I.m a proud owner of one L1M2 with B2 after several years of using rcf art 522 as a front PA system.
I can now put the speaker behind me and I can hear myself perfectly. I perform as an solo act and sometimes as a duo. I do the lead vocals and play electric and acoustic guitar.
I use backing tracks (midifiles) that I have created myself. It contains drums, bass, piano, organ and all I need to make the song sound good. I use a Roland Mc80 sequencer and the Roland xv-5080 sound module with several expansion boards. I use the Tc Helicon voice live rack for vocal effects and choir. I also control this by the midi files I have created. For the guitar I have the line6 pod x3 live. My main mixer is the line6 stagescape m20d. I also use an iPad with the forescore app for lyrics.
I am curious about what others use for backing track, what kind of files, programs etc that works live.
Well I’ll jump in. Sounds like you got it all together though. I run a pretty basic set-up. I use midi files and mp3 files run through my laptop using the program SHOWPLAY. I play a Fender Strat, and a Breedlove acoustic through a POD HD500. I also have a Roland GR-20 guitar synth but hardly use it anymore. An Audix OM7 mic straight to the T1. Doing strictly a single the T1 has just the right amount of inputs.
As a side note, I see you’re from Norway. I just spent some time with relatives here in the states that were visiting from Stockholm. Skoal
Since your post was back in September I’m sure you have it nailed but just for the record here is my approach
I am a professional solo act in Houston and do a lot of private and corporate events. Some are small (50 people or less) and some are large(up to 1200).
I use the Bose compact for the small gigs and my L1M1 (with the big round base) plus 2 B1s.
I used to produce all of my own backing tracks but it took too much work and I could never get the sound to be exactly what I wanted. Now I purchase custom tracks from KaraokeVersion.com. I can tailor the instruments and vocals I want and most tracks are very good.
I run a PC with Windows Media Player for the tracks and use MiniLyrics.com for the lyrics.
The tunes go from the laptop via USB to channels 4/5 on a Bose T1 and then to the L1 or Compact. My Line 6 JTV Variax guitar goes through a Line 6 POD HD500X and then to channel 2 of the T1 and my Shure wireless headset mic to channel 1.
I used a full PA for years until I upgraded to the Bose systems 4 years ago. Since then I have done latterly hundreds of shows and at every one at least one person will tell me how great the sound is.
Sometimes space is an issue at the smaller gigs and I can’t get there separation I want but I always have the L1 behind and off to one side of me so I can hear myself.
Since I do almost 100% covers of virtually every genre from Sinatra to One Republic and pop to country, jazz, standards, and on my sound is critical to having a successful performance and Bose is the key to my success for the equipment piece of the puzzle.
Karaoke Version is the other key piece because without great backing tracks I can’t effectively play the lead guitar parts and sing the lead vocals.
Just my take on Bose and Karaoke version.com. Hope you can use it.
I also find KV a great asset to my single. There custom tracks are great, and if I need to do something different with the track to customize it further I use Reaper software. My L1 Model II goes with me for every job. I would not be able to do what I do without it. Gig Salad (gigsalad.com)is another reason my solo has taken off. Congrats on your solo act going well, and rock on!! 
Thanks for your comments and for sharing how you do your performance. As for now I’m quite comfortable with using midi file’s and a soundmodule as my backing tracks. This makes it possible to control my voice live rack for voice effects and back ground vocals (choir). I might consider making prerecorded tracks in the future where I also can record som guitar tracks (instead of using the guitar sounds in my Roland xv-5080)
I have recently installed the Ableton Live 9 on my laptop and are beginning to learn the program. But there might be other programs out there that is similar, and maybe easier to use. But for now I’ll give the Ableton a try.
