Hi All,

This isn't really related to the PAS (although I use them exclusively and they ARE fantastic) but I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for playing pre-recorded parts with anything other than a cd/mp3 player.

Let's say I have 4 pre-recorded parts (drums, bass, keyboard, click) and I want to run them to separate channels on the PAS (or a mixer). Is there anything out there that will let me play .wav/mp3 files with a separate output for each track? (An affordable solution would be nice )

Thanks for the input.

Hi Bell,

The first thing that comes to my mind would be a PC or Mac (ideally a laptop) with a multi-in/out soundcard running one of many available recording/sequencing packages. There are a gazillion choices for both out there. I use Cakewalk Sonar and can assign each audio track to any of six available outs on my Turtle Beach sound card...

Another more integrated (and maybe more affordable) option might be one of the many portable mutitrack recorders out there. Though many offer multiple inputs, you'd be looking for one with enough discrete outputs to suit your needs...

'Hope this helps...

Chuck,

Thanks for the reply. I actually do have a laptop and the thought did cross my mind. I am worried about the reliability during a show. I do have a fairly newer laptop, but Windows always scare me.....What type of TB sound card do you have? I'd be interested in doing some more research in that area.

I was browsing the multitrack recorders last night. That might be another option.

I have a GNX4 right now that I use but it's really only good for 2 outputs and if I'm using 1 for the click that only leaves 1 any additional parts, so that's just not enough. Although I do really like being able to use the footswitch.

Anyone know if there are footswitches available for laptop's?

Bell:

This is my setup.

I use a laptop live with Sonar Homestudio with midi files, VSC softsynth and sub outs. My sound card is a Audigy notebook using 3 stereo outs, drums, bass and other sounds to 3 channels on my PV 10 mixer (great mixer). I can mix on the the fly.

Thanks tombo007, for sharing your example of a successful setup...

Bell, I use a TB Santa Cruz (4 in x 6 out - not sure if it's still available) for my desktop rig. It's setup for recording at home, not playing live with backing tracks. There are so many good multi-out, USB soundcards out there that I'm sure would do the trick for you...

Most newish PCs are more than capable of handling audio playback. To prevent most glitches and freeze-ups, you'll want to have (or install) plenty of RAM. 512 MB is generally accepted as the minimum, if your running an audio program on Win XP...

Here's my laptop set up.
Toshiba M35x-349 $900 to $1,500
17" Widescreen
Pentium M 1.7
1 GB Ram
Audigy 2 ZS Notebook $89
Sonar Homestudio (VSC Softsynth free in Cakewalk)
Peavey PV Mixer $219 (before I used Alesis)

This set has been works great for the past yr.

I play 4 to 8 times a month.

If you need any help, please contact me.

Tom