Frequently Asked Questions


1

What version of Windows is needed for Gig Control? And what are the requirements for my PC?

Gig Control works fine on all versions of Windows from Vista onwards. There are 32 and 64 bit versions available (the 32 bit version runs under all versions of Windows; the 64 bit version needs 64 bit Windows). Gig Control does not place huge demands on the processor, needs very little space on the disk and does not require a large amount of RAM. Audio is played direct from disk so it is good if the harddisk peformance is reasonable and that other applications do not hog the disk during playback. See Appendix D of the User Manual for more information on tuning the audio system.

2

How do I tune my computer for the best audio performance?

See Appendix D of the User Manual for more information on tuning the audio system.

3

Can I run Gig Control from a USB key?

Yes indeed. And this ideal for the singer or performer who wishes to carry their repertoire of Songs with them ready to play or sing wherever there is a sound system with a PC. To do this simply install Gig Control on the USB key - during the install process when asked for the Destination Folder for the installation, navigate to the USB key and click OK. Gig Control will be installed in a folder called GigControl on the key - the program to run will be found in this folder and is called 'gigcontrol.exe'. For maximum flexibility install the 32bit version. When you create your Gig Control Repertoire it is recommended that you use the default audio folder facility to point at the location of the files for your Songs on the USB key. When you plug your key into the PC and run Gig Control, load your Repertoire file and you will probably be asked to re-find your files - navigate to the song folder on the USB key and click OK. Finally go to the DEVICES Screen and select the sound card on the PC for output. You are ready to go.

4

What are Procedures, and do I need them?

Procedures allow you to process input (midi or keyboard) or current status information and initiate one or more outputs based on a set of rules which you can define ourselves using a simple but effective programming script. Examples of where they are needed are for midi translation and for dealing with question/response dialogues (for example with a mixing desk). They also allow commonly used midi functions (like changing patches or triggering lights) to be pre-defined and readily called-up from Songs or, for example, at the start and end of every Song.

5

Can I install Gig Control on more than one computer?

Yes. Under the terms of the licence you may install and use Gig Control on any of your own computers, and indeed you may install and run it on other computers (for example at a concert venue) as long as you undertake to delete it afterwards. You will need to enter your licence key each time the software is installed. Note also that Gig Control works fine when insalled on a USB key. If you are part of a group or organisation and there are several people who will be using Gig Control we ask that you buy a PRO+ licence.

6

I am having trouble getting sound from the Microsoft GM synth at the same time as my audio files. What is the problem?

A 'soft-synth' generates audio based on midi inputs and therefore appears as a midi device to Gig Control. The soft-synth is then configured to send its output to one of the audio output devices. Some/many soft synths, and the built-in Microsoft soft synth in particular, try to take exclusive control of the audio device to which they are assigned meaning that it is no longer available for use within Gig Control. If your PC has no other audio device then you can either play or audio files or midi files but not both. With some audio devices the Windows audio configuration functions may allow you to have shared access. Note however that general purpose ASIO drivers (such as ASIO4ALL) also take exclusive control of an audio device and so invoke the same conflict of access.

7

How do I use Gig Control to drive my DMX lights?

Gig Control does not currently send DMX directly (although it is being considered for a future release). There exist however many software packages, including several good free application such as FreeStyler, which provide all that you will need. Or indeed you may already have a lighting console with which to program lighting cues. One solution then is to send midi messages to the lighting application or console to trigger cues and sequences setup in the application or on the console. In Gig Control you may send midi messages from Songs, from Procedures and of course from midi files.

8

What are the future plans for Gig Control?

New functions are being considered, and your feedback is welcome. Please contact us directly or register your ideas on the Forum. Current ideas include other language versions (French, German, Spanish), a choice of colour schemes (skins), a remote control application for Android, lyric display facilities (local and remote), synchronisation of a hot back-up computer, DMX output and lights programming, second independant display. Updates will be available free of charge if your update period is still active.

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Please contact us if you have any questions or queries.

MailĀ  info@gigcontrol.com
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trial version

The trial version of Gig Control is free, and has all features enabled. The sole restriction is that only five Songs can be loaded or saved. See the PURCHASE page for details.

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Do take a look at the product FEATURES, the options for PURCHASE, our FAQs and detailed INFORMATION on topics such as Privacy, Version History, Manuals etc.