This is the method we use to create our live audio visual show, it is a flexible modular approach that enables us to quickly change our sets and also remix them live in response to the audience and our mood.

The software required for this method is Ableton Live 4, Sony Vegas 5 and Camart VJamm 2.5xx. A midi loop back system such as midiyoke will also need to be installed on the performance computer. A intermediate competence level in all this software is advised for following the tutorial.

System requirements for performances of this type are high, especially for laptops which should be in the region of :

3Ghz processor
512MB RAM
128MB dedicated graphics RAM
a decent sized hard drive
a high resolution display (preferably 1600x1200)

for a detailed list of our performance equipment click here

A different performance technique is possible with a lower powered computer which I shall touch upon later.

As an example of our technique I will refer to a mix from the end of one of our live sets, this is a live video bootleg mix of the White Stripes ‘7 nation army’ and the acapella of Coldcut featuring Lisa Stansfield ‘People hold on’ and as every bootleg mix needs a bootleg title, this one is ‘7 people army’. You will want to find different tracks to mix together to suit your style of play but the principles are the same. The overall aim will be to create a mix that works musically, with the tracks playing off each other with the video composited in an interesting way.

The first component of the audiovisual mix and the most critical to get right is the audio mix, our work is aimed at the dancefloor and therefore needs to work as a musical piece.