M-Live BBeat in action: From a six-out rack plan to a slim stereo setup via the Yamaha MODX M

I’ve been using the M-Live BBeat as a backing player for some time now and have already made several videos about it. After several rehearsals, and before the first performance, I ended up with a solution that is significantly leaner than what I had originally planned for rack mounting.

The demands for the installation were high from the start: I wanted to be prepared for every situation. The device was permanently installed in the rack, and I considered how I could make sensible use of all available outputs.

The plan: maximum flexibility with six outputs

My original idea was a split for FOH and a submix via my Tascam – with six separate outputs, so that I could output individual signals separately if needed, or just a finished mix. The reasoning behind it: no matter the stage situation, no matter the sound engineer – I didn't want to have to re-cable every time.

On paper, this is the most thought-out solution. However, during the rehearsal phase, you quickly realize whether so much flexibility is worth the effort.

How I actually use the BBeat today

After the first rehearsals, my setup looks much leaner than I had originally planned: The stereo mix from the BBeat runs through the Yamaha MODX M – together with my key sound – as a single combined signal to the FOH. The click track runs separately: once to my submixer, and additionally once to the FOH.

It's as simple as it sounds. And that's exactly the point for me: On stage, I don't need a setup that can theoretically do everything, but one that I can set up and understand in a few minutes during the soundcheck.

What I'm taking away from the changeover

For me, the stereo solution via the MODX M is currently the most reliable – not because six separate outputs would be bad, but because I simply don't need them in my current day-to-day stage life. This aligns with something I keep realizing: time savings during setup often beat the theoretically perfect sound solution for me.

How the whole thing performs at the first real gig, I will show in a more detailed video documentary that will follow in the coming weeks.