" THE   ZERO   GUIDE "

Now available: the always titillating "FRETBUZZ" software! **NEW**

REAL-TIME PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION

A few more things to mention about performing in a live setting...

If you're gonna perform live, let me suggest to you: configure your screensaver / power saving options! This is important, trust me. I just simply disable my screensaver and power saver options altogether. When they engage after 20 minutes of rocking out, oh well you're not gonna like it. Say good-bye to all sound output when these mechanisms are engaged.

You also may want to turn off any wireless networking devices on your computer. When it periodically searches for routers in the area, well, the audio might BARF.

Also - sometimes things "go awry" with real-time audio/MIDI applications, and they need a kick in the pants - y'know, they need to be reset or something. Sometimes the audio output buffer gets nasty for some unknown reason, or a MIDI note-on event "sticks", oops... Well, the idea is that you may want to integrate a way to easily reset your audio/MIDI stream in case a problem occurs in the middle of performing. In Max/MSP I am able to reset the audio engine quickly by hitting select + start at the same time on the controller. Just in case. I've had to use it before, yes. Also, I imagine a MIDI footswitch or something could be used, too.

If you're using Max/MSP and/or FRETBUZZ, then go Options > DSP Status, and observe the CPU usage while the program is running. You can affect various latencies by tweaking parameters there. Poke at it for a while and you'll find the perfect settings for your computer and audio hardware.

Here's another idea: bring backup batteries for your wireless GH controllers! (Ding: lightbulb appears over head.)

Also, don't spill beer (or soda pop) on your controllers. They make the buttons sticky and then your real-time performance goes down the tube.

NEXT CHAPTER : AMPLIFICATION / ANALOG EFFECTS