I use BIAB tunes live all the time. The key to making it reliable is to get the songs off the computer. Similar to what Bob says above. I go from BIAB midi to GarageBand (dang mac user) to smooth things out, adjust instruments and remove or adjust any stray notes. From there to an mp3. I load each of my songs as an individual playlist so it stops after each song. Songwriters always have a word or two to say between songs anyway. So I chat while punching up the next song. This also allows for adjusting the set on the fly as the audience mood changes. If cover songs are planned for then perhaps 2 or 3 will be lumped together in a playlist and performed back to back.

I spend a lot of time balancing the mp3 playlist to play at the desired level for each song. This requires a bit of back and forth between the computer and mp3 player and guitar/amp. I feel it's worth it because I don't want to mess with guitar or mp3 volume on stage unless live conditions demand it. Usually once the mic is balanced with my setup it's up to the sound person to adjust overall volume anyhow. Everything coming from me is leveled. I have not had good results with any auto-level programs.

I don't like fussing with gear on stage. The audience doesn't like it either because its boring. In singer/songwriter venues, where there are many changes per night, you can see people using the break between artists to make their getaway. On my way up, I hand the guitar cable to the sound person and I am on that mic complimenting the previous performer and getting the audience attention right away.

Red faced advice: Always have backups of everything or unplugged versions ready in case technology leaves you high and dry.
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Dave G
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