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Control Mode

Device Settings
Here you can change the operating mode of the controller. Three modes are available:

QLab Mode

In QLab mode, the FrenschPress communicates with QLab via:

USB: MIDI MSC
Simply connect via plug & play. Both USB ports function identically.

Network: OSC
Enable Network Control and select targets for the master and optionally a backup system from the dropdown—done. Targets must be patched beforehand (see Manage).

There is also an option to set up OSC automatically:

  • Press the Tools → Scan for QLab/GoButton Hosts button in the interface, or
  • Hold the encoder push for about 5 seconds

A blue running light indicates an active scan.
A green blink indicates a successful setup.
A red blink means no active QLab host was found.

If a passcode/ID is required, it must be configured manually for the respective target.
For OSC mode (and scanning) to work, OSC must be enabled in QLab.

In OSC mode, cue states (playing, paused) are displayed via LED feedback on the buttons.

 

Custom Mode

Each button/encoder has three fields representing three button sets (A/B/C), which can be switched between. This allows assigning up to three functions per button, depending on the active set. LED colors can be configured individually per set.

Available command types in Custom Mode:

  • MIDI: Note, Control Change, Program Change & SysEx (via USB)
  • OSC: Open Sound Control (optionally with QLab passcode)
  • HTTP: GET / POST / PUT / DELETE
  • TCP: OSC, MIDI, RAW socket
  • Art-Net: DMX values with universe/channel, optional fade, unicast/broadcast
  • sACN: DMX values with universe/channel, optional fade, unicast/broadcast
  • Delay: wait times between macro steps (milliseconds)
  • Snapshot: Art-Net/sACN (DMX recorder for up to 10 universes)

 

Switching Button Sets

The Switch Set macro allows switching between button sets (A/B/C).
It can be assigned to any button and configured individually.
You can switch individual buttons or all at once.

For example, a configured encoder push can rotate through sets:
A → B → C → A

 

Creating / Assigning Commands

Click on a button field to open the library.
You can select an existing command or create a new one via Quick Create.

In Quick Create, choose the protocol and either:

  • Create a single command, or
  • Create a multi-step macro

 

Single Command

Configure the command in the dialog and save with Create & Assign.
The macro is now assigned to the button and stored in the Custom library.

For network macros:

  • Select the target on the left
  • Define the command on the right

Depending on installed plugins, you can choose predefined commands or create your own.

The Library button opens available command templates (filtered by protocol).

You can also test the macro directly and optionally set a “Time between Go” to prevent accidental double triggers.

 

Multi-Step Macro

Set a name and description, then configure the sequence of steps in the step editor below.
Steps can be reordered via drag & drop.

Save the macro with Save Changes.
It will be assigned to the button and stored in the library under Custom or the defined device name.

 

Companion Mode

In this mode, the FrenschPress can be used as a surface (satellite) for Bitfocus Companion.

You can either:

  • Enter the IP address of the Companion host manually, or
  • Configure everything directly from Companion

The FrenschPress appears under Surfaces → Remote in Companion and can be set up there.

Default settings:
Start button and row are set to 1/0/1 to 1/0/5, but can be adjusted on the device.

LED colors and feedback can be controlled directly from Companion.

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