and if one must bring your own sound system? what can work simply with a laptop?

I do not feel either of the above. I also realized that question was unclear. there are vocal mics, what I am amplifying is the source for the backing track, i. e. if I am playing the track from a laptop, the active speaker or amp is suitable for that sort of equipment. If there is a burned cd involved then the speakers / amp is suitable for the best tool for playing / pausing when the materials are burned. Assuming the laptop itself does not such a drive.

Your question is extremely fragmented and vague. I would suggest trying to think about what you wish to achieve and clarifying what exactly you are looking for. One of the main points you haven't touched on and needs to be considered before any suggestions on the hardware front can be made is your budget (new or secondhand ties in here.) You seem to be in the main asking more about PA and sound reinforcement. For how many people? As you say "Using a built in laptop speaker does not cut it if that makes sense " that makes it seem you are only playing to yourself, or a very small group, rather than hundreds of people. Size of the audience is a huge factor when it comes to PA kit. But you say compact, do you mean a portable mp3 speaker, or an active PA speaker, or...?? Does it need to be battery powered? As you are talking backing tracks does that mean you will also need to mix microphones into the music (whatever its source)?? Have you got a audio console of any kind? If not a audio interface come mixing desk may be a good idea, especially if you want to record the sessions at times. Then there is the question of what software. Just playing ready prepared backing tracks? Music you have written yourself and may want some live tweaking, looping, effects etc?? Please take a moment to think about what you are really trying to ask here. ________________________________ From: Linux-audio-user <linux-audio-user-bounces(a)lists.linuxaudio.org> on behalf of Karen Lewellen <klewellen(a)shellworld.net> Sent: 17 August 2018 01:57 To: audio users linux Subject: [LAU] Live performance gear ideas? Hi folks, I almost put Linux in the subject line, holding off because there may be non-computer suggestions as well. When I do a gig I much prefer live musicians. However, once in a while I am in a setting where backing tracks prove most productive. What i find recently though is that trusting the playback abilities of a location may be unwise indeed. So...the question. Ideas on simple as in compact tools, stand alone units, computerized or not, that give me the means of performance playback. Include ideas for amplification so sound carries too. Using a built in laptop speaker does not cut it if that makes sense smiles. I am in Canada with u. s. access. Thanks, Kare _______________________________________________ Linux-audio-user mailing list Linux-audio-user(a)lists.linuxaudio.org https://lists.linuxaudio.org/listinfo/linux-audio-user

So it's pro gear, vocal and line input for playback.

On Sat, 18 Aug 2018, Roger wrote: No, not at all. It is a way to play the track only, either in cd form, or if in digital file form, with enough amplification for the track to be heard, by me and the audience, in a large cafe or small pub. The location provides the mic for me.

This is amazing especially as I can go right downtown and check out everything before I buy. Agreed l &M rocks the universe in terms of service and professionalism.