[LAU] Live performance gear ideas?

[Karen Lewellen]

Hi folks,
I almost put Linux in the subject line, holding off because there may be
non-computer suggestions as well.
When I do a gig I much prefer live musicians.
However, once in a while I am in a setting where backing tracks prove most
productive.
What i find recently though is that trusting the playback abilities of a
location may be unwise indeed.
So...the question.
Ideas on simple as in compact tools, stand alone units, computerized or
not, that give me the means of performance playback. Include ideas for
amplification so sound carries too.
Using a built in laptop speaker does not cut it if that makes sense
smiles.
I am in Canada with u. s. access.
Thanks,
Kare

[Paul Davis]

Post by Karen Lewellen
Ideas on simple as in compact tools, stand alone units, computerized or
not, that give me the means of performance playback.

define performance playback. cue-able ? pausable ? triggerable ? synced to
some other time source?

number of channels?

Include ideas for amplification so sound carries too.
an amplifier or active speakers normally does the trick :)

[Karen Lewellen]

Hi there,
Answers in context.

Post by Paul Davis
define performance playback. cue-able ? pausable ? triggerable ? synced to
some other time source?

Good question here and in the prior e-mail..from another person in Canada!
Will answer as best I can, even though I cannot fully picture how some of
what you reference here might work.
The tracks I use are professional backing tracks. At the most basic I
would burn things to a cd in order, so pausable makes sense. However the
ability to say line up the tracks, cue able?, and pause is another
possibility, depends on how you physically define those terms I suppose.

Post by Paul Davis
number of channels?

Forgive me if this sounds odd, but I am thinking stereo playback, not a
board where I would say add instruments, plug in a keyboard etc...unless
that is the only way to add the below.

Post by Paul Davis
an amplifier or active speakers normally does the trick :)

Well yes, but as separate speakers? meaning this is now not compact but
a portable studio? or is there a unit that might combine enough elements
including
amplification?
Kare

[Ralf Mardorf]

Hi Karen,

in an open all-day school and youth care we are using a JVC
BoomBlaster with an USB audio player or the build in CD player.
Personally, I would stay away from this kind of portable consumer gear.
What they call DJs nowadays, are using laptops and the sound systems of
the locations were they do their job.

You didn't mention for what grade of professionalism it should be used
or what kind of amplifiers you are already using for your music
instruments or vocals.

Regards,
Ralf

[Karen Lewellen]

Hi,
Again in context.

Post by Ralf Mardorf
What they call DJs nowadays, are using laptops and the sound systems of
the locations were they do their job.

and if one must bring your own sound system? what can work simply with a
laptop?

Post by Ralf Mardorf
You didn't mention for what grade of professionalism it should be used
or what kind of amplifiers you are already using for your music
instruments or vocals.

I am buying this kind of gear for the first time, which is my questions
are so general.
When i do a gig, think live jazz performance, largely the venues sound
system is used.
I prefer consistent professional quality equipment when I invest, which is
why I respect your comment about the JvC commercial stuff.
Kare

[Ralf Mardorf]

Post by Karen Lewellen
and if one must bring your own sound system? what can work simply
with a laptop?

A keyboard amplifier or acoustic combo?

[Karen Lewellen]

Post by Ralf Mardorf
A keyboard amplifier or acoustic combo?

I do not feel either of the above.
I also realized that question was unclear. there are vocal mics, what I
am amplifying is the source for the backing track, i. e. if I am playing
the track from a laptop, the active speaker or amp is suitable for
that sort of equipment.
If there is a burned cd involved then the speakers / amp is suitable for
the best tool for playing / pausing when the materials are burned.
Assuming the laptop itself does not such a drive.

[Ralf Mardorf]

Post by Karen Lewellen

Post by Ralf Mardorf
A keyboard amplifier or acoustic combo?

I do not feel either of the above.
I also realized that question was unclear. there are vocal mics, what
I am amplifying is the source for the backing track, i. e. if I am
playing the track from a laptop, the active speaker or amp is
suitable for that sort of equipment.
If there is a burned cd involved then the speakers / amp is suitable
for the best tool for playing / pausing when the materials are
burned. Assuming the laptop itself does not such a drive.

Those are suitable for that kind of sources, second-hand they aren't
expensive, but a single old school amp/speakers combo could weight
around 40 Kg and the size could be around 100cm x 100 cm x 30cm (the
old less heavy and smaller amp/speakers combos unlikely provide good
enough sound and/or aren't loud enough). It's no fun to transport
something like this. New gear is available for around a quarter of the
weight and half of the size. I don't know how good or bad this new gear
does sound, perhaps the sound is good, but it's new and does cost 5 to
10 times as much. A power mixer and speakers is something much used, it
provides better weight distribution by 3 instead of 2 individual parts
and it's available in a weide price range. From less than a consumer JVC
BoomBlaster to no end.

