So, Im sure theres been a few threads on this somewhere (or at least on the internet) but I was wondering about my personal situation.
So we are considering an IEM set up with midi backing tracks to play the less conventional songs (think 1980s synths etc with backing drums etc) and no using a live drummer but having us as a three piece play.
Now from what Ive read you can either:
Use and Ipod and an mp3 track and send the track to one side and the click to the other which is fine...
However, Id be more interested in seeing how the full midi version is done. I have a laptop and a Line 6 Ux2 sound card but I cant quite work out how this would working using full. Whats confused me is one thing Ive read says something along the lines of sending each instrument out to the PA individually which makes me think you'd be need a sound card with inidividal outputs ..
HALP..
Comments
Stereo laptop output would really be the same as using a MP3 player etc and one side as a click and one side with the mix.
A lot of workstation keyboards allow multiple outs, as well as being full on midi sequencers that play the file. Something like a Juno G is good value
Also in the old days were were running signals down 40 metres of snake to reach the desk and it could pick up a bit of noise. Now the stagebox with the AD's is onstage and only the cat 5 cable is travelling 40 metres so again nine times out of ten the di is pointless
As to Danny1969 comment he is correct although most of these Keyboards and sound cards have jack outs and the stage box usually has XLR in so some sort of adaptor is needed any way apart from making up and padding gain which a Di box will do. Also if your setting up a stage for multiple band show you know the line as far as the Di box is good so any problems before that is down to the instrument
The last piece of advice I would give on this is if you are planning on doing this know your equipment and make sure the volume on the computer and the sound card is up. I can't count the amount of times I've had problems with large computer set ups where its down to one or other of these defaulting to mut when booted up or scene changed etc
Ultimately, you don't know what you're getting until you roll up at the venue, so if your show depends on that kit you should have it racked and ready. It's a speed of setup thing too - if you're on a festival or multi band bill with a super tight changeover, unfurling an XLR loom from the back of your DI rack and patching it in is tons faster than waiting for the house crew to furnish you with eight individual DI lines and plug all that up.