What do you think is the best format for backing tracks... Mp3 or Minidisc? My #1 priority is quality, tho I think they're about equal. Next is stability and convenience... setting up and rearranging song lists.

I often play live (guitar) with backing tracks I've made myself. Having used minidisc a lot, I've finally switched to CD-Rs (not mp3s), since they sound better to my ear. Listners/patrons probably would never know the difference. I shopped around until I found a CD player (actually DVD) that would play CD-Rs (some don't) and with the brightess screen where I could read the track numbers in low-light situations. So far, everything works great.

My vote is for MP3's..I use the format with a laptop. This system is far superior than the other systems.I use Sonic Foundry software to record[wave] and render as MP3. I use 192 bitrate, but even 128 is CD quality..I can not tell any or very little difference between wave and MP3..With MP3 I can edit, change keys, change tempo, with Acid Pro[Sonic Foundry]. The space saving ratio is 10 to1 in favor of MP3[Data verses Audio]..With the laptop you can organize thousands of songs with full names and key info. They can be displayed around 100 tunes on a page. you can quickly scroll and find any MP3 in seconds. All this on a bright readable screen..You can quickly set up break tunes when your off stage..This system allows you to record your music and backup vocals for your shows, allowing you to play along and sing lead with your MP3's..The Mini Disc sounds good but does not have the same benefits, likewise with a CD player..

Fran, what program do you use to organize and play back? Thx

Organization is done within the explorer window of the laptop..My prefered playback program is Winamp..

I agree ! Why Mp3 when the CD quality should be better sonically speaking ?

Dano

Dano you will have to convince me that the Cd[wav] is that superior..the key is the bitrate conversion to MP3, and as I mentioned I use 192 bitrate that exceeds the 128 bitrate[CD quality].. I am pretty sure you may not have the experience in MP3 recording and conversion. If you did ,you would find my evaluation to be true..Respectfully, Fran

Fran, can you hear the difference between 192 and 128 bits when played back thru your PA?

I believe I can, but what is more important, you can hear the degradation in lesser bitrate, for example 56 or even 96 bitrates.. I think many people are listening to MP3's with the lower bitrate conversion and drawing conclusions that this is the quality to be obtained with MP3 conversions..

I totaly agree with Fran regarding MP3's, They sound great!
I have the excact same setup and use it every night with no problems. Today if your not using a Laptop on stage for Mp3's, CD's, SMF songs, Lyrics, your working too hard, its a nessesity for performance, plus a solid Backup... IMO.

------------------
www.donnypesce.com