Getting Started with MultiTracks.com in Worship

Small churches to megachurches nationwide rely on multitracks to supplement their worship every week. The goals vary. Multitracks can assist individual rehearsal, add musical depth and nuance to supplement your band, lock together the band’s timing, and supply missing musical parts. Power users embed MIDI commands to run lyric projection, lights, and other hardware. For churches that value spontaneity during services, multitracks can quickly adjust to changes and help keep the team together. Multitracks can resolve many administrative issues that every worship leader routinely faces. Multitracks are a game changer.

What Are Multitracks?ConfigurationsBefore You Begin: MultiTracks.comStep #1: Start with a Playback Device & Playback PlayerDecide on a Multitrack Player DeviceInstall a Multitrack PlayerStep #2: Add ContentStep #3: Add an OutputWant to Access More Channels?MIDI & ConnectivityStep #4: Add a ControllerControllers for KeyboardistsControllers for GuitaristsControllers for SingersControllers for DrummersControllers for Audio EngineersStep #5: Communicate with the BandA Word About In-earsCustomizing MultiTracks.com with Optional ModulesCloud ProRehearsalMixChartBuilder (iOS & Android)Chart Pro

What Are Multitracks?

Multitracks are collections of recordings used to support live performances. They’re an advanced form of backing tracks. While multitracks can play a processed recording and a click/cue, they also allow you to adjust volume, mute, and solo and pan on individual parts. You can also modify the song’s structure ahead of time or even during the live performance. Depending on the software used to play multitracks, you can also control the beats-per-minute timing, fade between songs, adjust song order and key, control tempo, synchronize personal musician screens with chord charts, and incorporate MIDI cues to control other devices. A backing track is an MP3 or a WAV file that you can play from a smartphone, but multitracks usually need a more robust platform, like a laptop or an iPad/tablet. These can be controlled via an optional external device like a footpedal or multi-pad controller or even directly from a digital audio console.

The individual recordings in a song file are either tracks or stems. Tracks are typically raw recordings of individual instruments — these are commonly used in the recording industry, not in multitracks. Multitracks generally use stems. Stems are groups of tracks or individual tracks that have been processed and summed together into a single track. Additionally, a multitracks song file includes a click, which helps the musicians stay together, and a cue voice, which tells everyone what part of a song is coming up next.

There’s some confusion on these terms because in the recording world, “multitracks” means a collection of raw individual tracks, and in the multitracks/playback world, that same word means a collection of stems. The term “loop” is sometimes used to refer to multitracks and derives from using drum loops, a precursor to multitracks.

Multitracks can be created from original artists’ recordings, professional musicians, or production teams — even by you.

Configurations

The simplest multitrack playback system is an audio player software running on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The line or headphone outputs are routed to the sound console through a cable that splits the left and right channels. One track contains the click/cue for the musicians’ in-ear monitors, and the other track is a mono signal that can be mixed along with the live instruments into both the musicians’ monitors and the front-of-house speakers. A better way is using an interface with multiple outputs so there’s a stereo music feed on two channels and individual instrument stems on extra channels so they can be mixed separately at the sound console. Imagine the team building you can incorporate with the time gained when your musicians arrive at rehearsal ready to play because they’ve already practiced their parts with a complete virtual band at home!

Considering all the great things that tracks can do, there are several things to consider.

Getting started can be confusing. There are many ways to approach running tracks, and the decisions you make early on can either lead toward happy solutions or create a weekly energy-sucking, time-draining workload. Some “solutions” are prone to service-disrupting surprises and reboots — not the experience anyone hopes for. Plus, without adequate training and communication, your musicians can mistakenly feel like they’re being replaced or no longer necessary.

Multitracks can be set up for a very simple plug-and-play solution. They can also be quite robust. A Sweetwater Sales Engineer can help create and install the solution that best suits your needs and budget. Here’s a practical guide to help you put your best foot forward and get the ball rolling smoothly as you set up your musicians to play their best.

