This is not an article debating for or against the use of one, rather it is merely a “how-to” guide if you decide to implement one. He explains it perfectly that there is a case for both. Take for instance this video from Adam Neely. Lots, and I mean lots, of musicians look down on the idea of using a playback system. An organic ensemble of musicians on stage will always have its magic, but I won’t criticize artists who use backing tracks. Using tracks allows for an entirely different performance, one that isn’t possible with solely musicians on stage.Īnd that in itself may be the issue entirely. Certainly, it is easier to play along with an existing recording of music. I can’t say either way, but I generally don’t believe using backing tracks is cheating if you’re a band or artist. Have you ever been to a show and noticed one or two MacBook Pros on stage with the musicians? These computers are most likely either running a playback system or providing virtual instruments to be used by a MIDI controller (or a combination of the two). Many bands of the past have used MP3 players with a stereo audio splitter, but I find this is not as reliable anymore and you will be much better off by using a computer, specifically a MacBook Pro. You can set up a backing tracks player with just a laptop computer, a digital audio workstation, cable snake, and an audio interface. Backing tracks are different from karaoke versions of songs or drumless tracks. They’re relatively easy to integrate into a show and are much more affordable than hiring additional musicians. Simply put, backing tracks are pre-recorded pieces of music that a band or artist plays-along to in a live performance, video, or just for fun at home.īacking tracks are extremely common among today’s live artists for enhancing performances. Stage your gear off the stage prior to soundcheck.Create a “test track” to use at soundcheck.Have backups of all cables and accessories.Making Soundcheck Smoother with Backing Tracks.Using a Laptop for Your Playback System.You Must Play with a Click Track, Generally.Bigger Sound Without Hiring Additional Musicians.Benefits of Using a Backing Track Player for Your Band.Is Playing With Backing Tracks Cheaing?.

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