Connecting two Macs via ethernet and Network MIDI

Imagine being able to connect your tracks machine with another machine and send MIDI using only an ethernet cable. In this video Ableton Live Certified Trainer Will Doggett shows you how to use the Network MIDI settings built-in to every Mac to make this happen!

With the Mac you already have-and an ethernet cable, you can connect to any other Mac computer to send MIDI between machines. This is an incredibly easy way to create a connected stage so that your tracks and keys are perfectly in sync or your lights and video are triggered perfectly in time.

Included for free with every Mac is the ability to create an RTP/Network MIDI connection with another machine. You can find it in the audio/midi setup of your computer. This allows you to connect to another machine using only an ethernet cable, or multiple machines using an ethernet cable and a hub.

In case you’re interested in sending MIDI between a Mac and PC, check out this RTP MIDI solution for your PC RTP MIDI.

If you want to learn more about connecting Ableton to any hardware or software for control, check out From Studio to Stage. You’ll find a new course every week, an active, encouraging community, and a monthly webinar just for subscribers. You can check out what courses are available and start a 7-day Subscribe:

#rtpmidi #networkmidi #ableton

[fabiomacchioni]

Thanks a lot! I'll try to sync Logic (from 1 computer) to another computer to pilot the lights (by a DMX program)... I'll inform you if it will work!

[pitxun]

Thank you for this video and this channel, very helpful !

[drugaruka]

Can you do the same but with audio files? Like take samples from one Macbook and use them on an another Macbook?

[amonstermymother]

I'm also thinking of trying to do this with my 2 PC laptops which I use to host my plugins. 👊

[Macman]

Good job Sir! I need to find some apps that are network ready. I have Pro tools, but it doesn't work on my old machine. I wonder if Garageband would work. It doesn't appear to be network capable, but hopefully it is. Thanks.

[amonstermymother]

I'm trying to do this with my 2 iMac g5. 👊

[davspro]

I have a question. I use a Macbook pro to send audio using Dante via ethernet switch. Out of this same computer I use a Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter and connect to our Propresnenter computer ethernet to ethernet and I do the Midi network connection to control slides.
However the propresenter laptop is also connected to the same switch to send Audio via dante. Since both computers are connected to the same switch shouldn't we be able to use that 1 connection and accomplish audio and midi data transfer between computers? Or do I need still need to connect direct?