Question 1

Does Middle Control run on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) Macs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Middle Control ships as a universal macOS binary and runs natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) and Intel Macs. It runs on macOS 13 (Ventura) or later. The app isn't demanding — a base-spec MacBook Air or an older M1 Mac is plenty.

Question 2

What's the status of Middle Control for Windows?

Accepted Answer

Middle Control 4.0 for Windows is available as a public beta: join it with your email on the Downloads page (https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/downloads/) and you get the download link right away. Version 2.7.4 remains available as the stable Windows app. 4.0 is a ground-up rebuild on WinUI 3 / .NET 10 that brings the Windows app close to the macOS app — direct IP camera control across many brands (Sony, Panasonic AW PTZ and CX camcorders, Lumix, Canon, Blackmagic, Z CAM, OBSBOT, BirdDog, PTZOptics, and VISCA cameras), an ATEM bridge with tally, Live View, device-stored presets, gimbal control, USB gamepad and keyboard mapping, and Bitfocus Companion / Glue support. It has a different feature set than macOS: a few macOS Pro features — Multi View, ATEM Link, Automations, Multi-Operator, Replicate Settings, and video output — aren't included. See https://www.middlethings.co/support/changelog-windows/ for the full changelog.

Question 3

Does Middle Control run on iPad or iOS?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. Middle Control runs on macOS and Windows today (see the Windows status entry for what differs between the two), and a Middle Control app for iOS is in development — leave your email on the Downloads page (https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/downloads/) to be notified the moment it is available. The companion Middle Setup app on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Silicon Macs is used for the initial Bluetooth pairing of an APC-R or APC-R Mini to a camera, but day-to-day control happens from a desktop.

Question 4

Can I try Middle Control Pro before buying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A 30-day free trial of Middle Control Pro can be started directly from the macOS app. The trial is fully functional. You will not be charged automatically when it ends — the app reverts to the free tier unless you purchase a license. See https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/downloads/#how-to-upgrade-to-middle-control-3-pro.

Question 5

Can I transfer my Middle Control Pro license to another computer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Middle Control Pro license can be active on up to 2 devices simultaneously. Activating a third device automatically deactivates the first one. You don't need to contact support to move a license — activate it on the new machine by entering your Middle ID in Preferences → Advanced Settings.

Question 6

Does my Middle Control Pro license cover Middle Control 4.0?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Middle Control Pro licenses are not tied to a version number: your existing license is valid for Middle Control 4.0, with no new license or upgrade fee. Update the app and your Pro features carry over. See the Downloads page: https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/downloads/#how-to-upgrade-to-middle-control-3-pro.

Question 7

Which joysticks and controllers are supported?

Accepted Answer

Middle Control supports a wide range of USB and network controllers — generic USB gamepads, Xbox and PlayStation DualSense controllers, Thrustmaster TCA, Stream Deck, Bitfocus Companion, the Middle Remote, the ATEM Advanced Panel 1 M/E, the Canon RC-IP300 and RC-IP1000 PTZ controllers (Pro), and VISCA over IP controllers including AVMatrix PKC3000 / PKC4000. See the compatibility list at https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/compatibility/.

Question 8

How do I configure a joystick for camera control?

Accepted Answer

Plug in your joystick, open Middle Control, and use the controller settings to assign functions. You can map axes, buttons, and the top-hat / D-Pad to pan, tilt, zoom, focus, iris, ISO, white balance, presets, recording, and more.

Question 9

Can I use multiple controllers at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Middle Control Pro supports multi-operator setups — multiple operators can control different cameras simultaneously, with USB joysticks, VISCA controllers and the Middle Remote locked to fixed Camera IDs. Bitfocus Companion can also act as an additional control surface. See https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/joysticks-and-controllers/multi-operator/.

Question 10

What motorized Zoom & Focus lenses can I use with Blackmagic cameras?

