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Networked Mode

There are various scenarios in which you may want to run Videosync on another machine than Ableton Live. Perhaps you tour with a technician who needs to monitor video equipment during the performance, or your Live Set is too heavy on the audio side to add video on the same machine as well.

In these cases you can use Networked Mode. This way, Ableton Live runs on one machine and Videosync on another, connected via ethernet.

Step by step guides​

For each option below, the first machine listed runs Videosync, and the second machine runs Ableton Live.

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Using video clips, images and ISF shaders​

If Videosync is connected remotely to a Live Set that contains video clips, images or ISF shader files, you may see an error in Videosync's Console window: "File for path ... not found". You see this error if the used files in Live do not exist on the Videosync machine.

  1. Copy all video, image and shader files you're using in your Live Set over to the video machine. Save them in a folder anywhere on your hard drive, for instance in the User Library.
  2. On the Video tab of the Videosync Settings window, under Networked Mode, set the Local File Path to the folder containing your copied files. Videosync will search for the files by filename, so it's important these match on both machines. Videosync will also search for your files in subfolders of the folder selected in Settings.
  3. Now, every video you launch in Live will be visible in Videosync on the other machine.

Tips for networked live performances​

  • Connecting machines via WIFI instead of a cable works, but the connection will be less stable, especially on large stages with a lot of electromagnetic interference from audio and lighting systems. We recommend always using a cable.
  • During networked performances, we prefer having the machine running Videosync at the side of stage, rather than in the front of house or VJ booth. In our experience, arranging a dedicated network cable between the stage and front of house is not an easy request for venues and festivals, whereas making a HDMI or DVI connection available side of stage is more common. Also, having a laptop side of stage means it is closer to the performer.

For more background information about working with networks, see Network Terminology in the Handbook.

Connecting multiple Videosync machines​

In some cases, you may want to have multiple machines displaying video from a single machine running Live. This is easily done by following the steps above for more than one machine. In each instance of Videosync you enter the IP address of the Ableton Live machine.

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We support connecting two remote machines with Videosync to a single Live Set simultaneously. If you need to connect more, please let us know.

Limitations​

While Videosync is connected to Live remotely, only control signals are exchanged. All processing is done locally on the machine running Videosync. This means that the machine running Live does not have to process video, but this also comes with some limitations:

  • External In: The Device and Spout/Syphon modes are not supported.
  • ISF Shader: The browser is not available while connected to Videosync remotely. The rest of the device remains fully functional, as long as all used shader files exist on the Videosync machine.