Without
RDM, for
RDM compliant fixtures, you loose the ability to set
address and various modes from the
ground. Yes, you may have to turn off
RDM for a show if using non-compliant fixtures, but you need it for set up.
Try
https://www.learnstagelighting.com/what-is-rdm-and-why-does-it-matter-to-me/ for more.
I wouldn't phrase it as soundling likes its essential. It isn't. More like very useful at times.
Here's what we experienced in load-ins of medium size rigs with 150-200
LED's and ML's. The
practical application is I would hang and
power all (or parts) of my
system a well as connect up via
DMX distribution (
ETC Gateways in my case) all the equipment that needs
DMX.
If I am using
RDM I might not need to pre-configure the
DMX address for any of the gear. That can save a chunk of time as when you pre-set addresses, you have to have local
power and the requisite paperwork as to what the
Address needs to be and where the
fixture is to hang in the
plot. We accomplish this by using Lightwright to pre-assign addressing to fixtures, then print labels to stick on the
fixture (usually a Lustr or D60
yoke) that have the
address as well as channels, position and
unit number, so this part isn't too onerous IF you can get at the gear prior to hang, or at least can access prior to flying the rig.
If every
fixture is
RDM compliant (the
ETC gear is) I could view that entire rig of equipment on
screen on my
Ion console. The
console does NOT tell me where each and every
unit is located but does provide the ability to "flash"
intensity for fixtures. Thus and
assuming the fixture is in sight of the console, you can see the fixtures and then patch to the appropriate
console channel (using
ETC speak). If you cannot see the
fixture, you might need somebody on radio who can observe the fixtures, possibly with the
plot to verify the
fixture and
call back the
channel number (or however you choose to do this) so you can patch it (as far as I can determine, you cannot view the
RDM info in any app on a tablet, or on a RRFU. You could potentially use a laptop in Client mode and try that, I haven't tried this).
In this (very particular) scenario we have not found
RDM to be that helpful as it requires at least 2 (
console conversant) crew to work IN THE
THEATRE, during the
load-in process. We find it easier to pre-address and label and then dump the Lightwright patch direct to
console as an import. And as well I still have to go back to verify that whatever Gateways might be sending
DMX to devices to set that gateway to
RDM Off so as not not induce flicker on non-compliat fixtures. . That then loses some of the functionality
RDM provides for any compatible fixtures getting
DMX on that gateway.
YMMV