About OSC
Open Sound Control (OSC) is a message encoding format that can be used for communication between a wide variety of software and hardware in a networked system. Developed as a more flexible, customizable alternative to MIDI Show Control, OSC can be used in many different ways, including syncing information between devices, remotely controlling or triggering actions, and creating custom control layouts similar to Magic Sheets.
Note: While OSC is often informally referred to as a protocol, it is technically an encoding. True communications protocols include information about how to process their messages. OSC does not; rules regarding message processing are handled entirely by the device that is sending or receiving OSC.
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OSC Specifications
OSC currently supports two specification formats:
- 1.0 - the original specification, established in 2002.
- 1.1 - a 2009 update that added new data types and features.
Eos can send and receive both implementations of OSC. While 1.1. is generally preferred, it may not be fully supported by all devices. Consult the documentation for any third-party OSC devices to determine which version to use.
OSC Terms
The following terms are useful to know when working with OSC and Eos.
- Message - an informal term used in this document for the entirety of an OSC packet of data, which includes the addressed command pattern and any arguments or additional data.
- Address pattern - the main portion of an OSC message, containing the address and the command.
- Argument - optional additional data that may be appended to specific OSC commands.
- Server - any device that sends OSC.
- Client - any device that receives OSC.
For general network terms you may encounter when working with OSC, see Eos System Requirements and Setup > Eos Networking Overview > Network Terms.