Before showing the video, first some basic knowledge about the B.Beat module and the LAKYX it is connected to. So you know about some insights of the products that Davide is talking about.

The B.Beat
The B.Beat by M-Live is a compact device that lets bands play backing tracks, control audio, and synchronize video during live performances - without needing a laptop on stage. Besides bands and solo artists, veteran live drummers like Mike Terrana, Sebastian Lanser and George Kollias from Nile use it on stage to control their shows.

What does the B.Beat actually do?

• Plays backing tracks: Plays pre-recorded instruments, additional layers, or other sounds alongside a live band.
• It also sends a click track to the drummer's headphones without the audience hearing it.
• Separates the audio: Sends different parts of the music to the mixing desk through six separate outputs, so the sound engineer can control them independently.
• Synchronizes video: Plays videos and images in time with the music, for example on a screen behind the band.
• Controls other equipment: Sends MIDI commands to compatible instruments and equipment, allowing sounds, presets, or other functions to change automatically during a song.
• Organizes the show: Lets you arrange songs into playlists and prepare an entire performance in advance.

A practical example
Imagine playing live with a band that uses extra keyboards, orchestral sounds, electronic percussion, and backing vocals that aren't being played by musicians on stage. The B.Beat plays those additional parts at exactly the right time. The drummer hears a click in their headphones, the sound engineer receives the audio tracks, and a synchronized video can play on the stage screen - all coordinated by this one device.

The main advantage of the B.Beat is that it replaces several pieces of equipment. You prepare the show on a computer using the B.Beat Manager software, transfer the files to the device, and then run the performance from the B.Beat itself.

In simple terms: it's the band's playback and show-control system in a single box. It's particularly useful for bands that want the precision and extra production of backing tracks without the complications of running a computer on stage.

In the video you see it is connected to the LAKYX, an automated stage-lighting controller. It synchronizes your lighting with the music, so the lights change in time with the songs without someone having to operate a lighting desk throughout the performance. There are several versions that have increasing DMX channels. The more DMX channels there are, the more you can control a larger or more sophisticated lighting rig. So the number of channels determines how much lighting equipment and how many functions can be controlled.

The B.Beat and the other M-Live products

Fun fact: The video was recorded on the day before The UK Drum Show started. Notice the mess in the background of the video where the other exibitors are still setting up for the show. M-Live came in early and finished setting up first.

The MBC
The MBC by M-Live is a foot controller that lets musicians operate their B.Beat backing-track player with their feet instead of having to touch the device during a live performance. Where the B.Beat plays the show, the MBC lets you control it with your feet.

With your foot you can:

• Select songs: browse your playlists and choose the next track.
• Start and stop playback: trigger backing tracks when you're ready to play.
• Control loops: repeat a section of a song, where supported by the connected device.
• Navigate menus: use the footswitches to control functions on the connected M-Live device.

The pedalboard has four footswitches. Each has a primary function activated by a short press and a secondary function activated by holding it down longer. It connects to the B.Beat via USB.

Go.8 and the B.Beat Pro16
In the video we also see the Go.8 and the B.BEAT PRO16. For drummers these are the tools that biggers productions would need. For a normal gig, even in the bigger rooms, the B.Beat would suffice.

The M-Live GO.8 is an automatic emergency switch between your main playback system and a backup. If the main B.Beat suddenly crashes in the middle of a concert, the GO.8 is designed to switch to the backup so the show can continue. It is intended for real professional performances where stopping the backing tracks or video would be a serious problem. However, the GO.8 does not create a backup by itself. You will need a second playback source and the appropriate connections for the automatic switchover to work.

• Connects two playback systems, such as two B.Beat units.
• Monitors a special signal from the main system.
• If that signal disappears, it automatically switches to the backup system.
• Switches audio, MIDI and video together.
• Supports eight audio channels per system; multiple units can be linked for larger setups.
• Can accept two power supplies for additional reliability.

The M-Live B.Beat PRO16 is the control centre for a band's backing tracks, click tracks and stage visuals. Everything needed to run the show (music and visuals) is programmed beforehand and loaded onto the PRO16.

• Plays up to 24 mono audio tracks or 12 stereo tracks.
• Sends audio to the mixing desk through 16 separate outputs.
• Provides 12 audio inputs for connecting external sound sources.
• Plays synchronized video and displays lyrics or sheet music through connected devices.
• Lets the drummer hear a click track and manage headphone mixes.
• Can also function as a computer sound card.

M-Live Products
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