[Bob van der Poel]

Post by Karen Lewellen
Hi folks,
I almost put Linux in the subject line, holding off because there may be
non-computer suggestions as well.
When I do a gig I much prefer live musicians.
However, once in a while I am in a setting where backing tracks prove most
productive.
What i find recently though is that trusting the playback abilities of a
location may be unwise indeed.
So...the question.
Ideas on simple as in compact tools, stand alone units, computerized or
not, that give me the means of performance playback. Include ideas for
amplification so sound carries too.
Using a built in laptop speaker does not cut it if that makes sense
smiles.
I am in Canada with u. s. access.
Thanks,
Kare
_______________________________________________
Linux-audio-user mailing list
https://lists.linuxaudio.org/listinfo/linux-audio-user

Not sure at all what kind of music you are doing, or what kind of backup
tracks ... but I generate tracks with MMA and play the the midi files back
with timidity from a laptop. Just need a cable to an amp :) Yes, it's not
the greatest, bestest audio ... but I've never had a complaint. I have to
assume that the audience is listening to my wonderful sax playing :)

I use both MMA and xpmidi, both from my website www.mellowood.ca. Send me a
PM if you need details.

Best,

[Dale Powell]

Your question is extremely fragmented and vague. I would suggest trying to think about what you wish to achieve and clarifying what exactly you are looking for.

One of the main points you haven't touched on and needs to be considered before any suggestions on the hardware front can be made is your budget (new or secondhand ties in here.)

You seem to be in the main asking more about PA and sound reinforcement. For how many people? As you say "Using a built in laptop speaker does not cut it if that makes sense " that makes it seem you are only playing to yourself, or a very small group, rather than hundreds of people. Size of the audience is a huge factor when it comes to PA kit. But you say compact, do you mean a portable mp3 speaker, or an active PA speaker, or...?? Does it need to be battery powered?

As you are talking backing tracks does that mean you will also need to mix microphones into the music (whatever its source)?? Have you got a audio console of any kind? If not a audio interface come mixing desk may be a good idea, especially if you want to record the sessions at times.

Then there is the question of what software. Just playing ready prepared backing tracks? Music you have written yourself and may want some live tweaking, looping, effects etc??

Please take a moment to think about what you are really trying to ask here.
________________________________
From: Linux-audio-user <linux-audio-user-***@lists.linuxaudio.org> on behalf of Karen Lewellen <***@shellworld.net>
Sent: 17 August 2018 01:57
To: audio users linux
Subject: [LAU] Live performance gear ideas?

Hi folks,
I almost put Linux in the subject line, holding off because there may be
non-computer suggestions as well.
When I do a gig I much prefer live musicians.
However, once in a while I am in a setting where backing tracks prove most
productive.
What i find recently though is that trusting the playback abilities of a
location may be unwise indeed.
So...the question.
Ideas on simple as in compact tools, stand alone units, computerized or
not, that give me the means of performance playback. Include ideas for
amplification so sound carries too.
Using a built in laptop speaker does not cut it if that makes sense
smiles.
I am in Canada with u. s. access.
Thanks,
Kare

[Ralf Mardorf]

Post by Dale Powell
As you are talking backing tracks does that mean you will also need to
mix microphones into the music

She already said "there are vocal mics". Before she said that, I
already asked what kind of amplifiers she is already using. Perhaps she
just needs a new cable ;).

[Karen Lewellen]

But I did answer most of these questions.
The tracks are prepared, I am not adding elements to them while
performing.
Second, i spoke of pro level gear, which addresses the budget.
Third I have said more than once it is for myself, my voice alone.
Still perhaps a list is not the place for such a question, my needs are
very basic and simple as most of the time I use people to make music, a
personal choice, not machines.
Its a cd with songs on it, at the most basic level. how does that
involve extra software?

