Live Dawless Setup & Preparation // Tips & Must Haves 

0:50 - How i choose what to use. 9:05 - Table Layout 10:49 - Connecting everything up 13:10 - Awesome option for a power strip 13:57 - My Favorite accessories 15:49 - Tips!

Yo Enrique you should see if you can film one of your shows. I would like to see you in action!

The amount of time you take to help others is incredible. Thanks for all your tips and thoughts. Even knowing the tricks you have for playing chords on the circuit. It’s that level of detail and honesty about how you work that makes your channel so rad

Stuff I wish I heard when I started playing live: bring as little gear as possible and get a stopwatch; you would be surprised how much you will improve the quality of your set if you become more aware of how far you are into your performance/how long your transitions are

Enrique, this is probably the best clip you have ever made. It's super useful, and very relaxing to listen to at the same time, I feel I just turned a good Netflix series and I'm totally hooked to this video. Brilliant!

I've been performing live for 10 years with an old project. A couple of utilities i would suggest: - 2 sided tape - comes really handy if you are afraid that people will make your gear fall down - those wide, strong tapes - good for anything really - long "output" cables - many times we had to reach the dj desk with our setup which needed 5-7 meter cables - i can double Enrique about extra cables - any of them can go wrong even if you are just wiping down everything fast after your gig - if you are performing in another county be sure they have the same connectors for electricity!!! We had a situation where we had just an hour to buy adaptors for that, because they had just a bit different plugs. I hope these help! :)

Definitely solid tips, and though you use the Octotrack for your mixer and a Digitakt for more drums, the mixer has to be one of the most underused instruments in tihs country. It can be a super expressive tool, if utilized, but it requires a little extra prep. One thing I did not see you mention in your prep is the actual preparations of sounds for the set, and the fact that basically, it behooves one to dummy-proof every aspect of the live set that they can, and this especially includes LEVELS. The last thing you ever want to be doing at a gig is trying to build/rebuild a mix. Most mixers go to +6db when you push the fader to the stops, and with the exception of the Master output level, you should ideally have your sounds all set up so that when your faders hit the stops, you are summing with all of your levels at, or just below unity, to that you never cook out in the mains, and the mix is 100% solid. Long story short, you want to knock off at least 6db of pretty much every sample, drum sound or synth patch that you're going to use so that you can set the input gain to the right level to give you good dynamics and summing at +6db on the channel fader. So what I'm saying is: you go through each and every sound and sample, you will use, and you set the levels of the sounds themselves to build the mix, not on the mixer. Instead you use the mixer to bring sounds into and out of your set, not just muting and unmuting of midi sequences. Any EQing you do should just be f expressive effect int or That's a nuch more European way of going about things, and I promise you, it works well, live. You did a really good job on the rest of it.

I’m really loving your channel Ricky, I love the way you think out loud and how you talk us through that thinking. Keep it up. So good!!!

This is great... new to the channel. I was an electribe guy years back before switching to computers and realized recently that I used to be more productive, inspired and had more fun with gear, so over Covid I copped an MPC and a 303 clone and started having fun with gear again. Resources like this are super helpful. I really like your less is more approach to building live scenarios. It’s refreshing to see how you apply this to realistic live jam scenarios.

Dude, you freaking killed it with this one. So many good tips.

Natural story teller... you feel drawn to it.

Thanks for sharing your love to hardware Ricky

Dude you are a complete techno Boy Scout, preparation is totally everything. Having back up cables is so important, in a prefect universe you'd have back ups for hardware as well. That of course is too expensive.

At 5:13 I realized I love this channel. It was so great to see that gear realization moment in the middle of something happen to someone else🤣 great videos, the execution is 🔥

Had a dream about the possibility of a squid cable last night, game changer!!! Thanks for the reminder.

Very helpful and inspiring - thanks for making this!

I like the clean, simple setup. Thanks for the links as well!

man I love these tips. Especially the notes for keys, I gotta try that.

Thanks for pointing me here after watching the DAWless live setup vid ;) In this video, I found it particularly interesting how there are many possibilities to have a live setup, various combinations and also a variable amount of gear. I think this is an important point - there *are* reasons to have lots of gear, every piece has its advantages, but there are also good reasons not to take everything you own to every gig. Also... bring cables. Yes. So agreed. What could be worse than struggling for hours before or even during a show because you did not bring a $10 cable.

This is great stuff. Thank you! I’d love to see a 2nd video of this like ‘Preparing sessions, samples and sounds for performing’ or building the content of a live set.

I started producing music in January, and now that I understand some things, I'm going to try to expand and do live stuff in the future. Your videos are super helpful just to think through the process.

Great tips! Thanks for sharing you're experience

Thanks for your videos..love them.

Thanks for all the tips man! I’m working on my first live set now. I’m pretty nervous but having tips from a pro is definitely helpful!

Dope! I always bring extra cables when I perform live and a DI box. I’ve seen too many horror stories with live performances. The tip about the device you use to plug in your equipment is A-1 👍🏿.

Very useful info here! Thanks Enrique and keep it up!

Thanks, this is gold from start to end.

Solid! I’ve been a gigging bass player for 30 years(! That sounds totally ridiculous to me!) , and your advise to be self sufficient is so on point. I try to keep a bag of extra cords, power supplies, d.i.’s etc. ( guitar straps? Not so important for you). The trick is to have a checklist, because I will steal stuff from that bag as life does it’s thing. Thanks for being so inspiring!

great Vid E! love your straight up communication style, it's always just super real. bless u man. Good luck at your show and thanks for the links.

So happy you’re making videos consistently, I love your videos there always abt stuff I need to know and I appreciate!!!

Thank you Ricky!

Awesome run down! Cheers!

Wow, this is so useful to me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic (y)

As soon as you said "what's something I know really well that I can just jam on?" every single person watching this video was like he's gonna say circuit isn't he xD amazing video

You’ve really inspired me in my music adventure. Thanks Ricky.

You're a legend mate. Can't wait to see your channel continue to grow. I'll be that hipster, proud I was there from the start.

Great tips! Thank you!

Talk about perfect timing I was just working on this!!

Very good tips, thanks for sharing bro!

Thank you so much really helpful . 👍👍👍😀

most important moments are covered, well done. And yes - please make live recording, any live jams or any performances/collabs will spice up your channel even more right from the start of the year. Crowd will support your videos, straight from 360p =)

Love this video! Always interesting to get into the headspace of getting ready for a live performance. The conundrum of "how do i physically fit this stuff onto a table?" was so relatable. I remember often finding myself in the position of trying to cram my setup into a DJ booth which never seems to have enough free table space! Also really good point regarding bringing your own extension cord to be as "self sufficient" as possible. Can't rely on the club to dig up a power cable in a pinch (or they end up handing you the jankiest, scariest bit of cable you've ever seen). On that note, only thing I'd add is a power conditioner/surge protector before your squid. I know it's a lot more weight to carry with you but after having some bad experiences I learned my lesson and would NEVER EVER plug my own equipment into power at a club without going through my own power conditioner first...

So chill

awesome vid, E--thanks for sharing!

great video .. been playing live gear since late 80s .. n i think you nailed it all .. choices are on each performer .. *but as you said be able to cover the things you need n not depend on others /venues or other artist .. spare midi .. audio . power n usb cables are a must ..* peace ya'll

All of this 100%. When playing somewhere I've never been to, I always assume it's going to a bad guitar amp in the corner and that's it. Being self sufficient is a must, and a good look if you want to get booked again.

Thanks this was great advice

love the image in your videos ! so prooo

Can't believe I've only just subscribed, great video as always, really needed this right now!

Really appreciate your tips. Thanks a lot. In the current state i prepare a set myself and your vid helps a lot. :-)

Topnotch advices !

Love this! Would you think about doing a video on tips for making dawless house music, finding samples, etc? I appreciate your channel so much, man.

Great video dude. I am about to start playing live and am nervous for sure.... but have been DJing professional for almost 20 years so do know most about being self sufficient - and professional.

Awesome tips!

Duuuude, sick Pilot G2

I love these videos where you are kinda thinking out loud about your options. You mention finding a case that fits a board to velcro your stuff down for traveling. I'd love to see a vid of you thinking out loud about your thoughts how how to schlep gear.

very interesting video. Many thanks

The Notebook is Perfect !

So helpful!

Thank You for interesting and very usefull video

I nearly spit my drink out when the "two hours later" bit came on. :D

this guys the best

Keep it up! Loving your content! 🤗😁👊

Buenísimo Enrique!

wow coolest info!

Great video!

Stereo sounds are pretty irrelevant in a large venue, most are running in mono anyway. Most setups are daisy chained in mono. For live processing ive used the Behringer X-Air mixers with built in FX and control it with the Ipad app, works really well. You can also use midi to control the mixer.

Super interesting video I loved it!

Thank You!

