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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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I eventually need to use my BIAB songs as live backing tracks. Any advice on format and sound reinforcement?

Should I just simply save the songs and bring my laptop to the gig and scroll my files as the night goes on?

It would be great if BIAB could create set lists and automatically play the tracks in order? Also, should I use the headphone jack out to my PA?

Anyone out there have advice for me?

Thanks!

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There are occasional threads on this subject so I won't go into detail, but I highly recommend not using the laptop's headphone jack. These things get loose and are almost always noisy. There's nothing worse than gunshot-like noises coming from the PA. Instead, find a USB audio interface. I've seen them for well under $50.

I'm not an expert on performing live with BIAB, but when I do I use a portable player with .WAV files.


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You can save the songs as Video if you need the chord sheet, then just play them from a media player playlist.
You can also use a little hardware LCD media player with the Video songs on a usb stick.
Some media players have RCA L/R out to the PA, but if you just want to use the laptop you can use the headphone out as long as it's a good socket you should be okay.
If you look on eBay you can get a usb foot switch that can be programmed to any key for pause/play/next/previous songs or for use with the Conductor feature in band in a box realband.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-3-Triple-Action-Foot-Switch-Pedal-Control-Keyboard-/320927559891?hash=item4ab8c5f0d3:g:vc4AAOxybetSBb--


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Ironically, today I was wondering around the computer stores in Hong Kong looking for just one of these USB foot pedals. That one looks pretty impressive.

As for the Jukebox. It works just fine if you use favourites. It's been a few weeks since I used BIAB live but it worked really well. There is a thread on it from about 3 or 4 months back.

Just loaded up BIAB 2016 and these are the steps.

File/open special/file favourites. Save and load your sets from here as lists. Then click on the jukebox button and use the jukebox. You can also start the jukebox from any song. So you can pause in the favourites and then re start it. It's fine once you get used to it. I found the trickiest thing was where to put the laptop, so I could access it easily. Also you need a little light to see what your doing if you have sheet music and failing eyesight! (lol).


Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
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I play live with BIAB regularly, in fact 5 times next week. My process is this-
I bring a MacBook to the job.
I use the jukebox to load and play my set lists.
To start with all of my arranged song files are in one folder.
I make a copy of that folder so that I am not working with the original files on the performance.
In the copied folder I assign a number to the songs that are to be used and the jukebox will play them in order. 01, 02, 03 etc.
I prefer to have the jukebox set up so that the space bar starts each song.
Matt has a valid point and I do have a usb output device however in over 4 years of using the earphone jack I have never had a problem.
I use program on the MacBook called Boom which is an EQ for all the output of the computer. Depending on the size of the venue, my sound systems include a full PA and 2 other powered speakers, 12" and 8". The Boom allows me to save a preset EQ for each of the sound systems.
I hope this helps.

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.I got rid of everything I used to carry around with me and now use a TC-Helicon Voice Live 3 Extreme

Last edited by dga; 05/25/16 09:03 PM.

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I probably should have done that as well, but having the voicelive 2 and the nova and a looper (unused), I just couldn't bring my self to buy it...

Funnily enough, I was listening to some songs played with just acoustic guitar and no effects on voice and to recordings with BIAB backing tracks with Voicelive 2 on the vocals and I so much preferred the sound of my vocals through the Voicelive 2. I used to hate the Voicelive 2 in the early days, but it really is great on recordings once you understand how it works. Harmony is kind of nice too:-)


Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
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Yes Its hard to invest in a VL3ext if you already have a VL2 and another looper. Thankfully I had not invested in either. If you do the math the VL3ext gives you a lot of bang for the buck. Digitech, Zoom, and others don't pack as much into their products and you have to buy 2 expensive boxes. A 3 channel A B C looper and a vocal tool for doubling and harmony, then for playing tracks you need to carry a computer or mp3 player and a 4 channel mixer. The trouble with 2 or 3 units is the routing. Looper into the vocal effect, back into the looper, to the mixer dry looping, to the mixer vocal effect on/off, da da da da da da. Its confusing, even with an A-B-Y box or two.

If you haven't used a TC vocal effect unit you don't know what you are missing as a single musician. I'm addicted to mine. I've compared others and TC is top notch.


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Stop!!!!!! Or I'll buy one regardless. I guess you use the stereo out from the vocals and guitar straight into the PA. I bet it sounds great.

Last edited by lambada; 05/26/16 04:39 PM.

Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Originally Posted By: lambada
Stop!!!!!! Or I'll buy one regardless. I guess you use the stereo out from the vocals and guitar straight into the PA. I bet it sounds great.


I'll stop. I have 2 Mackie DLM12s and I plug one of the stereo outputs into each one, I don't use a board. VL3ext has a mixer setting for each of the 500 programmable patches. You balance the Backing tack volume to the guitar and vocal setting. The Headphone Out with separate internal mixer can drive an in ear monitor or regular stage monitors, USB Stick Records .wav out for live recording, no need to have it hooked up to a computer. Its over now lambada go get u one:)

Last edited by dga; 05/28/16 07:29 AM.

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