Performance lighting...

[PropellerHeadCase]

One thing I am not particularly au fait with is lighting controllers - it wasn't until about 18 months ago that I had a DMX-based lighting controller (and even that was just a simple 4-sequence or black-out Geni controller).

Ever since I started DJing I've always tried to incorporate a little bit of performance in the way the lighting is - especially using black-outs for effect - but here's the question...

Is there a controller that allows on the fly performance as well as relying on pre-programmed sequences? For example, sometimes I'd like to limit the colours that all of the lights cycle through in their programme or just switch everything to bright white. Anyone?

[Vectis]

I use the Acme DMX Master (thomann.de is cheapest) and although I'm certainly not the most proficient user, I do all the things you describe Al.

In its simplest mode of operation, you can

- take individual control over one or more fixtures (desk into manual mode, press corresponding fixture buttons, adjust settings with sliders)

- set up stored 'scenes' (eg. all fixtures to white and steady) so simply program a single set of co-ordinates onto a Scene button

- blackout with a single key press

- set up scenes with multiple co-ordinates and timings and then use 'chases' to step/switch through them

- there's even a joystick which you can map to scanners/moving heads and have the fixture follow your commands in real-time (great for positioning onto a mirror-ball for example)


If your fixtures have DMX addresses which switch them into their own sound-to-light programmes you can use the desk to instruct them to do this, too. I do for the most part of the night otherwise I'd be fiddling with the lighting instead of DJing :p

It takes a bit of getting your head around especially as each fixture has its own definition of what each DMX channel value does. Essentially a fixture will "listen" on a number of DMX channels for a value in the range 0-255. For example, a scanner set as fixture 1 might have

- channel 1 = gobo selection. DMX value 0-16 might be a star. 17-32 might be a cross etc.
- channel 2 = colour. DMX value 0-16 might a white, 17-32 might be blue etc.
- channel 3 = horizontal pan. DMX value 0 might be 180deg left, value 255 180deg right and 128 dead centre.
- channel 4 = vertical pan - same as above
- channel 5 = strobe speed. DMX value 0-127 might be no strobe, 127-255 might be strobing at different speeds.

So to tell said fixture to select a blue star and go fully to the left with mirror flat in the vertical plane you'd send the sequence "Fixture 1 - channel 1=0, channel 2=17, channel 3=0, channel 4=128, channel 5=0" and it would then do as instructed. To do this manually on the desk, you'd press Fixture 1 button, then move the first 5 sliders to the corresponding values (as shown on the little LCD readout). This can then be stored as a scene so you can go back there with a single button press, or as a step in a sequence which can form part of a chase.

With me so far?

Well now go spend £100 on one - you'll have a ball! :beer1:

[PropellerHeadCase]

A ball? I suspect a headache might be truer :eek:

[Vectis]

Nah - buy one, hook it up to a couple of scanners and have a play. Honestly, you'll waste DAYS!

It'll look good though when you've finished :)

[Sam]

Is there a controller that allows on the fly performance as well as relying on pre-programmed sequences? For example, sometimes I'd like to limit the colours that all of the lights cycle through in their programme or just switch everything to bright white. Anyone?

Yes..
it is called Daslight.

You can then control scenes for colour and movement seperatly etc etc.

Personally I think you might it slightly tricky doing "on the fly" stuff with a DMX Master - especially if you are busy DJing... so I don't think Vectis Vibes suggestion was that good.. but maybe that is just from my experience and others may find it easier.:rolleyes:

[Vectis]

Well I mostly have 4, sometimes 6 fixtures all in pairs, so my demands aren't that great :)

I've tried a USB controller and various bits of software but have never settled on anything as comfortable as the DMX Master. It's just got that 'analogue-ness' about it with buttons, sliders and joysticks :D

[Sam]

Well I mostly have 4, sometimes 6 fixtures all in pairs, so my demands aren't that great :)

I've tried a USB controller and various bits of software but have never settled on anything as comfortable as the DMX Master. It's just got that 'analogue-ness' about it with buttons, sliders and joysticks :D


Hmm fair enough.
My problem is that I use 2 15 chan units.. therefore If controlling them.. I have two use it over the two "pages".. and all my other units do different things on each channel.. so ic an't control them all at once.
However I run them all off pre-sets anyway so it isn't really a problem for me.

And yes.. I do know what you mean.. I love having sliders to play with.. makes it feel much more fun! Although on mine the joystick is very poor and way too over sensitive.... how do you find it?