Building a Playback Rig From Scratch: What I’d Buy + Total Cost

[@richardbelair5163]

Please do an updated version of this of what you would use for this up and coming 2025. I’m interested in the gear you would use.

[@Thetaylorwynn]

how about configuring a pelican/rack pre-wired for tour/fly gigs

[@samuelcharrier8164]

Hello, i have a technical question about the Iconnectivity 4C . I would like to buy this sound card because i am playing live with an Macbook pro M1 2020 and an Ipad Pro 12.9 2020 , both with Playback audio, so , i guess, for audio playback it will be great to have 1 sound card for 2 machines but , the thing is , i play with Vsti too, like Omnisphere/Trilian and i would know about the Latence, i didn^t saw any informations about it. For playing live, it will be super too have a latence of 128, around that so, my computer is snappy, with 16gig of ram and actualy, he's running really well without soundcard with his mini jack output....i was really surprise about that !!!! So, i need to know about the latency, the real deal for playing live with Vsti. Thank you. Sam

[@davidmatamoros4499]

Is there a reason you pick the Play Audio 12 over Loop Community’s Track Rig?

[@fromstudiotostage]

Yes, lots, 1) redundancy (meaning 2 interfaces in one) 2) use 8 USB MIDI Controllers with it 3) 12 outputs 4) Connect up to 4 other computers/interfaces via RTP MIDI

[@djvoiceless]

You've picked the Macbook Air M2 for running tracks, I'm building a rig where I have a set in ableton with tracks but also virtual synths all with a gaming laptop that I want to replace bc of stability. Would you still recommend the Air M2 or should I go with Air M1 or maybe the Pro M1?

[@fromstudiotostage]

I would pick two M2 airs, one for keys one for tracks. Always separate whenever possible

[@aeiplanner]

What’s the purpose for Play Audio 12 when you can send over DANTE

[@shahrinsyazwan6952]

Depends on the situation - Not every venue you go into will have Dante available. Also, the PA12 has redundancy whereas DVS does not have redundancy built into it.

[@fromstudiotostage]

I picked the PlayAudio12 because it was redundant. If I was using Dante and needed redundancy, I’d choose the Exbox.md. If I was going to pick an audio over IP solution, I’d go with Dante, but the PlayAudio12 is analog and will work everywhere.

[@justinseiffert9190]

Is the second computer for keys or redundancy?

[@fromstudiotostage]

Redundancy

[@Itsmiketoba]

Any cheaper alternatives to the oak tone?

[@fromstudiotostage]

There are lots of cheaper MIDI controllers, but nothing that’s custom made for playback, as well-built, and as simple. That’s why I personally picked it.

[@TheRiddzSteamer]

Kind of off topic, but do you think backing tracks should be Stereo or Mono?

[@fromstudiotostage]

If your system is mono and in-ear mix is mono stereo doesn't matter much

[@TheRiddzSteamer]

@@fromstudiotostage our in ear system is stereo. We have the option in most venues to do a stereo backing track. I just have them pan our tracks left and right normally. Just didn’t know if that was a bad idea. I’ve always wondered if say Twenty One Pilots tracks are in stereo?

[@EricLThomp75]

Rats ... the 12 is discontinued and now looks like they only have the 1U, which is $1200 :(

[@drkstrnd]

Wouldn't it be smart, if you got another pair of MacBooks, just in case something happens to them on a technical level?! Like I genuinely wouldnt feel save with ONLY 2 MacBooks? 4 is a save call, but professionals tend to get like 32 or so... remember there can always go something wrong in a live setting?! I'm a professional btw, I know what I'm talking about, I have done live sound engineering with the greatest of the greats

[@fromstudiotostage]

sounds like you've had some amazing opportunities and have lots of experience! For a redundant tracks rig, you need 2 computers. It would help to own more incase something happens with those 2, but you only need 2 running at a time.

[@geluix69]

love the wow 4000$ is expensive part , funny. go back to 1990-2000 , 4000$ doesn't even scratch the surface of anything even remotely close to this level of power.

[@Pinkybum]

You're using a spreadsheet - why not use it to do the math?

[@fromstudiotostage]

because I didn't