Hi guys. Considering dipping my toes into the world of VSTi Keyboards for live performance, and Gig Performer seems to be the way to go. I haven’t purchased the software yet, I don’t even have a laptop, but I was hoping for some direction on what gear I need to make this a reality, and how to set up.
What I’m hoping to achieve
I play with 2 bands, first a 2-piece using backing tracks and live Keys (1 board). I would like to use GP to run the tracks and the keyboard sounds. I am hoping to automate program changes for different sounds and volume levels for different song sections, so I can “set and forget”. I would also like to run a light show synched to the track. Don’t know if GP has the capability, but if it can run a vocal harmoniser on my mic, I would like to explore that too. I’m assuming I’ll be able to associate a keys set-up and a light show with an MP3 that GP would load all together, so the singer can load the track, and everything else will be ready to go without any input from me (other than playing the keyboard).
The second band is a fully-live 5 piece, where I use 2 boards. I’d like GP to run the Keyboard sounds, and a light show. I’m assuming that to do this, I’ll need to run a click track, and synch the lights to that. This opens up the possibility of integrating some tracks to the live band, so I’d like to explore that too. Again, if a vocal harmoniser is an option, I’d like to explore that too.
Drummer is resistant to using a click live, so if this is out, “set and forget” will not be an option, so need advice on changing programs within a song. Can I associate buttons on the keyboard to do this, or will I need a Midi controller?
If I can’t connect direct to the mixer, I’ll be looking for an interface with between 4 and 8 outputs (2 boards (possibly stereo), track (possibly stereo) and click. Can you suggest an interface that won’t cost the world?
What I have
For the 2 piece, I use a Yamaha PSR-S970. For the 5 piece, I use a Yamaha Tyros 2 and a Casio Piano (can’t remember the model number off hand). All boards have USB connections and 5-pin Midi connections.
Not sure of the make or model of the lights I have, but they have 3-pin DMX I/O connections. I have no DMX controller. One of the questions I have is “do I need one?”
I have a Lexicon Alpha audio interface which has 2 (LR) line outputs. I’m not sure this will be sufficient, so would like some advice on this. This leads me on to the next bit of gear I have access to…
The mixer I use for both bands is an Allen & Heath CQ-20B. I was wondering if this could connect to the laptop and serve as the interface, without the need to connect an interface between the laptop and the mixer?
Questions I would like answered
- Do I need to look at audio interfaces, or can I connect the laptop direct to the mixer via USB, or another method?
- Do I need a DMX lighting controller, or will a USB to DMX cable suffice?
- For my 2-piece, am I best to mix and balance the track and keyboards within GP, and send a single (stereo?) signal to FOH, or send separate signals to the mixer? (this may well be a moot point if I can connect direct to the mixer)
Sorry for the long post, but whatever help you can give would be greatly appreciated