MIDI Control for Triggering Specific Sequences in xLights

XtremeEntertainment

XtremeEntertainment

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Joined
Dec 2, 2023
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Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice and insight on integrating MIDI control with xLights for live show triggering, and whether what I’m imagining is possible with the capabilities of xLights.

In past years, before moving into pixels, I’ve run live DJ sets out the front of my house during the weekends of December while people enjoy the Christmas lights. It’s been an amazing way to connect with the community and add something really unique to the experience. This year, I want to take things up a notch by incorporating pixel sequences and effects into the performance.

Here’s what I’m trying to achieve:
  • Run a regular scheduled xLights show during the week with preprogrammed songs like normal.
  • On Friday and Saturday nights, during my live DJ sets, I want to take control and trigger specific sequences or animations manually using a MIDI controller.
  • I have an AKAI APC Mini Mk2 and ideally want to map buttons to launch specific sequences — for example, triggering a song-specific light show or launching a custom animation/effect on beat.
  • I don’t want everything fully pre-sequenced, as I feel that takes away from the spontaneity and energy of my DJing. Instead, I want more of a live pixel setup on the weekends, while still being able to fall back to automated sequences when needed.
Is there a way to trigger sequences in xLights live via MIDI, or possibly using an external program or bridge?

Has anyone here experimented with this kind of hybrid setup? I’m open to solutions involving anything that could help bridge xLights with live MIDI control.

Appreciate any advice or ideas. Would love to keep the DJing live performances vibe but make it even more magical with pixels this year.

Cheers,
Andrew
 
If you use FPP to run your show, this is relatively easy. There is an MIDI plugin for FPP that allows all kinds of triggers based on MIDI events. Things like triggering a specific sequence is easy, but you can even have it do more complex things like light up various props depending on the "key" pressed on a keyboard or change the color depending on the MIDI intensity, etc....
 
[edit]Dan got the answer before I could finish my search[/edit]
If you use FPP, there is plugin that called fpp-midi which sounds like it would work for you. It is a midi listener.

If you use xschedule, you can use the Events on the Edit menu.

I don't use either so just pointing the direction.

Old video but explains the concepts for xSchedule:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ab3ybcKOgw
 
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