Midi Functions; Master/Slave Function - ETC SmartFade User Manual

C h a p t e r 4

MIDI Functions

The MIDI functions of your SmartFade console were created with two main purposes. You
can:
•
•
M a s t e r / S l a v e F u n c t i o n
The purpose of Master/Slave is to allow multiple SmartFade consoles to be linked together
for limited playback by the 'master' SmartFade. This allows the use of multiple DMX
universes and increases the control capability of your SmartFade consoles. Playback can
still be done from the 'slave', but conflicting memory, sequence, or STACK functions will
always be overridden by the master.
Programming must be done on each console. Therefore, memories, sequences, and the
STACK all must be programmed separately on all consoles, master and slave alike.
However, once programmed, many playback functions can be executed from the master
console only.
S l a v e S e t u p
Setup for Master/Slave functionality is very
simple. You will need MIDI cables of
adequate length to connect the consoles
as well as DMX cables to carry DMX
output from each console to the dimmers
or devices you want that console to
control.
Use the general diagram at right as a
model for setting up your Master/Slave
system. Master or Slave consoles can be
set to run dimmers or other DMX devices
or both. It does not matter which console
controls what equipment. You can connect
as many Slave consoles as are allowed
within the constraints of MIDI. Only one
Master can be used on a MIDI system at a
time.
After connecting your consoles, you must
set each console to Master or Slave mode.
This is done through the LCD menu (see
Normal Mode LCD Menu, page 38
Backup Mode LCD Menu, page
N o t e :
You must place your Master SmartFade at the beginning of the MIDI line. Consoles set
to Master ignore any data on the MIDI IN port.
Slave consoles do not generate any MIDI signal. They do, however, pass-through MIDI
signal from the IN port to the OUT port.
4
MIDI Functions
Slave two or more consoles together for increased control capability
Record into a music sequencer for real-time playback.
MIDI Out
SmartFade
Master
MIDI Out
SmartFade
Slave 1
MIDI Out
SmartFade
Slave 2
SmartFade
Slave x
or DMX
46).
DMX Out to dimmers
DMX Out to dimmers
In
DMX Out to devices
In
DMX Out to devices
In
47