Question about using backing tracks and click tracks live.

[thisSNsucks]

Scenario: A band wants to play backing tracks during their live performances. Obviously they need to also use a click track to ensure that their playing lines up perfectly to the backing tracks. They also want to use in-ear monitors. The band also does not want to bring it's own PA system to the show.

Question: How does this band play the backing track and the click track simultaneously, allowing the audience to hear only the backing track, while allowing the band to hear the backing track AND the click in both ears along with the in-ear mix?

Thanks in advance!

[BBKINGBASS]

usually done with a stereo mix, with one channel being the backing track and the other being the click. Both go to the board, only the audience gets the backing track the band gets both in the mix.

[MNAirHead]

Start with the mixer -- this has to have the capabilties.

To "really" have this work, you'll need a small rack with your IEM senders and a mixer.

[fokof]

Simple way = iPod
Left is click track right is all the tracks.
The touchy part with this i doing a mix/master that will be fine everywhere wich is a pretty hard task !!!
Send the left only to IEM
Send the right to both IEM and FOH

Hard way = DAW
If you get a 828mkIII , it can act as your DAW interface AND as your IEM mixer.
Then you're able to do everybody a different mix with what they want (tracks & click )

From another thread on IEM;

"I bought a MOTU 828MKIII wich has 20 inputs / 22 outputs / 8 stereo bus (mixes)
All I/O have 6 band full parametric EQ and comp/limiter
It's a digital board in a single space rack mount configuration.
You need a computer to setup but once it is OK , you just recall the preset.
The 828 only has 2 preamps , my band needed 10 , so I got a 8preamp module with a ADAT out. There is plenty of choice on the market."
Then send youy mixes to headphone amps and that's it.

[TRichardsbass]

Second that emotion. Just did this last nite, had to set it up for a new band at their rehearsal space.

Only the drummer should really have the click. He/she then sets the time for the rest o' the band.

[thisSNsucks]

Thanks for all the responses guys!

[Justin Tuskey]

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

Second that emotion. Just did this last nite, had to set it up for a new band at their rehearsal space.

Only the drummer should really have the click. He/she then sets the time for the rest o' the band.

I have to disagree to an extent though. I play in a band where everyone runs the click. it really helped everyone get tight with pauses etc. of course at first you are going to have timing issues because some people naturally play to the front of the click and some the rear, but after much time and practice we all synched up. also I really enjoy the click, as I've gotten so used to it that it disappears in the mix.
Stranger yet, I also like playing where NO ONE is on a click, where the timing idiosyncrasies will show regardless. so its either all click, or no click for me as always your mileage may vary.

[KeithAlanK]

For the drummer, tracks on 1 side, tracks + click on the other.
Make sure you get a solid 8 count on the click before the tracks start, and add a clap or hi-hat on the 1 beat all the way through to keep the drummer informed.

Track side into direct box, to snake or mixer.

Our drummer uses a Behringer headphone amp and full-size headphones that block ouside sounds well, but he can still hear his vocals through his wedge monitor.

[TRichardsbass]

Originally Posted by Justin Tuskey

I have to disagree to an extent though. I play in a band where everyone runs the click. it really helped everyone get tight with pauses etc. of course at first you are going to have timing issues because some people naturally play to the front of the click and some the rear, but after much time and practice we all synched up. also I really enjoy the click, as I've gotten so used to it that it disappears in the mix.
Stranger yet, I also like playing where NO ONE is on a click, where the timing idiosyncrasies will show regardless. so its either all click, or no click for me as always your mileage may vary.

Then just get rid of the drummer. Seriously. If you are all playing to the click then the drummer becomes in my mind worthless. Part of what makes you clean is being able to synch and move with the drummer. Playing to a click makes you robotic. As a band, it should appear that you are playing to the drummer.

I think that there will be differing opinions, but if you are all locked on the click and not the drummer, the changes, pauses and the like will not only look artificial but also feel to the audience artificial.

My thoughts. I wish instead of backing tracks musicians just played their music. Sing backup, add a keyboard player if there should be keys, get rid of some of the studio tricks live, yada yada. If you are using a significant amount of backing track live, may as well just lip synch...

[Geddyfleaharris]

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

Then just get rid of the drummer. Seriously. If you are all playing to the click then the drummer becomes in my mind worthless. Part of what makes you clean is being able to synch and move with the drummer. Playing to a click makes you robotic. As a band, it should appear that you are playing to the drummer.

I think that there will be differing opinions, but if you are all locked on the click and not the drummer, the changes, pauses and the like will not only look artificial but also feel to the audience artificial.

My thoughts. I wish instead of backing tracks musicians just played their music. Sing backup, add a keyboard player if there should be keys, get rid of some of the studio tricks live, yada yada. If you are using a significant amount of backing track live, may as well just lip synch...

+1 Especially about using backing tracks. Maybe backing tracks for an effect like hand claps or something but not so much for major parts.

IMO a click takes away a lot of the feel of music. I have only used it when recording and disliked it. There was no give or take once you are locked to the click. Clcick always felt off to the groove of the music. Muybe that's just my lack of experience using it.

[Rob Lewis]

Once your into the realms of backing tracks you might as well be miming, I suppose.