Free Mini-Course on Ambient Guitar Chord Structures: 🎁 → this video, I make a comp.
- MainStage comes bundled with a number of sampled software instruments (such as pianos, guitars, drum kits and pads) as well as effects. These instruments can be played using a pre-recorded MIDI file or via a controller device that uses the MIDI protocol, such as a keyboard or drum pad.
- Learn how to power your live performances with Apple's MainStage 2.2 in this FREE introductory tutorial. In this 10-tutorial overview course, live performance expert Darren Burgos shows you the basics of how to get up and performing with MainStage 2.2 in no time.
What you need to take your Facebook Live game to the next level.
Here's the thing about Facebook Live: you can go live with nothing more than your phone!
Hardly any toolkit needed at all.
And if we're going to learn a lesson from Steve Lacy, it's to just start. Don't wait around for the perfect equipment, the newest gadget, the best lighting rig. Take what you have, even if it's just your phone with its built-in camera and mic, and begin.
You'll fumble, you'll get better, and maybe you'll find that the least amount of equipment yields the best results. It worked for Dawn Beyer, who earned more than $74k in under a year by playing short concerts on Facebook Live using nothing more than her phone.
Mainstage 3 4 4 – Live Performance Tool For Musicians Looking
That being said, there are a few affordable items that can, under certain circumstances, make your live-streaming life a lot simpler. Most likely the simpler it is to 'go live,' the more you'll do it, the more fun you'll have, and the better your broadcasts will become.
Here are five items that can improve your live streaming on Facebook:
1. A lightning/USB mic
The built-in mic on your phone is fine. But if you want something better than fine, there are affordable options for external mics.
I love the Shure MV51 digital condenser microphone.
Firstly, it comes with two cables (USB to USB for PC or Android devices, and Lightning for use with iPhones, iPads, or iPods).
It has a kickstand so you can easily prop it on a nearby table; but if you have to get the mic in just the right position, it's easy to remove the cap from the bottom of the kickstand and mount it to a mic stand.
This is a small, rugged, portable, multi-purpose digital microphone, so putting it to the test against the best condenser mics would miss the point. When you compare the results you get with this mic versus what you'd pick up with your camera's built in microphone, though, there's a world of difference. I'm no audio engineer, so these could be imprecise descriptors, but compared to my phone's built-in mic, the MV51 provides clarity, smoothness, mellowing out some of the harsher stuff, and it adds a little roundness without sounding smashed.
So yeah, it sounds good AND gives you a ton of flexibility, since the thing has a number of presets to choose from, including:
- speech
- singing
- acoustic instrument
- loud mode
- flat mode
This allows you to quickly find the right settings for quiet acoustic performances, loud shows, voice/podcast type stuff, and more. Plus with the swipe of your finger you can adjust the gain right on the mic.
A built-in headphone output helps you reduce latency when monitoring, and — these newfangled devices are so smart — it also knows to power up when you phone's video camera is enabled.
Because the MV51 either requires a mic stand or a flat surface nearby to prop it on, there's one other mic worth considering for your Facebook Live efforts: Shure's MV88.
The MV88 is a super small stereo condenser mic made specifically for iOS devices, and it plugs right into the device — so the phone is actually acting as the support brace or 'stand' for the microphone. Again, this saves you on having to bring a mic stand or worry about having a table or desk nearby, and that more minimal approach may inspire you to 'go live' more often in more locations.
The drawback is that, while you can rotate the MV88 to a degree, you might not be able to get a perfect angle to the sound source AND a perfect camera angle from your phone at the same time if you happen to be oddly positioned in the frame. In contrast, the MV51 can be placed independently of the phone (though you still need them to be close enough together to be connected by the cable, of course). If you're just sitting in front of the camera strumming a guitar though, the MV88 should do the trick.
2. A smartphone tripod…
… so you don't have to lean your phone against a stack of books or a tree, and…
3. A small LED light
I breezed over #2 because you can get a smartphone tripod AND small LED light together in a package like this onefrom Livestream Gear.
The light is battery-operated, of course, so you gotta keep it charged, and expect it to only work at full brightness for about 30 minutes. After that it'll slowly dim for another 30 minutes or so. But that's plenty of time for your average Facebook Live broadcast.
Then just remember to put that battery back in the charger when your live stream is done.
