Solo/Duo players need advice

My wife and I have a duo where we play mp3 backing tracks and sing/play along.
I'm using an android tablet with my mp3 files on it to play my backing tra CV is through our small pa system

What I'd like to do is find a way to advance through the set list (mp3s) track one, track 2, track 3 etc... with a foot switch instead of tapping on the screen.

I'm not talking about pdf files of the sheet music I'm talking about the actual mp3 files so as to play one song after another. I would have the mp3s arranged in the app in order of my set list.

Anybody doing this? What gear are you using? Android apps, pedal etc...

You need to connect with Bob Notes Norton, who basically does this very thing. Not with a footswitch. But, he has a great method for performing with tracks in his Duo. Norton Music , there are some links there to how he creates his tracks and he has posted in these forums a few times talking about how he performs.

Maybe he'll see this and chime in with some advice.
Just ordered a foot switch.
We'll see how it works out.
I switch between 3 different instruments during our show so any time saving device between songs will come in handy.

Creating tracks isn't the issue.

I've been in a duo since 1985, and until COVID, we were never out of work. In fact, we had to block out vacation weeks a year ahead of time, or we wouldn't get one.

I've gone through a few different ways to do this through the years, until I found the best one for us.

We don't do set lists. I watch the audience and call the tunes as I think they need. I try to give them the best experience.

For example, if they are dancing and look like they need another, I'll start another immediately (with my crowd 4 seconds is too slow). If they look like they are tiring, I can call a slow song. Or whatever.

If I need to, I can switch from one song to the next immediately, without missing a beat.

Here is both how I create tracks and how I use them on stage.

http://www.nortonmusic.com/backing_tracks.html

You can skip the "how I make them" part and scroll to the "how I use them on stage" part.

Insights and incites by Notes

I do exactly what you are describing.

Anytune Pro for setlist management/playback
Irig Blueboard Bluetooth pedal for controlling start/stop, next/previous, loop section in song.


Anytune runs on IOS Android and Mac OS.
Its the best piece of code for performing with tracks I've come across yet.

You can use a boss rc 3 pedal and with a switch pedal select the song. Does not support mp3 but 3 hours of wav stereo yes.Read the short manual if you are interested, explains it there.

This is a question for Notes (I purchased BIAB from you many moons ago).

I recently switched from playing my BIAB backing tracks from a looper pedal to an android tablet. I'm using the headphone jack directly into my Boze L1 compact. It has an 1/8 inch stereo input which is a balanced analog input designed for connecting audio sources such as portable mp3 players,laptop computers, etc.

Could I improve my sound quality with a USB Audio Interface, and if so is there a current one you might recommend?

Thanks!!!

Does the Android tablet have a USB port? This little guy is playback only, but it's got two balanced outputs and can be run in Mono or Stereo.


https://www.amazon.com/Peavey-3001370-USB-Audio-Interface/dp/B004A4PSEU


Much mo betta than a 1/8" plug.


Regards,

Bob

Yes it does. Thanks 90 db!

However, I told by a sales rep from a popular on-line music dealer that any sort of interface would not improve my sound quality. He said I would have to enhance the actual audio file. Right now I'm using WAV files.

???

If you're not actually recording, but just playing back, the Peavey box works a treat. As for "improving" your sound quality - are you happy with the sound of your WAVS now?


Regards,

Bob

I am happy with their sound. But I'm always looking to improve sound quality if the Peavey will do that?

Thanks.

That would depend on whether the Android HP output is balanced. I seriously doubt it.

If it's not, the answer would be yes.


Regards,

Bob

I never use the headphone jack and always use a USB to Audio interface.

Why?

1) A non-static connection
2) Better sound - the USB-Audio has better highs and lows to our ears.

And I'm using a no-frills USB to Audio Edriol that I bought years ago. No knobs, no sliders, just a basic connection with a light to let me know if there is signal.

That means there is less to go wrong on the gig. Plus, I bring a spare -- just in case.

Notes

NEVER the headphone jack.

What about going from the tablet to a portable mixer to the Boze?

Thanks.

https://www.amazon.com/Peavey-3001370-USB-Audio-Interface/dp/B004A4PSEU

It’s hard to believe I’m saying this, but I agree with Eddie.

Never use the headphone jack.

I don't want to get all technical on you experts.... But my live show (if I dare call my modest 1 man band effort a show) between 1998 and 2002 were all done with tracks and BIAB played from my laptop headphone jack to my PA - and the sound was fine. As good as my Desktop sound output via my DAW and audio device. So you can't say it can't be done. Heck some folks still believe that Albums sound better than CDs.

If not the headphone jack, then what would you recommend Matt?

Originally Posted By: MusicStudent

I don't want to get all technical on you experts.... But my live show (if I dare call my modest 1 man band effort a show) between 1998 and 2002 were all done with tracks and BIAB played from my laptop headphone jack to my PA - and the sound was fine. As good as my Desktop sound output via my DAW and audio device. So you can't say it can't be done. Heck some folks still believe that Albums sound better than CDs.

