MIDI and MSC Support in WATCHOUT 7

WATCHOUT 7 integrates with MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and MSC (MIDI Show Control) protocols through its MIDI Bridge component.

MIDI Bridge Overview

The MIDI Bridge component enables communication between WATCHOUT 7 and MIDI devices:

  • Receives and processes incoming MIDI messages
  • Translates MIDI data into WATCHOUT 7 variable changes
  • Executes show control commands from MSC protocol messages

The MIDI Bridge can run as a standalone application or be controlled directly from Producer.

MIDI and Variables

WATCHOUT 7 allows you to map MIDI Control Change (CC) messages directly to system variables:

  1. Create a variable in your show (e.g., "Opacity")

  2. Either configure the variable manually using a key:

    • Format: midi.ch(CHANNEL).cc(NUMBER)
    • Example: midi.ch(0).cc(7) for Control Change #7 on channel 1

    Or use the "Learn" button in Producer to automatically capture MIDI input:

    • Click "Learn"
    • Move the desired controller on your MIDI device
    • WATCHOUT 7 now creates the key for you

  3. Choose value handling:

    • Normalized: Values converted to 0.0-1.0 range (ideal for most variables)
    • Raw: Original MIDI values (0-127) preserved

Multiple MIDI Bridge instances can run simultaneously on different nodes in your WATCHOUT network, as long as they're configured to use unique MIDI channels to avoid conflicts.

Once configured, the variable will update in real-time as you use your MIDI controller, allowing direct manipulation of visual elements during playback.

MSC Command Support

WATCHOUT 7 responds to standard MSC (MIDI Show Control) commands for timeline control:

  • GO - Start playing a timeline
  • STOP - Pause a timeline
  • GO OFF - Stop a timeline completely
  • RESET - Reset all timelines to their starting point

To use MSC, you must configure an MSC Device ID (0-127) in the MIDI Bridge settings. This ID allows WATCHOUT 7 to filter and respond only to MSC messages intended for it.

MSC Command Routing

MSC commands can target specific timelines and cues:

  • Q Number: Must match the name of a cue with the "Name" property set

    • Compatible cue types: Control, Comment, Output, and Variable cues
    • If Q number is 0, commands affect the current position in the timeline

  • List Number: Must match a timeline name

    • If not specified, WATCHOUT uses the timeline with the smallest ID (typically "Main Timeline")
    • If a specified timeline cannot be found, WATCHOUT logs an error and ignores the command

Implementation Notes

  • Parameter Q path is ignored in the current implementation
  • Behavior matches WATCHOUT 6 (see WATCHOUT 6 MSC documentation)
  • The MIDI Bridge interface displays the latest received MSC message for debugging

For detailed protocol specifications, refer to the MSC standard (MIDI Show Control 1.1).

Configuration

To set up MIDI using Producer:

  1. Open Network settings and navigate to the MIDI section
  2. Select your MIDI input device from the available list
  3. Configure the MSC Device ID if using MIDI Show Control
  4. Set up variable mappings for specific MIDI channels and controllers
  5. Test connections with your MIDI hardware

Settings Options

  • MIDI Device Selection - Choose which MIDI input device to use
  • MSC Device ID - Set a specific device ID (0-127) to filter messages
  • Channel Assignment - Specify which MIDI channels to respond to
  • Controller Mapping - Associate specific CC numbers with variables

Integration Examples

Basic Timeline Control

Use MSC commands to control your main show timeline:

  • GO command starts the main timeline
  • STOP command pauses playback
  • RESET returns to the beginning of the timeline

Live Performance Control

Map MIDI controllers to variables that affect visual properties:

  • Modulation wheel controls video blend level
  • Faders adjust position or scale of elements

Hardware Compatibility

WATCHOUT 7 works with a wide range of MIDI hardware:

  • Standard MIDI controllers and keyboards
  • MIDI show control systems
  • Lighting consoles with MIDI output
  • DAW software via virtual MIDI ports
  • USB MIDI interfaces and devices

Best Practices

For optimal results with MIDI control:

  • Label your controllers clearly to match their WATCHOUT functions
  • Create a documentation sheet for your MIDI implementation
  • Test all MIDI functionality before live performances
  • Consider using MIDI thru to cascade control to multiple systems
  • Use variables with appropriate ranges for smooth control
  • Use MIDI Bridge to troubleshoot connections - it displays the last received message for easier debugging

By effectively utilizing WATCHOUT 7's MIDI capabilities, you can create dynamic, responsive productions that integrate seamlessly with other show elements and provide flexible control options during live events.