Timecode overview
FrenschPress generates timecode, forwards it between USB and the network, and uses it to trigger timeline cues. This page covers the roles, the MTC Master and how timecode is routed through the device.
| Role | Purpose |
|---|---|
| MTC Master | Generate timecode and output it on USB 1, USB 2 and optionally Art-Net |
| Internal only | Use the generated timecode for the internal timeline only |
| USB Bridge | Forward incoming MTC from one USB port to the other |
| Art-Net Bridge | Connect Art-Net timecode and USB MTC |
| LTC input | Receive LTC through the FrenschConnection dongle on the USB host port |
| Timeline | Trigger saved macros at set timecode positions |
MTC Master (MIDI Time Code)
You start and stop the MTC Master with macros in Custom Mode.
- In Custom Mode, create a macro step of type TimeCode.
- Choose the Action (see the table below).
- For Start and Restart, set the position
HH:MM:SS:FFunder Start at. Optionally, the run ends automatically at the Stop at position. - Turn on Internal only if the timecode should stay inside the device.
- Assign the macro to a button.
To put start, pause and stop on separate buttons, create one macro for each. The MTC Master runs at 30 fps.
| Action | Effect |
|---|---|
| Start | Begin at the configured start position |
| Restart | Begin at the start position again, even during a running pass |
| Pause / Continue toggle | Switch between pause and continue |
| Continue | Resume a paused run |
| Stop | Stop the run |
| Fast Forward / Rewind | Wind forwards or backwards |
With Internal only, only the internal timeline follows the master. Connected devices receive neither MTC nor Art-Net timecode from it. Use this when FrenschPress only needs to clock its own sequence.
The system preset TC Master Clock comes with a ready-made start/pause/stop mapping. When you apply it to an existing setup, check the destination sets.
LED feedback
| State | Display |
|---|---|
| Running | The button carrying the play macro flashes green |
| Paused | The button carrying the pause macro lights orange |
| Stopped | Normal set colour |
MTC bridge (automatic)
The bridge monitors both USB ports. It takes the first incoming MTC source and forwards it to the other available MIDI port. If that source stops for more than three seconds, another source can take over.
With Art-Net TC enabled, received or generated timecode is also sent to the network.
In host mode, USB 2 is the accessory port. It is then not available as a MIDI device port for a second computer.
Live timecode in the title bar
While timecode is running, its current value appears in the centre of the title bar, on every page of the web interface.
The display shows HH:MM:SS:FF, source or direction, and frame rate. Incoming timecode is recognised at 24, 25, 29.97 and 30 fps. A paused master is marked as paused.
| Source | Routing |
|---|---|
| MTC Master | USB 1 and USB 2, plus the network with Art-Net TC enabled; not with Internal only |
| USB 1 | On to USB 2, optionally Art-Net |
| USB 2 | On to USB 1, optionally Art-Net |
| Art-Net TC | On to the available USB MIDI outputs |
| LTC dongle | MTC from the dongle to USB 1, optionally Art-Net and timeline |
Without a browser, a timecode row on the Stream Deck shows the position. On Stream Deck +, use the touch strip for this.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Connected devices get no MTC from the master | Internal only is on | Turn off Internal only in the TimeCode step |
| No timecode arrives on the network | Art-Net TC is off | Enable Art-Net TC |
| A second computer on USB 2 gets no MTC | USB 2 is working as host for an accessory | Turn off host mode to use MIDI on USB 2 |
| The bridge follows the wrong source | The first incoming source takes priority | Stop the source you don't need; after three seconds without signal the other can take over |