What is your "play-along" set-up?

Johnny Morales · #1 03-12-2007, 06:42 PM

I used to jam along with my CD player and amp cranked. Just wondering with all of the new technology out there - what my options are in terms of playing along with tunes on my computer.

I currently have the small external speakers that came with the computer but they don't seem loud enough. Can anyone tell me what they use to play along with recorded songs?

Also - what programs can I use to slow down or iso songs to figure out the bass parts.

Sorax · #2 03-12-2007, 06:49 PM

I run the audio line-out from my macbook into the auxiliary input on my stereo. As for slowing things down I use a program called Amazing Slow Downer.

dvs20 · #3 03-12-2007, 06:51 PM

I put a cd in my drive and play it with windows media and open up bassmasta.net! ( I also have logitech 5.1 surround sound speaker system great speakers nice and loud!)

spade2you · #4 03-12-2007, 06:53 PM

I tend to use some Sennheiser HD590 headphones, usually playing something from my computer as my little Ampeg BA112 supplies the bass groove. Not very high tech, but it works. Sometimes I burn stuff to CD and run it through the roomie's Bose system as I jam along with my SVT4Pro. That's a little more fun.

SBassman · #5 03-12-2007, 06:55 PM

Most of my practicing is done at the computer, with Windows Media Player or Slow Gold.

BassGod · #6 03-12-2007, 06:59 PM

Search for something called "Best Practice". It's a free program you can download. You can slow down songs, change the pitch, etc.

Graeme

Marley's Ghost · #7 03-12-2007, 07:01 PM

Laptop w Itunes or Palm Treo 650 w Ptunes
Korg PX4B
Various headphones

greeningep · #8 03-12-2007, 07:08 PM

I also use the audio line out from my macbook or ipod and play that through my stereo.

basspraiser · #9 03-12-2007, 07:24 PM

I practice with Windows Media player and my amp which as of right now is resident in my home office.....when I finish my basement (all it takes is time and $$$$$), I wil probably move the amp and all of my basses down there - will have to get another computer since this one will have to stay in the office.

I like the computer because it is so easy to select songs, repeat certain portions, move through the songs etc....I just download albums I think I will practice/ play with as soon as I get them...also makes transferring them to other Cds or MP3 players easier since most of the music is already on the computer.....

another reason I like this set up is that my worship leader (I play at church) often e-mails songs to practice....

I am looking for some music software that allows me to edit music as well as change pitch etc....any suggestions?

Pennydreadful · #10 03-12-2007, 07:32 PM

On the rare occasions I try to play along with something, I put a CD in my stereo, turn on the ol' crappy Squier guitar amp, and lay down on my bed.

Pretty high tech setup.

TehRoflCopter · #11 03-12-2007, 07:38 PM

iTunes > Audio line out on my laptop > Crate practice amp channel 1
Bass > Crate practice amp channel 2
Crate practice amp headphone output > AKG K-55's

This setup works well because I can control the levels of both the bass and the music right on my amp and I can do it in silence, so as not to disturb anyone sleeping.

eric atkinson · #12 03-12-2007, 07:42 PM

I really dig my Pandora box.... I use it to warm up before a show or just to stay home and jam.. Nice drum sampler as well..

Busker · #13 03-12-2007, 07:47 PM

Since I have about 400 old records, I have an old-fashioned stereo system with a turntable. But there is also a cd player hooked up to the same system. Best of both worlds. With all the records and cd's around here, I've probably got 5000 songs at my fingertips. Just about everything from Rockabilly and early Motown, on up. But there are some significant gaps. A lot of 60's rock I don't have.

Of course it might take 30 minutes of searching to actually get my fingertips on it.

The cd's are more or less aplhabetized. The records are not.

christle · #14 03-12-2007, 07:57 PM

I use a Tascam Bass Trainer. Great investment and easily one of the best tools for learning new songs. I even got my son one so he could start learning songs by ear.

seanm · #15 03-12-2007, 08:12 PM

I have my computer audio out and in both go to a cheap mixer. Bass goes to the mixer. Mic goes to the mixer. Cheap ghetto blaster (that's what there where called when I bought it!) goes to the mixer.

Then I either listen through headphones or though a small power amp to speakers.

Then I can play along to CDs, tapes, radio, and MP3s.

I never use my amp at home anymore except to test something out.

Andy_colassal · #16 03-12-2007, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvs20

I put a cd in my drive and play it with windows media and open up bassmasta.net!

Try bassmasta.com you get an interesting picture

SteveC · #17 03-12-2007, 08:19 PM

iTunes to a Bose Companion 3 system.
Roland Cube 100 Combo Amp.
Room in the basement.

TeeMartin · #18 03-12-2007, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_colassal

Try bassmasta.com you get an interesting picture

Is that bass upside down? Badass.

ibnzneksrul · #19 03-12-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_colassal

Try bassmasta.com you get an interesting picture

I volunteer for the private lessons she obviously needs.

acleex38 · #20 03-12-2007, 09:02 PM

iPod ear buds in the ears, with big monster headphones running from the headphone jack on my GK Backline 110 combo over the earbuds. I feel kind of silly but it's my favorite play-along setup I've ever found, and it doesn't tick off the neighbors or wake the 2 year old at 1am.