# Other DAWS (General Guide)

This guide covers setting up any DAW or MIDI application to trigger video and lighting clips on the MVP. If your DAW isn't covered by our specific guides ([Ableton](broken://pages/1f4275d4c053ffb3e1675d3c53fdcdc284e2e017), [Pro Tools](broken://pages/4f621a212d05c07d4f88108f661e64701ed69645), [Logic Pro](broken://pages/6fcdb0999a7fcce8c22591aea17a835deb60b348)), follow these general steps.

***

## Prerequisites

* MVP connected via USB-C (HOST port) to your computer
* Video and/or lighting clips assigned in the MVP's configuration pages
* Know your configured MIDI channels (defaults: Channel 1 for video, Channel 3 for lighting)

***

## General Setup Steps

### 1. Connect the MVP

Plug the MVP into your computer using the included USB-C cable (HOST port on the MVP). The MVP appears as a class-compliant USB MIDI device -- no drivers needed.

### 2. Find the MVP in Your DAW

Open your DAW's **MIDI settings** or **preferences**. Look for:

* MIDI Output Devices
* MIDI Ports
* External Instruments

The MVP should appear as **"MVP"** in the list of available MIDI outputs. Enable it.

### 3. Create a MIDI Track

Create a new MIDI or Instrument track in your DAW. Route its **MIDI output** to **MVP**.

### 4. Set the MIDI Channel

Set the track's output MIDI channel:

* **Video channel**: Default is Channel 1 (check your MVP Video Configuration page)
* **Lighting channel**: Default is Channel 3 (check your MVP Lighting Configuration page)

For both video and lighting control, create separate tracks -- one per channel.

### 5. Program Triggers

Draw MIDI notes on the track:

* **Note 1-99**: Trigger the clip assigned to that number
* **Note 0**: Blackout (video goes black / DMX all channels to 0)
* **Note duration doesn't matter** -- only the Note On message triggers the clip

### 6. Test

Play the track and watch the MVP Dashboard's Input Monitor to verify:

* The correct MIDI note numbers are being received
* Clips are triggering as expected

***

## Important Notes

### Note On is the trigger

The MVP triggers a clip the instant it receives a **Note On** message. The note's duration (how long you hold it or how long the MIDI note is drawn) is irrelevant. A 1-tick note and a 4-bar note both trigger the same clip at the same moment.

### Stopping playback

Pressing Stop in your DAW does **not** stop the MVP. The last triggered clip continues playing (or looping). To explicitly stop output, send **Note 0** (blackout).

### MIDI input routing

Set the MVP track's MIDI **Input** to None or Off (if your DAW supports this). This prevents MIDI feedback if the MVP sends any messages back.

***

## DAW-Specific Notes

| DAW                 | Notes                                                   |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Reaper**          | Enable in Preferences > MIDI Devices                    |
| **Cubase / Nuendo** | Enable in Studio > Studio Setup > MIDI Port Setup       |
| **FL Studio**       | Enable in Options > MIDI Settings > Output              |
| **Bitwig Studio**   | Appears in Settings > Controllers                       |
| **Reason**          | Enable in Preferences > MIDI > Advanced                 |
| **GarageBand**      | Automatically available as an External MIDI destination |
| **QLab**            | Add as a MIDI output in Workspace Settings              |
| **Companion**       | Add MVP as a MIDI output in the settings                |
| **MainStage**       | Available as an External Instrument destination         |

***

## Tips

* **Use the MVP Dashboard as your debugging tool**: The Input Monitor shows every MIDI event with the exact note number, channel, and device name.
* **MIDI note numbering varies between DAWs**: "C3" might be note 48 in one DAW and note 60 in another. Always check the Dashboard for the actual note number.

***

## Related Pages

* [Triggering Overview](/5.-triggering/triggering-overview.md) -- All trigger methods
* [Ableton Live Setup](/5.-triggering/daw-computer-triggering/ableton-live-setup.md) -- Ableton-specific guide
* [Pro Tools Configuration](/5.-triggering/daw-computer-triggering/pro-tools-setup.md) -- Pro Tools-specific guide
* [Logic Pro Configuration](/5.-triggering/daw-computer-triggering/logic-pro-setup.md) -- Logic Pro-specific guide
* [Network MIDI (RTP-MIDI) Setup](/5.-triggering/network-midi-rtp-midi-setup.md) -- Wireless MIDI to the MVP
* [MIDI Reference](/8.-reference/midi-reference.md) -- Complete note and CC reference


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