MTC (MIDI Timecode) Setup
MIDI Timecode (MTC) allows you to synchronize the MVP's video and lighting playback to your DAW or show controller using timecode sent over a MIDI connection. MTC also supports MIDI Machine Control (MMC) for transport commands like Stop, Play, and Locate.
Connection Options
MTC can be received on any of the MVP's MIDI inputs:
USB MIDI
USB-C cable to your computer's HOST port
5-Pin DIN
Standard MIDI cable to the DIN input
Network MIDI (RTP-MIDI)
Wi-Fi or Ethernet
For Network MIDI setup: Network MIDI (RTP-MIDI) Setup
How MTC Works
MTC sends continuous timecode data over your MIDI connection, updating the MVP with the current position multiple times per frame.
DAW Setup
Enabling MTC Output
Most DAWs can send MTC from their MIDI output. The general steps are:
Connect the MVP to your computer via USB-C (or configure Network MIDI).
In your DAW's MIDI/Sync preferences, enable MTC Output (also called "MIDI Timecode Send" or "Transmit MTC").
Set the MTC output destination to MVP.
Set the frame rate to match the rate configured in your Timeline Editor.
Ableton Live (requires LiveMTC)
Open Preferences > Link Tempo MIDI.
In the MIDI Ports section, find the MVP output.
Enable Sync for the MVP output.
Install and configure LiveMTC according to it's documentation.
Ableton will now send MTC to the MVP during playback.
Note: Ableton does not natively send MMC. MTC alone is sufficient -- the MVP detects transport start/stop from the timecode stream.
Pro Tools
Open Setup > Peripherals > Synchronization.
Enable MTC output and choose the MVP.
Set the frame rate to match your session and the MVP's timeline configuration.
Note: Pro Tools does not send MMC Play after a Locate. The MVP handles this by automatically resuming when MTC quarter-frame messages resume.
Logic Pro
Open File > Project Settings > Synchronization.
Under MIDI, enable Transmit MTC.
Set the output to MVP.
Configure the frame rate to match the MVP's timeline configuration.
Other DAWs
Look for settings labeled:
"MIDI Timecode" or "MTC"
"Sync Output" or "Transmit Timecode"
"External Sync" or "MIDI Clock"
Enable MTC output and route it to the MVP device.
Enabling MMC (MIDI Machine Control)
MMC extends MTC with transport commands. When enabled in your DAW, it provides direct control over the MVP's playback state:
Stop
Freezes video on the current frame, lighting holds last state
Play
Resumes playback from the current position (or from a pending Locate position)
Pause
Same as Stop -- freezes current state
Locate / GoTo
Seeks video and lighting to a specific timecode position. When stopped, pre-positions for the next Play. When playing, repositions without pausing.
DAW MMC Setup
MMC is typically enabled alongside MTC in the same sync/MIDI preferences:
Ableton Live: Does not natively send MMC. MTC alone is sufficient -- the MVP detects transport state from the timecode stream.
Pro Tools: Enable MMC output in Setup > Peripherals > Synchronization > Machine Control.
Logic Pro: Enable in File > Project Settings > Synchronization > MIDI > Transmit MMC.
Note: MMC is optional. The MVP can sync using MTC alone -- it detects transport start/stop from the timecode stream. MMC adds the ability to explicitly pause and seek from your DAW, which is particularly useful during rehearsal and soundcheck.
Signal Verification
Once your DAW is configured:
Navigate to the MVP Dashboard.
Start playback in your DAW.
Check the Input Monitor section -- you should see MTC frame events appearing in the event log.
The timecode status area should show:
Active (green) with MTC source indicator
Detected FPS
Detected Playback Rate
Running SMPTE timecode display
If you don't see this while your DAW is playing:
Verify the MVP is selected as the MTC output in your DAW
Check that MTC/Sync is enabled (not just MIDI note output)
Try a different MIDI input method (USB vs. Network)
MTC vs. LTC
Connection
MIDI (USB, DIN, or Network)
3.5mm audio input
Transport Control
Yes (via MMC: Stop, Play, Locate)
No
Scrub/Locate
Yes (via MMC Locate or Full Frame SysEx)
No
Wireless Option
Yes (via RTP-MIDI)
No
Signal Monitoring
Dashboard MIDI event log
Dashboard LTC Volume + Frames Decoded meters
Hardware Required
MIDI interface (or USB-C cable)
Audio cable
Simultaneous Use
Yes -- both always active; whichever signal arrives drives playback
Frame Rate Configuration
The frame rate must match between your DAW and the MVP:
In your DAW, check the project frame rate (usually in sync or timecode settings).
In the MVP's Timeline Editor, set the Frame Rate dropdown to the same value.
If there's a mismatch, the MVP will show an amber "Framerate Mismatch" warning.
Supported frame rates: 24, 25, 29.97 (Drop Frame), 30 fps.
MTC encodes the frame rate in its rate bits, so the MVP can detect the source's frame rate. The configured rate is still used for all internal timing calculations.
Tips
Test with a simple timeline first: Place a single clip starting at 00:00:00:00 and verify that it plays when you hit Play in your DAW.
MTC over Network MIDI works great for timecode delivery. See Network MIDI Setup for configuration.
Related Pages
Timecode Overview -- LTC vs. MTC comparison and sync capabilities
The Timeline Editor -- Building your timecode show
LTC (Audio Timecode) Setup -- Alternative audio-based timecode input
Network MIDI (RTP-MIDI) Setup -- Wireless MTC delivery
All-Intra Video & Timecode Sync -- Frame-accurate seeking for timecode
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