Good Mac software for theatre purposes

[TheAngryFedora]

Can anybody recommend good mac software for controlling cues and such in a theatre setting? To replace CD players. You've all convinced me to stay away from CD's, but there needs to be a more efficient way than just pressing play on itunes for a cue. So, yes. Help? Greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Ben

[SketchyCroftPpl]

Interesting question. I've deff seen some programs for windows but never anything specifically for mac. Heres what I'd say, cuase I have a ton of hw to do and can't do the research right now. First go to google and simply search programs for doing lights that are multi platform. I'm sure you'll find at least one thing. Then check out if you can find some kinda linux based program to do it. People make everything in linux. Maybe you can find an ISO image or something you can boot off of and turn your Mac into a light board. Hope this helps.

~Nick

[jumpjet]

To replace CD players.

Sounds like he is talking about sound cues...
I'm not sure either, and I have recently been spotted pooh-poohing computer use for sound playback.

What os? Is it OSX? What version? That being said, primarily I would look for small footprint programs that don't use a ton of system resources. Nothing flashy with pretty graphics or visualizations or things like that. Also, as I believe Andy mentioned in another thread, see if you can control how that program's priority is determined and make it priority #1

There is a program called speed freak for osx that will change priorities of Mac applications... worth a look see.

http://home.comcast.net/~jeff.ulicny...are/utils.html

[vguard420]

even if you are using a computer to run the show i would burn everything onto a cd as a backup b/c unless you have a dedicated sound computer there is still a good chance that it could freeze up in a show. ive had it happen a bunch of times on a mac jsut messing around on tunes

[TheAngryFedora]

Running on os X. Don't exactly know the specs of the computer yet, we haven't actually purchased one; nor is the purchase a sure one. We may get a panel saw instead. Like I said, low budget. I think I said that. Or maybe it was elsewhere.

Thanks a lot for the priority shifting download. Very helpful. Even for my own computer. Sometimes recording software freaks out during playback if I have some other applications running.

Would something like iTunes cut it? It sometimes freezes up with CD's, but overall it's a pretty decent program.... I guess. But something that is more or less DEVOTED to this particular use. Meh. I'll look around some more. Anyone know anytihng comparable on PC? Because I may be able to get some ideas of what sort of program to use?

[TheAngryFedora]

Running on os X. Don't exactly know the specs of the computer yet, we haven't actually purchased one; nor is the purchase a sure one. We may get a panel saw instead. Like I said, low budget. I think I said that. Or maybe it was elsewhere.

Thanks a lot for the priority shifting download. Very helpful. Even for my own computer. Sometimes recording software freaks out during playback if I have some other applications running.

Would something like iTunes cut it? It sometimes freezes up with CD's, but overall it's a pretty decent program.... I guess. But something that is more or less DEVOTED to this particular use. Meh. I'll look around some more. Anyone know anytihng comparable on PC? Because I may be able to get some ideas of what sort of program to use?

[jumpjet]

It would do in a pinch I suppose, I have noticed that when I try to play a file on itunes, sometimes it doesn't start right when I click it. For some sound cues, this would probably be ok, like when a song needs to fade up or something. But if it is a phone cue or doorbell at an intense moment in the show, there is little room for error...

[Mayhem]

I have had computers lock up during work and testing and so have never trusted them on live shows, there are lots of people out there that swear by them.

However, I would much prefer to use soomething that is dedicated to one task, not many.

CD players are very cheap these days and most people can afford 2. It is much easier to swap a disc than it is to re boot.

Yust my thoughts.

[avkid]

Your two best options would be:

a dedicated audio computer from Sweetwater

or some sort of professional rack mountable MP3 player(which I have heard of, but have yet to find)

[pattrick1]

Hmm, what a perfect topic for my first post.

I understand how difficult it is to find sound cue apps for mac. I have however found 2 which I'll do a little talk about... and for the record, neither are top-notch professional grade, but they get the job done.

1 - SoundByte OSX
A rack style cue application with carts. I've used this live before, and it got the job done. Lacks some options such as assigning outputs for each cue, but like I said - not professional grade. An EQ option would be nice. It does however allow you to change volumes of each carts (effect). Additionally, you can colour code each cart, and assign a keystroke to activate it. A very budget friendly option by the way.

2 - Macs Cue
I do not know too much about this one, as I just recently downloaded the trial version, and I have not had tinkering time with it.

These are the ONLY 2 sound cue programs I am aware of, give 'em a try!

Patrick T