Sync Resolume, GrandMA, and CDJs with Showkontrol | Timecode Visuals Tutorial

An overview of the process of creating a timecode synced show with CDJs, Resolume visuals, and GrandMA lighting using Showkontrol. We cover everything you need to know, from the Gear you need, the preproduction process, how to connect CDJs to Showkontrol, and how to set up Resolume and GrandMA to receive and sync to timecode.
Special thanks to Lee Duck at Duck Lights / NightLight Studio for helping to explain this process and providing studio space and equipment.
NightLight Studios is a turnkey production space in Los Angeles where DJs can design and dial in their shows. They offer a range of services including lighting design and programming, screens content, rehearsal facilities, video lighting and production, 2 studio spaces and a rull range of production rentals.
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Website: www.nightlightstudios.com/
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[@SeanBowes]

What did you learn from this video? What questions do you have?

[@blomproductions]

Can you make a video like this one but more in depth, showing how to setup everything with grandma, Resolume Arena & CDJs, going in to how you wired it and adding Art-Net control from GrandMA to Resolume and automatic Scene switching using OSC from Showkontrol to switch to the correct timecode slot in grandma and choose the right clip in Resolume Edit: A longer in depth video in the style of this video

[@MrFrankyBeats]

I would like to see ShowKontrol with a laser software like Pangolin Beyond for a timecode show !

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks that's a great Idea. Unfortunately I dont have much experience with laser systems and wasnt able to get someone to help with that on this shoot, but Its on my list for the future!

[@seanp2k617]

How can I do this with Denon? It syncs to Resolume and I can assign clips to play back with tracks. Ableton Link also works for BPM sync. I’m running SoundSwitch for lighting and that’s great because the Denon Prime Go can run that itself, freeing up some CPU cycles for Resolume and laser software. I’m looking at QLab but it doesn’t really do what ShowKontrol does. Maybe a better way to ask this is: how can I do something like triggering columns at certain cue points during playback on a Denon setup? Eg one column would start during the intro, the swap clips and maybe animate some effects during a verse, switch again for chorus, etc etc. I feel like I need something that can do timeline-based parameter animation sync’d with Ableton Link (for BPM), aware of what track is playing, then drive Resolume with that via OSC or MIDI. What would you recommend?

[@user-iv9qr1yb3w]

Я только не понял что делает диджей во время time code. Нажал кнопку play и стоит делает вид что что-то ещё делает ?

[@ChrisMachadoVJ]

Free knowledge that would be worth millions. How I wish there was a tutorial like this when I was starting out as a VJ. As soon as I can I will try to bring content like this in Portuguese on my channel

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks Chris! I encourage you to create some content, Spread that knowledge!

[@felipefabiano3600]

cara eu tô procurando isso em português faz tempo e não acho nada séria muito bom

[@GlxyEntertainment]

Perfect format no extra talking, high quality. Thank you!

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@bdubz_det]

Sickkk! please do more of these. Would love to see more on the programming side and how LD's and VJ's coordinate during pre viz. Also would be dope to see the homie and time code wizard PJ Carruth get in on these.

[@SeanBowes]

All great suggestions, thank you!

[@Basvs1999]

Wanted to get back to this, thanks so much Sean! Your videos got me up to speed when I started with this and I've now successfully ran many timecoded VJ shows in different countries touring with an artist. Wouldn't have known where to start without your knowledge!

[@SeanBowes]

Glad to hear that! Hell yeah 🤘 nice work

[@benwarters]

Incredible work man!! The quality of this tutorial is off the charts. This is the video that I now send to all my festival tech friends who need to learn how to setup and test show kontrol before guest acts arrive. You are absolutely killing it man!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks a lot Ben! I really put a lot of extra effort into this one. I'm glad it is appreciated! Huge thanks to Lee for helping to make that possible. Hopefully we can work together on some more high quality content for you all soon

[@phiggy]

Great video Sean! Very concise information and well put together video, your really took it up a notch with this one! Definitely gonna wanna see a part 2 with tying in Beyond too the setup and maybe even your POV thought process when you create a timecoded visual.

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks Phiggy! Huge shoutout to Lee for the production bump. Couldnt have done it without his space and his gear. Definitely need to get some content creation stuff and laser content on the channel. I dont have much experience with lasers though, if you know someone who would be down to collab on some videos send me some names.

