MIDI-LIGHT - stage light controller

    ML-640PS is the stage light controller. It performs to the control of devices in the DMX512 system (at most 64 channels). The controller is able to work in one of four various modes, as the: 8, 16, 32 or 64 channel device. It has the memory of 32 programs at the work mode operating 64 DMX channels. The number of available programs is increasing along with the choice of the mode operating the smaller number of DMX channels (table below). 

Mode	Number of programs	Number of scenes	Program numbers
mode 8	256	2048	A01-A64, B01-B64, C01-C64, D01-D64
mode 16	128	1024	A01-A32, B01-B32, C01-C32, D01-D32
mode 32	64	512	A01-A16, B01-B16, C01-C16, D01-D16
mode 64	32	256	A01-A08, B01-B08, C01-C08, D01-D08

    Applications are divided into 4 banks: A, B, C and D. Each program is consisting of 8 scenes with the possibility to shorten then, id est every program can have from 1 to 8 scenes. All programs are being programmed by the user according to own needs. It is possible in the given mode to gather available programs to sequences. There is16 sequences (from S01 to S16), every sequence is able to combine from at most 8 programs (it is possible to reduce the quantity of programs).

    Apart from programs making it possible to arrange and remembering particular scenes in programs characterised above, the controller possesses two programs more: P01 and P02. The P01 is making it possible to steer MIDI orders: Note On, Note Off, Program Change and some Control Change orders belonging to the MLS group ( MIDI Light System ). The P02 is working similarly to P01 but doesn't react to Note On and Note Off orders. Such a division of programs makes it possible to steer the controller with MIDI orders for various methods in dependence on the source of the control (the musical instrument, the sequencer, the computer) and the kind of effects which we intend to obtain. Levels are being regulated in these programs in all DMX channels in the real time in accordance to received MIDI orders.

    Many internal parameters of the stage light controller decides on the method which the controller is reacting to each MIDI orders. It is possible to configure all of them freely. It is possible inter alia:

• to set the MIDI channel separately for P01, P02 and remaining programs,

• to set the interpretation method of Note On and Note Off orders for P01: mod 1 - determined Note On order sets the maximum level in the given DMX channel and the next same Note On order sets the minimal level in it; mod 2 - determined Note On order sets in the given DMX channel determined level with value parameter (level of loudness) of this order, and the proper for it Note Off order sets the minimal level in it (this order is usually generated automatically after the end of elapsed time of the note),

• to put two numbers of Note On orders for every DMX channel (two sounds, keys of the musical instrument) that will be steering the channel (in the way dependent on the arrangement of the parameter mod),

• to switch on or to switch off reacting to the  Program Change orders,

•  to set four various numbers of Note On orders which will be calling the following scenes of programs  from banks A, B, C, D and S.

    Every channel can be permanently excluded from the control and it is possible topermanently set the determined level for it. For every channel it is possible to set the value of the minimal and maximum level also permanently then changes of the level are only possible in this channel in the set range.
Controling by MIDI is giving big possibilities of sterring orders, which the music work contains, recorded in files in the MidiFile Standard (MID).

    It is possible when playing music works by suitable arranging of parameters of the controller to obtain the effect of synchronous work of the lighting system with played music. Thanks to the program plug MLS Controller it is also possible at playng in the Winamp application of files written down in other formats e.g. MP3 and WAV.

    Apart from the MIDI control scenes saved in programs from banks A, B, C, and D and sequences (S) can be run automatically with the internal generator ( AUTO ) or with sound signal ( MUSIC ) through the microphone built in or sound signal from the audio mixer. It is possible to adjust the level of this signal with the potentiometer in order to obtain the proper effect of synchronous work. Work in these programs consists  in sequential choosing of the following scenes, previously written down in programs, in accordance to the set speed of the generator, by the audio signal or MIDI orders. Scenes are appearing immediately after their calling or they are changing fluently in dependence on set position of the parameter X-FADE . When changing the value of this parameter it is possible to set the speed (20 various levels) with which the change of the given scene to the next will take place from the moment of its calling.

    All 64 DMX channels are divided up to for 8 groups. It is possible to watch work of each channels of the given group on LEDs about the diameter 10 mm put on the leading board of the controller. Brightness of shining of a LED is shows the value of the signal (level) in the given DMX channel. It makes it possible  programming and looking through the scenes even without connecting executive devices.

    It is possible in each channels to regulate levels with buttons assigned for them fluently by which, it is possible to increase or to reduce the level. These buttons are operating like potentiometers - every channel of the given group possesses the own set of buttons. It makes it easer to set levels in channels during programming or  live work. It is possible to choose a few groups and to regulate the level of groups chosen in a few suitable channels at the same time. Buttons regulating levels also perform the function of alphanumeric keyboard. It is possible thanks to this function to reach any program very fast simply  choosing his name  e.g. C08, instead of going through all intermediate  programs sequentially with buttons (+) or (-) (although it is also possible).
    The controller also possesses the Blackout function which clears settings of all channels at the same time and three demo programs which enabling the quick check  of correctness of all devices connected to the controller.