Control/Dimming Creating and Running a light show through a computer

[bbbbbbb]

My theatre group has already in place an ETC element console that we rely on for our theatre productions. At certain points in the year we put on events that we would full out light shows put in which are synced to the background music we put in. Without spending more than another $75 is there any way to be able to create a light show that is coordinated to music? (we have all of the lights that we need it is just an issue of controlling it).

 

[ethanhk]

If you have a computer nearby, you could try hooking up the element to the computer via a USB to midi cable, then send Midi Show Control commands to the console from something like Qlab.

 

[soundlight]

The alternative method is to get a program like Sony Sound Forge or Adobe Audition that will output MIDI timecode and have the console follow the time code. I find this method easier because you can run a Timecode Learn and then touch up timing. This is a very absolute method of programming because the console is responding to the time in the track. I used to use MSC for this type of show but I have found MTC (or alternatively SMPTE timecode) to be a superior control method.

 

[bbbbbbb]

Another question within this concept. Based on the answers that both of you gave, would i have to go and write out all of the cues on the lighting board and the midi will just trigger the cues or does it work in a different way than that?

 

[Amiers]

Another question within this concept. Based on the answers that both of you gave, would i have to go and write out all of the cues on the lighting board and the midi will just trigger the cues or does it work in a different way than that?

Yes. You set the light board up with cues and then the computer is your remote trigger. What your looking for is a show control program If you want to make it a one click lights sound and or video. I don't know if you will find something in the 75 dollar range to own but if these are few far and between shows then renting might be a good option. Hopefully a mod sees this and moves it to the right section.

 

[bbbbbbb]

what programs are there that i could possibly look into?

 

[dbaxter]

Cue Player Premium, at $59.95, will output midi signals by cue while simultaneously playing the file. However, you cannot set cue points within the playing file (timecodes). You can set up variable delay times between cues that play automatically so you could sync to the playback that way.
I must add the disclaimer that Cue Player is my software.

 

[Amiers]

what programs are there that i could possibly look into?

There are a lot of programs out there. I use Venue Magic. Qlab for Mac. Cue Player from DB. There are many more a quick google search for Show Control Software will warrant a much better result this time of night.