13. Controlling Lightkey from ProPresenter on a Different Device

Overview of Lighting Automation via ProPresenter and LightKey

• Primary Objective: The central goal is to automate lighting cues between a lyrics computer (running ProPresenter) and a lighting computer (running LightKey). This is particularly useful in scenarios where a volunteer is unavailable (e.g., calling out sick) or when there is insufficient staff to manage separate positions for lighting and lyrics during a service.

• Core Systems Involved:

  • ProPresenter: The primary lyrics and media presentation software.

  • LightKey: The software responsible for lighting control and DMX management.

• Technical Logic: Automation is achieved by sending MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) note commands over a network connection from ProPresenter to LightKey.

• Recommended Connection Infrastructure:

  • Network Types: While both wireless and wireless connections are possible, a wired network is strictly recommended.

  • Rationale for Wired Connection: Ensures the connection remains established consistently. If a wireless network fails, a wired connection prevents the automation between the lighting and ProPresenter computers from being interrupted.

Comprehensive Network Configuration and MIDI Session Setup

• Initial Discovery: To enable communication, both computers must be on the same network.

• Step-by-Step MIDI Network Setup:

  1. Launch Audio MIDI Setup: Search for and open "Audio MIDI Setup" on both machines.

  2. Access MIDI Studio: Navigate to the "Window" menu and select "Show MIDI Studio."

  3. Open MIDI Network Setup: Locate the icon or menu item for "Open MIDI Network Setup."

• Configuring the ProPresenter (Sender) Computer:

  • Session Creation: Click to add a new session.

  • Naming Convention: The transcript recommends a descriptive name such as $pro\,seven\,/\,light\,key$ for clarity.

  • Local Name: Set this to something identifiable, like "ProPresenter computer."

  • Enabling the Session: The checkbox to enable the session must be ticked.

  • Routing Configuration: Ensure routings are directed to the session just created (e.g., $pro\,seven\,/\,light\,key$ or Session $1$/Session $2$).

  • Permissions Setting: Change the setting for "Who can connect to your computer" to Anyone to allow the lighting computer to discover it.

• Configuring the LightKey (Receiver) Computer:

  • Replication of Steps: Perform the same setup (Audio MIDI Setup > MIDI Studio > Network Setup).

  • Discovery: The ProPresenter computer should appear in the directory of available devices.

  • Session Creation: Create a session named $LightKey\,/\,ProPresenter$ and name the local machine "LightKey computer."

  • Enabling and Permissions: Enable the session and set the directory permissions to Anyone.

• Establishing the Handshake:

  • On the LightKey machine, select the ProPresenter computer in the directory and click Connect.

  • Reciprocally, on the ProPresenter machine, select the LightKey computer and click Connect.

  • Successful connection is verified when the respective machines appear as "Participants" in their sessions.

ProPresenter Device Configuration for MIDI Output

• Device Pathway: In ProPresenter, navigate to ProPresenter > Settings > Devices.

• Adding the Interface:

  1. Click Add Device and select MIDI Device.

  2. Name: Label it "LightKey Session" or simply "LightKey."

  3. Auto Reconnect: Enable this feature to ensure that if a computer restarts, the connection is automatically re-established without manual intervention.

  4. Hardware Selection: Select the Core MIDI device. The device behavior should be set to "device."

• Defining the Destination: ProPresenter must know which network session to target.

  • Select the network session created earlier (e.g., $pro\,seven\,/\,light\,key$) as the destination.

  • Click Connect in the device window to finalize the link between the software and the MIDI network.

Creating and Mapping MIDI Macros for Lighting Control

• Use of Macros: Macros allow for grouped actions to be triggered with a single command. Multiple cues can be managed this way.

• Macro Creation Process:

  1. Go to the Macros Tab and click the plus ($+$) button.

  2. Label the macro (e.g., "Song 2").

  3. Add Action: Right-click the macro, select Communication > LightKey Session > MIDI Note On.

• MIDI Identification Logic:

  • Unique Notes: Each lighting cue requires a distinct MIDI note to prevent system conflicts. Using the same note for multiple cues will cause errors.

  • Note Assignments:

    • Example Song 1 Cue: $C2$

    • Example Song 2 Cue: $C\#2$

  • Channel Selection: If no other MIDI devices are present, use Channel $1$. If other hardware is connected, choose a different channel to avoid "crosstalk" or signal interference.

  • Note Intensity (Velocity): Set intensity to $127$ (the maximum value) to guarantee the signal is recognized by the receiving software.

• Trigger Mapping in LightKey:

  1. In LightKey, right-click the desired cue or scene.

  2. Select External Control > Add Trigger.

  3. Choose the macro/note previously defined in ProPresenter.

  4. Verification: A checkbox will appear to signify the connection is functional.

• Visual Confirmation: The transcript demonstrates this by using "Syllabatons" lights, which change from blue to white when the "Song 2" macro is triggered.

Implementing Automation within ProPresenter Slides and Song Sections

• Direct Slide Actions: Users are not limited to macros; commands can be embedded directly into slides.

  • Method: Right-click a slide > Add Action.

  • Options: You can either add a pre-made Macro to the slide or create a new Communication action (MIDI Note On) following the same steps as macro creation.

• Song Section Automation: Lighting can be automated to change based on the structural flow of a song:

  • Verse 1 Slide: Trigger a "Verse" lighting cue.

  • Chorus 1 Slide: Trigger a high-energy "Chorus" lighting cue.

  • Bridge Slide: Trigger a dynamic "Bridge" lighting change.

• Conclusion on Workflow: This networked MIDI setup provides maximum flexibility. It effectively bridge-links the lyrics and lighting roles, allowing the person operating ProPresenter to simultaneously manage complex lighting transitions seamlessly.