How To Run Backing Tracks Live

As a “tech” follow up to my “Is Backing Tracks Cheating?” video, I’ve decided to show an easy way for drummers to run the tracks live.
Equipment required:
• Small 5 channel personal mixer
• In-ear monitors or isolation headphones
• DI Box
• Stereo “Y” cable
• 1/4” patch cable
• Headphone extension cable
• Device with track files (ex: laptop, iPad, iPhone, iPod, etc.)
www.livingdeaddrummer.com
#LivingDeadDrummer

[@falquezfalquez]

Thanks for the insight man, my setup is pretty similar and you helped clear one of the questions I had. Loved the clip hack for the extension, that is a cheap and affordable way for drummers without the need of another device.

[@romulopielli]

Awesome! Tks!

[@brucejohnston3199]

Great video - always informative. Well done and thanks

[@adrianashe9364]

Great video! Very good explanation of the routing and logic behind that setup!

[@TheAverageDrummer]

Great vid man. I'm currently getting ready to use backing tracks for voice cues and click. Got my sub.

[@martywilcox4702]

This is great, thanks Nick!

[@marygoforth1771]

Awesome it's great to know how it works

[@MagallanesPR]

Great video... I also use my (actual) phone with mp3 mono tracks within Setlist Helper app, controlled with a BT pedal, and it is connected to a Bluetooth receiver, which is, in turn, connected to an XR18 on channels 16 (FOH mix) and 17 (Click & Cues Track).

[@DiceDemon]

Where can I find that cool coffin case? I've looked everywhere. Great vid man! I decided to go the phone route, doesn't make sense for me to be futzing around with a laptop on stage.

[@jameskirkbydrums]

very good vid!!! saving for reference!

[@jradsterling9986]

Very helpful 🤘🏻

[@MaFaKeys]

Why would you not want to hear vocals as part of your total mix?

[@LivingDeadDrummer]

Couple reasons. One, it allows me to focus entirely on the vibe with the Bassist. Make sure we are in sync and grooving. Two, who's the mostly likely to miss rehearsals and skip souncheck? lol. Not having to cue off vocals and just knowing the music inside and out will free you up a lot during a performance. Providing the most solid backbone for your singer in the process.

[@BenjoPOP]

Hey man! I'm using UMC 404hd to run my tracks live from my mobile device. and i wanted to add my behringer xenyx 302(usb) to the interface to have a control like this aswell. Would that work? If yes, what is my routing? Thank you in advanced.

[@LivingDeadDrummer]

I haven’t personally tried running it that way, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.

[@dahliasmiles7122]

FINALLY a video that actually shows and explains how to set everything up properly! Question though, if you don't need to mix any of the tracks, could you use an audio interface instead of the mixer? I personally have a behringer ur22c and was wondering if I can still get it to work. Also, do you HAVE to have the DI box?

[@LivingDeadDrummer]

You probably could run it with your UR22C, though I’ve never tried. The DI Box I use is really only to provide FOH with an XLR line instead of 1/4” and to give me a return signal for my IEM mix. You can probably bypass all of that if the interface you use has an XLR out.

[@FlashbackHeartAttack]

What if there is no "headphone" out from your source. Whats the setup?

[@LivingDeadDrummer]

What are you using to run the tracks? I know more recent devices by Apple eliminated the headphone jack, but they all have a plug that you can get a headphone adapter for.

[@dahliasmiles7122]

You can get a Type C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter and it works the same, just an extra cable

[@robjdrum]

In a situation where you are playing for a band that only has the drummer on a click, how do you handle a break in a song where only the guitar player, for example, plays a part before the band comes back in? Let's just say for a sec, that the guitar player pushes the tempo (which they never do!).. What's the standard way of handling parts of songs where there are no drums in these types of scenarios?

[@LivingDeadDrummer]

I count on the Hi-Hat or Ride for them so they can stay on beat.