PRACTICE - Software? MP3+ Options?

MNAirHead · #1 01-13-2009, 08:07 AM

Hello.

I'm not sure if this is out there or a zillion dollar idea.

I understand there are vendors that have "modelling software etc for creating practice amps"

They do not do what I'm looking for.

1-Plug in the Bass and headphones (into a laptop)
2-Select the MP3
3-Play Along

Would be nice if...

4-We can slow down the song
5-EQ out vocals, guitars etc.
6-Record what I'm doing against the played chart.

Would be REALLY nice if...

7- They could tell us what key it's in and/or known changes (I know this would be arbitrary).

Any clues of what I'm looking for..

Tim

I currently do this through an Ipod and cheapo practice amp.

MNAirHead · #2 01-13-2009, 08:59 AM

I checked out Band in A Box.. looking more for something that picks existing .wma or mp3 or Ipod files and sets them up for practice.

Guessing something like this is out there in the $40 range.. should be able to input directly to the microphone jack on their PC laptop.

Anyone work for ITunes and/or Windows Media Player.. this would be a simple add on .. I'm sure all of us would be willing to pay $19 to have this function added.

martyman5000 · #3 01-13-2009, 09:08 AM

Finding tabs on the interweb is hit and miss sometimes so I now buying proper sheet music tabs...I buy the MP3's off I-tunes or use Youtube vids of guys that have already mastered the song. When I practice sometimes I wear headphones, with one side on only and also have my stereo speakers and amp to a blend I can hear the songs bass and my bass evenly...

edit...I also play a section of the song twice through...stop and then play the song twice with no music, just a metronome or tap my foot.

Infernal Affair · #4 01-13-2009, 10:08 AM

Best Practice
http://www.xs4all.nl/~mp2004/bp/

It's not perfect, but it's free and does everything you ask for except for determine the key and record what you're doing. It's strength is its simplicity.

Zombbg4 · #5 01-13-2009, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infernal Affair

Best Practice
http://www.xs4all.nl/~mp2004/bp/

It's not perfect, but it's free and does everything you ask for except for determine the key and record what you're doing. It's strength is its simplicity.

Hey thanks! I'm tired of downloading trial memberships to transcribing software lol

Skywalker83 · #6 01-13-2009, 11:18 AM

one of these. I use mine everyday. I play along with stuff on Youtube and my Itunes collection.

MNAirHead · #7 01-13-2009, 11:39 AM

Thanks for the link to this

I'm looking for something to eliminate my gadget pile.

good idea..

Thought is that I already own a Laptop.. this has a big interface.. I store about 9,000 songs on it... most of my "learn list stufff" comes in through Email.

Downloaded the Best Practice.. will test to see if I can plug into a laptop sound card.

Infernal Affair · #8 01-13-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skywalker83

one of these. I use mine everyday. I play along with stuff on Youtube and my Itunes collection.

Whoa. Didn't notice that they have a new design now! I've been meaning to get an Earwig since it would be a great replacement for my old Dean Bass in a Box. This new design looks even smaller, but doesn't have a belt clip.

MNAirHead · #9 01-13-2009, 11:55 AM

Slightly off topic (from the computer software question)

Why not just get a Peavey Max126.. or something else that has CD in and headphones out.. you then can use it as a practice amp for vocal practices etc... I picked my little 10# amp up for $25... looks and acts new.

Still looking for software.

Timmy

MNAirHead · #10 01-13-2009, 12:00 PM

Thanks for the best practice software link.

Since it's open source... I'll write to the author... Chances are it's easier to have the audio in able to be heard.

Plugged in the suggested software.. worked well.. can't plug the bass in for a hootenanny... good first step.

Part of the solution solved - thanks

Tim

Infernal Affair · #11 01-13-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

Slightly off topic (from the computer software question)

Why not just get a Peavey Max126.. or something else that has CD in and headphones out.. you then can use it as a practice amp for vocal practices etc... I picked my little 10# amp up for $25... looks and acts new.

Still looking for software.

Timmy

I have a Peavey Microbass, which is the predecessor of the Max126. They are terrific practice amps and I even took my Microbass to a band practice one time and it surprisingly held its own when I couldn't get my normal rig set up.

However, if you want portability and to just play with your bass in the middle of nowhere nothing beats a little pocket amp. I always have one in my gig bag.

MNAirHead · #12 01-13-2009, 01:39 PM

understood..

Wondering if we can get some mfg to make a small mp3 player with a 1/4 in.. or a 1/8 in and a special plug.

Forgot.. thanks for not replying "use the search button"

Infernal Affair · #13 01-13-2009, 02:13 PM

I don't think anyone will ever make one with a 1/4" jack since it's not convenient for them and it's easier and cheaper to just get a 1/8" to 1/8" cable and a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter. You can probably pick one up at any local electronics store like Radio Shack.

And don't worry. I'm not really a search nazi.

MNAirHead · #14 01-13-2009, 04:22 PM

It's the external in from a bass/gutiar/synth/CD etc that we're missing.

Thanks again for the link.. I can now plop down with my PA and Laptop.. next step is to eliminate the laptop.

T.

MarcusPocus · #15 01-13-2009, 04:40 PM

If you want to drop about $200 the Line 6 toneport UX1 is a great device. It is USB powered and you plug direct in to it. Besides some decent amp models the record OK, the gearbox software has exactly what you want. You can load an MP3 or a CD and play along with a tune. You can slow it down to half speed without changing pitch. You can also loop parts to you want to learn. It is loaded up in Garage band as a plugin, so you can record your playing as a track while the CD or MP3 is omitted.

I can play along perfectly to teen town at half speed. It is a reality check at full speed.

Infernal Affair · #16 01-13-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

It's the external in from a bass/gutiar/synth/CD etc that we're missing.

Thanks again for the link.. I can now plop down with my PA and Laptop.. next step is to eliminate the laptop.

T.

Sorry dude. I misread what you were saying. Closest thing to an mp3 player with an in jack is the Boss Micro-BR or one of those Tascam trainers. You can load mp3s into it and do the slowdown thing plus record yourself.

The Toneport is also a good suggestion provided you are near a computer.

adammazza · #17 01-13-2009, 04:49 PM

I use Cubase to slow down mp3s all the time. You can then play along. You would still need to get the bass in thought. You can look at some cheaper audio interfaces like a Presonus Audio box and they will come with Cubase. I'm sure you can use other DAW software besides Cubase.

MNAirHead · #18 01-13-2009, 04:55 PM

Still looking for software to play along.. then input the bass to the sound card.

I have tons of gadgets - they're all given to kids.

Infernal Affair · #19 01-13-2009, 05:26 PM

If you're plugging your bass directly into your sound card, just make sure to unmute your aux in, and you can use a program like Audacity or Garageband to record yourself provided you set the input up correctly.

mrufino1 · #20 01-13-2009, 09:57 PM

The micro BR will do what you are asking (except telling you the key of the song, etc.). I conveniently have one for sale...

However, this is not meant to be a sales pitch- I bought the micro BR to precisely what you are asking and it does it well. Also, on windows, I know there is a program called guitar and drum trainer that is close to what you are asking. You do of course need an interface for your laptop to input the bass- the line6 toneport, etc would do that, and the software that comes with it lets you play along. I am not a fan of line6 for other reasons, but for that purpose it worked great.