Awesome video! I have a question for you. with the jack to xlr loom, does it matter if they are stereo jacks or mono? I can only find the looms with stereo jacks.
Good video! Gotta get on that iConnectivity life Note: On the DI/loom question. Watch that your audio interface has good caps in the outputs. I've seen FOH send power back through and hit the interface an cause damage for some. The PlayAUDIO12 has more than 48V caps so you don't have a problem there.
hey eric, did you never run intro problems like ground loops, signal loss or signal interference due to the lack of DI's? i get your point that it's technically not necessary to use DI's for Line-Instruments but, especially if you run long distances (from your rack to the stage box to the front of house) i always thought a balanced signal might not be a bad idea as well as to interrupt the physical circuit (don't know the proper english term) to avoid a ground loop.
DI is redundant because it is already a balanced signal coming out of the interface as TRS (and terminating in XLRs to interface with the stage box) Using a DI on a TRS is just using the DI as a really expensive and unnecessary TRS to XLR adapter. DIs are intended for TS unbalanced signals, like a bass guitar. Length of cable run isn’t a big issue with balanced signals. Also most modern rigs are digital at the stage box these days so no signal loss from stage to FOH etc.
Why do you need the loom? What separate feeds are you sending? Doesn't look like your interface has more than a few outs so when you say you are sending TRS to the XLR are you just separating click from the rest or are you giving audio engineer raw out so he can mix to his taste the separate tracks?
Thank you for this video! I'm always looking at ways to upgrade my track rig. I noticed a type of plastic cable organizer on your loom that spreads out the cable. Where can I purchase one of those?
Hi Eric Great video thank you. I have a question regarding the layout of songs in a set. If you put all of your songs in one session and use memory locators to toggle between songs would you put tempo markers in the session for each track or how else would you make the grid work with the clicks that are at different BPMs?
Hi Eric, I just got the motu mk3 hybrid. From the manual it says the 3-8 outputs are in line level. When sending the signal from these output there are constant peaking in the PA MIXER without turning the gain knob. Would like know how do you send the signal to a level into the PA without the audio signal to hot.
I've been following thus channel for a while and it's been helping me out so much! I'm using Ableton for live looping guitars, bass, synthesizer and various other instruments. I'm using my Apollo twin and using my MIDI footswitch for easy accessibility and looping. My question is how can I get the best possible sound when I plug in through my PA? Should I be routing my instruments two different outputs? Should I use multiple computers? Should I get a DIY rig? Should I also be playing with my amps?Got any suggestions here for my output sound?
You should only make the setup as complex as it needs to be. Separating the elements is only useful if you have a dedicated sound engineer who wants them separated. Otherwise, send them out a stereo pair. You don’t need two computers. Whether or not you play with amps is entirely up to though.
Hey, so sorry I missed this. The main way you would do this is by sending all your tracks out to an engineer (monitor or FOH), who would then send you back a mixed feed of everything on stage. Alternatively, the hacky way is to keep this next to you on stage and plug your IEMs directly into the headphone output on the interface, then create a separate return track in Ableton and use the Send knobs to create a mix of the tracks for you. Of course, this method does not allow you to hear anything on stage.
A bit off topic, I couldn't help but notice the wine box in the back. It looked so very familiar, until I noticed my brother used a box from the same wine castle to build his bass rig. I'll try to send you some pics of it via facebook...
Hey so I’m wanting to add a multi effects rack unit to my set up.How do you route your autotune, and is it only possible to send one instrument/voice to it?
Eric, I record a lot in Cubase Pro 11, both originals and covers, and I'd like to be able to perform live. Do you have any suggestions as to how to do this? I play all the instruments except drums and I do the vocals and bgv's. I program the drums using EZ Drummer 2. Would I need something as intricate as playback rigs? The shows would be small venues like coffee shops, etc. Love your channel. Randy
I would bounce all my stems down processed, then if you don’t want to use Ableton, just load them into a fresh Cubase session and route your playback from there. You’ll still need an audio interface to convert D to A.
I usually use a second computer to process my vocals via autotune on Ableton using a uad Apollo, would you say the tascam is a better route than a whole separate computer?