4. A taller tripod
If your location doesn't allow for a good spot to place the smartphone tripod, you can remove the mount for the camera and light and attach it to a standard tripod. This is definitely an 'extra,' but if you're not always going live from the same location, it might be worth getting one of these.
5. BeLive.tv (and a good webcam)
This last option is going to send us in a whole different direction, but if you want to incorporate screen-shares, pre-roll video, split-screen interviews, customized branding, or other fancy elements into your broadcast, you might want to check out a platform such as BeLive.tv, a third-party tool which helps you stage a pro-looking presentation and publish it (live) as a Facebook Live stream.
Be warned: There's a monthly subscription fee that might seem hefty if you're on a tight budget. But if you've gotten to the point where you're wanting video elements that aren't supported within Facebook's native 'Live' features, this is a good avenue to explore.
The reason I include the 'good webcam' above is because as the host you can only go live through BeLive.tv from a desktop. If your computer's built-in camera is crappy, invest in something that captures HD.
Did I forget any essentials? Let me know in the comments.
And if you want some tips on how to interact with your audience, and how to monetize your Facebook Live streams, check out Rick Barker's session from The DIY Musician Conference below:
VSTs revolutionized mixing music.
Instruments and effects that used to cost thousands became accessible to every musician with a computer.
If you produce music in a DAW, VSTs are probably a key part of your workflow.
But sometimes you want to use your plugins without launching a full fledged DAW. Maybe you just want your jam with your virtual synths, or play live with a VST rig on stage.
To run VSTs without the extra functionality of a DAW you'll need a VST host.
In this article I'll go through the 8 best VST host apps available today.
What is a VST host?
A VST host is a software program that can load VST instruments or effects plugins. A VST host can be a DAW or a dedicated software program just for running VSTs.
While a traditional DAW can be used for live performance, many musicians prefer the stability and ease of use that comes with dedicated VST hosts.
While a traditional DAW can be used for live performance, many musicians prefer the stability and ease of use that comes with dedicated VST hosts.
These purpose-built software programs don't need the extra features and functionality of full recording apps.
That makes them simpler and more efficient for your computer to run.
Even if you're just playing through a handful of instruments or effects, a VST host can help when a standalone version of the plugin doesn't exist.
The 10 best VST hosts
With the basics out of the way, here are the 10 best VST hosts available today.
1. Apple Mainstage
Be warned: There's a monthly subscription fee that might seem hefty if you're on a tight budget. But if you've gotten to the point where you're wanting video elements that aren't supported within Facebook's native 'Live' features, this is a good avenue to explore.
The reason I include the 'good webcam' above is because as the host you can only go live through BeLive.tv from a desktop. If your computer's built-in camera is crappy, invest in something that captures HD.
Did I forget any essentials? Let me know in the comments.
And if you want some tips on how to interact with your audience, and how to monetize your Facebook Live streams, check out Rick Barker's session from The DIY Musician Conference below:
VSTs revolutionized mixing music.
Instruments and effects that used to cost thousands became accessible to every musician with a computer.
If you produce music in a DAW, VSTs are probably a key part of your workflow.
But sometimes you want to use your plugins without launching a full fledged DAW. Maybe you just want your jam with your virtual synths, or play live with a VST rig on stage.
To run VSTs without the extra functionality of a DAW you'll need a VST host.
In this article I'll go through the 8 best VST host apps available today.
What is a VST host?
A VST host is a software program that can load VST instruments or effects plugins. A VST host can be a DAW or a dedicated software program just for running VSTs.
While a traditional DAW can be used for live performance, many musicians prefer the stability and ease of use that comes with dedicated VST hosts.
While a traditional DAW can be used for live performance, many musicians prefer the stability and ease of use that comes with dedicated VST hosts.
These purpose-built software programs don't need the extra features and functionality of full recording apps.
That makes them simpler and more efficient for your computer to run.
Even if you're just playing through a handful of instruments or effects, a VST host can help when a standalone version of the plugin doesn't exist.
The 10 best VST hosts
With the basics out of the way, here are the 10 best VST hosts available today.
1. Apple Mainstage
Apple's Mainstage is one of the most well-known VST hosts for live performance.
It includes many of the respected plugins, presets and effects from Apple's flagship DAW app Logic Pro X.
