PRG V476, User Manual

Page: 392 / 444

374 V676
®
/ V476
®
CONTROL CONSOLE USER MANUAL
CONCEPTS
About MIDI/SMPTE
The console is able to accept two forms of external control:
+
MIDI Notes
+
Timecode (includes both MIDI and SMPTE)
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a communication protocol that allows electronic musical instruments to
interact with each other. Much in the same way that two computers communicate via modems, two electronic
instruments can communicate via MIDI. At its most basic structure, MIDI information tells a synthesizer when to start
and stop playing a specific note. Since the basis for MIDI communication is the byte, MIDI can also be used as an
interface between musical instruments and computers, or in this case a computer-based lighting console. In the same
way that MIDI can command a note to start or stop, console functions such as board cue execution can be initiated
by a connected MIDI-compatible device. MIDI Notes are mapped console macros while MIDI timecode is recorded as
a script.
SMPTE timecode is a communication protocol standard set forth by the Society of Motion Picture and Television
Engineers for handling of audio which is associated with motion images. This is essentially the same as MIDI
timecode except that it is analog while MIDI timecode is digital. However, once either of these signals enters the
console they are stored as digital timecode scripts.
Note: Only one form of timecode - either MIDI or SMPTE - can be input at one time.
Input Options
MIDI In/Thru/Out
Standard MIDI In, Thru, and Out connectors are provided at the console’s rear panel for support of any standard MIDI
input device.
The associated MIDI LEDs will light when MIDI data is traveling through the port, however, the LED merely indicates
the presence of MIDI traffic,
not
that the traffic is necessarily
valid
MIDI traffic.
Note: MIDI Out will not output MIDI timecode.
SMPTE Input
A standard female XLR connector is provided at the console’s rear panel for input of SMPTE timecode. The input is
balanced differential with a 10k ohm input impedance. The XLR connector is wired as follows:
Note: When connecting a single-ended SMPTE source (such as RCA or 1/4" phone jack), the "hot" lead is connected
to XLR Pin 2 and the "ground" is connected to pins 1 and 3. Pins 1 and 3 must be connected together.
The associated SMPTE green LED will be
lit
when valid SMPTE data is being received. The LED will
flash
when either
the SMPTE data is not valid or the console cannot lock in on the signal.
Pin Wire
1 Ground
2 In +
3 In -