Before You Begin: MultiTracks.com

Start by looking at MultiTracks.com. While numerous multitrack providers and multitrack players are available, MultiTracks.com is the premium industry leader offering the whole package in scalable, integrated components that can grow with your needs. You can get tracks and use standard multitrack playback features, and with the various modules, you can also:

Use actual tracks from the original artists, tracks from a third party, and tracks you create yourselfOptionally rent tracks instead of buying them, so you can access an incredibly huge library immediatelyIntegrate set lists and materials automatically with Planning Center Online (PCO)Build accurate, annotated, and transposable charts automatically that synchronize track playback with your musicians’ devices (with different, customizable versions for instrumentalists, vocalists, and music directors)Access your data from the cloud anytime and anywhereSend tracks individually to a console along with MIDI cues through an interface or DanteIntegrate your song charts with lyrics on ProPresenterAccess tons of training materials and resources for you and your team

Once your songs are set up and saved, creating future set lists and preparing rehearsal materials for the band is incredibly fast and easy. All you do is drag and drop the songs into a set list. You can change key or tempo with one or two mouse clicks, and rehearsal tracks are automatically generated and filled into your PCO account for your musicians to access.

Finessing transitions, changing keys, and adjusting a song’s road-map flow are all accomplished with a few mouse clicks. Ever need to change songs at the last minute? Drag in the new songs, and everything repopulates with your update. You can even incorporate CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) reporting tasks so that you can focus less on administration and more on ministry.

Step #1: Start with a Playback device & Playback Player

Decide on a Multitrack Player Device

When selecting your playback device, consider the location of the person running it and — most importantly — how it will output audio. Most users route audio to a snake onstage or into the sound console directly from the playback device or through an audio interface. Remember that MultiTrack.com’s Playback player can keep your content on the cloud, so you can program your sets from your office or home, tweak during rehearsal from the platform, and run Playback during services from a device onstage or in the tech booth.

Install a Multitrack Player

You can download and run MultiTrack’s Playback on an iPhone, an iPad, or a Mac. Some users incorporate a DAW to send MIDI commands, but Playback now includes that capacity. When downloading Playback, you choose between three versions based on which options you want. With the free Playback Intro version, you can create set lists, play purchased tracks, add ambient pads and crossfades, and send MIDI cues (with a Cloud Pro subscription). Subscription-based Playback Pro additionally offers the ability to incorporate MIDI control devices, edit song arrangements ahead of time or during live playback, create dynamic cue guides, and add multiple outputs with an interface. The robust, subscription-based Playback Premium version increases the capacity of these features and adds MIDI clock and redundancy features, SMPTE time code, tap tempo, and automation capabilities (which also requires Cloud Pro).

Are you considering a playback platform even more robust than Playback? The Stream feature in PreSonus Studio One allows you the power of a DAW and the flexible navigation and track control of a playback device. This provides an easy way to enhance purchased loops with additional content, such as recordings of your children’s voices to enhance a children’s choir performance or modifying a stem so that a developing musician can play the primary parts while the stem plays only the technically challenging hooks. Studio One can do all this, plus in-the-box recording, mixing, and mastering. (Available for both PC and Mac.)

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Step #2: Add Content

You can purchase/rent tracks directly from MultiTracks.com and — with a Cloud Pro account — add third-party songs or songs that you have created yourself. Songs purchased from MultiTracks.com automatically populate in your song list and are created from the original artists’ song stems. Plus, while the songs match the original chord charts and structure, you can change the structure to match the needs of your service set.

Choosing to rent multitracks means that instead of purchasing individual songs, you have a certain number of songs that you can access each week, regardless of the specific titles you select. You can choose from MultiTracks.com’s entire catalog of more than 14,000 songs. You can pick an entirely new set of songs at the end of the week.

In addition to providing a huge library of multitrack songs, MultiTracks.com offers a selection of more than 24,000 economical accompaniment tracks for purchase. These backing tracks have the entire original master recording without lead vocals, and you can choose to include background vocals. Key options are limited to high, mid, and low keys, which can additionally be transposed one half step up or down. You cannot mix, mute, or solo the individual instruments of accompaniment tracks because they are premixed. Accompaniment tracks are a helpful option for singers without a band and can also be used in tandem with MultiTrack.com’s free Ambient Pad Player.

Step #3: Add an Output

Playback devices are configured for stereo output. Users separate the stereo signal into right and left channels with a splitter cable routed to the snake or console. One channel contains the cue/click for the musicians, while the other channel contains a mono sum of the individual stems for the FOH audio engineer to mix with the team.

The 10-foot, lifetime-warrantied Hosa CMP-159 stereo breakout cable splits a standard stereo signal into individual left and right channels. The 3-foot, spiral-shielded Hosa HMX-003Y Pro stereo breakout cable splits into individual left and right channels through rugged XLR oxygen-free copper connectors.