Accepted Answer

You can use a fully motorized (Zoom + Focus + Iris) lens. For separate zoom and focus motors on Pocket 4K (MFT): Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4.0-5.6, Olympus 12-50mm M.Zuiko f/3.5-6.3 ED EZ, Olympus 14-42mm M.Zuiko f/3.5-5.6 ED EZ. For Pocket 6K (EF): Canon CN-E 70-200 T4.4, Canon CN-E 18-80 T4.4. Lenses with built-in zoom motors cannot record zoom presets with the APC-R alone — use the DJI Focus Motor to save and recall zoom presets.

Question 11

How do I record on multiple cameras at once?

Accepted Answer

Three options: (1) Set the Rec button to All in Middle Control to record on every connected camera at once. (2) Map a single gamepad button to Record Start All / Record Stop All. (3) Use Bitfocus Companion's Record All action to fire it from a Stream Deck. Recording status is shown live in Middle Control for Sony, Blackmagic, Canon, Z CAM, OBSBOT and Lumix cameras controlled over the network.

Question 12

Can I send the Live View feed to OBS, vMix, or another switcher?

Accepted Answer

Yes — with Middle Control Pro's Video Output feature on macOS. It sends the Live View feed out via Syphon (for OBS), HDMI or a Blackmagic UltraStudio device, or an RTSP stream that OBS / vMix can ingest. There's no NDI or virtual-camera output. For full-quality program video, capture directly from the camera over SDI / HDMI / SRT, or via a wireless video system, and use Middle Control alongside as the control layer.

Question 13

Does Middle Control handle genlock or hardware sync between cameras?

Accepted Answer

No. Genlock is a hardware feature of the cameras themselves — Middle Control doesn't add it. Sony FX-series, Blackmagic URSA, and Blackmagic Cinema Camera bodies that support genlock natively can be synced via your switcher or clock generator the usual way; Middle Control reads and adjusts camera settings (iris, shutter, ISO, white balance) over IP and respects whatever sync configuration your cameras already have.

Question 14

How do I save and recall position presets, and what gets saved?

Accepted Answer

Presets save the gimbal position (pan, tilt, roll), zoom, focus, and the camera settings supported by your camera (iris, ISO, shutter, white balance, tint, contrast, saturation, black level, ND, and more). Save with the preset button in Middle Control, on the Middle Remote, or by long-pressing a mapped joystick button. In Preset settings you can choose what to recall — for example, recall position only without touching exposure. See https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/using-middle-control/presets/.

Question 15

What is Center Focus / Auto Focus Trigger?

Accepted Answer

Center Focus is a one-shot autofocus command: it tells the camera to lock focus on whatever is in the centre of the frame, without leaving continuous autofocus on. It's a useful replacement for full-time AF in live work where predictable, manual-feeling focus changes matter. Map it to a joystick button or trigger it from Bitfocus Companion.

Question 16

Can I use the ATEM Advanced Panel 1 M/E to control pan, tilt and zoom?

Accepted Answer

Yes. See the dedicated ATEM Advanced Panel section: https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/joysticks-and-controllers/atem-control-panels/.

Question 17

Can I use Bitfocus Companion and Stream Deck with Middle Control?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bitfocus Companion is a first-class control surface for Middle Control. The Middle Control Companion module exposes preset recall, record start / stop on individual cameras or all at once, camera switching, gimbal commands (sleep / wake, recenter, motor calibration, Active Track), and feedbacks for ATEM tally, recording status, and connection state — driveable from any Stream Deck or other Companion-supported device. Keep the Companion module version aligned with your Middle Control version after major updates. See https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/joysticks-and-controllers/bitfocus-companion/.

Question 18

Can I use a MIDI controller with Middle Control?

Accepted Answer

Not directly — Middle Control doesn't read MIDI natively. The standard workaround is to bridge MIDI through Bitfocus Companion: your MIDI controller triggers Companion actions, which then send commands to Middle Control. Companion's MIDI integration handles note-on, control-change, and program-change events.

Question 19

Can I assign a joystick or controller to a fixed Camera ID?

Accepted Answer

Yes — with Middle Control Pro's multi-operator mode. Each USB joystick, VISCA controller, or Middle Remote can be locked to a specific Camera ID, so an operator only ever drives that camera. A 'master' joystick can override any fixed-ID controller when needed. See https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/joysticks-and-controllers/multi-operator/.