[@Basvs1999]

Man this video is just incredible! Top tier information and great production value. Got me all up to speed to start working on my first timecoded show

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks, glad it’s helpful!

[@blomproductions]

Love the video, i love seeing professional equipment synced together

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks, Im glad you enjoyed it!

[@yashencaldera]

@SeanBowes keep up the great and insightful videos!! You’ve been a massive inspiration to me becoming a VJ and I’m sure others would relate too 🙏🏼💯

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching

[@djamyalexander]

Incredible content Sean! Looking forward to more of these! 💯🙏🏻

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks Amy! 🤘

[@VJSnakefarm]

Can’t imagine how many people this will help great work!

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks! Hope it is helpful

[@windigital6986]

Bro your video are full of great info!!!! Thank you

[@TheeSanch]

Another beast video bro ⚡️

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks Angel 🤘

[@BrendanFitzGerald309]

Yet another great video Sean. This is literally the only video explaining this type of production work! I am still confused on the types of cables and what ports are needed to connect the audio interface to the Resolume laptop and Showkontrol laptop. Can you please shed some light on this. Would also love to see an in depth video of how you make the clips using Adobe Premiere! I'm having troubles adding strobes and effects to Premiere.

[@SeanBowes]

The interface connects to the computer with USB. Then you need audio cables to send the timecode audio between the two computers. My interfaces outputs are 1/4 instrument / speaker cables. You might also use XLR. Check your interface to see what you need to go out one and in the other

[@l.j.crandell5764]

Love the content, super helpful. This is awesome!! Thank you.

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks LJ!

[@Lance_G]

Thank you Sean, you're a national treasure

[@SeanBowes]

You are! Thanks Lance

[@PneumaLights]

that's a sick studio!

[@SeanBowes]

Yeah Nightlight has a cool spot! Great people at nightlight and duck lights, definitely check em out for timecode programming, previs, rentals, and rehearsal, shoots, etc if you need that type of thing. Tell em Sean sent ya!

[@pavilabs1001]

Sickk thiss is cooll and so many help around the world with these thanks a lot

[@SeanBowes]

Glad this was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@crynnge]

you legends! just getting into this stuff. thank you

[@SeanBowes]

glad you found this video! good luck!

[@bernieburnalot]

Oh, puck yeah! 🙌

[@SeanBowes]

HE🏒🏒 YEAH 🤘

[@korjonim9518]

Seriously insightful

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks Korjon! Appreciate it

[@Ryanwhit88]

Would love to see full length tutorial bypassing ShowKontrol and using Resolume’s built in TC!

[@i.h.i.d9725]

Great video! If you'll make more lighting centric videos i will definitely watch.

[@SeanBowes]

Good to know! Thank you

[@Tystatz]

Amazing. i want to learn all this.. thanks for the lesson!!

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks for checking it out! Hope it was helpful to you on your learning journey

[@slashghero]

Great video!!! Thanks!!!

[@SeanBowes]

Thank you!

[@chrisgriffin3044]

awesome video!

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks!

[@OSCSee]

Great content Sean, you would love OSC See for Timecode Programming with Resolume, it removes the need of Linear editing in Davinci, Premiere or After Effects. Hope you like it. It uses the composing capabilities engine of Resolume with the Linear control of LTC.

[@SeanBowes]

Sounds interesting, I will take a look sometime

[@legacymultimedia7316]

Super useful!!

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks brother!

[@BiefBinkDVS]

Hi, I just want to say upfront. Brilliant video, extremely close to my situation. I'm unfortunately still confused about which cables i would need between: 6:04 - 6:14. Thank you so much!

[@SeanBowes]

Audio cables to send LTC timecode audio between Showkontrol and Resolume machines - either XLR or 1/4inch TRS Speaker Cables. Check the audio interfaces you are using to verify which inputs and outputs they support, and get the appropriate cables to run from one's output to the others input. You could also use the 1/8in headphone jack out of the Showkontrol machine, and use an adapter to connect it to the resolume computers audio interface if you only have one interface. From DJ Booth to FOH position, Network Cable - Cat5, Cat 6, or Fiber. Running from DJ Decks and Mixer to one network switch, From one network switch to the another, And from the network switch to Showkontrol & Lighting Desk

[@briacdenoual6978]

Hi Sean, thank you for this video, it helps a lot ! I have a question : Is it possible to simulate a audio in ? I mean, if i only have a laptop/computer, how can i train bpm synch etc without being pluged on a DJ desk ?