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Want to Access More Channels?

Two channels can be limiting. What if you want to run the tracks with a stereo mix or pan them? What if you need to separate the kick drum track or other tracks to mix them more efficiently from the console and add effects, highpass filters, or compression? What if you want to send different stem combinations to multiple locations, like separate monitor channels? You can quickly increase your channel output options by using an interface.

Break out up to four channels via USB with an economical MOTU M4 4×4 USC-B audio interface. To break out more stems, the low-latency MOTU UltraLite-mk5 18×22 USB audio interface allows access to 18 output channels at 24-bit/96kHz resolution with onboard DSP, including reverb, EQ, and dynamics. For bulletproof reliability, MultiTracks.com recommends the iConnectivity PlayAUDIO12 dual-USB audio and MIDI interface for live because of its 10 outputs and the service-saving ability to create seamless redundancy by running two computers at the same time — if one system goes down or runs out of battery life, then Playback automatically switches to the other system without missing a beat.

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MIDI & Connectivity

Running multitracks also opens up many connectivity possibilities to incorporate advanced controllers, MIDI gear, and automation. You can embed MIDI commands to run multiple MIDI devices (like ProPresenter and your lighting), automate adjustments to pedalboards and keyboards, or connect to multiple MIDI controllers. MultiTracks.com gives you many options to add these powerful capabilities to your subscription. After programming any changes in Playback, save them so that all your MIDI content will be automatically recalled the next time you use a song.

You have a wide range of adaptors and hubs available for connecting your playback device to different types of gear. If you are running Playback from an iPhone or Apple device without a USB port, then use an Apple Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter. Connect up to seven USB 3.0 devices or controllers with a sturdy, powered StarTech.com ST7300U3M USB 7-port USB 3.0 hub. You can connect up to three USB-A devices and one USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port with the economic StarTech.com 4-port USB-C hub. Connect to a wired Ethernet network using a StarTech.com USB31000S USB 3.0 (Type-A) to Gigabit Ethernet adapter. The StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 dual-4K docking station for laptops delivers a wide range of connectivity, including Thunderbolt 3, USB power, dual-4K video, a USB-C and two USB-A ports, a 3-1/2mm audio out, a 3-1/2mm microphone in, DisplayPort, and Gigabit Ethernet. If you need to access multiple devices via FireWire, then a rackmountable 10-in/14-out MOTU UltraLite-mk3 hybrid USB/FireWire audio interface gives you tons of connectivity and onboard DSP for onboard effects. Your Sweetwater Sales Engineer will be glad to help clarify which device will connect all your gear.

Pro tip: If you have a Playback Premium subscription, then all your devices can be synced to Playback’s MIDI clock to ensure everything is reliably locked together.

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Step #4: Add a Controller

This is where things get really practical. You can always run Playback from the actual playback device, but many situations are better suited to remote control.

One practical advantage of using a controller is that the playback device doesn’t need to be close to the person running it. You conveniently (and less obtrusively) can place the playback device closer to the snake onstage or the sound console at FOH. For even greater flexibility and mobility, consider that wireless devices enable a vocalist or director to control Playback from anywhere within range.

Pro tip: If your snake channels are limited or you want to output multiple tracks to the sound console, then consider locating the playback device in the tech booth and operating it via a Bluetooth, networked, or wireless controller.

Controllers for Keyboardists

While most MIDI-equipped keyboards can be used to control the Playback app, some keyboards include controls designed with running multitracks or DAWs in mind. A typical setup would connect the keyboard to the onstage playback device via a MIDI cable and the playback device with audio outputs connected to the sound console via the snake.

The 61-key Akai Professional MPK261 keyboard controller offers 24 assignable controllers, 16 pads, faders, buttons, switches, and also transport-style controls that can be mapped to run Playback. This allows the keyboard player to easily adjust individual track volumes and navigate Playback while playing keyboard parts on the same instrument.

If you don’t want to add a keyboard, then you can control Playback with a microcontroller sitting directly on your keyboard. The Korg nanoKONTROL2 MIDI control surface offers transport-style controls, eight faders with corresponding solo, mute, and record buttons, and additional controls — all in a small footprint.

Some keyboard players prefer the simplicity of a footswitch to control Playback. The IK Multimedia iRig BlueTurn page turner is a 2-button MIDI controller with a 33-foot range and Bluetooth capacity for easy, hands-free switching.