Question 20

Do you have an SDK / API?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can control Middle Control with your own software or hardware through TCP commands, with per-camera-ID actions regardless of the currently active camera. See the Integrations section in the docs.

Question 21

Is the APC-R or APC-R Mini compatible with my setup?

Accepted Answer

Use the interactive configurator on the compatibility page to check your camera, gimbal, switcher, and controller in seconds: https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/compatibility/. Per-brand pages cover the details for Sony, Blackmagic, Canon, Panasonic, Lumix, BirdDog, OBSBOT, Z CAM, and VISCA cameras.

Question 22

What's the difference between APC-R, APC-R Mini, and APC-R Mini Lite?

Accepted Answer

APC-R is the original full-size model. It connects to RS-series gimbals via the APC-R Gimbal Adapter or DJI Focus Wheel (CANBUS) and also supports SBUS for older Ronin-S, Ronin-SC, and Ronin-2. It includes Bluetooth camera pairing, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and uses a micro-USB connector. APC-R Mini is the more modern, lower-cost variant. It mounts directly on the gimbal via the RSA port (CANBUS only — DJI RS series), keeps the same core IP-control feature set including Bluetooth camera pairing and Wi-Fi, replaces micro-USB with USB-C, and adds a built-in tally light. APC-R Mini Lite is the entry-level model in the Mini family. It controls the gimbal only — no Bluetooth camera pairing, no built-in Wi-Fi chip, and no tally light. Network access is wired Ethernet only. Otherwise it is identical to the APC-R Mini. See https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/compatibility/ for the full gimbal table.

Question 23

My camera isn't on your compatibility list — will you add support?

Accepted Answer

We add new cameras regularly. The compatibility list at https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/compatibility/ is the source of truth. If your camera isn't there, email support@middlethings.co with the model — we keep a running list of customer requests when planning future updates.

Question 24

How many cameras can I control at once?

Accepted Answer

Middle Control supports Camera IDs 1 to 15. With Middle Control Pro, you can also display up to 9 cameras simultaneously in MultiView. A single operator can manage up to 15 cameras from one computer (one per Camera ID); each gimbal-mounted camera needs its own APC-R unit.

Question 25

Can I control my cameras over Wi-Fi, or do I need Ethernet?

Accepted Answer

Both work. Ethernet is strongly recommended for production — it's faster and more reliable, especially under load. Wi-Fi is fine for camera settings (iris, focus, ISO, white balance) but isn't recommended for live gimbal control because of higher latency. Use a quality access point (Ubiquiti, GL-iNet) and prefer 5 GHz.

Question 26

What network ports and protocols does Middle Control use? Can it run on a corporate or VLAN network?

Accepted Answer

Middle Control discovers and controls Middle Things devices over the local network. All Middle Things devices and the Mac running Middle Control must be on the same local network segment — i.e. the same Ethernet segment / Wi-Fi SSID, or VLANs configured to pass local discovery traffic between them. Locked-down networks that block local discovery will stop devices from appearing; on those networks, add the APC-R manually by IP address instead. ATEM, Bitfocus Companion, and the VISCA over IP server use additional network ports — keep them open between Middle Control and the corresponding device.

Question 27

Which USB-Ethernet adapters, switches, and routers do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

See the Equipment Tips page for our maintained list of known-good network gear: https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/tips-and-tricks/equipment-tips/.

Question 28

Can I control Blackmagic cameras directly over the network, without an ATEM SDI/HDMI connection?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Supported Blackmagic cameras (Pyxis 6K and 12K, URSA Cine, URSA Broadcast G2, Studio 6K Pro G2, Studio 4K Pro, Cinema Camera 6K, Pocket Cinema Camera 4K / 6K G2 / 6K Pro, and Micro Studio 4K G2) can be controlled directly over wired LAN with Middle Control — no ATEM required — with Live View via SRT for most models. With Middle Control Pro, ATEM Link additionally syncs these cameras with your ATEM switcher. See https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/camera-control/blackmagic-cameras/.