Post by Dale Powell
Your question is extremely fragmented and vague. I would suggest trying to think about what you wish to achieve and clarifying what exactly you are looking for.
One of the main points you haven't touched on and needs to be considered before any suggestions on the hardware front can be made is your budget (new or secondhand ties in here.)
You seem to be in the main asking more about PA and sound reinforcement. For how many people? As you say "Using a built in laptop speaker does not cut it if that makes sense " that makes it seem you are only playing to yourself, or a very small group, rather than hundreds of people. Size of the audience is a huge factor when it comes to PA kit. But you say compact, do you mean a portable mp3 speaker, or an active PA speaker, or...?? Does it need to be battery powered?
As you are talking backing tracks does that mean you will also need to mix microphones into the music (whatever its source)?? Have you got a audio console of any kind? If not a audio interface come mixing desk may be a good idea, especially if you want to record the sessions at times.
Then there is the question of what software. Just playing ready prepared backing tracks? Music you have written yourself and may want some live tweaking, looping, effects etc??
Please take a moment to think about what you are really trying to ask here.
________________________________
Sent: 17 August 2018 01:57
To: audio users linux
Subject: [LAU] Live performance gear ideas?
Hi folks,
I almost put Linux in the subject line, holding off because there may be
non-computer suggestions as well.
When I do a gig I much prefer live musicians.
However, once in a while I am in a setting where backing tracks prove most
productive.
What i find recently though is that trusting the playback abilities of a
location may be unwise indeed.
So...the question.
Ideas on simple as in compact tools, stand alone units, computerized or
not, that give me the means of performance playback. Include ideas for
amplification so sound carries too.
Using a built in laptop speaker does not cut it if that makes sense
smiles.
I am in Canada with u. s. access.
Thanks,
Kare
_______________________________________________
Linux-audio-user mailing list
https://lists.linuxaudio.org/listinfo/linux-audio-user

[Roger]

Post by Karen Lewellen
But I did answer most of these questions.
The tracks are prepared, I am not adding elements to them while
performing.
Second, i spoke of pro level gear, which addresses the budget.
Third I have said more than once it is for myself, my voice alone.
Still perhaps a list is not the place for such a question,  my needs
are very basic and simple as most of the time I use people to make
music, a personal choice, not machines.
Its a cd with songs on it, at the most basic level.   how does that
involve  extra software?

I refrained from answering earlier as I was unsure exactly what you
wanted. So it's pro gear, vocal and line input for playback. Still not
sure of the size spaces you intend to play.

A good option may be the QSC K8, K10, or K12 speakers. They have a
built-in mixer for 3 inputs with XLR, 3.5mm jack or RCA sockets. I used
the K10s at a loungeroom concert for 40 people with great results,
although the K8s would have been good for that space. The sound quality
is remarkably clear and powerful and they are very light (12kg for K8)
for what they do. Several people remarked that the music playback in the
interval between live acts was much better than their hifi!

https://www.qsc.com/live-sound/products/loudspeakers/powered-loudspeakers/k-series/k8/


Cheers, Roger

[Karen Lewellen]

Hi there,

Post by Roger
So it's pro gear, vocal and line input for playback.

No, not at all.
It is a way to play the track only, either in cd form, or if in digital
file form, with enough amplification
for the track to be heard, by me and the audience, in a large cafe or
small pub.
The location provides the mic for me.
Still, I appreciate what you are trying to provide, even if not what I
seek exactly.
Kare

[Roger]

Post by Karen Lewellen
Hi there,

Post by Roger
So it's pro gear, vocal and line input for playback.

No, not at all.
It is a way to play the track only, either  in cd form, or  if in
digital file form, with enough  amplification
for the track to be heard, by me and the audience, in a  large cafe or
small pub.
The  location provides the mic for me.
Still, I appreciate what you are trying to provide, even if not what I
seek exactly.
Kare

Ok, now I'm even more confused.

"Enough amplification" - the QSC K series will do that.

"Way to play the track only" - portable CD player, laptop or even a
phone will plug into the QSC K series or any powered speaker.

[David]

Post by Karen Lewellen

Post by Roger
So it's pro gear, vocal and line input for playback.

No, not at all.
It is a way to play the track only, either in cd form, or if in digital
file form, with enough amplification
for the track to be heard, by me and the audience, in a large cafe or
small pub.
The location provides the mic for me.

If the venue provides a mic with amplification and speakers, the usual
and professional approach would be to play your track through the same
amplification and speakers that the venue provides. Usually any such
professional amplification system found in a music venue would accept
("mix") several inputs, the mic being one, and your playback unit another.
The playback unit might be connected to a "line input" as Roger wrote,
or it might need to be connected to the system via a "DI" (direct injection)
box, these are simple and common also.

The above applies to and is independent of whichever playback unit you
choose to use: cd player, laptop, smartphone, etc.

[Dominique Michel]

Le Fri, 17 Aug 2018 17:40:30 -0400 (EDT),

Post by Karen Lewellen
But I did answer most of these questions.
The tracks are prepared, I am not adding elements to them while
performing.
Second, i spoke of pro level gear, which addresses the budget.

For what kind of places? How big is the space you want to get sound?
How is the acoustic of the place? Indoor or outdoor gigs? As it will be
no common answer, you must focus on the sound you want on stage. For
small places, it will be enough and intimate. For bigger places, you
must make a list of sound sources you want to send to the main
sound installation, provide it to the organizer and relay on them and
their sound engineer, or come with your own sound engineer.


If you have a problem and you are not doing anything to fix it, you are
at the heart of the problem.