Built specifically with live shows in mind, Mainstage has many impressive features for performers.
Guitarists will love the virtual pedalboards and amp rigs that come complete with tuner, tap tempo and spillover features.
And keyboardists can take advantage of the excellent built-in emulations of classics the Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes, Hohner Pianet and more.
Live Performance Definition
Unfortunately, like all Apple software, Mainstage is only available on Mac OS X. But if you're a Mac user looking to play VSTs live, Mainstage is probably your first option to try.
2. Topten Cantabile
Topten Cantabile is a high performance VST host that's tailor-made for live playing.
With robust MIDI routing and impressive real-time features, Cantabile is an excellent choice for using VSTs on stage.
Cantabile was purpose-built for the stage, so it's among the most stable and efficient hosts you can find. Tuneskit 3 4 2 download free.
If you're a keyboard player looking to ditch a heavy hardware rig for simple laptop setup, Cantabile could be your best choice.
It comes in three editions, including a free tier with Cantabile Lite.
Unfortunately, Cantabile is Windows-only, so you'll have to choose another option if you want to turn your MacBook into the ultimate plug-in based synthesizer.
3. Your DAW
Any application that can run VSTs is a VST host.
That means your DAW is a perfectly good option for playing VSTs live.
Mainstage 3 4 4 – Live Performance Tool For Musicians Singing
Any application that can run VSTs is a VST host. That means your DAW is a perfectly good option for playing VSTs live.
DAWs are more complex than basic VST hosts, so your system will naturally have to do a bit more to keep the gig running.
But there are some upsides to using a DAW as a live VST host. You won't have to learn a new program to be able to build your stage setup.
And you can easily translate your projects from tracking and mixing to live performance.
Some DAWs are lightweight enough that they're well suited for live performance. For example, Ableton…Live is often used as a performance DAW.
4. Audiostrom LiveProfessor 2
Audiostrom LiveProfessor 2 is another feature-rich option for live VST use. Leech 2 2 2 – complete control over your downloads.
It features impressive preset capabilities, performance-oriented cue lists, flexible signal chains and impressive hardware control.
LiveProfessor 2 was developed in collaboration with industry professionals to create an app rugged enough for live use.
It's popular among front-of-house engineers for mixing live sets with VST plugins.
5. Niall Moody Pedalboard 2
Niall Moody Pedalboard 2 is a simple and effective VST host that's designed to work just like a guitarist's pedalboard.
Set your I/O, load your VSTs and patch between them to create a pedalboard-style signal flow.
The best part? Pedalboard 2 is free, lightweight and easy to use.
If you're looking to chain together a few virtual stompboxes and amp simulators in a digital guitar rig, Pedalboard 2 is a great choice.
6. Hermann Seib VSTHost
Mainstage 3 4 4 – Live Performance Tool For Musicians Free
VSTHost is a simple but effective hosting app created by independent developer Hermann Seib.
The project started as a plugin testing platform but became popular among keyboardists for playing live in the early days of VSTs.
It's still a great choice for a simple and effective VST host.
VSTHost lets you load plugins, edit them, send MIDI and save your setups to recall later. Virtual vertex muster 9 0 144.
7. Kushview Element
Kushview Element is a modular plugin host that can run VST and AU instruments in flexible configuration.
Its unique matrix style patchbay and graphical editor lets you draw in complex effects racks and signal chains with ease.
Mainstage 3 4 4 – Live Performance Tool For Musicians 2019
If you've ever tried to use your plugins in a live performance, you'll know the challenges that can arise.
Element features easy integration with hardware controllers and easy external sync to MIDI clock sources.
It's also free and open-source for you to experiment with and shape to your needs.
8. Tone2 NanoHost
Tone2 NanoHost is the most lightweight VST host on this list—in fact it's barely a host at all.
NanoHost acts as a wrapper to turn a VST plugin into a standalone application.
If your favourite VST instrument doesn't come bundled with a standalone app, NanoHost will do the job—for Windows users only.
It's perfect for those who just want to boot up a single VST without the hassle of a complicated program.
Play VSTs live
VST hosts may seem like an extremely specific type of software, but they fulfill an important purpose.
If you've ever tried to use your plugins in a live performance, you'll know the challenges that can arise.
VST hosts can help, and if you've made it through this article you'll have a handle on some of the best options available today.