I build mine (for a duo) out of MIDI files. Mostly, I find pre-existing MIDI's online for the songs I need out with Google searches. I manipulate them into versions I like by fixing breaks, endings, count-offs, tempos, keys, etc. Once the structure is decent, they are mixed down with a Kurzweil PC1 and a Roland Fantom XR sound module into an audio track in Cakewalk. This creates a wav file that is converted into an mp3 for the tracks that lack a bass and guitar. Guitar sampling still sucks, so live guitar is still the way to go. As a bassist, I don't need that track in the mix. The MP3's are placed into iTunes and sync'd over to an iPOD Nano. I made a nice little holder for the Nano using a standard mic clip and bending it into shape for the Nano with a lighter and a pair of needle-nose pliers. The Nano sets on its own mic stand that also hold the T1 for the BOSE system. For back-up I keep a set of the files in my iPhone. For double back-up, my guitarist keeps another set in a laptop. I a use a laptop to control the LED lights with DMXIS, and that might be yet another source for backup, but the iPOD Nano hasn't failed us yet. The guitarist also develops tracks, but I think his process is much easier and less wonky with an online editor. The quality of the tracks he brings in are impressive and seem every bit as flexible in terms of building song structure as my method. Here is performance with sequenced lights of several song selections: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Cz_aBpzdis Cheers, WES
Thanks WES for sharing how you make your backing tracks. This might be a way that I can consider also. Great performance on YouTube, by the way 
Thanks Rogpette, you’re way too kind. The idea is to constantly improve. I’ll see if I can find the online web address for where my guitarist makes his tracks. He pays a nominal subscription fee to use it.
quote:Originally posted by rogpette:
Thanks WES for sharing how you make your backing tracks. This might be a way that I can consider also. Great performance on YouTube, by the way
Great YouTube video of your performance.
I use my BOSS RC 300 looper. I can create up,to three different tracks. One for the T1-intro/outro, T-2:verse and T-3: chorus. Or depending on the song, 1-verse, 2-chorus, 3-bridge.
Sounds: I try to keep things with an unplugged sound. For example I use congas/percussion, bass and piano and dub in an additional guitar part.
I was using my own piano and a bass and a Cajon and my guitar to beat out the percussion/drum sounds. However…
…Here’s the cool thing…I now use my iPad mini w/Garage Band for my Bass and Piano. And an incredible app called AfroLatin DM for my drums/percussion. It is incredible and allows for shakers, claves, cowbells (and more) as well as the various congas. So I create a cool conga/percussion pattern that I like. And the sound is very clean. Not a cheesy karaoke drum beat sound.
Then with my IPad and Garage Band app. I go to Smart Bass and I will literally play the bass licks on the simulated fretted bass. Yes, I have to figure out the bass parts but it’s not hard and many are on You Tube. I then add piano chords if it sounds good to the mix (or I may not add piano) then I may dub in myself picking the guitar as a second guitar. All in all it sounds very full but with minimal instruments. And again clean and unplugged.it does NOT sound like a prepurchased backing track. Yes, it requires a bit work but I enjoy the mixing and production part creating your own sound.
I just came back from vacation in Cape Coral Florida. At the one bar, they had a female singer with backing tracks on an iPad. People were dancing and having a great time. She sang all types of music and was very confident in her presentation. Here she was performing to an appreciative audience.
I don’t care if it is Karaoke - if someone can sing well - what the **** difference does it make what their accompaniment is?
Being able to sing doesn’t mean you can play - but should that hold you back?
There are many Karaoke roadshows and DJ’s who base there show on the L1 - just because they don’t play anything doesn’t mean they’re not worthy or good entertainers. Maaan - the snobbery in here can be a little stifling…
Twenty-two posts so far.
One seems critical of backing tracks, three seem critical of that one post.
Let’s stay focused on the original question. "How do you use backing tracks?"
Thank you.
I use an iPad with the StageTraxx app. It’s pretty good in that you can set up playlists with scrolling lyrics (if that is your thing). It also remembers what volume you last played each track at (as many backing tracks have variations in volume). You can also set up safeguards such as double taps to start/stop to prevent idiotic/drunk audience members interfering with the screen while you play. The scrolling lyrics is handy for songs you don’t play often - but you usually need to add the lyrics using iTunes via your PC.
Unfortunately they don’t seem to do an iPhone version.
I used a K&M iPad holder which clamps to the microphone stand.
Regarding merits of backing track use, I don’t have the option of playing in a full band due to a dearth of local talent (other than my own, of course). I’ve played in full bands for years and certainly find it more fulfilling on the night, but I don’t have that option at present, and need to pay bills, and that’s what the local audience want to hear (it seems). I play live. I sing live. I use accompaniment. End of.