For more options, the unique Keith McMillen Instruments QuNeo 3D pad controller offers 16 pads, nine sliders, two rotary sensors, and more to customize your playback control. This iPad-sized device can sit directly on the keyboard or be attached to a stand with an iPad-style mount.

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Controllers for Guitarists

For hands-free control, many guitarists prefer running Playback with a pedal controller.

The quiet AirTurn DUO 500 and AirTurn QUAD 500 Bluetooth pedal controllers offer you a choice of two or four pedals, respectively. Their 200-foot range and Bluetooth capability allow guitarists to navigate song control from the platform. At the same time, the audio engineer can adjust levels of individual tracks on the Playback device located in the tech booth, or levels can be adjusted on the sound console with a Dante network.

Also boasting a 200-foot range is the heavy-duty AirTurn BT500S-6 Bluetooth foot controller. This product gives a traditional pedal look and feel, plus two additional analog 1/4-inch inputs for controlling parameters on effects pedals.

If you prefer more options, then consider the highly rated Keith McMillen Instruments SoftStep 2 MIDI foot controller. Its backlit controls respond to pressure and direction, and the rugged unit boasts a carbon fiber back and liquid-proof elastomeric skin. This controller can connect to a Playback device located onstage, which sends audio to the sound console through the snake.

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Controllers for Singers

One controller solution for singers running multitracks is a discreet AirTurn Digit III handheld Bluetooth remote. It is small enough to fit in a pocket and can be customized using the AirTurn Manager app to control your Bluetooth-equipped Playback device easily. The 150-foot range gives you plenty of wire-free room to roam.

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Controllers for Drummers

Drummers running tracks tend to like lots of options. The Playback player allows you the spontaneous flexibility during a set to jump between the different parts of a song on the fly, loop a song section indefinitely, or skip a song entirely. Some robust controllers can take advantage of these capacities and allow features like spontaneous tempo and key changes. For these controllers, typically, the Playback device will be located onstage.

The Akai Professional APC40 MKII pad controller offers a range of knobs, buttons, and sliders designed specifically for multitrack playback, including eight channel faders, a master fader, an additional pedal input, a 40-pad grid for navigating tracks, RGB color coding, and tons more for extreme programming and control.

The Novation Launchpad X grid controller for Ableton Live delivers a 64-pad backlit grid, transport controls, and more fully mappable features, including a keystroke widget to create workflow shortcuts.

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Controllers for Audio Engineers

Controlling the Playback device directly in the tech booth simplifies playing multitracks, especially if you mix the individual stems on your sound console instead of busing them together in the Playback app. Whether run by the audio engineer, music director, or audio technician, it’s all about workflow. Common setups include:

Mixing stems and controlling playback directly on the Playback deviceMixing stems and controlling playback on a controllerMixing stems on the playback device and controlling playback on a controllerMixing stems directly on the sound console along with the live elements and controlling playback on a controller or the Playback deviceMixing stems and controlling playback directly on the sound console (some sound consoles, such as the Behringer X32 and Behringer WING, offer MIDI-assignable, transport-style controls)

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Robust configurations depend on your specific interface or sound console. Your Sweetwater Sales Engineer can help you get set up and running.

Pro tip: If your audio engineer controls the multitrack playback, then the ability to hear instructions from the music director is imperative.

Step #5: Communicate with the Band

Using multitracks in worship can be freeing for musicians. Still, with anything new, there’s always a learning curve. You can ease the transition in many ways.

Start by talking with the team ahead of time. Before launching into all the benefits that multitracks provide, discover the pain points that your musicians experience while playing together, including:

Team timingPersonal preparation ahead of time without a bandLearning what parts to playArriving at band rehearsal ready to playCreating opportunities to play with more attention to dynamicsAdjusting a song’s or set’s order without creating a train wreckUsing team rehearsal time more effectivelyCreating smooth transitions between songsFilling in the gaps caused by a missing musician

Oftentimes, the simple solution to all of these issues is partnering with MultiTracks.com. Rather than removing the need for musicians, multitracks can provide the glue that pulls the team together and boosts their creativity. It’s a fantastic way to grow as musicians and as a team.

