OSC Open Sound Control
OSC is a communication protocol (like MIDI).
"Open Sound Control is just about the worse possible name for a protocol since I'd thought for a long time that this protocol could only be used to control sounds. Nothing is further from the truth. OSC should be renamed OAC – Open Anything Control - which would be a far better name since it can be used to control *anything* " (Joe Armstrong)
OSC allows devices like digital mixers, light boards, tablet apps, other software to talk to each other. Unlike MIDI, it has an unlimited number of commands it can understand and act upon as long as the device or software you are using understands OSC
Each manufacturer will devise a set of specific OSC commands which their device will understand and respond to. They often publish a document detailing all the available commands that can be utilised.
Unlike MIDI, you don't need an interface. OSC can communicate over wifi and works when all devices are on the same network.
OSC?
What is OSC?
Why should you use it?
How can you use it?
Check out this short video
Dive deeper & see a giant list of apps that use OSC?
Check out the wikipedia page on OSC
and of course https://opensoundcontrol.stanford.edu/
OSC apps
On mobile:
IOS Only |
Not a free app but worth it! There are various templates to connect to specific apps, search online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJTw8QSul28 |
tbd facecap | tbd protokol |
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tbd
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(android only) Very worthy alternative to TouchOSC, Free, android Only
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MrMr OSC Controller |
computer:
GazeboOSC Gazebo is an node based OSC tool developed by HKU; the Swiss armyknife for OSC data and OSC capable programs. |
Chataigne Chataigne is a free, open-source software made with one goal in mind : create a common tool for artists, technicians and developers who wish to use technology and synchronize software for shows, interactive installations or prototyping. It aims to be as simple as possible for basic interactions, but can be easily extended to create complex interactions. |
Resolume Resolume Arena is an instrument for VJs, AV performers and video artists. Over OSC you can control every aspect of Resolume. |
Pure Data |
Touchdesigner TouchDesigner supports OSC through four operators: the OSC In CHOP and OSC Out CHOP that receive and send CHOP channels, and the OSC In DAT and OSC Out DAT that receive/send OSC as messages that can be interpreted with python. |
Isadora | Max Msp | Open Stage Control Open Stage Control is a desktop OSC bi-directional control surface application. It's built on web technologies and run as an Electron web server that accepts any number of clients. Free Open Source |
Gazebo OSC
Gazebo OSC is a tool developed bij HKU
Look up info in it's own book here:
https://bookstack.hku.nl/books/gazebosc
Ableton Live
LiveGrabber
When you want to control other pieces of software or equipment from Ableton Live, LiveGrabber is what you need. It gives you OSC messages for changes to plugins, tracks, scenes or MIDI notes. It can also communicate audio envelopes and onsets. The reverse is also supported: controlling Live with OSC.
Add this to send OSC from Ableton to any other software https://www.showsync.com/tools#livegrabber
also check the manual