Making midifiles sound "live" on the gig

[charlie]

As we were breaking down our equipment last Saturday at the Holiday Inn (regular gig) a couple came up to me and said how much they enjoyed our music. They commented on the use of a computer and how much we sounded like a "live" band in spite of being "computerized". I smiled and said thank you for one of the best compliments I had ever received. Sounding like a live band...but not being one...except for guitar and vocals. So, this leads me to the subject matter at hand....making midis sound "live" on the gig. Here's some of the things I do:

EDITING MIDIFILES (simple changes)
1. Drums - pump up volume, reduce reverb if present (live drums usually are out in front of the mix..more pronounced)
2. Bass guitar - increase volume to match drums, but not overshadow, swap out bass patch to find one that adds bottom without having to re-EQ mix
3. If guitar parts are required to make the overall mix sound full, then subdue them in the mix so as to compliment the "live" guitar sound, not compete with it.
4. Subdue or eliminate backing vocals being played by choir or voice sounds being generated by the sound module.

LIVE MIX
1. Add subs if not already part of your PA. Makes bass drum and bass guitar come "alive".
2. Trim back highs and mids on mixer for the sound module. (some files have patches that can easily saw somebody's head off if too close to the PA)
3. Use channel on mixer for return from reverb/delay to EQ out rings and boings from vocal mics.
4. Have vocals out front in the mix, but not so much that it sounds like you're singing over a transistor radio. Keep balance between vocals and midi files the same way as you would hear on a recording....

Ok...that's about all I got on this subject. Would love to hear from you guys on this subject!

Charlie

[JohnG]

Nice one Charlie,

You've hit the nail spot on the head. Drums are normally dry and "up front". You can try adding a touch of "chorus" to the bass, a touch mind.

If you've got the polyphony on the sound module you can copy the bass to another channel and pitch shift it very slightly (just a couple of cents will do). Then pan one hard left and the other hard right. If you've still got polyphony spare add a third dead centre and try shifting it down an octave (again pitch shifted but in the opposite direction). Try different sounds too, it's amazing what some instruments sound like when you play them way out of their normal range.

As for the rest, good sound advice I'd say.
BTW which sub do you use Charlie?
JohnG.

[thingyy]

Thats why I use a 500 watt per side hi fi stereo amp.

[shyamwestwind]

Refreshing subject, Charlie. Good inputs from jiohng and thingyy. It really does good to upfront the drums - majkes the soul feel good !!!!
BTW, I presume you are talking RMS when you say 500 watts, thingyy
I use diiferent set ups at different venues, depending on the space. I love the pair of Wharfedales I have - 2 fifteens and a compression tweeter delivering 400 watts RMS per side. Nice healthy sound.
I have a pair of sub woofs 650 W RMS each and use them with my dB Opera Lyrics for bigger shows.

[thingyy]

No its power.I built my own speaker cabinets and fitted 2 18 inch Cerwyns and a Tweeter no crossover. The amp was modified by a friend who was a wizz on electronics. {removed the clipping protection }
I also put a slight mix out on the PA about 10 percenty. The secret is to have your tracks comming out behind you in stereo as per a band situation.

[trout]

Hi Charlie,
You say you use a computer on stage and also sound like a live band.
Can you tell me what software you use, and what sound module?
Cheers, trout

[charlie]

Hey Trout,

Currently running a software prog set up for "live" midi called Showplay. Current version is Showplay 4. I believe this is the link to their website: www.pride-corp.com. Excellent for "live use". Check it out! As far as sound modules: Yamaha QY700 (also doubles as a backup sequencer in the unlikely event Showplay crashes...had it for 4 years now, and Showplay has never crashed.) Roland Sound Canvas & Sound Brush (also as backup). Kawai G-Mega for electric guitar sounds....closest to the real thing I have heard...(use it for backgrouind rhythm guiitar tracks). That's about it for now....looking to upgrade to either the Yamaha Motif ES or Roland SC-80.

[trout]

Thanks Charlie,
You have been very helpfull.
Trout

[don]

Hi All, in regard to getting the drums to sound "beefy" try adding chorus.
Regards,
Don.

[thingyy]

Decent speakers helps.

[nobody]

Lots of good advice above.

Would agree that good hardware is the key (amp/speakers) and that a little echo or chorus on the drums can "beef-up" the sound.