Playback Setup

Set up your MVP for your performance.

Once videos and/or DMX lighting cues are configured and mapped to MIDI notes it’s simple to control playback from any MIDI source.

Connect MVP to Inputs/Outputs

Connect the MVP to video and/or lighting outputs:

HDMI - for video output to a video screen, projector or other external display.

Ethernet (ArtNet) - for DMX lighting output to an ArtNet node, which is connected to your light fixtures. For detailed ArtNet set up instructions see ArtNet configuration.

Connect the MVP to a MIDI source through one of the following ports:

Host - for connecting a computer running playback software (DAW) like Ableton, Logic, Protools, etc.

USB A or MIDI DIN - for connecting hardware MIDI controllers, MIDI keyboards, sequencers, etc.

Ethernet - for RTP MIDI

Connect and power on all of your other inputs and outputs before powering the MVP to ensure smooth connection.

The MVP is USB powered when connected to a computer, but will require the barrel plug power supply when not connected to a computer.

Control Playback From a DAW

In your playback session with the MVP connected and powered on, make sure your DAW recognizes the MVP as a MIDI device in MIDI preferences and that the DAW can send MIDI messages to it. In Ableton this means enabling the ‘track’ check box on the OUT setting for the MVP.

Add a MIDI track to your session and choose the MVP as the output. Select the MIDI channel corresponding to which mappings you need to control. By default the MVP maps video cues to MIDI channel 1 and lighting cues to MIDI channel 3.

Draw MIDI in the track at the points you want to trigger a cue with the notes corresponding to the mappings you configured. I.e. if you want to trigger ‘video 1’ which you mapped to the MIDI note C1, add a C1 note at the point in your session where the video should begin to play.

Play through your session and test that the MVP is outputting video and/or lights correctly in time with your audio playback.

DAWs and MIDI controllers have different octave naming conventions. The MVP names MIDI notes in line with Ableton’s naming scheme, however other setups may vary. For example, what the MVP considers C0 might be named C1 by your DAW or controller. The numerical MIDI value (0-127) will always be consistent.

The MIDI note triggers the beginning of the cue only, which will continue to play independently of your DAW session. By default, MIDI note 0/C-2 is mapped to STOP playback of the active cue on that channel. Similarly, starting playback in the middle of a song after the programmed MIDI trigger will skip the programmed cue. Depending on your set up and needs, it may be beneficial to break longer videos into smaller clips that can be individually triggered in sequence to add fall back trigger points.

The MVP has a negligible response time from receiving a MIDI signal, however longer cabling setups and different video outputs will produce additional delay outside of the MVP. Accommodate for delay by nudging MIDI notes forward as needed or adjusting the MIDI track’s delay settings. We recommend testing delay anytime your setup changes (i.e. using a new screen at a different venue).

Control Playback From a Hardware Controller

Make sure your hardware controller is programmed to output the range of MIDI notes and channel corresponding to the video or lighting cue mappings you configured in the MVP. Most modern controllers allow for custom MIDI mappings. Consult the manual for your controller on how to customize yours. By default the MVP maps video triggers to MIDI channel 1 and DMX lighting cues to MIDI channel 3.

With your controller connected to the MVP via one of the USB-A ports or the MIDI DIN port, and with the MVP powered via the barrel plug power supply, use your controllers keys or sample pads to send MIDI signal to the MVP. If connected correctly the MVP should automatically begin playing back the cue mapped to the note you triggered.

MVP supports native profiles for several common hardware controllers and will continue to add more. See MIDI Controller Profiles for a list.

Using multiple MIDI sources

The MVP will listen and respond to MIDI from any connected source simultaneously. For example, it is possible to have a DAW playback session triggering videos synced with audio playback while a sample pad is also connected to trigger video clips in real time. Any video triggered from either source will automatically replace any previously playing video.