7
MIDI
Console
Operation
With MIDI
Using the MC 6300 console with a MIDI sequencer provides for a completely automated
lighting show. Since the MIDI data is in the same format as synthesizers, the MC 6300
takes full advantage of overdubbing, editing, and auto-correcting features of your sequencer
to produce very elaborate and complex lighting sequences.
Several methods of MIDI control are provided:
Note On
Commands
This is the standard method of operating the console’s Autofaders, Channel Sliders, Channel
Bump buttons, Chases, and Stack while the sequencer records all lighting changes for
synchronized play back later.
Program Changes
With this method a MIDI sequencer or advanced MIDI drum machine can be programmed
to issue "Program Change" commands to activate Memory Scenes, Chases, Stack steps and
Blackout at proper times. See the MIDI implementation chart for a list of accepted commands.
Direct Dimmer
Access
For the experienced MIDI user, the capability to control any of the 128 possible dimmer
channels is provided with the Direct Dimmer Access mode. See MIDI implementation chart
for details.
Memory Dump
Various parts of the consoles memory such as scenes, chases, submasters, and patches may
be dumped to a MIDI disk or MIDI sequencer for storage and later reloading. This is
accomplished by setting the sequencer to accept a SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE dump and activating
the console memory dump with the MIDI Store configuration mode. (see Configuration
Guide). Any data will be reloaded automatically and transparently when the sequence is
placed back.
Console
Recording
and
Playback
The following paragraphs explain the recommended procedure for recording lighting information
onto your sequencer.
First, record all musical parts (drums, bass, etc.) on your sequencer. Next, establish a MIDI
channel number to be used for all lighting parts that is different from the channels used for
musical parts. Make sure that the MC 6300 console is configured to send and receive on
that MIDI channel number. It is also a good idea to record your lighting parts as separate
sequences, if your sequencer has this capability, so that they can be edited or deleted
individually without affecting anything else. Your sequences can then be merged later if
required.
Whenever an auto-fader is activated, the console transmits the current fade rate and a
"snap-shot" of the upcoming scene levels that have changed to the MIDI sequencer in the
form of MIDI Note commands. This way sequencer memory usage is slight. Also whenever
a Chase or Stack step is activated, the console sends a special command to the sequencer.
Whenever these MIDI commands are played back to the console the original lighting changes
will occur.
To record a Memory Scene change simply press the desired Memory Scene button while the
sequencer is recording. This will cause the console to send the appropriate MIDI commands
to the sequencer.
All main "wash" and flood light changes should be recorded first. You can record all flood
light changes in one pass or work on them a few channels at a time by using the "overdub"
capabilities of your sequencer.
MC 6300
MIDI
Software Revision 1.00 and above
Console Operation With MIDI
NSI CORPORATION
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