Timecode Demo help

General Hardware
1

Hello i am trying to get my head around time code. I am working with a band this year, and they will trigger visuals from timecode sent by the keyboard player. The VJ is dealing with that part, and I would like to know how to run the time code. In liberation, I understand I get audio time code from a source that feeds into a Mac, that far as I go. Any advice or help would be welcome. Thanks in advance

2

Hi James,

Timecode is powerful, but it’s definitely one of the more advanced workflows in Liberation, so it’s good that you’re asking before diving in.

Firstly, I strongly recommend reading the manual page carefully, as it explains the setup step by step:

How Timecode Works (Big Picture)

In your scenario:

  • The keyboard player is sending timecode
  • The VJ is already using it to trigger visuals
  • You want Liberation to follow the same timecode so lasers stay in sync

What’s normally happening is this:

  1. A device (keyboard rig, playback computer, show control system, etc) generates LTC timecode.
  2. That LTC signal is sent as an audio signal.
  3. Liberation receives that LTC via an audio input on your Mac.
  4. Liberation decodes it and uses it to drive the timeline.

So instead of pressing play in Liberation, the timeline position is dictated entirely by the incoming timecode.

If the band jumps to 01:03:15:00, Liberation jumps there too.

If they stop, Liberation stops advancing.

What Type of Timecode?

Liberation supports LTC (Linear Timecode), which is transmitted as audio.

It does not directly read:

  • MIDI Timecode (MTC)
  • Network timecode protocols

If the keyboard player is sending MTC, you’ll need a converter that outputs LTC audio.

What You Need

On a Mac, the basic setup is:

  • An audio interface input
  • LTC signal plugged into that input (often via XLR)
  • Liberation set to listen to that input

In Liberation:

  • Enable Timecode in the Timeline
  • Select the correct audio input
  • Match the frame rate (for example 25fps or 30fps)
  • Set the offset if required

It’s common practice for each song to start at a different hour of timecode, for example:

  • Song 1 starts at 01:00:00:00
  • Song 2 starts at 02:00:00:00

You then line up each song’s timeline to the corresponding hour. Once everything matches, your show runs from the external clock. You will need to enable timecode, choose the audio interface, and set the start offset for EVERY timeline. When you do, Liberation will automatically play the relevant timeline as soon as the timecode for that song starts.

Testing at Home (Highly Recommended)

Before doing this live, test it properly.

You can generate LTC from another computer using a simple utility such as TimecodeClock

Route the LTC audio output from that machine into your Mac’s audio input and confirm that Liberation locks and follows correctly.

Very Important Safety Warning

This is the part I really need you to understand.

If timecode stops unexpectedly, Liberation stops advancing the timeline.

That means:

  • Whatever frame was active stays active
  • If that frame contains a static beam, it will sit there
  • Static beams can burn surfaces or create a safety hazard

So:

  • Keep one hand near the brightness slider
  • Be ready to hit STOP instantly
  • Avoid static hot spots in timecoded sections

I would not run unattended timecode without being physically ready to intervene.

Practical Advice

Since the VJ is handling the timecode side, ask them:

  • Are they sending LTC or MTC?
  • What frame rate?
  • What output level?
  • Is it balanced or unbalanced?

Frame rate must match exactly in Liberation or it will jitter.

Honest Opinion

Timecode with a live band is absolutely doable, but it isn’t beginner territory.

If this is your first time using it:

  • Rehearse it
  • Test it properly
  • Do not try it cold at a gig

If you’re not fully confident, manually triggering cues may be safer for now.

Good luck,

Seb

3

Hi Seb thanks for a very helpful response I will read over this in detail and consider my options
Best James

4

Good moring Seb, from a very wet Scotland. I read your very helpful email doc this morning, and it has been a fantastic help in understanding the elements involved with timecode. I very much value your advice and will take the correct steps to get this working in my safe space and practice this timecode part of the jigsaw. And only when I am happy that I am confidant i can deliver this safety
Thanks for all your help on this and for previous support
Best James