How many folk here play live sets with (mainly) live drum/synth synthysis

[TechMouse]

@Tocsin: I can see what you're getting at, but really you're saying that for you the ability to play an instrument (i.e. some level of virtuosity) is a requirement for a "Live PA".

I don't hold with such a requirement. Virtuosity is basically a motor skill at the end of the day. A commendable one, and I'm a sucker for a good musician on any level, but there is much more to performance than the ability to play an instrument.

For me, doing a Live PA is similar to conducting an orchestra - you have a range of different instruments at your command. Much of it has to be pre-prepared. Many of the notes have to be at least pattern sequenced, and unless you're Tim Exile all of your samples will be pre-recorded. Your job is to marshal all of this stuff together into something that's at least listenable. You can make this as easy or as difficult as you like - but make it too easy and it's incredibly boring for both you and the crowd.

Have it set up so there is some flexibility how you navigate around your material, so you can detour in different directions as the mood takes you, and you're on to a winner.

This is something I'm thinking about a lot at the moment.

[rhythmtech]

@Tocsin: I can see what you're getting at, but really you're saying that for you the ability to play an instrument (i.e. some level of virtuosity) is a requirement for a "Live PA".

I don't hold with such a requirement. Virtuosity is basically a motor skill at the end of the day. A commendable one, and I'm a sucker for a good musician on any level, but there is much more to performance than the ability to play an instrument.

For me, doing a Live PA is similar to conducting an orchestra - you have a range of different instruments at your command. Much of it has to be pre-prepared. Many of the notes have to be at least pattern sequenced, and unless you're Tim Exile all of your samples will be pre-recorded. Your job is to marshal all of this stuff together into something that's at least listenable. You can make this as easy or as difficult as you like - but make it too easy and it's incredibly boring for both you and the crowd.

Have it set up so there is some flexibility how you navigate around your material, so you can detour in different directions as the mood takes you, and you're on to a winner.

This is something I'm thinking about a lot at the moment.

exactly.. i play a ton of instruments from electronic to acoustic but it doesnt mean i wanna use them in a pa. far to busy with other stuff

as steve said, the sound is paramount

[tocsin]

@Tocsin: I can see what you're getting at, but really you're saying that for you the ability to play an instrument (i.e. some level of virtuosity) is a requirement for a "Live PA".

I wouldn't say it's a "requirement." It's just my opinion on it. "Live" is something I've always held as meaning that there is a chance of mistake. Kind of like a trapese artist in a sense. It's personal opinion, but not any "requirement" I'm throwing out there. I've found plenty of "live" Ableton or Traktor sets quite enjoyable. You won't find me badgering someone over whether or not they actually played "live."

[davethedrummer]

I wouldn't say it's a "requirement." It's just my opinion on it. "Live" is something I've always held as meaning that there is a chance of mistake. Kind of like a trapese artist in a sense. It's personal opinion, but not any "requirement" I'm throwing out there. I've found plenty of "live" Ableton or Traktor sets quite enjoyable. You won't find me badgering someone over whether or not they actually played "live."

thats way too many apostrophes for my liking

[acidsaturation]

For me, doing a Live PA is similar to conducting an orchestra - you have a range of different instruments at your command. Much of it has to be pre-prepared. Many of the notes have to be at least pattern sequenced, and unless you're Tim Exile all of your samples will be pre-recorded. Your job is to marshal all of this stuff together into something that's at least listenable. You can make this as easy or as difficult as you like - but make it too easy and it's incredibly boring for both you and the crowd.

Kind of how I've always described it.