I haven't done a lot of live playback in a while but I'm prepping for a show where I'm playing keys and performing along to playback tracks I've made.
I use MainStage as my keyboard rig.
How I've set it up right now:
- M1 MacBook Pro
MainStage for keys/bass/synth sounds
DP for playback
MOTU Ultralite mk5 as my interface.
Then I'm routing the backing tracks in DP to FOH via the Ultralite as well as feeding some to my ears (Analog 1-2)
I'm routing MainStage as a separate out to FOH (Analog 9-10)
Ultralite outputs:
1-2 FOH tracks
9-10 Mainstage
HPhone jack for mix of tracks and cues/click
The Ultralite is so great to have as an interface and mixer ... but my concern is this ... my entire show hinges on this 1 MacBook Pro. If it goes down, I'm S.O.L.
I've debated getting a Motif or other keyboard and use that instead of MainStage just in case my macBook goes down I have a backup plan of just playing keys/singing without trax.
Granted, most of these gigs aren't HUGE gigs but well-paying enough to where if I have a catastrophic event, I'd be in trouble.
Here's my conundrum ... if I go with a synth/keyboard for keys sounds OR decide to playback my tracks from a different MacBook (I have an old MacBook I can use), then I have to come up with a system where I can route all my sources to my ears to hear and stay in sync.
Anyone have any thoughts? Anyone do this sort of thing and if so, what's your setup?