# Pro Tools Setup

This guide covers setting up Pro Tools to trigger video and lighting clips on the MVP via MIDI, and optionally sending MTC for timecode synchronization.

***

## Prerequisites

* MVP connected via USB-C (HOST port) to your computer
* Video and/or lighting clips assigned in the MVP's [Video Configuration](file:///2.-Video-Setup/video-configuration.md) or [Lighting Configuration](file:///3.-Lighting-Setup/lighting-configuration.md) pages
* Know your configured MIDI channels (check the Video and Lighting pages -- defaults are Channel 1 for video, Channel 3 for lighting)

***

## 1. Verify MIDI Connection

1. Open Pro Tools.
2. Go to **Setup > MIDI > MIDI Input Devices**.
3. Verify that **MVP** appears in the list and is checked/enabled.

If MVP doesn't appear, check your USB connection and try re-plugging the cable.

***

## 2. Create a MIDI Track

1. Go to **Track > New** (or press Cmd+Shift+N / Ctrl+Shift+N).
2. Create a new **MIDI Track**.

<figure><img src="/files/sLbJvEwyQX3F6l2IeKPE" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## 3. Route MIDI Output to MVP

1. Click on the track's **MIDI Output** selector (in the Mix window or I/O section of the Edit window).
2. Select **MVP** as the output device.
3. Set the **MIDI channel** to match your MVP configuration:
   * For video triggers: the channel configured in MVP's Video settings (default: **Channel 1**)
   * For lighting triggers: the channel configured in MVP's Lighting settings (default: **Channel 3**)

<figure><img src="/files/BwQJ09y9eIhtqyfn3MOt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> **Tip**: Set the MIDI Input to **None** on your MVP trigger tracks. This prevents MIDI feedback loops if you have the MVP connected as both input and output.

***

## 4. Program MIDI Triggers

1. Switch to the **Edit** window if not already there.
2. Select the **Pencil tool** (or use the mini-keyboard in the MIDI Editor).
3. Draw MIDI notes on the piano roll:
   * **Note 1-99**: Triggers the clip assigned to that note number
   * **Note 0 (C-2)**: Triggers blackout
   * Note length doesn't matter -- only the Note On event triggers the clip

### MIDI Note Numbering in Pro Tools

Pro Tools uses the **C3 = MIDI note 60** convention. Here's how MVP note numbers map:

| MVP Note     | Pro Tools Note Name |
| ------------ | ------------------- |
| 0 (Blackout) | C-1                 |
| 1            | C#-1 / Db-1         |
| 12           | C0                  |
| 24           | C1                  |
| 36           | C2                  |
| 48           | C3                  |
| 60           | C4                  |

> **Tip**: The MVP Dashboard shows the actual MIDI note number received. If you're unsure about the mapping, play a note and check the Dashboard's Input Monitor to see which note number the MVP received.

***

## 5. Separate Tracks for Video and Lighting

To trigger both video and lighting clips from the same Pro Tools session:

1. Create **two MIDI tracks** -- one for video, one for lighting.
2. Route both to **MVP** as the output device.
3. Set the **video track** to your video MIDI channel (default: Channel 1).
4. Set the **lighting track** to your lighting MIDI channel (default: Channel 3).
5. Program video cues on the video track and lighting cues on the lighting track.

***

## 6. (Optional) Send MTC for Timecode Sync

If you're using the MVP's [Timeline Editor](/4.-timecode-setup/the-timeline-editor.md) for timecode-synced shows:

1. Go to **Setup > Peripherals > Synchronization** (or **Setup > MIDI > MIDI Beat Clock** depending on your Pro Tools version).
2. Enable **MTC output** to **MVP**.
3. Set the **frame rate** to match the rate configured in the MVP's Timeline Editor.
4. Optionally enable **MMC output** (Machine Control) for transport events (Stop, Play, Locate).

> *For details:* [*MTC (MIDI Timecode) Setup*](/4.-timecode-setup/mtc-midi-timecode-setup.md)

***

## 7. Stopping Playback

Stopping Pro Tools does **not** stop the MVP. The last triggered clip continues playing.

To stop video or lighting:

* **Draw a Note 0 (C-1)** at the end of your session or at any point where you want blackout
* This sends the blackout command to the MVP

***

## Tips

* **Disable Loop mode** on your MIDI clips in Pro Tools if you don't want triggers to repeat on loop playback
* **Use markers** in Pro Tools to label your visual cue points for easy reference
* **Monitor the MVP Dashboard** during programming to verify each note triggers the expected clip

***

## Related Pages

* [Triggering Overview](/5.-triggering/triggering-overview.md) -- All trigger methods
* [Ableton Live Setup](/5.-triggering/daw-computer-triggering/ableton-live-setup.md) -- Alternative DAW guide
* [Logic Pro Configuration](/5.-triggering/daw-computer-triggering/logic-pro-setup.md) -- Alternative DAW guide
* [MTC (MIDI Timecode) Setup](/4.-timecode-setup/mtc-midi-timecode-setup.md) -- Timecode sync from Pro Tools
* [MIDI Reference](/8.-reference/midi-reference.md) -- Complete note and CC reference


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