diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 2de22c6..7a5f80e 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -30,6 +30,8 @@ ifeq ($(USE_LASH),1)
 	CXXFLAGS+=-DUSE_LASH `pkg-config --cflags lash-1.0`
 endif
 
+# uncomment this line to print each playback event to the console (not RT safe)
+# CXXFLAGS+= -DDEBUG_EVENTS
 
 SRCS= \
      canvas.C \
diff --git a/jack.C b/jack.C
index 354df17..0a1c3c4 100644
--- a/jack.C
+++ b/jack.C
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ midi_write_event ( int port, const midievent *e )
         return;
     }
 
-#ifndef NDEBUG
+#ifdef DEBUG_EVENTS
     e->pretty_print();
 #endif