[@bernieburnalot]

I would really like to see a setup video on controlling a DMX lighting console with Resolume!!

[@SeanBowes]

Interesting Idea, thanks for the suggestion. Do you mean using a lighting console as a controller for resolume, or how to control DMX light fixtures from resolume?

[@yashencaldera]

@@SeanBowes Hey Sean I’m certain Bernie was referring to the latter of controlling lighting fixtures through Resolume

[@bernieburnalot]

@@SeanBowes Sync DMX to Resulume video cues. I trigger a video, and a light does something. Or an LED fixture does something, or Pyro does something, or laser.

[@balazshajmasi9753]

Hi! Really good video! Thanks for the knowledge! Can i ask what happens when a song is playing with the timecode but the dj starts transitioning to the next song with another timecode? How does the timecode switch betwwen the two songs and when? Thank You!

[@SeanBowes]

Excellent question. With ShowKontrol LIVE (most expensive) you have up to 3 LTC channels, and you can input 2 SMPTE channels into Resolume. So you would run 2 audio lines to 2 inputs on your sound card and set them to SMPTE 1 and SMPTE 2, and send Song A to channel A to SMPTE 1, and song B to Channel B to SMPTE 2. They will both align to their respective timecode, and you can fade between the layers as needed. Keep going back and forth, Song C Channel A, Song D Channel B, etc... With Showkontrol CLUB you only get 1 LTC Output. In that scenario, you would get a glitch if you latched to another timecode too early. Instead you can create a copy of your clip, set it to Relative transport mode, and switch to that clip towards the end of Song A. Now this Relative clip is not running connected to timecode, but Relative means it keeps playing from where the last one left off so its still in time. Then you can launch your next timecode clip on another layer, and fade it in.

[@johanneserlbeck]

Great video! Can you make a tutorial how you do it with Ableton Link and Chamsys with Showkontorl? In church we use Ableton and a Chamsys MagicQ50 console and we want to run the speed of the fx at point with the BPM from Ableton. If you can do this, this would be very nice. And maybee also with the Lasersystem Showeditor from Laserworld

[@shaneoneill8419]

Great Vid Guys😎 I Have everything on the list except GrandMA Lighting. Would this also work with Soundswitch? If not do you recommend I should download the GrandMA software and get to know that instead of Soundswitch? Unfortunately, I can't afford the GrandMA console YET

[@SeanBowes]

Im not super familiar with Soundswitch, but it looks like supports Midi Timecode (MTC) which Showkontrol can also output instead of LTC Timecode.

[@kalborge6635]

Will you go over the Denon ecosystem or, more importantly, the staggeringly powerful Touchdesigner workflow?

[@SeanBowes]

I'm too dumb for touch designer and I dont work with Denon much so I'm probably not the best choice but you never know

[@darioveron925]

son unos genios..

[@SeanBowes]

thanks for watching!

[@ilansdjs]

Sick Thanks

[@SeanBowes]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful

[@AudioVisionary000]

Will you have a tutorial on how to properly connect a windows laptop with resolume and a MacBook running Showkontrol? I’d love to understand how to properly get these to communicate as that is my first issue here. Not sure if this makes a difference, but I’m using the virtual cdjs for testing and wonder if that setup is different then actually plugging into cdjs

[@SeanBowes]

This is that tutorial! I’m not sure that showkontrol works with virtual cdjs though? It only works with a couple of the pro level models. You need to connect the cdjs to showkontrol over network, and then connect showkontrol to resolume via audio cable sending the LTC timecode.

[@dimitryalexandre6133]

just woaw ,

[@SeanBowes]

😲

[@MickRenders]

Does the switch have to be unmanaged? Or will a managed switch work if everything is given correct network settings?

[@FatBoozy]

do you know how assign bpm to a master fader bpm on ma3???

[@NickFromNetherlands]

Seems that newest software GrandMa3 on PC has now midi Timecode in . So the Timeline in MA3 is newer. then MA2

[@jacek.checinski]

Guys, how do you switch layers on demo presentation? Dj plays 2 tracks and how to change timecode on output?

