Course Format

  • Video Lessons

    Easier to follow than a manual. Watch these lessons at your own pace.

  • Downloads

    Timecode tracks, MA3 showfiles, links to software downloads and more.

  • Quizzes

    No pressure! There's no failing. Think of these as a way to review.

About the Course

I'm really serious about details.   I designed this course so that students could learn how timecode works and how to implement it into their showfiles. I wanted to cover every aspect of timecode in the grandMA3 in detail. At the end of the course,  you should feel very well versed and ready to program to timecode. I want you to be able to  take that timecode gig and feel confident that you'll be able to make edits when the show changes, or troubleshoot any timecode issues that might come up.

Prerequisites:
Basic grandMA3 programming knowledge is required so that you can build your own cuelists.   You do not need to have any timecode experience. The course can be completed on a computer running grandMA3 onPC. Access to console hardware is not necessary. 

Ready to start?

This course is available on demand

Instructor - Cat West

Since my first job programming lighting at a small Vegas club back in 2000, I knew that pushing buttons was the gig for me. I've been lucky enough in my career to travel the world, programming shows of all sizes. Some of the acts I've programmed for include: Danny Elfman, NKOTB, Christina Aguilera, Metallica, J. Cole, Lorde, Ok Go, Kendrick Lamar, Melanie Martinez and more. In 2007, I started consoletrainer.com as a resource of training videos, tutorials and quick start guides for lighting programmers of all skill levels.

Cat West

Lead Instructor

Topics include

  • Understanding Timecode

    What is it, where can we use it, what are the format types and what can we do with it? We'll also look at a typical touring setup for timecode.

  • Timecoded Tracks

    Midi and SMPTE timecode files are included for your project, along with audio only files. I'll have links to software that can send MTC or Artnet Timecode.

  • Getting Signal to Your MA3

    Configuring timecode signals using SMPTE, Midi Timecode, Artnet Timecode, the internal generator and sound files: with or without hardware.

  • Showfiles

    Useful setups, views and configurations that work well in a timecoded MA3 Showfile. I'll take you through creating your own, or you can download mine.

  • Recording + Playing Back

    All the setup to reliably record and trigger your timecoded shows using external timecode or sound files in the console.

  • Editing Timecode

    Changing timing, adding, deleting and merging timecode events, working with markers and time ranges

  • Macros

    Common macros to make running a timecoded show simpler, including Song Macros

  • How to Troubleshoot

    What to do if you lose signal, how to prevent common pitfalls, and some tips to keep everything working!

  • Bonus Lessons

    How to turn any song into a timecode track, and a handy Master Timecode Sequence

Interested in Timecode for both grandMA3 and grandMA2?

Register for both courses and save

Easy to follow Video Lessons

Like I'm sitting next to you at your console

Books and manuals are great, but some things are easier to explain through video. My lessons are short: go at the pace that works for you on your schedule.
Register Now

Why learn about timecode?

  • Many large scale productions use timecode on grandMA3. If you're going to be programming, or even just operating, timecode knowledge is a must!

  • The ability to program a show to timecode is considered a necessary tool for all professional lighting and video programmers.

Course Curriculum

    1. How To Take This Course

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. What Can Timecode Do For Us?