[Ivan K]

Just out of curiosity, are you Karen Lewellen of:

   http://karenlewellen.com/

or Karen Lewellen of:

   http://www.itskaren.com/

or are you yet a third musical Karen Lewellen?

Thanks,

[Karen Lewellen]

Actually,
I am the
karenlewellen.com
person, although the site has not been updated in a while.

Kare

Post by Ivan K
   http://karenlewellen.com/
   http://www.itskaren.com/
or are you yet a third musical Karen Lewellen?
Thanks,

[Thomas Poulsen]

Post by Karen Lewellen
Ideas on simple as in compact tools, stand alone units, computerized or
not, that give me the means of performance playback. Include ideas for
amplification so sound carries too.

This one is quite popular around here:

https://soundboks.com/?noredirect=true

Cheers,

Thomas

[Ralf Mardorf]

Post by Thomas Poulsen

Post by Karen Lewellen
Ideas on simple as in compact tools, stand alone units,
computerized or not, that give me the means of performance
playback. Include ideas for amplification so sound carries too.

https://soundboks.com/?noredirect=true

The only connection by cable could be done by a 3.5 mm (1/8")
mini-connector socket. If she should should use a laptop with its
integrated audio interface, a converter cable on the laptop site is
tolerable, since the laptop anyway needs a careful prepared stand. At
the speaker's end she needs an appropriate connection. Even without a
converter cable, a 3.5 mm (1/8") jack with an appropriate heavy cable,
that is resistant to treading, doesn't provide a reliable connection.

[Len Ovens]

Post by Karen Lewellen
Hi folks,
I almost put Linux in the subject line, holding off because there may be
non-computer suggestions as well.
When I do a gig I much prefer live musicians.
However, once in a while I am in a setting where backing tracks prove most
productive.
What i find recently though is that trusting the playback abilities of a
location may be unwise indeed.
So...the question.
Ideas on simple as in compact tools, stand alone units, computerized or
not, that give me the means of performance playback. Include ideas for
amplification so sound carries too.
Using a built in laptop speaker does not cut it if that makes sense
smiles.
I am in Canada with u. s. access.

I would suggest the fishman loudbox:

https://www.fishman.com/products/series/loudbox/loudbox-artist-amplifier/

it is less than 30 pounds, 100 watts, has two mic/instrument channels with
minimal effects and stereo rca line input. It has mute which can be
operated via foot switch (effects have switch too). It has balanced line
out which can dirrect in to any venue that needs that. Stereo in a single
box is not really stereo :) but at least you don't loose a channel.

This means that you always use the same thing for your voice/backtracks in
any venue and can dial it in to what you want. The venue just gets one
line in to deal with.

They are available at L & M in Canada who's warantee is great. I have had
equipment go bad and they give me a loaner and call when mine is fixed. No
questions asked.

As for playback itself, a laptop or tablet with the right app will work...
what you personally are used to is the best choice. An old mouse or
keyboard can have foot switches wired in for things like next, pause,
previous, mark or whatever. Or premade units are available for a price. A
tablet with touch may be just as convenient though... again, what you are
used to is best.


--
Len Ovens
www.ovenwerks.net

[Karen Lewellen]

Hi Len,
This is amazing especially as I can go right downtown and check out
everything before I buy. Agreed l &M rocks the universe in terms of
service
and professionalism.
Thanks for what you provide here. Also thanks to everyone e sharing ideas.
I have learned a great deal indeed.
Karen

Post by Len Ovens
https://www.fishman.com/products/series/loudbox/loudbox-artist-amplifier/
it is less than 30 pounds, 100 watts, has two mic/instrument channels with
minimal effects and stereo rca line input. It has mute which can be operated
via foot switch (effects have switch too). It has balanced line out which can
dirrect in to any venue that needs that. Stereo in a single box is not really
stereo :) but at least you don't loose a channel.
This means that you always use the same thing for your voice/backtracks in
any venue and can dial it in to what you want. The venue just gets one line
in to deal with.
They are available at L & M in Canada who's warantee is great. I have had
equipment go bad and they give me a loaner and call when mine is fixed. No
questions asked.
As for playback itself, a laptop or tablet with the right app will work...
what you personally are used to is the best choice. An old mouse or keyboard
can have foot switches wired in for things like next, pause, previous, mark
or whatever. Or premade units are available for a price. A tablet with touch
may be just as convenient though... again, what you are used to is best.
--
Len Ovens
www.ovenwerks.net
_______________________________________________
Linux-audio-user mailing list
https://lists.linuxaudio.org/listinfo/linux-audio-user

[jonetsu]

On Sat, 18 Aug 2018 22:28:02 -0400 (EDT)

Post by Karen Lewellen
This is amazing especially as I can go right downtown and check out
everything before I buy. Agreed l &M rocks the universe in terms of
service and professionalism.

Do not hesitate to deal. They can change their prices.