Another newbie here! Anyone to give me some insight on what type of wire and or connectors to get for inter-connecting my My DMX soft and an FCB-1010 midi footcontroller to a laptop ?
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All that is needed to interface something with MIDI ports is a MIDI interface and the drivers required to operate the MIDI itnterface. You have vast amount of choices of MIDI interfaces to choose from. I would just suggest that maybe going with the M-Audio MIDISPORT 2X2. It's Mac/PC compatible, a current supported product(By M-Audio), relatively cheap, durable and gives you 2 banks of MIDI ports(In and Out ports X 2 for A and B MIDI banks, thus giving you 32 MIDI channels). Most MIDI interfaces that connect via USB are buss powered. Some also have the option to go USB power and/or a power supply. Most don't need this extra power supply.
Lastly, you'd need the appropriate MIDI cable, which means get one that's long enough for your application. Please keep your MIDI cables as short as possible.
Rock on!
Lastly, you'd need the appropriate MIDI cable, which means get one that's long enough for your application. Please keep your MIDI cables as short as possible.
Rock on!
Edirol has a USB/MIDI interface. You also need a MIDI coupler for the connection. As simple as you can get.
Hum hum ! My question was not clear enough : I'm a bass player, i plan to build my light show with "My DMX" through a laptop and run it with the footcontroller ! I've read here on this site, one fellow explaining that he had done exactly that ! I didn't receive the software nor the footcontroller yet and another band member will supply the laptop ! That's why i don't know for shure what type of wire/cable i will need ! Hopefully no more hardware ! Thanks to all !
Well, that's not really our problem when you don't supply enough information.
Oh wait, bass player, say no more!
(insider joke)
Chances are, the laptop will have a USB port. You are going to need more hardware, no 2 ways about it. The thing is you have tons of choices. I wouldn't go with a cable-type adaptor, mainly since I see too many of those die horrific deaths, but that is mainly due to operator neglect. I prefer a box-type MIDI interface, regardless of how it connects to the computer.
What you spend depends upon what you need. Low end can be anywhere from $15 for something decent used, to I would say not exceeding $100 for something still simple, durable and from a major brand. Chances are, I would say right around the $45-60 range would be the deal target for what you're going to spend on a MIDI interface, and then add a cable that is long enough for you into that for extra.
I spent around $100 for the MIDI interface I purchased several years ago, no doubt the price has dropped since then.
DO NOT run any pre-recorded tracks and MyDMX at the same time. You'll catch too much grief and you won't get the results you ultimately want. MyDMX must be the foreground application to react to MIDI commands. This would mean you'd have to run the backing tracks then switch to MyDMX. If you have a blank set-up measure, this might not be an issue. DO NOT try to have your sequence run MyDMX on the same laptop unless you want some serious crashing and grief and aggravation on your shows. Just don't do it!
Is it clear enough yet? The reason I don't say "buy this" is because I don't know your budget and what else your needs are outside of this. MyDMX has been reported to work with a vast amount of MIDI interfaces, which is not really surprising.
Oh wait, bass player, say no more!
(insider joke)
Chances are, the laptop will have a USB port. You are going to need more hardware, no 2 ways about it. The thing is you have tons of choices. I wouldn't go with a cable-type adaptor, mainly since I see too many of those die horrific deaths, but that is mainly due to operator neglect. I prefer a box-type MIDI interface, regardless of how it connects to the computer.
What you spend depends upon what you need. Low end can be anywhere from $15 for something decent used, to I would say not exceeding $100 for something still simple, durable and from a major brand. Chances are, I would say right around the $45-60 range would be the deal target for what you're going to spend on a MIDI interface, and then add a cable that is long enough for you into that for extra.
I spent around $100 for the MIDI interface I purchased several years ago, no doubt the price has dropped since then.
DO NOT run any pre-recorded tracks and MyDMX at the same time. You'll catch too much grief and you won't get the results you ultimately want. MyDMX must be the foreground application to react to MIDI commands. This would mean you'd have to run the backing tracks then switch to MyDMX. If you have a blank set-up measure, this might not be an issue. DO NOT try to have your sequence run MyDMX on the same laptop unless you want some serious crashing and grief and aggravation on your shows. Just don't do it!
Is it clear enough yet? The reason I don't say "buy this" is because I don't know your budget and what else your needs are outside of this. MyDMX has been reported to work with a vast amount of MIDI interfaces, which is not really surprising.
Sylbass,
Chris is great for info, albeit a bit verbose.
I'm also a bassist and I run lights and sound from the stage in a lot of smaller venues. I use a Behringer FCB1010, an Edirol (Roland) midi/USB interface cable (found at a computer supply house [took some searching]), MIDI coupler (female/female), a 30' MIDI cable and a PC running ABSOLUTELY NOTHING but MyDmx. The midi interface was very inexpensive, but as Chris said, it is a bit fragile in construction, take excessive care of it. I added velcro strips to the PC and and foot pedal, and velcro ties to the MIDI interface and MIDI cable to secure them and provide a stress relief.
