Who uses a computer on stage?

[Arnie]

I have been noticing a lot of people talking about playing through laptops.. So if you are what are you using and what are you inputting it into?

[Nephilymbass]

Everyone in my area that has a computer on stage uses them basically as samplers. Several metal bands use laptops to basically replace what would be a part time keyboard player. ive seen bands use A laptop in place of a dummer. I've even seen bands play pre recorded guitar tracks off a laptop to have a two guitar sound with one guitar player. What I have yet to see is a bass player play through a laptop as a signal processor. I have however watched the deftones guitarists play through a laptop at the big club we play at.

[Jim Carr]

Been considering using a Mac laptop to run the DB33 Protools plugin with my midi keyboard controller.

[bgavin]

My band uses an iPod for drum tracks.
Steve Jobs did not die, he retired and lives in our iPod now.

At last... we have a drummer who is:

• never loaded or hung over
• always on time
• always in time
• does not drool
• can be turned down
• works for free
• unlike an outside dog, always knows when to come back in

We are experimenting with backing tracks added to the iPod to compensate for a 3-man crew.
I can't do piano+steel or piano+banjo at the same time, so the keys go into the backing track.
The downside is each tune is cast in concrete, so no long jams or embellishment.
I understand Ableton offers some looping, etc, to add some variety, but we don't use Ableton.

Each of our drum tracks is hand-written in Sonar, then exported to a WAV or MP3.
We have just over 100 tunes in the active library, and this is a lot of track-writing.

[seamonkey]

iPods/iPhone/iPad all great
I use a PC, many people use Macs
Computers are all over Keyboards and FOH, even Guitar players now are into them.

[vin*tone]

I use an ipad for set lists and charts. Not audio live..... yet.

[mcm]

Might as well be rapping then

[garmenteros]

In one of my bands the keyboard player uses it to feed his midi controller. I think he uses ableton and has a couple of vsts to get a variety of keys and synth. I personally would never use one for playing bass. I can get any sound I want with my pedals and amp. I've taken my laptop to record shows though.

[IPYF]

I'll be using Amplitube into my power-amp this year. That will require the laptop to be with me on stage. Well worth it in my opinion; it's not like it's worth anything.

[JimmyM]

I use a computer onstage to post on Facebook between songs.

[pineapplerobot]

We used an iPod for synth tracks/beats. Our drummer used one as a click track too. No laptops. I normally only see djs or solo acts use laptops

[js1]

In one project, I play with two ladies that play horns, keys and sing. Started with no backing tracks, and unfortunately, met with crickets. We cover a wide range of songs, with an increasing amount of modern pop (a bit of a "huh?" set list, but it's a lot of fun).

So, I've been building backing tracks. Initially only drums, now adding more parts. Using stereo out from a laptop or IPod.

Most songs I play bass, but on some I play guitar. Planning on moving to Apple Mainstage, which has some pretty cool features for live work. When I do that, for the songs I play guitar, I'm going to try using Mainstage as an amp sim, and sending a DI recorded bass track out to my amp.

Eventually, I figure I'll add my remaining parts, stay home, give 'em the laptop, and collect the pay.

[bmc]

I have an iPad clipped to my mic stand for lyrics and set lists.

[bgavin]

My guitar player also uses an iRag on his mic stand for set list and lyrics.
I'm disinclined to acquiesce to the price of an iRag, but might be interested in that new HP tablet for $169.
He controls the drum tracks on the iPod with Steve Jobs inside. It's an Apple family.

[SteveC]

I don't but I know it's very popular with keyboard players.

[lustersilk]

We used to but now have everything loaded onto two Roland Octopads and just trigger the stuff with drum sticks.

[oinkbanana]

On stage volumes have caused me problems.
1, the hard drive can give you signal motion sensor,
2. 1/8" jacks can easily vibrate themselves out of place. Even external USB or Firewire soundcards won't solve that problem because the USB & Firewire jacks don't lock in (like an XLR or CAT5 cable).

[seamonkey]

1. Use an SSD. If you are not doing tracks you can run off a flash card and RAM
2. Many XLR don't lock in these days. Use velcro

[zachoff]

My band does not.

[Fajah]

I've been using my laptop for bass/drums backing tracks for a couple of years now. I arrange the tune in Band In A Box with the intention of creating and pulling the drum track off only. I then record my own bass part over that using Audacity.

I record in mono and play the tracks through my bass rig. I control my laptop on stage and/or during a jam session using this device:

The POK

I went in this direction after using loop stations for many years and it's worked out great for me.