Amy has asked me to write an article about the show I did at the Hot Spot Bar on Sunday, December 5th, 2010, describing my equipment and setup logistics of the performance.
Jane Woodman
http://janewoodman.com/
This was the first time my equipment and concept had left the studio, and I was actually still encoding video at 4:00 that day, so I was a little stressed, but it was a fun night! My main concern was hoping my equipment and the concept of playing solo with video and tracks would translate into a typical bar environment, and I felt that the Hot Spot was a perfect place to try it out. Eve and her partner set up the PA system that also included a subwoofer, speakers downstairs and upstairs, and a video screen.
Besides some unforeseen circumstances (broken projector remote) and a few mistakes on my part (no guitar volume to mains, ill-fitting earbuds) I think the concept translated quite well, and I’m looking forward to future shows, and eventually a tour, with little or no glitches thanks to what I learned that night.
As for my setup:
Behringer RX1202FX Eurorack mixer. I submix everything and send a stereo out to house mains (or in an independent situation, to powered speakers), using stereo for everything except the mic.
http://www.samedaymusic.com/product–BEHRX1202FX
AudioTechnica ATW-251-H92-TH Wireless Mic System. This is a low-end VHF wireless system, and I actually like it quite a lot, and thought it sounded good. I like not being tied to a mic stand. Split mono signal to submix and KP3 pad.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Audio-Technica-ATW251H92TH-Wireless-System?sku=273004
Nady E03 wireless headphone monitor system. As everyone knows, an in-ear monitor is mandatory when you play with tracks. The headphones that come with this low-end UHF system are really bad. Use your own, and make sure they don’t fall out of your ears! It worked great, except I’m replacing my ipod earbuds with higher-end, better-fitting ones. Submix monitor out.
http://www.nady.com/eo3.html
General wireless note: Consider getting higher end, matching UHF frequency components for potential interference prevention (although, IMHO, I don’t know how much control anyone really has over this, and I didn’t notice any substantial problems).
Benq GP1 LED projector with USB interface. I prerecorded live tracks that I attached to video on a thumb drive, which is then inserted into the projector. I’m not impressed with the projector’s menu interface or special encoding you need to do for the USB mpg files, and as those who attended may have noticed, there was a green line on the right side of the video (I have no idea why), and a loading bar for each one. I am looking into using my Macbook Pro and itunes to run the video/tracks in the future for better quality all around, but I really do like the idea of plugging in a thumb drive, instead of running more wires and adding another component to the system. I will give you an update on that one. I thought the projection and the associated music tracks looked and sounded good though, and I was happy with the quality of the machine itself. Stereo signal to submix.
http://www.benq.us
Korg KP3 Kaoss pad. I love this machine. I think I’ve really only scratched the surface of it’s capabilities, but I predict it will become even more crucial to my live sound, and will add interactivity to the performance, which I find important since I play with tracks. I use it extensively in the studio for guitar and vocal effects, which will eventually carry over into my live show. Stereo signal to RC50 Loopstation.
http://korg.com/Product.aspx?pd=269
Boss RC-50 Loopstation. Unfortunately, there was not enough room to use this, and at this time, is not a crucial component to my system, but I expect that to change. Typically though, I use it to control the Korg KP3 pad; I program the setlist into it with BPMs and run a midi out to the KP3, and this helps keep the Korg effects in sync. I find looping difficult because you need really talented feet! One thing I can say, though, is that when I do it correctly, it’s right on with the BPMs, so I’m working on that one…I think it has potential, and I like the programming options – you can really customise it to each one of the songs. Stereo signal to submix.
http://www.roland.com/products/en/RC-50/index.html
Line 6 Pod XT Live. This is a highly programmable guitar effects machine, and I think it sounds good for line-in guitar performance, which a lot of players cringe about, but I really like it, use it constantly, and it integrates well with the live tracks; an amp would have a hard time doing that unless you were in a venue with a great system and highly skilled engineers. Split stereo signal to submix and KP3 pad.
http://line6.com/podxtlive/
1959 Gretsch Anniversary Special guitar. Love. Straight into line 6 pod xt live.
All in all, i was happy with the fact that all of my equipment actually worked, people showed up, and the concept translated. I had a nice time – thanks SFEMM!
No, thank YOU Jane! — Amy