Timecode, using Reaper on a Windows PC with a console and Outboard Midi Device


In Reaper

  • Open Reaper and drop in the Audio file that you want to work with (drop-in gray area) 
  • Right-click in the timeline and scroll down to change it to hours/minutes/seconds/frames. 
  • Double-click in the gray area to create a new track
  • Go to the top menu and go to Insert and insert SMPTE/ MTC Timecode Generator, then stretch it out to match the audio track
  • Right-click in the white timecode box area, scroll to Source Properties, click on Send Midi (MTC), and use the same frame rates you are using for your track (usually 30 or 29.97), then APPLY and OK

    On Your PC 

  • Back in Reaper
  • Click on the word Reaper in the top left corner -----> Midi Devices
  • look for your Midi Device (xxxBrandxxx) right-click to enable it, and click Apply and OK
  • Click on the green 'route' buttons on your timecode track control 
  • Use the dropdown for Midi Hardware Output and choose your Midi Device

    In Magic Q

  • Setup--->View Settings--->Midi Time Code
  • Set the Timecode Framerate Type to the same one you are using
  • Set Timecode Decode to the type you are using Midi for Midi LTC for Linear timecode
  • Make sure your cue stack is set to Cue timing
  • Double-click on the halt field to choose Timecode

    In the Real World :

  • Connect Midi Device to Console via  Midi Cable
  • Press play in Reaper, and you should see the timecode In Magic Q running along with Reaper's timecode. 
  • You can just program your show how you want on the console as if you were manually hitting go for every advance of a cue (or insert follow cues, macros, etc...)
  • Double-tap S button to see the cue list
  • Hold shift and hit Record TimeCode - Perform your programmed show/sequences as the timecode progresses.
  • Use the E Encoder to help dial in the Timecode, have the yellow box on the timecode for that cue, and turn the encoder.
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