JoeCo has announced the launch of BandMate, a new 24-channel backing track player for live performance playback, housed in a 1U shell, designed to replay multichannel audio alongside MIDI data.
“There is a definite requirement from musicians for a live assist playback device that they can trust more than a laptop,” says JoeCo managing director Joe Bull. “We created BandMate to be a flexible solution that will give musicians a robust device they can rely on gig after gig, which is simple to use and easy to control.”
BandMate simplifies the gig experience with its setlist feature, which automatically loads the next song in the set, allowing musicians to focus on performance, knowing that the technology is seamlessly managing the playback. The flexibility of BandMate extends to its control options, which include the front panel, a footswitch, MIDI command, or the Remote app. All audio and MIDI data, as well as playlists, are conveniently stored on a local USB memory stick.
BandMate can also send outputs 23 and 24 to an unbalanced stereo TRS jack in addition to the 24 individual balanced outputs to drive a stage box or mixing console. This provides a mixed output from the box to work with small, individual PA systems. The outputs include protection circuitry against inadvertent phantom power that could damage the electronics. Additionally, an earth lift switch separates the system chassis ground from the signal output screen ground,helping to eliminate earth loops. Each channel features a front panel LED display that indicates the presence of an audio track and signals the presence of a signal.