A few points about assigning the pedal buttons:
1. I'm using the 2 expression pedals for a slow fade to black (left) and an instant blackout (right). Easy to find even when head banging... these keep their assignment even when switching banks. One point, be sure not to leave these in a mid-point position. The vibrations from stage level can trigger them if not in full forward/full off positions. Stomp on them! Also, they will work in either direction since it's only sending one MIDI note and not sweeping info as in wah or volume control.
2. I tried a ton of different groupings, but ended up with a good combination by assigning as follows:
Switches 1-4 are simple washes on each bank (lower row of switches)
Switches 6-10 are special effect/chase/strobes that use the wash colors of the nearest switch (i.e. sw.1 is purple/yellow wash and sw 6 is a purple/yellow effect created in the FX generator) As we start a song, I bring up a wash, then use the adjacent effect within the song, of course I move around in each bank throughout the song, but it keeps everything easy to find while playing. Since there are 10 banks and 10 switches, I use basic stuff in the first bank and get progressively more intricate with the scenes in progressive banks. This give increasing intensity to the show and gives me a "climax" in the last few songs. So far, our audiences have completely raved about the new show, so "if it ain't broke...".
3. I use switch 5 in EACH bank for a "low white" wash that I bring up after a blackout so we can see on stage when needed. That means I have the same low white wash repeated in MyDmx (editor/user tabs) several times, each being assigned to sw 5 in each bank. Scenes can only be assigned to one switch in one bank, so if you need a scene often, you may want to copy it several times.
4. Assigning is as easy as it can be. You don't need to do any programming of the pedal whatsoever. Just select the "user" tab, click on the scene you want to assign, then right click on that scene. You'll see "Waiting for MIDI". Push the switch on the pedal where you want that scene and you're done!
5. In MyDmx, I grouped scenes by type (you may do it differently) to make it easy for even a novice lighting guy to find. We don't use lighting guys often, but it definitely helps. These groupings will not "line up" with the switches because of the way they're assigned on the pedal, but if you set up your lights and rehearse with them (I always do) you'll see how easy it is to use this method.
6. Your taste and skills will progress with usage. Press all the buttons and try everything you can, but make ABSOLUTELY SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP OF YOUR SHOW!
Hope this helps!
If you want any detailed info, email me at id10tlive@hotmail.com and I'll send you my number. Once again, Chris and Jingles are awesome sources of info, but if you're using the same setup as me, I can get you past the hiccups I encountered when learning.
MIDI Interface link:
http://www.rolandus.com/produc...ls.php?ProductId=732
Chris is great for info, albeit a bit verbose.
I'm also a bassist and I run lights and sound from the stage in a lot of smaller venues. I use a Behringer FCB1010, an Edirol (Roland) midi/USB interface cable (found at a computer supply house [took some searching]), MIDI coupler (female/female), a 30' MIDI cable and a PC running ABSOLUTELY NOTHING but MyDmx. The midi interface was very inexpensive, but as Chris said, it is a bit fragile in construction, take excessive care of it. I added velcro strips to the PC and and foot pedal, and velcro ties to the MIDI interface and MIDI cable to secure them and provide a stress relief.
A few points about assigning the pedal buttons:
1. I'm using the 2 expression pedals for a slow fade to black (left) and an instant blackout (right). Easy to find even when head banging... these keep their assignment even when switching banks. One point, be sure not to leave these in a mid-point position. The vibrations from stage level can trigger them if not in full forward/full off positions. Stomp on them! Also, they will work in either direction since it's only sending one MIDI note and not sweeping info as in wah or volume control.
2. I tried a ton of different groupings, but ended up with a good combination by assigning as follows:
Switches 1-4 are simple washes on each bank (lower row of switches)
Switches 6-10 are special effect/chase/strobes that use the wash colors of the nearest switch (i.e. sw.1 is purple/yellow wash and sw 6 is a purple/yellow effect created in the FX generator) As we start a song, I bring up a wash, then use the adjacent effect within the song, of course I move around in each bank throughout the song, but it keeps everything easy to find while playing. Since there are 10 banks and 10 switches, I use basic stuff in the first bank and get progressively more intricate with the scenes in progressive banks. This give increasing intensity to the show and gives me a "climax" in the last few songs. So far, our audiences have completely raved about the new show, so "if it ain't broke...".
3. I use switch 5 in EACH bank for a "low white" wash that I bring up after a blackout so we can see on stage when needed. That means I have the same low white wash repeated in MyDmx (editor/user tabs) several times, each being assigned to sw 5 in each bank. Scenes can only be assigned to one switch in one bank, so if you need a scene often, you may want to copy it several times.
4. Assigning is as easy as it can be. You don't need to do any programming of the pedal whatsoever. Just select the "user" tab, click on the scene you want to assign, then right click on that scene. You'll see "Waiting for MIDI". Push the switch on the pedal where you want that scene and you're done!
5. In MyDmx, I grouped scenes by type (you may do it differently) to make it easy for even a novice lighting guy to find. We don't use lighting guys often, but it definitely helps. These groupings will not "line up" with the switches because of the way they're assigned on the pedal, but if you set up your lights and rehearse with them (I always do) you'll see how easy it is to use this method.