There’s nothing wrong with using a separate computer, just more expensive and complicated. The Tascam uses the exact same tune engine and can be rack mounted and hard wired.
As someone currently embarking on a DIY A2E drum conversion adventure? Who's using an old midi 5-dim Roland TD-6V module? This technology legitimately just cooked my noodle a bit! LMAO!!! 🙃
Dude this is so helpful, thank you! Do you happen to have an Amazon link to the TRS-XLR loom that has worked well for you? Also, which rack case are you using?
Hey, I know it's been a while since you posted this but I'm struggling to find the answers elsewhere! - With the PlayAudio12, you said you ran the mio2 off of it, is that compatible with the "Host" usb port on the PA12? Couldn't find any mention of compatibility in their manuals unfortunately. - Your loom that you show has an organiser on it so it doesn't get tangled, I've never seen one of those before and it'd make my life so much easier! What are they called? I'm struggling to find them in google searches haha Cheers!
In this rig, the ran the mio out of the PA12 host port, but since then I’ve upgraded it to the MIDI4+/mioXM, which can be more permanently and securely connected via Ethernet. The loop organizer is a custom little thing I make. Can’t buy em!
Thanks for this thread, guys. So I assume that plugging in another Midi interface (MOTU Microlite) into the host port of the Playaudio12 also takes care of midi redundancy?
Digging these. Im actually a high level audio engineer and i was searching for DIY level multitrack rigs, because i wanted a cheap one for my own music. First tip Dante. Second tip if you get stuck upgrading to the next level ill help you out
The golden era of MacBook Pro, which was 2013-2015 Retina w/ 16GB RAM and an SSD. Anything newer is good too, but those were the last years where they still had all their ports.
Cymatic lp 16 with midi is a way better solution then having to have a laptop and interface. Taking the computer out of the equation eliminates so many headaches. And do everything that you're doing here and eliminate the laptop
There’s a reason virtually no A-level artists use that setup though. On-the-fly arrangement and programming flexibility as well as much more complex MIDI routing capability is an absolute must and the LP16 does not accel in these areas.
@@eldowns apparently you've never used one because you can go through the setlist and arrange on the Fly any song on the setlist and I haven't found any thing that the MIDI is not capable of doing I have the cymatic LP 16 running backing tracks. And the midi is running guitar and bass patches through a helix and it's also running a light show so apparently you don't know what you're talkin about our do not have any knowledge on the cymatic lp 16. And being an arrogant douche bag on top of it just tells me what kind of person you really are have a good day.
He isn't being arrogant. How do you extend a chorus, middle 8, or send midi changes to a complex keyboard setup? The Cymatic machine will not handle every situation. Want to change the arrangement for live - it means a whole lot of bouncing and a whole new session.
Precisely. I never said the LP16 can’t do those things. All I’m saying is that Ableton accels at all of them because the editing interface is also the playback. Ultimately, he’s not arguing with me - he’s arguing with literally all of the A-level touring industry. Oh well.
Awesome video! I have a question for you. with the jack to xlr loom, does it matter if they are stereo jacks or mono? I can only find the looms with stereo jacks.
You’re looking for TRS jacks (rather than TS)
@eldowns okay great! I think that's what I found 👍 appreciate you answering my question
Great follow up on the first vid.
Good video! Gotta get on that iConnectivity life
Note: On the DI/loom question. Watch that your audio interface has good caps in the outputs. I've seen FOH send power back through and hit the interface an cause damage for some.
The PlayAUDIO12 has more than 48V caps so you don't have a problem there.
I'd always put a DI Box between. You never know...
@TinoSchulz1990 You never know what?
@@eldowns AC peaks and stuff. I heard that you should always put a DI Box in between, even if your interface could handle accidental 48v power
hey eric, did you never run intro problems like ground loops, signal loss or signal interference due to the lack of DI's? i get your point that it's technically not necessary to use DI's for Line-Instruments but, especially if you run long distances (from your rack to the stage box to the front of house) i always thought a balanced signal might not be a bad idea as well as to interrupt the physical circuit (don't know the proper english term) to avoid a ground loop.
Hey Paul - nope, I’ve run into this problem 0 times!
