Skip to main content
QLab can send OSC messages to StageMic alongside your lighting, sound and other show cues. This can allow you to keep your entire show in sync, rather than relying on multiple GO buttons. A common approach is to advance StageMic at the end of each scene, with specific scene cues at reference points to keep the systems synchronised.

​
Configure StageMic

If QLab and StageMic run on the same Mac, use: These are the defaults. If QLab runs on another computer, select a reachable interface or All interfaces in StageMic. Use the StageMic computer’s network address as QLab’s destination.

​
Create a QLab network patch

In QLab 5, open Workspace Settings → Network and configure a patch for StageMic. Set it to send OSC messages over UDP to the StageMic address and port. QLab Network cues use the selected patch to determine where and how messages are sent. For both apps on the same Mac: Give the patch a recognisable name, such as StageMic. Use the port configured in StageMic, rather than QLab’s own incoming OSC port.

​
Create a next-scene cue

Create a Network cue and select your StageMic patch. Enter this OSC message:
Send it without arguments. Give the cue a clear name, such as:
StageMic GO
Each time the cue fires, StageMic advances once.

​
Place the cue in your sequence

Place the StageMic cue at the point when the crew should see the next scene’s handovers. For example, include it in an existing end-of-scene sequence so that the next scene’s changes appear during the transition. Agree this timing with your backstage crew. A cue placed too early can replace information they still need; a cue placed too late can delay the change instructions.

​
Add reference cues

Next-scene cues depend on StageMic already being on the expected scene. Add specific scene cues at useful reference points, such as:
  • The start of the show.
  • The start of the second half.
  • Selected checkpoints within each half.
To create one:
  1. Select the intended scene in StageMic.
  2. Open Network setup.
  3. Copy Reference point for the current scene.
  4. Paste that message into a QLab Network cue using the StageMic patch.
  5. Give the cue a name identifying the scene.
These cues select the intended scene directly, regardless of StageMic’s previous position.

​
Establish the opening state

A next-scene message selects the first scene only when no scene is currently selected. If StageMic is already showing another scene from rehearsal or setup, it advances from there. Use a specific scene cue to establish the opening scene reliably.

​
Avoid duplicate advances

Check that each transition sends the next-scene message only once. A duplicate Network cue, repeated trigger or cue fired manually as well as automatically can advance StageMic twice. Using specific scene cues at reference points helps recover from a missed or repeated advance.

​
Rehearsal and navigation

Jumping around in QLab does not automatically select the corresponding StageMic scene. StageMic changes only when it receives a supported message or someone changes it manually. When starting a rehearsal section:
  1. Select the appropriate scene in StageMic, manually or with a reference cue.
  2. Confirm the backstage display.
  3. Continue with the normal cue sequence.

​
Test before the performance

Check that:
  1. The QLab patch points to the correct computer and UDP port.
  2. A reference cue selects the intended scene.
  3. A next-scene cue advances exactly once.
  4. Backstage displays follow the change.
  5. Any incomplete-handover alerts behave as expected.
Save the StageMic show before programming scene-specific cues, and keep that show file with the production’s cue documentation. For the full message reference, see OSC Dictionary.