6. Your taste and skills will progress with usage. Press all the buttons and try everything you can, but make ABSOLUTELY SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP OF YOUR SHOW!
Hope this helps!
If you want any detailed info, email me at id10tlive@hotmail.com and I'll send you my number. Once again, Chris and Jingles are awesome sources of info, but if you're using the same setup as me, I can get you past the hiccups I encountered when learning.
MIDI Interface link:
http://www.rolandus.com/produc...ls.php?ProductId=732
Also, take notice of how Troublemaker is laying things out.
Organization is key to any performance. In my case, within MyDMX, I have scenes organized by types: Color Washes, washes plus this or with that(or both), movement with washes. But, having a free hand at a FOH position is MUCH different than having to run it yourself while performing.
Agian, organization becomes key, but done differently. The organization in MyDMX is STILL a good idea regardless. Organizing what you need on you footpedal in a "performer as lighting operator" is CRITICAL. Know what you need and then assign it where you need it.
1: Expression pedals are not note controllers, those are CC controllers, which is why he can fade up/down. If you want, you can assign ALL your dimmer channels to that ONE MIDI controller. I'm not going to say "good idea" or "bad idea". He's determined this is the best way for him to work, and therefore, for him, this equates to "good idea". For how I work, this would NOT be a good idea. Evaluate your own situation before you decide good or bad.
2: There's no wrong way to assign scenes. How Troublemaker is doing things makes a lot of sense to me. You have to find out what works best for you. He has an imposed limit on how many scenes he has at his disposal, but memorizing 100 scenes is a hell of a lot of scenes to work with. I doubt I could memorize that many.
3: The "in between scene". Yeah, you definately have to have one. What he's using may or may not work for you, but you get the concept. I strongly advise doing something like that.
4: Right. Assigning MIDI triggers is easy. You may also want to document this in case you have to redo it.
5: This goes back to further advise: organize in MyDMX for ease of finding. Organization on the pedal is another issue but is also important.
6: Take Troublemaker's advise an extra level:
Show files are small. Back up your show files to a USB stick, as well as any stages you've designed. You're not done: also back-up your Fixtures library, especially if you are using custom or non-stock profiles.
The next thing to do is practice. Practice a lot. Don't be afraid to fail, even more so during rehearsals. Listen to what your bandmates say, adjust as applicable, but DO NOT stop practicing.
And yes, I am verbose. I do technical writing that people can understand and have to be excessively detail oriented in almost ALL aspects of life. I don't get breaks. Nothing at all wrong with what Troublemaker says about me. We obviously disagree somewhat about the MIDI interface, but that's a trivial issue. At the same time, his idea about using the velcro to help secure cabling may sound a bit excessive, but you know, some things are done best in excess, and securing cables is NEVER a bad thing.
Back to MIDI interfaces: For this application, you don't need a full blown top of the line MIDI interface. Basic will work just fine for you.
Organization is key to any performance. In my case, within MyDMX, I have scenes organized by types: Color Washes, washes plus this or with that(or both), movement with washes. But, having a free hand at a FOH position is MUCH different than having to run it yourself while performing.
Agian, organization becomes key, but done differently. The organization in MyDMX is STILL a good idea regardless. Organizing what you need on you footpedal in a "performer as lighting operator" is CRITICAL. Know what you need and then assign it where you need it.
1: Expression pedals are not note controllers, those are CC controllers, which is why he can fade up/down. If you want, you can assign ALL your dimmer channels to that ONE MIDI controller. I'm not going to say "good idea" or "bad idea". He's determined this is the best way for him to work, and therefore, for him, this equates to "good idea". For how I work, this would NOT be a good idea. Evaluate your own situation before you decide good or bad.
2: There's no wrong way to assign scenes. How Troublemaker is doing things makes a lot of sense to me. You have to find out what works best for you. He has an imposed limit on how many scenes he has at his disposal, but memorizing 100 scenes is a hell of a lot of scenes to work with. I doubt I could memorize that many.
3: The "in between scene". Yeah, you definately have to have one. What he's using may or may not work for you, but you get the concept. I strongly advise doing something like that.
4: Right. Assigning MIDI triggers is easy. You may also want to document this in case you have to redo it.
5: This goes back to further advise: organize in MyDMX for ease of finding. Organization on the pedal is another issue but is also important.
6: Take Troublemaker's advise an extra level:
Show files are small. Back up your show files to a USB stick, as well as any stages you've designed. You're not done: also back-up your Fixtures library, especially if you are using custom or non-stock profiles.
The next thing to do is practice. Practice a lot. Don't be afraid to fail, even more so during rehearsals. Listen to what your bandmates say, adjust as applicable, but DO NOT stop practicing.
And yes, I am verbose. I do technical writing that people can understand and have to be excessively detail oriented in almost ALL aspects of life. I don't get breaks. Nothing at all wrong with what Troublemaker says about me. We obviously disagree somewhat about the MIDI interface, but that's a trivial issue. At the same time, his idea about using the velcro to help secure cabling may sound a bit excessive, but you know, some things are done best in excess, and securing cables is NEVER a bad thing.
Back to MIDI interfaces: For this application, you don't need a full blown top of the line MIDI interface. Basic will work just fine for you.