I may not be an "expert", but I do have a few years' experience using every setup that's ever been devised for live audio, and I've used the Peavey unit for about ten years. That's why I recommended it.

I would rather have two balanced XLRs into my mixer than a wobbly output from a 1/8 inch mini-plug.

"Heck some folks still believe that Albums sound better than CDs."

Seriously?


Regards,


Bob

I use a Presonus C24 audio interface on my laptop. But I also use it to plug in a guitar. That way I can balance the guitar with the backing files in the laptop before I go into the PA. The sound out of the laptop uses only one channel.

I use TH-U (amp sim) as my amp and a Behringer FCB1010 midi foot controller for control of various “stomp boxes”, guitar volume and auto wah speed in TH-U.

Lately I’ve also been using a Helicon Harmony Singer 2 to do some harmonies. This enables me to do some nice stuff and covers my voice a bit.

All simply plugs into a PA where I add vocals and up the volume.

Tony

I'm not Matt, I don't play Matt on TV but my recommendation is a USB to Audio interface.

Better fidelity, and no static if you accidently touch the cable.

Notes

Thanks for everyone's advise.

So what I'm going to try (once I get the proper cables) is USB out from my tablet into the 1/4 inch input on my Focusrite Scarlett Solo, and then RCA cables out from the Focusrite into the Boze.

+1.
Why even run a wire?

I'm getting to the point where I use bluetooth more and more and skip the cables entirely for my tracks playing.
I either use a tablet or a phone. Both are IOS and run the same software.

I would never buy another powered speaker that did not have bluetooth built in.

Before Bluetooth I ran a cable out from the headphone jack to an xlr input.
I have experienced zero, none, not one problem running a cable from the headphone jack to my speaker. No hum, no problems.

I can pack in and out in 1 trip. Guitar, Powered Speaker, small shoulder bag.
Plenty loud and it sounds good.

Don't knock it till you've tried it. Your experience of a year or two (or 10) ago may be irrelevant today. Things do change. Look at midi.

"I can pack in and out in 1 trip. Guitar, Powered Speaker, small shoulder bag.
Plenty loud and it sounds good."


More power to you.

'Loud' is a very subjective term. Now, this rig is loud, and sounds fantastic.






Regards,

Bob

That rig has me beat in spades! If I knew we were talking about this size setup I never would not have mentioned the headphones jack.

I think it is time for one of those threads were we upload pictures of our live stage gear. Nice pic

This was suggested to me as a possible connection between the tablet and the Boze:

https://www.amazon.com/Astell-Kern-USB-C-Dual-cable/dp/B091D49VV9

Boy this thread sure got off topic in a hurry.
Anyway apparently what I'm wanting to do can't be done.

Sorry about that. There are indeed a number of programs that allow you to create a set and step through them. I use Songbook but I don’t have a foot switch to step though. I once did a few numbers with a chap that did have his program hooked up via a footswitch. OnSong is something that might do what you want. Look on the WEB there are several tools out ther.

Look at something like https://youtu.be/EkqAxepgrQY as a starting point

Just a thought

Tony

Ok one more time.
I want to play my mp3 backing tracks in set list order on my android tablet using a foot switch. NOT read pdf sheet music.

I bought the airturn bt200s foot switch as recommended by sweetwater.
It doesn't seem to work with my music app(VLC).

Most of the apps recommended by airturn on their WEB page are for organizing and reading pdf sheet music. The two that they recommend for playing backing tracks, one is a non working link. The other is not a downloadable app. You have to be connected to the internet. I tried the free tral and it won't let me upload a file larger than 4MB . Most of mine are 6 or 7MB. I really dont want to rely on someone's wifi to be able to perform.

With all the fancy things electronic gizmos can do today you'd think this would be a no brainers. Guess not.

cb56,

You may want to talk to your Sweetwater representative about returning the footswitch. I visited the Airturn website and looked at the compatibility list. All the apps listed are for Apple products such as an iPad.

There is a list for android apps also. But most of them are pdf page Turner type things

CB

I believe I provided you a real solution previously on this thread
Anytune Pro and Irig Blueboard
Total investment $100

Yes, you will have to give up your general purpose audio player and use something that specifically addresses creating set lists, playing those set lists and using a foot pedal to start, stop etc.

In fact, everything you've asked for ..... one more time

Your choice..... Be free.

I think my mileage must vary as I have been using headphone jack since day one 2004 without a single issue. Both for my Bose LII and also my larger Peavy Mixers. I tested with the usb connections and heard no discernable difference in my sound.

Now even saying this I can see way a usb connection would seem like a more stable connection, I am just saying I have has no issues using the 1/8 jack from computer directly to the mixers.

Take Care,