Midi Controlled Record Light

[BoogieBear]

Hi Folks

I need to find a way of having the midi data generated by a DAW (REAPER) when put into record mode to switch on a Record Red Light system on the stage/in the live room

I've looked at 'Punchlight' but according to Rob at the importers/agents it only works with the listed kit and software and mine isn't listed...

It seems reasonable to believe that there must be some common midi code that is generated when entering record mode and then by using that code to switch a relay via whatever electronics are needed

Please no suggestions for batteries, switches and lights etc. - this needs to be automated from midi

I do have a Canford Audio switching unit to take care of the power switching side of things if that helps

This udsed to work by putting a photocell switch unit over the red record light on the multi-track but I need something better than that!

This is becoming fairly urgent so any help would be much appreciated

Cheers
Anton

[muzines]

It seems reasonable to believe that there must be some common midi code that is generated when entering record mode

DAW's don't send MIDI commands when you click on their buttons, unless those buttons have been programmed to do so.

If you have an external controller, you could make it send a key/MIDI command to *both* the DAW and your hypothetical MIDI light, but the DAW doesn't send it by default.

Thinking outside the box a little, perhaps you could dedicate an old computer and monitor for the task - mount the monitor on the wall, and design some graphics and a little program to receive the MIDI commands you'd set up and toggle screen displays?

[BoogieBear]

Thanks desmond, good point!

I was thinking midi but of course the command in the DAW is not midi is it?

But, when I push the record button on my FaderPort connected to the DAW PC by USB some kind of message must be created

Tell me more about the old PC thing - where are we going with that?

Cheers
Anton

[James Perrett]

Check out the Midi Machine Control specs - there is a record command in MMC.

Also - as we're talking about Reaper you could also write an extension to do something like toggle a line on the printer port high whenever you enter record mode.

Cheers

James.

[muzines]

But, when I push the record button on my FaderPort connected to the DAW PC by USB some kind of message must be created

Yes, that's exactly what I said in the line starting "If you have an external controller..."

Tell me more about the old PC thing - where are we going with that?

It's just often you can press old, slow computers into useful service for these types of things. Wall mounted photo-slideshow displays, studio graphics and video, live video feeds from the live room, timers - anything that requires a nice visual display.