the right kind of soundcard?- using ableton in live setting?

[jakus]

Hey all,

Basically I'm in a three piece band, and for a few songs I want to use backing tracks via ableton to play with. However, I'm aware I need to route the metronome (or a midi track resembling the metronome) to the drummer. Of course, I'm guessing I need a soundcard as to utilise this.

Any suggestions? I don't need anything amazing (ie expensive) but something that will just fulfil it's role. I'm not new to ableton but I am new in how to integrate it into a live setup


Many thanks if you can help...!


Oh also, would a soundcard help with the relatively low output of my macbook?

[mode:masters]

jakus yes you do need a souncard, but it has to be multi-channel.

There are some very good, cheap interfaces around that are only one stereo pair out, this will not work for sending a click track to a drummer. You can configure Live to send the click track (cue channel) on any set of outputs on a multi-channel card.

Just get whatever you can afford, there is alot of argument as to what is the best. For something small and portable and good value for money have a look at the Focusrite Sapphire range, in particular the Pro24 or Pro24DSP models. Won't break the bank, but has high quality DAC's and great management software which will allow you to send various mixes to different members of the band. I use the Pro40 and it's fantastic.

[jakus]

hey, manymany thanks for replying and helping me out there.

i'm currently in a financial nightmare, is there anything I can get for under £100? I'm not very knowledgeable on soundcards at all, just need a little help


thanks

[mode:masters]

Well that depends on whether you want Firewire or USB. As a general rule Firewire is more expensive that USB, so you might want to look at entry level USB interfaces. M-Audio have some cheap-ish stuff but the general consensus is the quality isn't so fantastic. See if you can pick up a second hand Edirol interface, they write very stable drivers for their devices, so will be reliable in a live situation.

Just make sure it's multi-channel and you'll be able to send your click track to the drummer.

[booksofbokonon]

I play in a band that centers around ableton. Our drummer uses a click, and we use multiple sends for guitars and synths. I use an out of production, steady as a rock, presonus firebox. You can still buy them new for about $200 (which puts it just a tad over your limit) and that means you could probably find one used in your price range.

It has 4 analog ins (two are mic inputs), 6 outs, midi in/out, and is all powered by my macbook (so i don't need one more wall wart.)

If you wanna hear examples of what we do in a live setting using ableton with only 3 people, check this out:

http://www.myspace.com/karasstheband
or
http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/48213

[dtlj]

there's other reviews on the site as well but this is the most recent
http://www.djtechtools.com/2010/04/28/r ... -than-200/