Timecode Overview
The FrenschPress is a complete timecode hub: it can generate timecode (MTC Master), route it (bridge between USB 1, USB 2 and Art-Net), and act on it (Timeline).
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| MTC Master | Generates timecode as a master clock and outputs it on USB 1, USB 2 and optionally Art-Net at the same time |
| USB Bridge | Passes incoming MTC transparently between USB 1 and USB 2 |
| Art-Net Bridge | Receives Art-Net timecode and distributes it to both USB ports — and the other way round |
| LTC Input | With the FrenschConnection LTC dongle on the USB host port (see USB Host) |
| Timeline | Fires macros frame-accurately from incoming or self-generated timecode |
MTC Master (MIDI Time Code)
The FrenschPress can generate MIDI Time Code (MTC) as a master clock and send it to connected devices — either over USB MIDI or as Art-Net timecode over the network.
MTC Master is a Custom Mode feature. The MTC start is configured as a macro step and assigned to a button.
Setting up an MTC step in a macro
In the macro editor, add a new step of type TimeCode and select the command from the dropdown.
| Action | Effect |
|---|---|
| MTC Start | Begins a new run from the configured start position |
| MTC Restart | Restarts from the start position even if MTC is already running |
| MTC Pause | Pauses the running MTC |
| MTC Stop | Stops MTC |
| RWD | Rewinds the timecode |
| FFWD | Fast-forwards the timecode |
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Frame Rate | 30 fps |
| Start at | Start position (HH:MM:SS:FF), default 00:00:00:00 |
| Stop at | Optional stop position — MTC stops automatically when this position is reached. Disabled by default. |
The bundled system preset TC Master Clock ships with a ready-made mapping for MTC start, pause and stop, and works well as a starting point.
LED feedback during MTC
| State | LED behaviour |
|---|---|
| MTC running | Green blink on the assigned button |
| MTC paused | Steady orange on the pause button |
| MTC stopped | Button returns to its normal set colour |
MTC Bridge (auto mode)
The FrenschPress passes MTC transparently between both USB ports, in either direction. Bridge mode is always active and works in auto mode:
- The first source to send MTC automatically becomes the active source.
- If the active source is silent for more than 3 seconds, it is released and another source can take over.
- Both ports are monitored simultaneously; switching is automatic and needs no configuration.
When Art-Net TC is enabled, all received or generated timecode is additionally sent as Art-Net TC packets to the network & over USB.
Live timecode display
As soon as timecode is active, a display appears next to the logo in the web interface, showing the current TC value and the active routing direction.
- Timecode:
HH:MM:SS:FF - Source and direction (see table)
- Frame rate: 24, 25, 29.97 or 30 fps
- Pause state (MTC Master)
| Source | Direction shown |
|---|---|
| MTC Master → USB 1 + USB 2 | MTC Master → USB 1 + USB 2 |
| MTC Master + Art-Net | MTC Master → USB 1 + USB 2 + Art-Net |
| USB 1 → USB 2 (bridge) | USB 1 → USB 2 (+ Art-Net if enabled) |
| USB 2 → USB 1 (bridge) | USB 1 ← USB 2 (+ Art-Net if enabled) |
| Art-Net TC → USB 1 + USB 2 (bridge) | Art-Net TC → USB 1 + USB 2 |
With a Stream Deck attached, a whole key row can be reserved as an HH MM SS FF display. On the Stream Deck + the touch strip is additionally available as a large timecode readout. See Configuring the Stream Deck.