Where Can I learn sequencing 101?

[jtc_hunter]

Our band has never used "tracks" or anything recorded on a laptop during a performance. We have always been completely live. But I would like to learn how to put my bass lines on a laptop for a few songs, so that I could play tenor sax. Where can I learn to do this and keep it real simple? Thanks.

[tommysalami]

I have the same question. Thinking of doing a 2 piece that i can run some bass lines. I see you play a Mark VI tenor. I have a Mark VI alto.

[mambo4]

I would like to learn how to put my bass lines on a laptop

"sequencing" is not exactly the right term. Sequencing generally mean MIDI sequencing , where the computer (or external sequencer) tells another device (or software) when and how to play notes. Recorded bass tracks are not MIDI sequences.

For live playback of audio on a PC, most folks turn to Ableton Live these days...it seems to be great for triggering samples and audio tracks on the fly ion a performance situation. but I know very little about it, and it is probably overkill for what you describe.

For simple audio recording jobs, just google and download Audacity. Free, open source, does all the basic digital audio recording functions.

Notebook PCs can be unreliable in a live situation, tho they are more and more common. If pre-recorded tracks are all you need, consider the poor man's version of backing tracks: burn a CD, or use an ipod.

For hardware, you will need some way to plug your bass into the PC's mic in, preferably thru a mixer or DI of some kind so you can control the levels. There are also many inexpensive USB audio interfaces that let you record audio through the USB port rather than using the usually cheapo MIC In of your PC.

[jtc_hunter]

Thank you, I have Audacity and will try and use an Ipod.

[thebutangjedi]

I just want to say that Ableton Live is definitely a high quality product and easy to use. You can download free trials that come with excellent tutorials to get you up and running. We've already used it and it couldn't be easier.

2cents

[jtc_hunter]

It is working well to use Audacity, which is free, to record my bass tracks, convert to mp3., then I just put them on an ipod and run it thru its own channel on the mixer. For most songs, I just put a quiet, subtle click track of 2-4 beats at the start of ea. song. So far we only use it for 3 songs out of 42 , so I can play Tenor Sax on those 3 songs. Thanks for all your help .