[@everythingraskrelated4607]

which version of showkontrol did you use? I cant seem to understand the difference between club and live

[@SeanBowes]

I am using Club. The main differences with Live are that you get 3 SMPTE outputs instead of 1, A Live license covers multiple machines on the network instead of just one, and you get 24/7 priority support. Club is great for your average VJ. Live is great for larger productions with multiple operators running lots of timecode, or if you've got money to burn and want the best.

[@benjaminschable1203]

I already have the issue that I have to get it right first, I have to connect MA2 with ShowKontrol. Which option do you recommend here OSC, Art-Net, MIDI, ...???

[@JJ1NE]

could something like this be done in serato?

[@SeanBowes]

I dont think serato sends timecode on its own, but if you use it with decks that send timecode information (like pioneer CDJs) it will work. You can also use Ableton Link from serato to share bpm information to resolume. Not quite timecode, but can help with syncing a bit. Hope that helps!

[@matiasjimenez5929]

Heya! Thanks for this video. I've been trying to install showkontrol on my mac Version Sonoma 14.1 and unfortunately it won't run as the program runs in 32 bit. Does anyone have this issue too? How can I make it run? Thank you!

[@SeanBowes]

Unfortunately I have not used Sonoma yet as its very new. So I am not certain of the compatibility there. I would suggest making sure you are on the latest version of Showkontrol and try contacting Showkontrol support to see if it is compatible or if they have an update coming.

[@matiasjimenez5929]

@@SeanBowes 🙏🏻

[@NickFromNetherlands]

Will showcontrol run on prev OS Ventura?

[@abecoulter8550]

can this be used with timecode sync that denon DJ has partnered with

[@SeanBowes]

Yes timecode sync software has a very similar process and is a solid alternative to showkontrol

[@haungo2195]

very good 💌💌💌💌💌

[@ipekli.creative]

Please add music to your future videos, great content!

[@SeanBowes]

Thanks! Every time I’ve added music in the past I get comments telling me to stop lol you are the first one to ask for it. I will consider it but I’ve found it’s usually a distraction and adds complexity to the video production process.

[@DigitalGigalow]

Can Onyx replace Grand MA?

[@SeanBowes]

Any lighting system that supports timecode can be used.

[@blomproductions]

First, hihi

[@SeanBowes]

🏆

[@fernandonieves1385]

un saludo desde Tenerife España , fiel seguidor de tus videos y muy agradecido por toda la información y conocimiento que compartes , soy técnico de sonido y he comenzado a interesarme por el video , he realizado algunos videomaping con muy buenos resultados , ahora estoy preparando un mini concierto con algunos dj de la zona y estoy preparando algo que impacte con el video y las pantallas , tengo pensado hacer 5 pantallas en cascadas una central atrás del dj y las otras 4 a los lados reduciendo tamaño y adelantando a la ves , acabo de ver este video y me a dejado un poco loco jjjjj, resumiendo quiero hacer esto que muestras , no tengo nada de recursos , solo tengo un escalador de pantalla vx4 y mi PC , tengo claro que es imposible ,si tienes alguna idea porfa un ayuda estaría de lujo , para un futuro quiero comprar mas cosas y poder hacer mucho mas , un consejo para comenzar a nivel de espectáculo, muchas gracias por estos videos , un gran saludo 💪👍👍

[@SeanBowes]

gracias fernando! puedes hacer un buen show sin timecode. solo necesitas buenos videos y ritmo. pero, para usar timecode con resolume, por lo menos necesitas un network, audio interface, y showkontrol. Necesito practicar espanol mas lol. Si tienes mas preguntas especificos, preguntame. y gracias otra vez por ver mis videos

[@MeloManu]

THANKS FOR THIS GUYS (L)

[@SeanBowes]

Thank you!

[@iammcqwory]

Hii ni Hatari sana

[@sezzars]

Dear Sean Bowes i appreciate your hard work to do all that to help us.. but how could i understanding it fully, because i know about resolum only but i can't program the lighting and dj because i need to do exactly like what you doing on this video without ma2 console i have just laptop so i need to do dj by software and everything as much as I can by software Thank you 🙏🏼