    1. Timecode Files and Working with a Playback Engineer

    2. A Typical Touring Setup with Timecode

    3. Start a Showfile and Make a View for Timecode

    4. Timecode Slots and Slot Generators

    5. SMPTE Timecode Setup

    6. MIDI Timecode Setup with External Hardware

    7. MIDI Timecode Setup with Software Only

    8. Artnet Timecode Hardware and Software Setups

    9. Soundfiles in the grandMA3

    10. Section 2 Quiz

    1. Creating a Cue Structure

    2. Create Cues for Song A

    3. Timecode Show Pool

    4. Section 3 Quiz

    1. Recording with (External) SMPTE or MTC or Artnet Inputs

    2. Playing Back Timecoded Shows

    3. Using the Generator to Record without External Timecode

    4. Using Onboard Sound Files to Record and Playback

    5. Useful Macros for Timecoded Shows

    6. Section 4 Quiz

    1. Navigating the Editor Window and Working with Tracks

    2. Using the Text Views of the Timecode Editor

    3. Editing Events

    4. Track Groups

      FREE PREVIEW

    5. Markers

    6. When Timecode Gets Changed

    7. Time Ranges

    8. Practice Exercise: Song B

    9. Merging Timecode Shows

    10. Troubleshooting Timecode

    11. Visual Guide to Icons on the Timeline

    12. Section 5 Quiz

    1. How to Create Your Own Timecode Tracks

    2. Adding a Timecoded "Master" Sequence

    3. Congratulations!

About this course

  • $79.99
  • 38 lessons
  • 3 hours of video content

Reviews from my grandMA2 Timecode Course

Marios Kyriacou

5 star rating

“I've been doing timecode shows for years but when you are learning by yourself its really easy to skip the simple things. By doing this course it helps you dump all the information you already have and also add all those simple and important steps...”

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“I've been doing timecode shows for years but when you are learning by yourself its really easy to skip the simple things. By doing this course it helps you dump all the information you already have and also add all those simple and important steps into a great order in your mind. A great example are the timecode macros that Cat made. Simple but effective without having 25 lines of macro for doing the exact same thing. Thanks Cat for this amazing course! ”

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Rob Garcia

5 star rating

“I've been working with GrandMA2 and Timecode for as long as I can remember. This course taught me some new tips and tricks that I'm definitely bringing into my Timecode workflow. I only wish this had been around when I was starting out, as it ...”

→Read More

“I've been working with GrandMA2 and Timecode for as long as I can remember. This course taught me some new tips and tricks that I'm definitely bringing into my Timecode workflow. I only wish this had been around when I was starting out, as it is the most comprehensive timecode training I have found to date. Highly recommend!”

→Read Less

Shannon Henry

5 star rating

“This course was perfect for me. I knew very little about timecode and with the benefit of the videos I was able to take my time and work through it at my pace. Hope Cat continues working on more training videos for MA2.”

“This course was perfect for me. I knew very little about timecode and with the benefit of the videos I was able to take my time and work through it at my pace. Hope Cat continues working on more training videos for MA2.”

→Read Less

T.J. Myers

5 star rating

“I took this class as a "brush-up" as I haven't used timecode since pre-pandemic. And man there are just some little tidbits in here that I would have never thought of. The using timecode to figure out follow times is worth the price of entry. Cheers”

→Read More

“I took this class as a "brush-up" as I haven't used timecode since pre-pandemic. And man there are just some little tidbits in here that I would have never thought of. The using timecode to figure out follow times is worth the price of entry. Cheers”

→Read Less

FAQ

  • Do I need to have any experience using timecode on grandMA3?

    Not at all. Although, you should already have a basic working knowledge of how to create stage looks and store them as cues in grandMA3. This course will delve into how to trigger those cues with timecode, but it is not an introduction to programming grandMA3.

  • Do I need a console and extra timecode equipment for this course?

    Nope. All you'll really need is a computer that can run the free grandMA3 onPC software. In the course, I'll provide links to other (free) software you can use to bring timecode into onPC without any equipment, and I'll show you how to configure it.

  • Do I need to take the grandMA2 timecode course before this course?

    Nope! This course is fully stand alone. There are some intro courses that cover timecode concepts that are used in both courses. So, if you have already taken the grandMA2 timecode course, you'll be welcomed to skip those.

  • Is there a money back guarantee?

    Yes. If you find that the course is not for you, you can contact me within 7 days of signing up to request a refund: no questions asked.

  • Do I need to complete this course within a set amount of time?

    Nope! This course is self paced and available on demand. Go at your own speed.

  • Are the videos subtitled?

    Yes! Subtitles can be turned on for each video using the CC option in the Video Playback Controls

Ready to Learn About Timecode?

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