Which term is used to describe a device or protocol that enables show control communication across entertainment equipment?

• A. MIDI Show Control (MSC) protocol
• B. MIDI standard
• C. Digital Audio Workstation
• D. CAD

Answer: (A)

Show control across entertainment gear relies on a specialized protocol that lets a control system send timed cues to lighting, audio, and effects equipment so everything can play in sync. The term that describes a device or protocol designed for this purpose is MIDI Show Control. It builds on MIDI and carries show-specific data—like cue numbers, timing, and target devices—so gear from different manufacturers can respond together to a single show timeline. This interoperability is why MSC is the standard for coordinating complex live productions, from theaters to concert rigs. By comparison, the general MIDI standard handles basic musical instrument messages, not cross-device show coordination; a Digital Audio Workstation is software for recording and editing audio; CAD is used for design drawings.