DI is redundant because it is already a balanced signal coming out of the interface as TRS (and terminating in XLRs to interface with the stage box) Using a DI on a TRS is just using the DI as a really expensive and unnecessary TRS to XLR adapter. DIs are intended for TS unbalanced signals, like a bass guitar. Length of cable run isn’t a big issue with balanced signals. Also most modern rigs are digital at the stage box these days so no signal loss from stage to FOH etc.
Couldn’t have said it better even if I knew what I was talking about.
Why do you need the loom? What separate feeds are you sending? Doesn't look like your interface has more than a few outs so when you say you are sending TRS to the XLR are you just separating click from the rest or are you giving audio engineer raw out so he can mix to his taste the separate tracks?
The interfaces have 8-10 outs. At minimum, I typically separate stereo tracks, click, and a mono channel of sub.
Thank you for this video! I'm always looking at ways to upgrade my track rig. I noticed a type of plastic cable organizer on your loom that spreads out the cable. Where can I purchase one of those?
Haha, you can’t. I make those myself.
@@eldowns can you show us how to make them?
Hi Eric
Great video thank you. I have a question regarding the layout of songs in a set.
If you put all of your songs in one session and use memory locators to toggle between songs would you put tempo markers in the session for each track or how else would you make the grid work with the clicks that are at different BPMs?
The way most people do it is to draw tempo automation into your Master track.
Hi Eric, I just got the motu mk3 hybrid. From the manual it says the 3-8 outputs are in line level. When sending the signal from these output there are constant peaking in the PA MIXER without turning the gain knob. Would like know how do you send the signal to a level into the PA without the audio signal to hot.
It sounds like they’re coming out of the DAW too hot. Try gaining all your stems down the same amount to create headroom for your PA.
@@eldowns thanks. Will do that.
Can you provide links to where you get your snakes?
Just straight from Amazon. Seismic Audio.
@@eldowns can't find the seismic trs to xlr male, only female
I've been following thus channel for a while and it's been helping me out so much! I'm using Ableton for live looping guitars, bass, synthesizer and various other instruments. I'm using my Apollo twin and using my MIDI footswitch for easy accessibility and looping. My question is how can I get the best possible sound when I plug in through my PA? Should I be routing my instruments two different outputs? Should I use multiple computers? Should I get a DIY rig? Should I also be playing with my amps?Got any suggestions here for my output sound?
You should only make the setup as complex as it needs to be. Separating the elements is only useful if you have a dedicated sound engineer who wants them separated. Otherwise, send them out a stereo pair. You don’t need two computers. Whether or not you play with amps is entirely up to though.
What’s that thing called that fans out your XLRs? Got a link?
It’s just a little contraption I made out of zip ties.
hey eric, very helpful video. but how do you connect this whit you in ear monitor?
Hey, so sorry I missed this. The main way you would do this is by sending all your tracks out to an engineer (monitor or FOH), who would then send you back a mixed feed of everything on stage.
Alternatively, the hacky way is to keep this next to you on stage and plug your IEMs directly into the headphone output on the interface, then create a separate return track in Ableton and use the Send knobs to create a mix of the tracks for you. Of course, this method does not allow you to hear anything on stage.
A bit off topic, I couldn't help but notice the wine box in the back. It looked so very familiar, until I noticed my brother used a box from the same wine castle to build his bass rig. I'll try to send you some pics of it via facebook...
I literally have no recollection of where I got that, lol.
@@eldowns Neither does he, but musicians seem to like this wine :-) I've send some pics via facebook messenger, you might like them.
Hey so I’m wanting to add a multi effects rack unit to my set up.How do you route your autotune, and is it only possible to send one instrument/voice to it?
It depends - what kind of unit are you using?
Eric, I record a lot in Cubase Pro 11, both originals and covers, and I'd like to be able to perform live. Do you have any suggestions as to how to do this? I play all the instruments except drums and I do the vocals and bgv's. I program the drums using EZ Drummer 2. Would I need something as intricate as playback rigs? The shows would be small venues like coffee shops, etc. Love your channel.
Randy
I would bounce all my stems down processed, then if you don’t want to use Ableton, just load them into a fresh Cubase session and route your playback from there. You’ll still need an audio interface to convert D to A.
