Das Light, do I or don't

[[email protected]]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma

i want to have complete control over my lighting, at present i use OEM controllers (like the martin MC-1, Extreme DJ controller) and basic black out controllers.

I do have a DMX scan control that i use with my moving heads, when i want them to light something specific up, however, it would be nice to take the show to the next level with a fully all singing all dancing dmx'd show.

i like the idea of the daslight programme & have had a play with the laptop software, but want to see if there's a better one, especially if its partly automated as well, that would be even better!!.

Any Advice?

thanks
Alan
www.blacktiedj.co.uk

[colint]

I know it's a bit old hat now but have you concidered a pulsar masterpeice?

I saw one of these on ebay last week for under £100! not bad for a controller that does just about everything and cost a couple of grand new! they are a bit hard to program! but wicked to use when sorted!

[Paul James Promotions]

Have a look at Martin LightJockey. USB dongle available for about £600. Used mine for about 6 years, probrably the best thing i've ever purchased.

[Alex - Cream Ents]

Depending on budget - ShowCad (not a big Martin LightJockey fan myself...) if you want to go down the PC route, is pretty much the industry standard.

Alternatively a desk that will control all your moving fixtures etc..something like a Showtec desk - most of their smaller ones will control DMX fixtures with up to 16 channels each...

[BrightLights]

If you're just interested in dipping a toe in the DMX waters, how about one of the free applications like Freestyler? It's not pro kit - you get what you (don't) pay for - but it works well enough and you can buy a USB-DMX interface that works with it for about £60.

http://users.pandora.be/freestylerdmx/