Introduction
The timing of every element throughout a live performance is crucial to its success. This is true of concerts, theater shows, festivals and corporate events alike. MMC makes controlling cue timing tremendously easier.
MIDI show control makes it possible for the tech team behind a live production to communicate with the various systems they are using, allowing them to work in total sync. MMC connects audio playback, lighting control, video equipment, and even automation systems for stage equipment to one control system.
For those just beginning to stage shows, understanding this technology is essential for the development of more intermediate and advanced skills.
What Is MIDI Show Control?
MIDI Show Control (or MSC for short) is one of several extensions to the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) protocol. Unlike the standard MIDI, which is primarily used in music production, Show Control is primarily used to communicate with stage and production equipment.
It is often regarded as a casting call for all production equipment. Instead of having to trigger every system one at a time, a single command can be used to control multiple systems with MSC.
For instance, using one single cue button can:
Lower lights on stage
Begin background ambiance music
Initiate the playback of certain video clips
Bring about stage effects
A reliable cue button system builds the quality of a live performance by standardizing reliability.
How MIDI Show Control Operates
A rudimentary way to think about midi show control is a command and response system.
There are two fundamental components:
1. Master Controller
Central system that actually sends out commands. Examples:
Lighting console
Show control software
Digital audio workstation
2. Slave Devices
Systems that actually respond to the commands, which can include:
Lighting fixtures
Sound systems
Video servers
Stage automation
Upon command being given by the Master Controller, a message encapsulated in the MSC is sent. All the systems in connection receive the command and perform the action.
Examples include:
Cue 1 → Fade lights
Cue 2 → Start Sound
Cue 3 → Start Video
Everything is programmed to a certain cue, which eliminates the chance of delay due to human error.
Significance of MIDI Show Control in Stage Design
In stage design, creativity is not the only major consideration. Coordination is also a critical factor. midi show control achieves total coordination of all systems employed in a live performance.
In the absence of MSC, technicians would have to manually control all systems being used, increasing the likelihood of error. MSC removes human error by automating all processes.
This is especially paramount in live performances such as:
Concerts
Theatrical plays
Live broadcasts
Performances in a theme park
An even one second delay will destroy the experience of the performance for the audience, and that makes reliability the most paramount consideration.
Advantages of MIDI Show Control
Live productions have a lot to gain from using MIDI show control.
1. Complete Adjustments
Each system remains in line with the same clock.
2. Less Chance for Mistakes
Automated systems minimize missed cues.
3. Manageability
The need for manual operation is less.
4. Layout Options
All elements of a show can be integrated with design options.
5. Adaptable Size
MSC can be used on both big and small shows.
Application of MIDI Show Control
Use of MIDI show control can be seen all over the entertainment industry.
Live Events
Controls lighting, screens, and special effects in time with the music.
Theatre
Controls changes to scenes and lighting and verbal cues.
Corporate
Manages a control presentation with multiple media elements.
Theme Parks
Controls ride and show automation, as well as special effects.
Drawbacks to Learning MIDI Show Control
Learning MIDI show control can be difficult. Some of the challenges are the following.
Prediction of the required systems can be difficult
Hardware and software has to be integrated
Cues have to be coded
Logic of cues can be difficult to memorize
With time and practice, the challenges will be less of an issue.
Final Thoughts
All lighting, audio, and visual elements of a coordinated system are integrated with MIDI show control. It is a vital part of modern stage design and live sound. It has a professional feel and is great for live shows.
For novices, the most significant benefit of learning MSC is its positive impact on the technical side of entertainment production. The learning how to apply MSC, the beginner sees decrease in the time and effort charge to complete a production. They begin to experience a level of creativity and innovation that the limitations of manual control had made out of reach.
MSC remains one of the technologies that helps producers of increasingly complex live events achieve fluid and magical experiences for their audiences.
