Control PTZ cameras with Ableton (or any DAW)!
In this video, we discuss how you can control PTZOptics cameras using Ableton or any DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Ableton is a Digital Audio Workstation software used by bands, churches, DJ and music producers around the world to create amazing music. But recently, more and more organizations are using the software to control stage lights, projectors, video switchers and now PTZOptics cameras. In an upcoming video, we will speak with, Doug Lawes of Keys Vineyard Community Church shows us how his church integrates OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), Blackmagic ATEM Controls, Pro Presentor and PTZOptics cameras control into his church video production workflow.

PTZ Cameras Control in Ableton
Until then, check out how easily Ableton Live can be used to send MIDI messages directly to the PTZOptics MIDI application designed to recall camera PTZ presets. When it comes to sending MIDI notes to applications on your computer or other computers on your network you have multiple options. The process is slightly different on Mac and PC.
The PTZOptics MIDI Control Interface Software can bridge for up to 120 unique MIDI notes and convert them into PTZ camera position calls. Each note will call a camera presets for up to 12 cameras with 10 presets each. The application works seamlessly with almost any DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or MIDI controller.
Heres how
PTZOptics has created an app that assigns midi messages (in this case notes) to camera preset positions or different cameras. This allows you to create an entire chain of events in a perfectly synchronized timeline within your DAW of choice.
What you need
a DAW
ip enabled PTZ Camera (non ptz cameras will work but will have significantly reduced functionality in our app due to the limited preset positions)
PTZOptics MIDI PTZ app @ https://ptzoptics.com/midi/
If you are using a Mac computer you use your MIDI Network Setup application to setup an internal MIDI loop or a MIDI network. MIDI networks are used to send MIDI between multiple computers on your Network.
If you are using a Windows PC we suggest using the LoopBe application to create and internal MIDI loop on your computer OR rtpMIDI to send MIDI notes over your network. In this video, you will see us using LoopBe on a Windows Based Computer.
Loopbe
Setup

PTZOptics MIDI PTZ app
Once you have downloaded the MIDI PTZ app, open the settings menu in the top left hand corner to configure your cameras

add up to 12 cameras
enter your cameras IP address into a note slot. Each note is assigned to a camera, and for each note there are 10 available octaves which are assigned to 10 presets
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- Posted by Paul Richards
- Audio, Camera Control, Videos
- 0 Comment