Lovely video man! I sure agree that it's important to keep it simple ;)

think this is the 3rd time I rewatching this and every time I learn more. The idea of taking as little / small rig as possible keeps hitting me in the face because it's just so, so much more fun when things are simple. The more time I spend with all my gear, the more I value smaller and smaller setups with a tight focus and super-tactile (i.e. not a bunch of 2 & 3 HP modules lol) but yea this vid's been a big influence on my thinking

Very informative video! Thanks for that sir. :D Greetings from Costa Rica!

Bought the notebooks, I know youre not using these in the video, but to others wondering, theyre awesome. High build quality and prime shipping.

my setup Drums : Elektron model: cycles (fm groovebox with a easy workflow). Synth Novation mininova or a microfreak samples : korg mininova Mixer: micfuns DJ 5 channel mixer

Thanks for the vid! Loving your beats mixed with the acid! Any chance you'll be releasing a novation circuit synth patch?

MIDI pitch quantizer, sidechain compressor and some "odd" timing options for the LFO's on the Octa please Elektron :)

This is really helpful for a beginner

im not good at writing things down how make music i just go with the flow with the ear then next thing i know im finished working on the track how ever love ur videos i do

another dope video

Hey man, so I was wondering if there's any chance of cuing the stuff I'm playing and listen to it before giving it to the output via speakers in clubs. Just pre listen to maybe the synth I'm playing and when its nice I can mix it into the system.

Ducktape. Turn 4 piecies into little balls and it will be cool, steady and less vibration for a laptop. it can be used as a riser/grip in case a device is not steady because of a table that is slightly bend . Get a quality one that removes easily without leaving a mess. that and some tierips that close and open. 🤟🏿

Thanks bro

Also, many FOH people love it when you bring your own DI boxes. I've made friends that way.

Man i was thinking about it. and then you made the video. i was wondering like, how to prepare everything for real live stuff. thanks

I find that wiring up gear is the most time consuming part with the highest potential of error and possibility to break things. The best thing is to have everything already wired up in a road case (like DJ coffin). This is a great option for those, who do not switch gear a lot. Unfortunately, those cases are pricey and it's hard to find the right size, if you do not want or can build a custom one. I've seen acts with cases like this, and I hope that I can go this route, eventually. The gear I would like to stick in the case would be: MiniNova, Avalon, Electribe Sampler, a small Mixer and a Distortion Pedal.

Hey Ricky, I’ve just started writing on an Mpc 2500. I also have a digitakt , siren and effects I’d prefer to use live. What’s your process for moving tracks off the 4000 to your live rig? For example how do you move drum programs samples and sequences to the Digitakt?

my personal tip, is to have kind of a higher up holder for the second line of instruments (NOVATION) in your case. This allows me to get the instruments closer, as the high of the holder deals with AUDIO outs off the 'first line' instruments, 3-4 cm will do. Additionally, the 'second line' is easier to access, as it's higher, so you kill 2 birds with one stone.

Hi, could you be using just the Octatrack for samples and drums? That way you ‘ditch’ one more piece of gear(Digitakt)..

🖤

nice video! your house looks very homely

Haha, I do almost the exact same thing down to the ikea lamp and field notes, except now the MPC-1000 (jjos) is the mixer instead of the octa. I think someone mentioned having a stopwatch already, but another good tip is to use the headphone out of your octa/mpc/mixer and send it to an external recorder (dr-40, etc). Great video! 🍻

Fondling a couple knobs in the dark is what I live by.

"Be flashy and fondle away" needs to go on a tee shirt. Stat.

I’m thinking of running a similar set up but with MPC Live instead of Octatrack. Taking a DJ/Live performance approach to future beats/house inspired hip hop stuff (think some of Kanye’s catalog, Goldlink, Kaytranada). Samples/loops/stems from the MPC, Synth and pianos on Nord Stage, Bass on a Roland juno module. You think it could work out? I’m a keys player, hence the keyboard heavy approach

Helpful. Thx =)

Thank you Enrique. Great video, very useful. Quick question: Do you use your eurorack gear or your MPC on your live shows sometimes ? Thanks

how about adding a couple of DI boxes to make sure the FOH receives a good stereo signal from your mix? Or are the outputs of the octatrack balanced already?

Octatracks arp scale mode works without the arp btw

Hey Ricky I would love your input on the alpha base analog drum synthesizer by jomox with the black box by 1010 Music together something crazy as I have both pieces equipment what your experience is far greater than mine basically trying to say would like to see you do something with both if possible thanks again Love you videos...

thx for sharing your setup. couldn't you also technically use the digitakt as the main hub/sequencer/sampler in your setup and bypassing the octa completely?