garageCube

[gmint]

First, let me say that this might SEEM like a really odd request. However, I think it could actually add some really interesting functionality to Modul8. On the other hand, if anyone has any ideas for a close analogue, I'd certainly be interested in hearing those too. In any case, here it is:

I recently switched from using Chameleon (DMX lighting software) to a customized version (which supports 128 channels and will be uploaded to the module directory shortly) of the DMX 8 Channel module to control my lighting. Given my needs in this particular application, the fact that there is no sequencing is fine (it's basically a set it and leave it scenario right now). However, in the future, I will need some functionality that is more along the lines of a traditional DMX control desk.

This is a little OT, but in my opinion, all of the DMX programs out there for the Mac (and, FWIW, Windows too) are pretty poor. Almost without exception, they're basically just a clone of a hardware lighting desk. Now, that's not to say that hardware lighting desks aren't well designed, but when you factor in the cost of software, hardware, and a computer, there really isn't a compelling reason not to just use hardware. I could go on, but it's probably not warranted here...

In any case, I figured that I would try to basically use a program like Live to simply make up some MIDI files, run that into the Modul8 module that I built in order to control my DMX lighting. But then, it hit me, wouldn't it be nice if I could just embed a MIDI track into a QuickTime movie and route the MIDI output from back into Modul8. That way, a movie could basically hold a lighting program. If you still follow me at this point, it'll be a miracle. In order to do that however, I a way to route the MIDI in a QuickTime file and I need Modul8 to play it. From what I can tell, Modul8 chokes on files with MIDI tracks. Further, I'm not sure you can still even route MIDI under Snow Leopard.

In any case, that's my story. Thoughts, comments, suggestions?

[anomad]

. great minds think alike - http://www.garagecube.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4932

. but, i don't think any progress was made.

. in my (precious little) spare time, i've poked around w/re-routing custom audio beeps and blips from a quick time file back into modul8 (via SoundFlower) to get some rudimentary communication going - but it was not very accurate and a pain to set up...

. sort of like MIDI over morse code...

-james
(a nomad. )

[gmint]

Well, that shoots that idea in the foot! What's interesting about that is I actually had almost EXACTLY the same idea regarding a soundtrack!