggestions which one?
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
I find that a tablet using mp3s and a simple music player app does fine. the small jack is a little vulnerable but so far has survived. i did use an ipod but that plays mp3s one after the other so a tablet with a music app that plays one song at a time by clicking the file is better.
I find that a tablet using mp3s and a simple music player app does fine. the small jack is a little vulnerable but so far has survived. i did use an ipod but that plays mp3s one after the other so a tablet with a music app that plays one song at a time by clicking the file is better.
Thanks Bob, I too am a little concerned about small jacks which is why I'm leaning towards the 4.4mm. And very good point regarding automatic vs singular playback. We definitely need singular to give us time to configure the keyboard and chat with the audience.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
In my experience, be careful with 3.5 or 4mm cables of any useful length. A cheap one may add unintended noise
Also, if doing that, I'd probably lean toward the Tascam vs Peavey, but that's just me. YMMV
You also make a good point. I should pay attention to cable quality. And I agree with favoring the Tascam, that interface is built like a brick, very little plastic. The Peavey is also solid but will be the backup.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
Many of you who have been here for decades know Mini-jacks in PA equipment are a pet peeve of mine. Not only is the impedance wrong as Bob said, but the gain is a constant challenge. Then if anything jostles the connection, it sounds like a thunderstorm. Just the thing at a wedding or church service etc.
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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Not suggesting this model, just saying there are quite a few options that include better connections.
Rharv, I’m not sure you understand the need as explained at the top. The ZD3 does not store and play audio files. I’m looking for a media player that serves as a backup/replacement to my laptop and DAW combo. Therefore, in addition to storing and playing audio files it must have a reliable output to feed a digital interface, the ZD3 can't do this.
One possible option is the Hiby R4 but much more research on my part is required to find a solution that meets the need.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
OK then never mind, sorry If the computer uses USB to mixer all you need is a DAP that sends USB .. so where did this 3.5 or 4mm requirement come from?
Steve, A old style battery operated media player can do exactly what your asking for and you may already have one onhand sitting in a junk drawer. I'm thinking of something like a Microsoft Zune, Apple iPod or a generic MP3 player. Every media player I've seen can playback MP3, WAV and MP4a and other audio formats. Almost all also can playback a playlist of audio files.
Plug a cord into the media player headphone jack and never unplug it so you don't have to worry about the jack wearing out.
Make sure you install a fresh battery before every gig. 😁
You guys are working way too hard. Keep it simple. It works better. Last century an amazing technology was invented to help you solve the 3.5mm cable problem. Bluetooth.
I've used bluetooth to connect my tracks (I use high quality BIAB/DAW created mp3 tracks) for about a decade now. A decade. 10 years. I've had about zero problems mentioned by those on this forum. There is no loss of quality or latency issues.
I do agree that 3.5 mm jacks are a risk. Much worse than bluetooth. So I no longer use 3.5mm jacks. I don't use cables for my tracks at all. The worst risk you have with bluetooth is forgetting to silence your phone before you start playing. That happened once. I got a phone call in the middle of a song over the pa. Everybody cracked up.
With Bluetooth The sound quality is EXCELLENT. Ive played in small rooms and large outside community parks. Musicians often catch me between sets to learn how I make my tracks.
The sound reinforcement systems I've used QSC 10.2 Turbosound IP300 Bose S1 Pro Electro Voice EV 50 Line Array Electro Voice EV 30M Line Array. Electro Voice EV Everse 10
Sometimes I use a mixer. My current mixer (Mackie ProFx10) has bluetooth built in. Often I do not use a mixer (live guitar and tracks gigs for example). For the QSC without a mixer I use an xlr bluetooth receiver. https://a.co/d/04ejNFsT
I would not think of dragging a PC/MAC to a gig. Or some silly specialized audio player. For playing the tracks I use IOS devices using Anytune Pro https://www.anytune.app/ This software runs on IOS and/or Android. I believe Mac OS also Normally I use an IPAD on stage. My phone serves as the backup at the gigs. I've had to switch to the phone exactly once over hundreds of gigs.
Synching setlists and what not between devices is simple.
Its so much easier than dragging a lappie to a gig. I create setlists. at home, synch devices (ipad & phone) before the gig & off I go. At the gig I bring up the set list, use a wireless bluetooth pedal to start/stop, next/previous, loop on/off through the setlist. I've been at it for a decade now. I just don't see a better way for gigging with tracks.. But I do keep looking
The OP mentioned seeing the chord changes on the screen. I'm not sure how/if Anytune can do this. Possibly it can. I just don't need a feature liket that.
I do believe if you examine for a few minutes the other things AnytunePro can do for you, you will be pleasantly surprised.
And ditch the cables. Bluetooth.
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build Mac OS (Latest) Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram Logic Pro (latest or pretty close) Blue and White Sea Star
I agree. All I said was, don’t use cables with mini-jacks.
What I use in small concerts is a silly specialized Tascam audio player with Bluetooth built in. And if it’s a big band or orchestra concert, an iPad running ForScore and a Bluetooth foot pedal for page turns. My iPad case is magnetic so it snaps to my music stand.
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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Matt, We are in agreement. I've had a lot more problems with mini jacks over the years than Bluetooth.
Moving off the PC/MAC platform to IOS (could be android) for performing with tracks was a game changer for me. A whole variety of software exists that complements most workflows. For me it is Anytune Pro and a BlueBoard Bluetooth Midi Pedal. Plenty of other options out there.
If one's studio output is high quality mp3, aiff, wav (etc) there's better stuff for your phone than your PC/MAC. At least for gigging.
Way back when I carried a PC to a gig and played BIAB projects for backing tracks. USB DAC, adapter cables etc. All that stuff. That now seems stone age to me.
Finally, at times it can all seem a bit silly. For that I offer:.
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build Mac OS (Latest) Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram Logic Pro (latest or pretty close) Blue and White Sea Star
Regarding avoiding mini-jacks, I thought to look to see whether any modest-cost mixers have built-in layers and some do.
I wondered if there was a market for a player with jack and/or XLR outputs. Probably not if low-cost mixers would suffice.
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 .
Steve, why not get another laptop as a backup? It doesn't need to be an expensive one, just one to run as a backup. I believe that is what Notes does.
Hey Mario, another laptop could be an option for a backup but the volume of gear is starting to add up. I'm looking for a small footprint device like a DAP. But if I use a USB cable to carry the audio data to my Tascam I need to ensure that the DAP will be simultaneously charged (by USB) while it's playing music; otherwise I've introduced another failure mode . . . a dead battery.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
I’ve been gigging with an iPad for many years now. Many music players take too long to search and load. TwistedWave did not. Touch the song file, it’s loaded and ready to play. I could use Bluetooth but my portable PA systems both have a USB-A port. A USB-A to USB-C cable gets the job done.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
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Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
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Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
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MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
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