Timing In Cycles

Hi Terry, welcome to the forums.
Can you tel me what model interface you have?
Sincerely,

I'm using the Compu Cue Basic.

In most cases the best way to sync up something like this is to use MIDI and not try to let things run together on auto. Know what I mean? I am just trying to confirm if your interface support MTC in and out. I'll get back to you.
p.s. would you be against using the latest Compu show rather than that old 2006 compu live program? your interface was designed to be used with compu show, but it just shipped with compu live because the compu show program wasn't ready yet.
Sincerely,

Not at all against using Compu Show. Still not sure how to use MIDI or how to make it work with my stuff. Please advise. If there is literature on this that I have overlooked Please direct.

Update...I have downloaded Compu Show. I see that you have been badgered on this next question but is there any update as to when the manual will be available?

You can grab the 98% completed User manual of compu show here: http://db.tt/FuB8IrFM
so do you want me to figure out how to use MIDi for cycles in Compu Live or Show?
Sincerely,

Show. Since that is the newest tech for the Cue Basic I figure I need to work in that direction. Thanks for the manual info

do you have any MIDI devices that support Midi time code?

No I do not but I will now get something. Do you have any recommendations?

Virtually any MIDI interface can support MIDI time code(MTC).

Here's what I would do:

First, using your playback device, generate a stereo or mono track and render it to a .wav or .mp3. It doesn't matter, it's for reference, not actual playback. Import that into EZ show. This is where you will do your lighting design.

Now, you need to have your playback device generate MTC and pump it out a MIDI interface unless you're using a software MIDI interface emulation product AND it must support multiple banks. You need to tell the playback where to send MTC, and you have to tell EZ SHow where to look for MTC. Match MTC formats, hit play on EZ Show, it waits for timecode, press play on the playback device and you're good.

I prefer hardware MIDI interfaces.

Also, CompuShow is fairly CPU light(except for EZ 3D). You can safely run Compu Show and your playback off the same machine if you want.

Please note, my idea omits the whole concept of cycles and uses a time-based timeline system. Using this, you can really hammer down as loose or as tight of a show as you want to generate.

One problem (unless there is something wrong with the software) is that I have Compu Cue Basic and when going into Easy Show a screen pops up and tells me that Easy Show is not available with the version I have. I was under the impression that I would need to buy a more expensive set up such as Compu Show SD or Compu Show SD+. If I am wrong about this then I need to know why my software does not allow me to open this function when the dongle is plugged in.

OOh, good point. See, I have the SD+ interface because I can't deal with restrictions and limitations, but at the same time I don't mind paying the premium to avoid such restrictions. We're all used to some sort of software limitations. My current dilemma is Ableton Live, which via my key, I only get LITE features. I currently cant justify full pop for that YET. Key word: yet.

I also use/resell other software packages that enable features based on the master key or feature enable keys(you can order whatever you want or add on, depending on how you do things depends on how many keys you have to put in, which can include just one key to open it up all the way)

In your case, I know you will need Compu Show, because you will want EZ 3D and EZShow. Jingles will have to get in here to specify what the different interfaces will open up for you. Elation is using the hardware to determine what you can and can't use.

The SD+ interface is expensive. If you need what features it can enable, it is very much worth it. But due to my ignorance, I have to have Jingles be the hero here and help guide your purchase. He helped me determine that I did need the full SD+ interface and I've been absolutely 100% pleased. I am doing TONS with this software and I absolutely love it. This software and hardware combination is helping my business get to the next level. I am a sound company, but I do complex shows, and this is helping my lighting tremendously. The price was, well, expensive, but it was well worth it in my opinion.

Wait a min. My apologies compu cue basic does NOT support MIDI Time code In or OUT. Sorry. It does support MIDI live control like if you were to use a midi controller like our midicon or a korg nano kontrol.
Also yes Easy Show is not supported in the cue or cue basic. You would need a Show SD or SD + to use easy show. Sorry.