Incorporating Live Backing Tracks using the X32 Rack

In this step-by-step video tutorial, Damien runs through the steps required to create backing tracks using Reaper, and how to configure Reaper, X32-Edit software and the X32 rack itself, to enable playback of backing tracks in a live band setting.
**** Part 1 - Introduction ****
0:29 - What are backing tracks?
3:07 - Hardware Requirements
4:00 - Software Requirements
**** Part 2 - Configuration ****
5:05 - Connect to the X32 network
5:15 - Connect X32-Edit to the X32 Rack
5:55 - Configure ASIO Driver and output range in Reaper
6:27 - Check sample rate in Reaper
6:42 - Check sample rate in X32-Edit
7:00 - Check sample rate directly from the X32 rack interface
7:34 - Configure output range in X32-Edit
8:08 - Configure output range directly from the X32 rack interface
8:26 - Set to 'Play' mode in X32-Edit
8:43 - Set to 'Play' mode directly from the X32 rack interface
**** Part 3 - Creating the Backing Tracks ****
9:55 - www.karaoke-version.com
11:10 - Download the click track
11:52 - Download the instrument track
13:12 - About the 'Vocal Cue' track
14:01 - Import the click and instrument tracks
**** Part 4 - Playback through the X32 Rack ****
15:13 - 'Record' vs 'Play' mode on the X32
18:58 - Assigning output channels for each track in Reaper
23:15 - A real-world example
**** Part 5 - Final Thoughts & Considerations ****
25:24 - Tempo challenges
26:46 - Transposing key
27:19 - Song arrangement
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[@theotherbrock787]

Good job. Thank you for putting this together.

[@Damo_Drummer]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@pbenson56fran]

I smile about some bands using backing tracks. I remember going to a concert and a guy group used backing tracks. Because they were very popular most people, including me, never allowed a missing band to hinder our enjoyment. Of course, they used the same music when they were very very very popular from the 90s. It was an excellent show.

[@Damo_Drummer]

It’s so common now. Pop bands especially, and they largely avoid backing track criticism because they usually don’t have bands backing them anyway. The issue most people have is with bands who bring real instruments on stage but then mime along to tracks. Who was the band you referenced?

[@pbenson56fran]

@@Damo_Drummer Boy's to Men a boy group that was very popular in the early 90s.

[@Damo_Drummer]

@@pbenson56fran Ah I remember them well.

[@paultentertainer978]

Thanks for the video Damo! This is exactly what I needed. I know what I’m doing over the holidays 👌

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks Paul! I was thinking of you when I was uploading it :)

[@MattSomers19]

Great detail explaining! Thank you!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks, Matt! Are you running live tracks, yourself?

[@TheJAIRCRUZ]

@@Damo_Drummerhey bro Is this possible with Logic Pro X ??

[@brookejade8152]

excellent

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks!

[@notaforte]

Backing Tracks For a quIck and dirty salsa backing track, I used garage band to add the following; -Bongos and bell -Congas -Timbales and cymbals -Bass -choruses -Cues (internal) -At times I use midi bass to help keep the tempo The bass is written on finale and then exported as a midi to garage band. Here is a sample; kzbin.info/www/bejne/r36ZpHaFf71ombsfeature=shared

[@Damo_Drummer]

Nicely done :D

[@peelproductions1971]

Great video. How do you ensure that all the backing tracks are at the same (correct) volume between songs for the FOH mix?

[@Damo_Drummer]

Hi Peel! One of the good things about the tracks found on karaoke-version.com is that they are 'pre-mixed' tracks which (within themselvess at least) are balanced, track to track. Virtual soundcheck is a great thing, because when Im introducing a new backing track into the set, I get the option of mixing it with an existing live recording, from my home. This allows me to get all levels right, and minimize the risk of ugly surprises during live perfomances!

