NSI MIDI 616, Operation Manual

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18
Console Operation
With MIDI
Using the MIDI 616 with a MIDI sequencer provides a completely automatic light show. Since the
MIDI data is in the same format as synthesizers, the MIDI 616 takes full advantage of overdubbing,
editing, and auto-correcting features of your sequencer to produce very elaborate and complex lighting
changes.
The following paragraphs explain the recommended procedure for recording lighting information on
your sequencer.
First, record all musical parts (drums, bass, etc.) on your sequencer. Next, establish a MIDI channel
number (track number) to be used for all lighting parts that is different from the channels used for
musical parts. Make sure that the MIDI 616 is configured to send and receive on that channel number. It
is also a good idea to record your lighting parts as separate sequences so that they pan be edited or
deleted individually, without affecting anything else. After you have finished, you may want to merge
your sequences onto one track.
All main flood light changes should be recorded first. You can record all flood light changes in one pass,
or work on them a few at a time by using the “overdub” feature of your sequencer. When recording
separate sequences or overdubbing, you must be certain to complete each pass with a “tap” of the
BLACKOUT button to turn off lights that were turned on by the sequencer, or else they may “stick on”
until the BLACKOUT button is depressed. If the sequencer is connected to the MIDI 616, the previous
lighting changes will be played back while you are recording additional ones.
The FADE RATE should be adjusted to minimum to provide a quick lighting change, instead of holding
a button down, when using the MIDI 616 with a sequencer. Any lights playing back while recording
new changes can be shut off by tapping the BLACKOUT button, while still remaining intact on your
recording.
Flashes and Chase operations can be recorded next. When recording FLASH buttons, be sure to hold the
button down long enough to allow the stage lights to reach full intensity, otherwise, what might look
good on the light level LEDs might not look too impressive on stage. Before recording Chase sequences,
select an appropriate Chase Rate while your sequencer is playing into the MIDI 616. The Chase Rate is
“sync-locked” to the MIDI clock, and will follow the tempo of the sequencer.
You should practice recording lighting changes and playing them back to be certain you have settled on
a proper configuration for your sequencer (see configuration section) before recording too much else.