DP for Live audio processing

[cmorg21]

I have looked a a couple of topics regarding this and I was curious to see if anyone has experience using DP exclusivley for the audio processing of a live performance. I see that a lot of the posts deal with folks using DP to supplement live performance via playbacks, pre-recorded loops and what not but, the reason that I ask this is that when I run a typical "Rock Band" setup through DP (5.13) (audio patch through + monitor effects through tracks) I love all the audio processing and I can really get a nice mix. I would love to have this capability live and not to have to drag around 15lb compressors and reveb units in a rack. To be sure I am not taking about a lot of processing usually just comp., EQ, Reverb (not crazy) on each track here and there maybe some delay but really no more than 2-3 processors per track against perhaps 8-12 inputs (1-3 mics, 2 mic'd guitar cab/DI, 1 bass mic'd or DI'd, and maybe a couple of keys either MIDI in or a mic'd piano, etc.). So this is an open topic for advice, setup specs, or horror stories (wouldn't be suprised if there were) about live use. Is there another application more appropriate (Abelton)? Or is there just another way to get plug-in processing on live tracks? Any advice is appreciated. Also I have a G4 MDD 2x1.25 and a Mac book pro 2.4 core 2 duo if that helps.Thanks

[magicd]

Latency and CPU load.

Best case analog in through the CPU to analog out will be around 5-7ms.

Some effect plug-ins take longer to process than others. Therefore some signals going through the CPU could be delayed by different amounts depending on which plug-ins were in line.

In order to run at the lowest patch through delay possible, that will place the greatest load on the CPU. That load is multiplied by channels and plug-ins.

So yes, you can use a computer for live processing, but these are the trade-offs.

Dave

[bootsncats]

It can be done. I do it often. Like last week. Rocket compressor turns some heads. I'd do some test runs with the band and a full set. see what does what with latency. I have an 8 core so processor isn't too much of a problem.

[BradLyons]

It "CAN" be done, but do you really want to run a live mix from a laptop? I see nothing wrong with using this for playback of tracks and what not, but live sound is live sound---what if you need to quickly grab a fader to pull down a vocal that's just too hot, or maybe turn up the level of one not loud enough? I mix LARGE scale live sound, often 80-channels of audio and need immediate access to anything I need access to. Now for a smaller setup, there aren't as many channels to go through---but in live, you don't have the time to find it. Know what I mean?

[Shooshie]

Brad's right. Plus, you don't have margin for error unless your audience is very forgiving. What seems quick and easy in your living room can turn into one of those moments that drag on forever on stage. If you mess up, you're watching it happen as if it was in slow motion, and you accidentally click into the Finder or something, then have to click back into DP, find the window, find the fader, adjust it... wups... beach ball.... wait, wait, wait... THERE!

Whew! When those things happen you replay them over and over in your memory for years. (Been there. Done that.)

But yes, it can be done!

Shoosh

[carrythebanner]

If you just want some basic EQ, compression, and reverb, you might be able to get away with using the DSP in the mk3 FireWire boxes from MOTU and skip the computer altogether.

[cmorg21]

Thanks for all the input! Yeah that's kind of what I figured also if the system crashed during the performance there wouldn't really be any back up which has the potential to be re-he-he-he-ally embarrassing. I noticed that Presonus (e.g. Firestudio project) and even Motu (e.g. 828 mkIII) has on board DSP, has anybody had decent luck with these? Also I was curious if DP were to go down live would the onboard DSP signal still flow through to the main outs? What I mean by this is: Is the onboard DSP independent of DP or could you make it so. I see that a lot of these units suggest they can be used as a standalone mixer. Thanks again.

[Klaus]

It "CAN" be done, but do you really want to run a live mix from a laptop? I see nothing wrong with using this for playback of tracks and what not, but live sound is live sound---what if you need to quickly grab a fader to pull down a vocal that's just too hot, or maybe turn up the level of one not loud enough? I mix LARGE scale live sound, often 80-channels of audio and need immediate access to anything I need access to. Now for a smaller setup, there aren't as many channels to go through---but in live, you don't have the time to find it. Know what I mean?

Mac Mini Intel :
I use AULab, with a buffer of 256,
- running LAConvolver reverb with fairly long impulses,
- TAL Dub delay with AULab transport control tap tempo feature
- AudioDesk 2.11, 24 tr recording
- All alongside 24 ch CueMix FX , where I can see
8 channels plus 1 output,
- one scroll-click to the right I can see
3 subgroups and another 5 channels ( thats where I stay mostly )
and one more click the rest of the channels.

Setting up submixes in the middle of the channels is the key for me,
and I route the channels that are off - screen thru them...
with the 896mk3 it's
8 analog / aes and spdif as submixes / 8 adat / 8 adat

On a real board, you may need to jump to your faders / small knobs / layers, locating them will take time also...
On my touchscreen I click once or twice, but don't have to move with my eyes away from the
touchscreen area, I'm already focused to this
ok a large 30" touchscreen would be nice

Just my way

Take care

Klaus