Here are a few additional tips to help the team transition well:

If you’re using multitracks for the first time or just starting to use in-ear monitors, then cast a clear vision that incorporates church leadership, preemptively addresses concerns, allows for a learning curve, and has a practiced plan in case things go off the rails.Start small by first transitioning to playing with a click/cue. Then, over time, begin adding missing pads or parts with multitracks. Mute any stems already represented by your live musicians.Validate your team’s concerns, remembering that the primary job of church leadership is to equip the Church body to serve so that they become more like Christ. (It’s not just about creating good music.)Think twice before adding a stem that is obviously not being played live.Training is absolutely necessary.

Learn together. Explore the practice files that MultiTracks.com creates in PCO. Demonstrate how to learn parts from practice files. Point out training materials and encourage band members to share how they’re using the tools. Record the team and listen together to hear how everything comes together from the congregation’s perspective. As your musicians begin practicing with multitracks, encourage them individually by pointing out special ways they each add effective personal touches. Because your team rehearsals can become more efficient when musicians arrive prepared to play, consider how to best connect, pray, play, and use your regained time well.

Pro tip: Offset the cost of new gear by selling your unneeded gear on Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange.

A Word About In-ears

No one wants the congregation to be distracted by hearing musician cues like “Intro, two, three, four!” Successful multitrack use requires in-ear monitors (IEMs). Having only the drummer hear the click/cue track and lead the rest of the band using floor wedges and amplifiers for monitors can invite a train wreck. Running multitracks without IEMs prevents the rest of the musicians from hearing cues, blending their parts with the stems, starting songs with instruments other than the drums, and flowing seamlessly from song to song without a vocal count or click from the drummer.

With something as economical as headphones daisy-chained to a headphone splitter or as involved as wireless personal monitoring systems, there’s an IEM solution to match your setup and budget.

How to Add an In-ear Monitor Rig to your System

64 Audio Customizer | Design Your Own Custom In-ears

The Musician’s Guide to Hearing Protection — from a Doctor!

MultiTracks.com recommends using IEMs like Westone Audio Pro X20 earphones or better to hear the lows and highs necessary for distinguishing between instruments so that your musicians can play along well. Earbuds, open-back headphones, or single-ear setups should NOT be used. Speak with your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for professional advice tailored to you.

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Customizing MultiTracks.com with Optional Modules

The Intro version of MultiTracks.com’s Playback app is free and provides all the essential features necessary for incorporating multitracks during rehearsals and services. Optionally, you can add additional features for a few dollars a month by upgrading to a Pro or Premium subscription.

The MultiTracks.com website thoroughly explains all its options and features. Its friendly support staff is glad to talk you through selecting the appropriate package. They genuinely want you to lead your church successfully as your team grows and experiences awesome congregational worship times.

Additional subscription-based modules further expand features and integrations. Some advanced capabilities require a combination of integrations. MultiTracks.com also offers ProPresenter templates, sounds and patches, church streaming licenses, and more.

Cloud Pro

Cloud Pro is available at different plan levels, so you can select the features and number of users you need. With Cloud Pro, you can:

Send MIDI cuesSync sets, song arrangements, and tools with your teamUpload tracks, charts, and MIDI files, including content you createIntegrate Playback with ChartBuilderIntegrate Playback to automate lights, lyrics, or music software and MIDI devicesEnable MIDI clock sharing (with a Playback Premium subscription)

RehearsalMix

This optional module helps your musicians learn their parts ahead of time. With RehearsalMix, you can:

Reference the original song and rehearse in 12 keysAutomatically create rehearsal mixes and charts for each instrumentIntegrate with PCO scheduling and song resource filesIntegrate with ChartBuilder to share customizable chats for your musicians

ChartBuilder (iOS & Android)

With ChartBuilder, you can create annotated, accurate song charts based on the original MultiTracks.com version. You can build, save, and recall multiple song variations of the same song for different uses. Integrate with Playback and RehearsalMix. This is also a great way to run confidence monitors or personal digital musician screens because the charts automatically follow the song playback, so there’s no swiping or tapping to advance as you play.

Chart Pro

With Chart Pro, you can integrate ChartBuilder and Playback with ProPresenter to synchronize lyrics automatically.

Putting It All Together

Starting with multitracks can be overwhelming. Even the most basic setup requires mission-critical reliability. Some advanced capabilities need quite a few moving parts that must integrate smoothly with your current gear to improve workflow. Ease the way to success by talking with an expert Sweetwater Sales Engineer. They’ll be glad to help you make the right choices and walk with you as you begin and continue to grow. Call (800) 222-4700, and get started today!

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