Setting up automationsRequires Pro

Automations allow Time-line Live to trigger lighting, visuals, media servers, lasers, special effects, and other show systems automatically as a DJ performs.

Unlike traditional show automation, which relies on pre-programmed timecode or cue lists, Time-line Live continuously analyzes the live DJ performance and detects musical Key Points such as builds, drops, and breakdowns in real time.

The most common workflow is simple:

• Create one or more scenes for each Key Point type in your show system.
• Connect those scenes to the corresponding Key Points in Node-RED.
• Let Time-line Live automatically trigger the correct scene as the DJ performs.

Because the automation follows the music instead of a fixed timeline, your show continues to work even when the DJ changes the order of tracks or performs an unplanned set.

Supported Show Systems

Time-line Live communicates using OSC and MIDI, making it compatible with virtually any software or hardware that accepts those protocols.

Examples include:

• Lighting consoles (e.g. GrandMA or ChamSys)
• Resolume
• Unreal Engine
• TouchDesigner
• Media servers
• Laser control software
• Custom OSC or MIDI applications

Building Smarter Automations

Time-line Live doesn't just tell your show system that a Drop happened.

It also includes additional musical information, including:

• Previous and next Key Point
• BPM
• Duration of the current Key Point
• Elapsed and remaining time within the Key Point
• Ableton Link synchronization

This allows your automations to react to how the music evolves, rather than simply triggering a new scene.

For example:

• Gradually increase strobe intensity as a Rhythmic Build approaches its end.
• Slowly brighten fixtures throughout a Build, reaching full intensity at the Drop.
• Reuse the same color palette for a short Build between two Drop sections.
• Pulse lights or visuals to the BPM during a Drop.
• Trigger different effects depending on whether a Build leads into a Drop or a Fake Drop.

Getting Started

Time-line Live uses Node-RED to build automation workflows.

Node-RED is a visual programming tool that connects Key Points detected by Time-line Live to OSC and MIDI messages sent to your show systems. No programming experience is required.

To create your first automation:

Time-line Live will automatically open Node-RED in your web browser, where you can begin creating your first workflow.

Next Steps

• Build and test your first automation: Creating your first flow
• Explore the available Time-line nodes: Using Time-line Node-RED Nodes
• Learn how to use Key Points, Groups, Families, Progress, and more:Using Key Points in Node-RED