Connections and Interfaces
The ports on the FrenschPress, the protocols it speaks and the roles USB 2 can take. How to cable the device is described under Connecting the device.
Physical connections
| Port | Function |
|---|---|
| 2 × USB-C (USB 1, USB 2) | MIDI and power. USB 2 can act as HID or USB host instead, with optional USB Network. |
| 1 × RJ45 | Ethernet (LAN) |
Protocols
| Protocol | Function |
|---|---|
| MIDI | USB (class compliant) and RTP-MIDI over the network |
| OSC | Open Sound Control via UDP or TCP |
| HTTP | GET, POST, PUT, DELETE |
| TCP | Raw socket, OSC, MIDI |
| Art-Net | DMX over Ethernet, by universe and channel |
| sACN (E1.31) | Streaming ACN for DMX |
| Timecode | Receives, forwards and generates MIDI Time Code on both USB-C ports, plus Art-Net timecode over the network. The FrenschConnection LTC dongle adds LTC (SMPTE). |
| HID | Keyboard and mouse |
| USB Network | A network adapter on the computer, connected through to Ethernet; see USB Network setup |
USB roles
USB 2 has three roles, and only one is active at a time. You switch between them in the web interface. Each switch restarts the USB 2 part.
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| USB MIDI device (default) | Class-compliant MIDI in both directions |
| USB HID device | Keyboard and mouse; see HID Mode |
| USB host | Drives an Elgato Stream Deck or the FrenschConnection LTC dongle; see USB Host |
note
The FrenschPress does not supply power (VBUS) on USB 2. Accessories in host mode, the Stream Deck and the LTC dongle alike, therefore need a powered USB hub.
MTC (MIDI Time Code)
The FrenschPress handles MIDI Time Code on both USB-C ports at the same time: as a receiver, as a bridge and as a master clock. With the dongle on USB 2 in host mode, LTC is added.
Details: Timecode overview, Art-Net Timecode and Timeline.