I think I do a good job.
quote:Originally posted by Angel On Guitar:
Since your post was back in September I'm sure you have it nailed but just for the record here is my approach
I am a professional solo act in Houston and do a lot of private and corporate events. Some are small (50 people or less) and some are large(up to 1200).
I use the Bose compact for the small gigs and my L1M1 (with the big round base) plus 2 B1s.
I used to produce all of my own backing tracks but it took too much work and I could never get the sound to be exactly what I wanted. Now I purchase custom tracks from KaraokeVersion.com. I can tailor the instruments and vocals I want and most tracks are very good.
I run a PC with Windows Media Player for the tracks and use MiniLyrics.com for the lyrics.
The tunes go from the laptop via USB to channels 4/5 on a Bose T1 and then to the L1 or Compact. My Line 6 JTV Variax guitar goes through a Line 6 POD HD500X and then to channel 2 of the T1 and my Shure wireless headset mic to channel 1.
I used a full PA for years until I upgraded to the Bose systems 4 years ago. Since then I have done latterly hundreds of shows and at every one at least one person will tell me how great the sound is.
Sometimes space is an issue at the smaller gigs and I can't get there separation I want but I always have the L1 behind and off to one side of me so I can hear myself.
Since I do almost 100% covers of virtually every genre from Sinatra to One Republic and pop to country, jazz, standards, and on my sound is critical to having a successful performance and Bose is the key to my success for the equipment piece of the puzzle.
Karaoke Version is the other key piece because without great backing tracks I can't effectively play the lead guitar parts and sing the lead vocals.
Just my take on Bose and Karaoke version.com. Hope you can use it.
Hi! My first time on this forum. I can't thank you enough for all the good info you posted regarding the L1 and KV. I've been saving for the L1 and plan on getting it the end of this month. Do you have a notebook type laptop or larger? I have an IPAD mini and don't know if that would work. Approximately how far behind you is the speaker setup? I use a Shure wireless mike and don't want feedback worries. The whole setup description is very helpful. I'm getting the ToneMatch, too. Again, thank you!!!
Karaoke Version are very good for backing tracks - however if you ask them to make you one bespoke they will break your bank IMHO.
On the other hand protraxonline.com have a reasonable stock of really fantastically produced material - and they don’t break the bank if you ask for something bespoke (a track they haven’t yet done).
I use an iPad V3 and have not had any issues…
Bought a separate stand and monitor on the advice read here - but standing 6 - 8 feet away diagonally from my L1 and B2 - I’ve not yet had feedback or needed the monitor while using a Shure Beta 87A.
quote:Originally posted by wesearcy:
I build mine (for a duo) out of MIDI files.
Great performance on YouTube - nice one!
quote:Hi! My first time on this forum. I can't thank you enough for all the good info you posted regarding the L1 and KV. I've been saving for the L1 and plan on getting it the end of this month. Do you have a notebook type laptop or larger? I have an IPAD mini and don't know if that would work. Approximately how far behind you is the speaker setup? I use a Shure wireless mike and don't want feedback worries. The whole setup description is very helpful. I'm getting the ToneMatch, too. Again, thank you!!!
Having great fun with the L1 system and I'm new to it.
I hope you'll have as much fun.
My music source is an iPad 3 so an iPad Mini or Air will easily do it. iPad held to mic stand with a Hercules TabGrab - very good.
Shure beta 87A is great in front of the L1 - I've experienced practically zero feedback issues since buying the mic. It also helped that the ToneMatch had the mic preset too - opened it up...
Used to create tracks from manipulated online MIDI files run through a Kurzweil PC1 and a Roland Fantom XR. Found a great resource in Karaoke-Version and converted most of my material over to files from there.
Used backing tracks to augment a 3-piece, duo, and now a solo act. The tracks allow us to take on material that would not otherwise be possible with instruments like horns, keyboards, etc.
Video of solo performance can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZjA8oYOL3o
Between the quality of the BOSE, sequenced lighting, and the general control of volume & balance, club owners and patrons seem to really enjoy this mode of live music presentation.
Sorry moderator, this is just too precious to let sit there, but with regard to "To track or not to track?" ...if Rush did it, who am I to question the process?
This is not opinion, but most lighting for touring groups has gone the way of sequencing. Outside of jam band applications, performers are following a program.