Question 29

Can I use VISCA or VISCA over IP controllers with Middle Control?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Middle Control Pro includes a VISCA over IP server: any VISCA controller — including AVMatrix PKC3000, AVMatrix PKC4000, Skaarhoj, and Zowietek panels — can drive any camera supported by Middle Control. See https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/joysticks-and-controllers/visca-over-ip/.

Question 30

Can Middle Control automatically follow or track a subject?

Accepted Answer

Two features cover this: DJI Active Track on supported gimbal + camera combinations follows a framed subject (turn it on remotely from Middle Control or a joystick button), and Sony Focus Tracking on supported Sony cameras keeps focus locked on a tap-to-focus subject through Middle Control's Live View. Both are remote-control toggles — Middle Control doesn't add its own AI tracking layer on top.

Question 31

Does Middle Control support ONVIF cameras?

Accepted Answer

ONVIF is not currently supported. Middle Control natively controls PTZ cameras from BirdDog, PTZOptics, Canon, and Panasonic, plus generic VISCA over IP models, and uses native protocols for cinema and mirrorless cameras (Sony, Blackmagic, Canon, Panasonic / Lumix). Tell us about your ONVIF use case at support@middlethings.co — it helps us prioritise.

Question 32

Do I need an APC-R, or can I use Middle Control on its own?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you want to control. With Middle Control on macOS or Windows, you can control many supported cameras directly over the network — Sony, Blackmagic, and a growing list — with no APC-R required. You'll need an APC-R, APC-R Mini, or APC-R Mini Lite if you want gimbal control (DJI RS series, Ronin), Bluetooth pairing, or to drive Pocket Cinema Camera bodies that don't expose network control. Check the compatibility page for the up-to-date list of cameras that can be controlled software-only.

Question 33

What is the APC-R power consumption?

Accepted Answer

About 1 W on average.

Question 34

Does the APC-R or APC-R Mini support PoE / PoE+?

Accepted Answer

No. The APC-R, APC-R Mini, and APC-R Mini Lite are not PoE-powered. The APC-R takes power from the gimbal (or USB on Pocket Cinema Camera setups), and the APC-R Mini / Mini Lite from the gimbal's RSA port. If you need PoE in your install, use a PoE-to-DC splitter on your camera or gimbal power input.

Question 35

How do I factory-reset my APC-R or APC-R Mini?

Accepted Answer

Install the Middle Updater and re-run an update on the unit. The updater will reflash the firmware and reset internal state — no separate factory-reset button is required. See https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/downloads/#firmware-update.

Question 36

Do I need a router to use the APC-R?

Accepted Answer

Using a router is strongly recommended — it makes APC-R setup much easier. Connect ATEM, computers, Bitfocus Companion, and APC-R units to the same router and the APC-R units appear automatically in Middle Control's status page. You can use just a switch, but you'll need to set fixed IPs on both your network adapter and the APC-R.

Question 37

Can I use DJI Active Track and APC-R at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can turn Active Track on and off remotely from Middle Control. Frame your subject and either press the Active Track button or map it to a joystick button. Active Track speed and other settings cannot be adjusted remotely.

Question 38

Is an ATEM switcher required to use the APC-R?

Accepted Answer

No. An ATEM switcher is not required, but connecting Middle Control to an ATEM unlocks extra features like camera preset recall and program / preview integration. See https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/compatibility/.

Question 39

Can I use one APC-R to control multiple cameras?

Accepted Answer

No. One APC-R controls one camera and one gimbal. For multi-camera setups, you need one APC-R unit per camera.

Question 40

Does the APC-R transmit video wirelessly as well?

Accepted Answer

No, you'll need a separate wireless video system. You can use one that carries both LAN data and HDMI/SDI — the Teradek Ace 750 is a good fit — for full two-way communication over a single wireless link.

Question 41

How can I power the APC-R?

Accepted Answer

The APC-R takes power directly from the gimbal through the included gimbal cable — no separate power cable required. If you're using the APC-R only with a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera (no gimbal), power it via the micro-USB port on the APC-R, connected to the camera's USB-C port.

Question 42

What is the Bluetooth range of the APC-R / APC-R Mini?