[@peelproductions1971]

Many thanks Damo!, looking forward to you video on how to trigger the song starts and stops. That's where I am on my backing track journey as the drummer. Trying to find a cheap and reliable way to stop and start reaper without to much cost. Was thinking that running it of a tablet with one of the backing track apps maybe a better way. @@Damo_Drummer

[@Damo_Drummer]

@@peelproductions1971 download a Reaper extension called SWS extensions. You can then use markers to create 'actions' which can auto start/stop, and a bunch of other things.

[@Go_Casey_Go]

If you only have the 16 inputs channels to work with and don’t have the extra add on that gives you an additional 16, does that mean you lose 8 channels if say I just wanted to send 1 click track and that was it? This is based off what I noticed in the routing portion of your video.That’s where I’m A bit confused. Hope that makes sense.

[@Damo_Drummer]

Hi Casey. It can be a little confusing - especially for live musicians. The X32rack accommodates 32 inputs - 16 of which are XLR on the back, plus a few additional auxillary inputs. In other words, without the S16 add-on, you will only be able to plug 16 XLR based instruments into the X32, even though the software for the X32 can accommodate more. The card output/playback channels are (by default) controlled in groups of 8, however Behringer has since updated the firmware so that card output channels can now be controlled *individually* under a "User Out" menu. So, technically, it is possible to input 31 instruments, and just have one playback channel - in your case, a click - playing back through your X32 card, on channel 32. All of this stuff is obviously a lot easier to visualize and test if you own the X32 already, but if you're simply wondering whether the X32rack can accommodate channel by channel input/output and playback for live running of backing tracks etc, then the answer is "yes". Disclaimer! I have actually moved away from running backing tracks back through the X32 card. I now use Ableton Live, controlled by a separate laptop and interface, which outputs my tracks via XLR to the X32. The X32 treats the tracks like any other plugged-in instrument, but separating the playback system from the X32 entirely mitigates risk and lightens the load. Hope this helps!

[@Go_Casey_Go]

@@Damo_Drummer okay so I would need to change the use out to the card not the user in right? Otherwise totally makes sense thank you for the info!

[@fireantrecordingstudio1113]

So I totally get how to route everything for the in ears, but how do I send the backing tracks to foh?

[@Damo_Drummer]

The backing tracks enter the x32rack as INPUTS. Like any other input on the mixer, it can then be sent to multiple outputs. On the X32 rack, the FoH outputs are generally outputs 7 and 8 by default. If for example, you have your backing tracks being sent to input channels 24-32, you’d need to raise the volume of those same channels on outputs 7 and 8. In that regard, the FoH outputs are no different to any of the other buss channels used for feeding IEMs, etc. Make sense?

[@juliangonzalez102]

Im currently on MAC using reaper. Theres no xusb driver thats compatible to download with MAC. Can you give me some advice or tips? Great informative video!

[@Damo_Drummer]

Thanks for the kind words, Julian. In Reaper Preferences, do you have ASIO set as the Audio System? I'm not a Mac user, but Behringer's site does appear to list an updater for the Mac version of X-USB. www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0606-ABV - Look under the 'software' tab on the right of the page for 'X-USB updater Mac Version 10'. Also remember to have the mixer ON before loading any software. By default, any program that uses the X32 will load up looking for the device and its associated drivers, which may not be loaded if the X32 is off. I'm also seeing some people saying that the X-USB driver isn't required for Mac. I'm not well informed in the Mac space, so my recommendation is to download the Updater file anyway and install it. Aee what happens. Let me know how it goes!

[@Lucky_bussi]

How do you use multiple songs on setlist? Do you have multiple sessions in reaper?

[@Damo_Drummer]

Great question. Ill do a video on it eventually, but essentially I use an extension called SWS, which allows you to automate to different markers within a single session, and start/stop as required.

[@PestifeR]

You can just arrange the songs in the same project one after another. With "shift + m" you can insert markers. These markers are numbered. You then can jump to markers by pressing the number on the keyboard (this only works up to 10 i think.. Pressing "11" will just make you jump to "1")