Performance Tips
Practical advice for getting the best results from the MVP in live production.
Video Optimization
Break Long Videos into Sections
Instead of triggering a single 5-minute video for an entire song, consider breaking it into verse, chorus, and bridge segments:
Assign each section to a separate MIDI note
If something goes wrong during the show, you can re-trigger from the nearest section boundary instead of starting the whole video over
Allows the operator to skip ahead or repeat sections on the fly
Choose the Right Resolution
1080p is sufficient for most live projection scenarios and provides the fastest trigger response
4K is available in Fast Trigger mode but produces larger files. Use 4K only when your display chain benefits from it
Effects Mode is 1080p/60fps only -- 4K videos are not supported in Effects (Transform) Mode
Videos above 1080p trigger a performance warning in the UI
Use H.264 for Compatibility
H.264 is the most widely supported and tested codec on the MVP. While H.265 and VP9 are supported and offer better compression, H.264 provides the most predictable performance.
Filename Best Practices
Use only letters, numbers, dashes, underscores, dots, and spaces in filenames
Avoid special characters, emoji, or non-ASCII characters (files with invalid characters are rejected during upload)
Keep names descriptive but concise for readability on the Status Display and timeline
MIDI Optimization
MIDI Octave Numbering
Different DAWs and controllers label the same MIDI note differently:
Ableton Live
C3
Logic Pro
C3
Pro Tools
C3
FL Studio
C5
Cubase
C3
Some controllers
C4
Don't trust note names. Trust note numbers. The MVP Dashboard Input Monitor and the Status Display always show the raw MIDI note number. Use them to verify your mappings are correct.
Velocity
The MVP triggers on any Note On with velocity > 0. The specific velocity value doesn't matter -- velocity 1 and velocity 127 both trigger the same way. Note On with velocity 0 is treated as Note Off and ignored.
Delay Compensation
Some DAWs introduce a few milliseconds of MIDI output latency. If your video triggers are consistently late relative to the audio:
Check your DAW's MIDI output delay/compensation settings
Try sending MIDI via USB (lowest latency) rather than Network MIDI
If your DAW supports it, apply a small negative offset to the MIDI track
The MVP itself has minimal processing delay (under 5ms from MIDI input to video output).
Multiple MIDI Sources
The MVP accepts MIDI from all inputs simultaneously:
USB-C (from computer)
USB-A (controllers)
5-pin DIN
Network MIDI (RTP-MIDI on port 5004)
This means you can have your DAW sending triggers via USB-C while a tech has a hardware controller connected via USB-A as a backup or override. All inputs are processed independently.
CC #110 Trigger Mode
If you prefer CC messages over note messages for triggering, enable CC Trigger Mode in System Settings. CC #110 values 1-99 trigger clips, value 100 triggers blackout. Use buttons only -- CC #110 has no debounce and is not suitable for faders or knobs.
Timecode Optimization
Convert to All-Intra
For timecode-synced shows, All-Intra encoded video is required for the timeline. Without it, the MVP can only seek to the nearest keyframe. The MVP can convert on-device using its built-in hardware encoder, or you can export with GOP=1 from your editing software.
Match Frame Rates
Ensure your timecode source, the MVP's Timeline Editor frame rate setting, and your video files all use the same frame rate. A mismatch triggers an amber "Framerate Mismatch" warning in the timeline toolbar.
Supported: 24, 25, 29.97 (Drop Frame), 30 fps.
LTC Signal Quality
For LTC timecode input:
Aim for a signal level between -20dB and -1dB on the Dashboard LTC Volume meter
Below -40dB is treated as no signal
Above -1dB indicates clipping
Use a dedicated audio track/output -- don't mix timecode with program audio
Use a quality shielded 3.5mm cable
MTC + MMC for Best Experience
If your DAW supports it, enable both MTC and MMC output:
MTC provides continuous timecode sync
MMC adds explicit transport control (Stop, Play, Locate)
Scrubbing your DAW timeline sends MMC Locate commands that the MVP follows
Stop freezes the current frame without blanking
Test the Full Show
During soundcheck, run through the complete timecode timeline at least once. This verifies:
All file switches happen at the correct moments
No clips are missing from the timeline
The MVP syncs accurately at every clip boundary
Video analysis is completed for all video files on the timeline
Speed following works if your source runs slightly fast/slow (supported: 50%-200%)
Show Reliability
Redundant Power
When running from USB, some computers don't provide enough power for the MVP to run reliably, especially with USB controllers connected to the USB-A ports.
Best practice: Connect the DC power adapter alongside the USB cable. The MVP uses both power sources, ensuring stability even if USB power dips.
Dedicated Display Settings
Configure your display/projector to:
Disable auto-sleep: The MVP may output a black screen during gaps, which some displays interpret as "no signal"
Disable motion interpolation: This adds frame delay
Enable "Game Mode" (if available): Minimizes processing delay
Lock the Configuration
Before the show:
Turn Edit Mode off on all configuration pages (prevents accidental changes)
Only the Dashboard should be open during the show for monitoring
Verify "Sync Changes to Playback" was applied on Video and Lighting pages
Have a Backup Trigger Method
Keep a USB keyboard or simple MIDI controller connected as a backup. If your primary trigger source (DAW, timecode) fails, you can manually trigger clips from the backup device. The MVP accepts triggers from all inputs simultaneously.
Network Best Practices
Separate ArtNet from Wi-Fi
Use the standard ArtNet range (2.x.x.x) on Ethernet. This keeps it completely separate from Wi-Fi traffic and avoids IP range conflicts. If both interfaces share a subnet, ArtNet broadcast packets may be routed to Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet.
Disconnect Wi-Fi During the Show
Wi-Fi is only needed for updates and stock video downloads. Disconnecting it during the show:
Eliminates the possibility of IP range conflicts with Ethernet
Prevents accidental update notifications
Simplifies the network environment
Slot Strategy
Prepare your slots (A-E) for the show:
A
Main show configuration
B
Alternative/backup configuration
C
Acoustic or stripped-down set
D
Rehearsal clips for soundcheck
E
Emergency/fallback (simple clips)
Switch between slots during the show via MIDI CC #119 (video/lighting channels only -- timecode slots must be switched from the UI) or from the web interface. Rename slots to descriptive names (up to 30 characters) for easy identification.
Related Pages
Show Day Checklist -- Pre-show preparation
Common Setups & Use Cases -- Wiring examples
Troubleshooting -- Issue resolution
Configuration Slots (A-E) -- Slot strategy
All-Intra Video & Timecode Sync -- Timecode optimization