This does not mean your equipment is bad it just means that the latency needs to be compensated for at some point in the overall signal flow. Some common sources of latency are: the video playback computer needs time to buffer, an LED processor needs time to buffer, etc. If the video is lagging behind the audio, that means there is latency somewhere in the system. Now everything should be running in sync! Once everything is loaded and all the devices are connected via the analog audio signal, hit play on the audio playback computer. For example, in PVP2 and PVP3, there is a special Timecode Playlist function that will allow you to do this by clicking and typing.ġ0. In whichever playback software you’re using, you’ll need to assign the starting timecode to the video. For example, in ProVideoPlayer, go to Preferences and click on the Audio tab to select the device (like Built-In Microphone).ĩ. Instruct your video software how to “listen” for SMPTE. For example, for most video servers, you can just plug the audio line right into the computer’s built-in microphone port.Ĩ. However your PA system is setup, you will need to route the analog audio signal from the designated output of the audio interface to the Video playback machine. If your song has a 2-bar count-in, then your SMPTE file will begin on measure 2.ħ. So, if your song has a 1-bar count-in, the SMPTE file will begin on measure 1. Within your audio playback app/program, ensure that the SMPTE file is positioned to fall exactly 1-bar before the first downbeat. Make sure that output is being used ONLY for SMPTE). if you have an 8-channel audio interface, route it to Output 8. You will need to route the audio channel/track for the SMPTE file to a separate, designated output on your audio interface. Careful! Do not hit play! The sound of a SMPTE audio file is painful. Also drop in the SMPTE file for that song. Begin loading audio files to your audio playback computer (running Ableton Live, Protools, etc.). (Note: the audio codec doesn’t matter very much. for a 6-minute song, generate a 7-minute file). You’ll want to create a file that has the frame rate you’ve decided upon, the audio sample rate and bit rate that matches your other audio stems/tracks (44.1khz 16-bit is very common), the starting timecode you’ve selected, and a length that is longer than your song (i.e. A lot of the DAWs have a SMPTE generator within the program, but if that’s too difficult to navigate, then simply go to and generate one for free. Once all the assets are completed, a SMPTE Timecode audio file can be quickly generated. (Note: some video editors may have never exported a video with a specific starting timecode, but it’s easy to do in any editing program)ĥ. They need to edit their composition to these specs: the new audio file with 1-bar at the top, the starting timecode, and the frame rate. Take all the assets and information from Steps 1-3 and deliver them to your Video personnel. Whichever frame rate you decide, all devices need to program to this frame rate.Ĥ. film rate, this may be one instance where it could be problematic). This is a critical component! If you’re not sure which frame rate to go with, you might opt for 30fps, as a lot of programs and processors will default to this setting. (Note: avoid going above Hour 23, as some programs/machines cannot read beyond that point)ģ. It’s recommended that you select clean 10-minute intervals such as 01:20:00 00 or 09:40:00 00 SMPTE timecode is read as Hours : Minutes : Seconds Frames. Decide on a starting SMPTE timecode for the song. After you’ve done all that, export the new arrangement (with the 1-bar margin on the front)Ģ. Make any additional edits to the song form, to reflect how the song will be performed live. Place the song onto the correct tempo grid and slide it to so that there is exactly 1-bar of click track before the first downbeat. Import that file into your DAW of choice (Logic, ProTools, etc.). an iTunes file) for the song you’re programming to. If you’ve never heard of this protocol, I’ll spare you the technical jargon and summarize that this method allows you to use a single, generated audio file to trigger audio and video devices simultaneously (and lighting, too! …but I’ll omit that for now).īelow is a quick 10-step tutorial on how you might use this technology for an individual song in your worship set.ġ. One of these avenues is via SMPTE Timecode. There are a few different methods for synchronizing an audio playback computer (running Ableton Live, Protools, etc.) and a video playback server (with ProVideoPlayer, Resolume, etc.).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |