Real band vs band in a box pro#
This can be accomplished with something as simple as an iPod or more complex setups using a computer running a program like Pro Tools, Mainstage, or Ableton Live through a mixer and even possibly an in-ear monitoring system. Another signal is then sent to the Front of House Sound Engineer containing the pre-recorded tracks. Since, either the band or vocalist is on track and the other is live, the drummer has to have a signal fed into their headphone mix with a click (tempo) track and any other pertinent live or pre-recorded audio tracks. This is where things start to get more complex. It is 100% in the can, and still shook the world.Ģ.) Live Band, Tracked Vocals or Tracked Band, Live Vocals This is a very famous Michael Jackson performance at the Motown 25th Anniversary show in 1983 where he introduced the Moonwalk. This method is often used on television, and live telecasts specifically because it mitigates potential live sound production problems, which can occur due to countless variables. This was popularized in the 1960’s on television programs like American Bandstand and is utilized more so in the Pop world where there are elaborate dance routines, which make live singing difficult. The artist(s) are mock performing to a pre-recorded track, also known as lip-synching. This is when there is no live performance of any musical instruments or vocals at all. It’s important to explain exactly what backing tracks mean because there are many, many shades and degrees to which a band can add automation and backing tracks.
To you, it may be obvious and par for the course that bands these days play to backing tracks. That hypothetical anecdote might come off as antiquated if you are a modern musician with any technical savvy. Is that a violin I hear? Where is that electronic drum loop coming from? The drummer appears to have a normal drum kit.” It dawns on you perhaps there is more going on behind the curtain. You may think to yourself, “Hmmm…that’s interesting. Even the backing vocal harmonies are on point. The vocals sound big, clean, and expertly performed in perfect pitch. Would you describe yourself as an active concertgoer? If you find yourself seeing lots of live music, you may have noticed that many bands are sounding remarkably close to their produced recorded material.