M-Live B.Beat Pro 16 Plus

The B.Beat Pro 16 is much more than just a dedicated hardware backing track player...

Whether or not you agree with the principle, using pre‑recorded audio backing tracks has become an essential part of many live performances. From named acts doing arena shows through to function bands and solo artists playing at a local level, many performers now rely on backing tracks to support what they do on stage.

There’s an almost infinite number of ways for artists to incorporate backing tracks into their performances, from something as simple as an iPad playing back mono or stereo files through dedicated multitrack hard‑disk recorders to a laptop, DAW software and an audio interface. A complex computer‑based system allows for the most flexibility, in that you can send individual stems to FOH, change the playback order of songs, use MIDI files to control patch changes, and even incorporate video into your performance. However, it does come at a cost, both financially and logistically, particularly if you’re working at a semi‑professional level. There is also the school of thought that suggests computer‑based systems are unreliable and will crash when used live, which I think in this day and age is unfounded, although there is arguably a certain fragility when compared to a dedicated hardware solution. So what are the alternatives, if any, for a system that doesn’t break the bank or test your technical ability?

One option may be the B.Beat Pro 16, from Italian company M‑Live. It’s a 2U rackmounted unit that aims to offer almost all the flexibility and functionality of a laptop‑based playback system, in a robust hardware format. Featuring 16 analogue outputs, 12 inputs and up to 1TB of internal storage, the B.Beat Pro 16’s ability to play back audio is only part of the story. It also includes two HDMI outputs, one to transmit synchronised video and a second to display lyrics to an on‑stage prompter. It also features a MIDI output, dedicated headphone output, and the ability to display PDF chord charts or scores via iPads and tablets. Add to this an iOS and Android app that allows full remote control and the B.Beat Pro 16 has the potential to run your whole show. In fact, you might only need to turn up to press play!

Audio, MIDI files and video prepared in your DAW can be easily reproduced in a live environment using the B.Beat Pro 16, with tracks sent to individual outputs, images to projectors or video screens and songs organised into playlists for seamless performances.

Hard Times

Available in two formats, the B.Beat Pro 16 comes fitted with either a 128GB internal hard drive or a 1TB hard drive, the latter adding the ‘Plus’ suffix. The 1TB version, which I had for this review, also includes built‑in Wi‑Fi connectivity, whereas the 128GB version requires the optional M‑Pen 2 USB aerial to add Wi‑Fi functionality.

Housed in a functional black metal casing, the B.Beat Pro 16 strikes an industrial pose. The rear panel sports 16 balanced audio outputs and 12 unbalanced inputs on TRS quarter‑inch jack connectors, along with a standard 5‑pin MIDI output port, two HDMI connectors and a quarter‑inch footswitch socket which functions as remote start/stop. The on/off switch is located at the rear above a 12V PSU socket. I found this a little disappointing for a product intended for use in a professional environment; to me, an IEC mains connector always feels more substantial and robust.

The back of the unit is home to a quarter‑inch pedal input, two HDMI ports, a MIDI out socket, 16 quarter‑inch audio outputs and 12 quarter‑inch audio inputs.

The front panel offers a plethora of buttons, knobs and sockets, surrounding a relatively small but functional 128x64 monochrome OLED display. Beneath the display are three function buttons allowing direct access to menu items displayed on the lower portion of the screen. A large data‑entry wheel and up/down buttons enable further navigation around the display, and dedicated buttons are provided to access the library, playlists, shows, built‑in metronome and system settings. Playback is controlled by a two large, brightly backlit Stop and Play buttons, alongside a small Record button that enables the B.Beat to record audio directly to its internal drive via the 12 analogue inputs.

To the right of this is the monitoring section, which is particularly well thought out, with a quarter‑inch headphone socket sitting beneath three volume knobs that independently control the click, inputs 1+2 and backing track volumes. As a drummer who plays to live backing tracks, having quick access to individual volume levels is a big plus point for me. The inclusion of a discrete level control for inputs 1+2 is also a stroke of genius, as it allows you to use these inputs as a feed from your monitor mix and balance the band level, backing tracks and click track independently.

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