I usually use a second computer to process my vocals via autotune on Ableton using a uad Apollo, would you say the tascam is a better route than a whole separate computer?
There’s nothing wrong with using a separate computer, just more expensive and complicated. The Tascam uses the exact same tune engine and can be rack mounted and hard wired.
As someone currently embarking on a DIY A2E drum conversion adventure? Who's using an old midi 5-dim Roland TD-6V module?
This technology legitimately just cooked my noodle a bit!
LMAO!!!
🙃
Dude this is so helpful, thank you! Do you happen to have an Amazon link to the TRS-XLR loom that has worked well for you? Also, which rack case are you using?
www.amazon.com/Seismic-Audio-SAXT-8x10M-Channel-Snake/dp/B0053HEHTU/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=8+channel+trs+to+xlr+snake&qid=1560513035&s=gateway&sr=8-5
The cases are SKB Fly Racks, 3U and 6U
@@eldowns Thank you!
@@eldowns If this isn't an affiliate link I'd make it one, and add it to your bio. You're blessing us and I'd love to bless you back in return.
Good point, haha. Let me look into that.
Hey, I know it's been a while since you posted this but I'm struggling to find the answers elsewhere!
- With the PlayAudio12, you said you ran the mio2 off of it, is that compatible with the "Host" usb port on the PA12? Couldn't find any mention of compatibility in their manuals unfortunately.
- Your loom that you show has an organiser on it so it doesn't get tangled, I've never seen one of those before and it'd make my life so much easier! What are they called? I'm struggling to find them in google searches haha
Cheers!
In this rig, the ran the mio out of the PA12 host port, but since then I’ve upgraded it to the MIDI4+/mioXM, which can be more permanently and securely connected via Ethernet.
The loop organizer is a custom little thing I make. Can’t buy em!
Thanks for this thread, guys. So I assume that plugging in another Midi interface (MOTU Microlite) into the host port of the Playaudio12 also takes care of midi redundancy?
Now this video saved me from buying an 8 channels DI Box at all.
After seeing your previous comment, I was praying you watched this video next, lol.
Lol thanks Eric!
Hi, do you use firewire or usb to run the playback tracks?
USB
How good is the autotune rack for subtle tuning?
I’ve used both the rack and Autotune via Apollo. For the price, the rack does about 80-85% of what the Apollo does, IMO.
Digging these. Im actually a high level audio engineer and i was searching for DIY level multitrack rigs, because i wanted a cheap one for my own music. First tip Dante. Second tip if you get stuck upgrading to the next level ill help you out
When you get to a high level of Audio, you lose track of what works for the cheap side lol
Just saved so much money cause of that loom!!!
You should Venmo me all the money you saved.
What computer do you use?
The golden era of MacBook Pro, which was 2013-2015 Retina w/ 16GB RAM and an SSD. Anything newer is good too, but those were the last years where they still had all their ports.
Eric Downs i7?
Yep.
Cymatic lp 16 with midi is a way better solution then having to have a laptop and interface. Taking the computer out of the equation eliminates so many headaches. And do everything that you're doing here and eliminate the laptop
There’s a reason virtually no A-level artists use that setup though. On-the-fly arrangement and programming flexibility as well as much more complex MIDI routing capability is an absolute must and the LP16 does not accel in these areas.
@@eldowns apparently you've never used one because you can go through the setlist and arrange on the Fly any song on the setlist and I haven't found any thing that the MIDI is not capable of doing I have the cymatic LP 16 running backing tracks. And the midi is running guitar and bass patches through a helix and it's also running a light show so apparently you don't know what you're talkin about our do not have any knowledge on the cymatic lp 16. And being an arrogant douche bag on top of it just tells me what kind of person you really are have a good day.
He isn't being arrogant. How do you extend a chorus, middle 8, or send midi changes to a complex keyboard setup? The Cymatic machine will not handle every situation. Want to change the arrangement for live - it means a whole lot of bouncing and a whole new session.
Precisely. I never said the LP16 can’t do those things. All I’m saying is that Ableton accels at all of them because the editing interface is also the playback. Ultimately, he’s not arguing with me - he’s arguing with literally all of the A-level touring industry. Oh well.