Accepted Answer

Keep the APC-R within 1.5 metres (5 feet) of the camera for smooth responsiveness. Range can extend further but control quality will degrade. For longer wireless distances, connect the APC-R to your router via Wi-Fi — you can then control effective range with your router's coverage.

Question 43

What is the control latency?

Accepted Answer

Ethernet latency is minimal and rarely an issue, unless your network has many switches or is complex. Wi-Fi latency is higher: not recommended for live gimbal control, but adequate for camera settings such as iris, focus, white balance, and color correction.

Question 44

What equipment is required to use the APC-R?

Accepted Answer

A compatible camera and a CANBUS DJI gimbal (RS2, RS3 Pro, RS4, RS4 Pro, or RS5), plus the DJI Focus Wheel or the APC-R Gimbal Adapter — either one attaches to the gimbal and gives the APC-R access to CANBUS control. Optional: the DJI Focus Motor for remote zoom control on the RS2 / RS3 Pro (use the DJI Focus Motor 2022 with the RS3 Pro).

Question 45

What do the LED colors on my APC-R or APC-R Mini mean?

Accepted Answer

Blinking yellow: powered on but not connected to a network. Solid yellow: powered on and connected to a wired or wireless network. Solid pink: connected to Middle Control over Wi-Fi. Solid green: connected to Middle Control over wired Ethernet. Solid or blinking blue: connected to a Bluetooth camera. Off: no power. The colour scheme requires APC-R firmware 1.5.20 or later. Brightness can be tuned per unit from the APC-R Status page in Middle Control. The APC-R Mini has a dedicated tally light button to cycle through four brightness levels.

Question 46

What software is required to use the Middle Remote?

Accepted Answer

Middle Control alone is enough when the remote is connected directly over USB — the default option. If you connect via MakePro Glue instead, both Middle Control and Glue must be running.

Question 47

Do we have to keep MakePro Glue and Middle Control running to use the Middle Remote?

Accepted Answer

Only if you use the Glue connection — then both must be running (commonly on the same laptop as ATEM Software Control). With the direct USB connection, Glue isn't needed.

Question 48

How do I connect the Middle Remote to my laptop?

Accepted Answer

Use the USB-C connector at the back of the remote and plug it into your computer's USB-C port.

Question 49

Where do I report bugs or request features?

Accepted Answer

Email support@middlethings.co with as much detail as possible — your setup (camera, gimbal, APC-R model, Middle Control version, OS), what you did, what you expected, and what happened. Reproducible bugs help most. You can also join the Middle Things Facebook user group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/861660914758210 to share with other users.

Question 50

How do I join the Middle Control beta program?

Accepted Answer

On macOS there is no separate beta program: Middle Control 4.0 is the stable release, available from the Downloads page (https://www.middlethings.co/support/docs/downloads/). On Windows, Middle Control 4.0 is currently a public beta — join it with your email from the Downloads page and you get the download link right away. Report issues or suggestions at https://middlethings.co/feedback. To test early alpha builds of upcoming features, email support@middlethings.co with your gear (cameras, gimbals, switchers, controllers) and the workflows you'd like to test.

Question 51

Does Middle Control work offline?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once installed and licensed, Middle Control runs fully offline — no internet connection is required for day-to-day operation. The app does need internet on first launch to validate a Pro license and periodically to check for updates.

Question 52

Do you have a reseller program?

Accepted Answer

Contact us at sales@middlethings.co.

Question 53

Do you have resellers or distributors?

Accepted Answer

See the reseller map at https://middlethings.co/resellers.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Plattformen & Lizenzierung

Plattformen

Lizenzierung

Allgemeine Informationen

Gimbal-Steuerung

Kamerasteuerung

Joystick & Controller

Integrationen

Kompatibilität

Middle Things-Produkte

APC-R & APC-R Mini

Middle Remote

Sonstiges

Plattformen & Lizenzierung​

Plattformen​

Lizenzierung​

Allgemeine Informationen​

Gimbal-Steuerung​

Kamerasteuerung​

Joystick & Controller​

Integrationen​

Kompatibilität​

Middle Things-Produkte​

APC-R & APC-R Mini​

Middle Remote​

Sonstiges​