Ok try this: http://www.playwareinnovations.com/
This is a programme that plays mp3 and wav files. You can enter lyrics on the fly, it has a conductor bar telling you where you are with colour codes, you control midi devices if you have them and the list goes on. I have been looking for something like this for a long time, and someone answered my needs. The support from the programmers is tremendous, and I highly recommend Onstage Performer to anyone wanting a slick PC based set up. It is extremely user friendly as well. You build sets for the gig/job, or you wing it (random select), and no I am not a shareholder!


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Roy-Andrè

[This message has been edited by royandreno (edited 04-04-2005).]

That looks interesting. Thanks for posting. I have read the site, have not seen the 'videos.' I assume you use this live with a laptop and the laptop becomes your monitor?

Yes, with black background and bright colours you choose for text.
Yes this is a laptop solution. I,m gonna bring two laptops, one for back-up. On some jobs I still need the Tyros. It will be a slow transition from midi to mp3 and wav.
This truly is an amazing programme! Real easy to use!

[This message has been edited by royandreno (edited 04-05-2005).]

This looks very interesting. I can see where this could be very helpful on stage. I can also see where this pretty much makes your performance a laptop-based karaoke. I still prefer playing keyboards while singing.

I agree, and I play my guitar as well as sing.
Someone once told me I played Tupperware music, and I guess in a way it's true, music in a box it is! LOL
I'm pretty thick skinned, styles or files, I don't care as long as you also play your instrument when you perform I think it's legit. And for me and anyyone that uses backing this is grand stuff!!
Regards


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Roy-Andrè

Dear Royadreno;

I am curious as to why you want to switch from Midi to Mp3/Wav?

Regards;
BN

BlkNotes,
the reason is sound and backing quality. I have found many studio recorded backingtracks that are live recorded and sounds fantastic with no guitar. I can also mix and match VST instruments and sequence them and export as either wav or high quality 192kbps mp3 using BFD drums, Broomstick bass and Grand Piano, you name it. My Tyros has great sounds but certain things you just can't match the real stuff.

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Roy-Andrè

Studio-recorded? Where might I find these? Most of the older mp3's I've heard are actual recordings with the vocals masked out. The newer ones are midi transfers into WAVs or mp3. With the exception of maybe using less equipment, why would I want to convert my midis to mp3? It seems like more work up front to eliminate work on the job, but work that is visual and supportive of the presentation on stage (am I making myself clear?).

http://www.jamtrax.com/ http://www.backingtracksforguitarists.co.uk/ http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~steveml/page2.htm
If you like The Shadows: http://members.aol.com/cutcheon/index.html
These are just a few, some are live and others professionally sequenced.
Why would you cinvert midi to mp3? Because today you can find VST sounds that are so real you can't tell it from the real thing.
Try Bass Broomstick and BFD drums for starters. There is no keyboard out there with these sounds, then again their files are Gb sized and should be good. Then when your midi files sounds are replaced with these VST sounds your midifile is a totally different product, believe me! That's the answer why I choose this. I am always stribing to get and sound better!

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Roy-Andrè

By the way, you can also use loops, live recorded instruments a bar or two at a time.
It's just like a piece of a style, and you build the song. These are great, and there are many great loops out there. For drums and bass, Drums On Demand : http://drumsondemand.com/ are real user friendly and sounds great. You see, mp3 and wave opens a well of possibilities you don't have with midi alone.

One advantage MIDI is the ability to transpose the key to fit your voice range. With a pre-fab mp3/wave song you may be out of your range. How would you know whether or not that's the case before purchasing an mp3 file?

Glenn,
some studios offer the song in a different key. In order to do this, they are relying on topnotch VST sounds/instruments. The only downside is the pricing. Yes there are some advantages with midi and that is the flexibility. They show you the key the song is in before you purchase though.

[This message has been edited by royandreno (edited 04-05-2005).]

Roy, the jamtrax and backingtrax sites are really exciting... but I share concerns about tempo and key. Granted, the realism is great. If there were more sites and more songs in my repitoire, I might be tempted to get a few of these.

This sounds similar to MidiMaestro.

I finally got around to checking out the videos... looks like a very slick program. A bit onerpriced, but possibly well worth it. BTW, IMO the best way to handle something like this is to make your own mp3s, possibly from your own converted midis, and keep them at a minimum so you're still 'live'. That way, there's no problem with your personal preferance of key, tempo, or style.

I think you are right on, Glenn. This gives you an option to do and play anything recorded to mp3 or wave to your liking or needs. I am in the midst of loading and texting and I am thrilled with how easy the programme is to use.
Vquestor; yes I guess they are a bit alike, I haven't got the Midimaesatro though.