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Subject:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
rockstardave
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Joined: 29/07/2010 01:02:17
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Location: buffalo ny
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| team,
I think I need to jump into a software-based dmx setup. I found a bunch of dmx-usb interfaces, and a bunch of software.
Does anyone have a setup like this already? What's good software? What's easy-to-use? I don't think I need anything terribly advanced, but my 'easy' analog setup isn't as easy as it used to be. |
| 2xSL16 , KW-series , Macbook pro / ipad , fairly decent mics and DI boxes. |
Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
wally
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Joined: 30/07/2010 19:57:00
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Location: Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada
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| I assume you mean DMX lighting control software.
My advice is download some of the demos and try them out. Even the free ones can be useful, but you'll have to upgrade your fixtures to DMX ones.
I was looking for DMX software that my Bass player could control with foot switches (no light man), form the stage, for cueing up Senes, Sequences, Effects and Blackouts, but nothing was as versitile as what I wanted.... so I built my own 12 footswitch USB interface and wrote my own software. It works great. The DMX interface I use is a Do-It-Yourself kit by Vellman, it seems to work with most applications.
Good Luck in your search
Wally |
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Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
RicB
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| I use 'Showmagic SL24' It's free for 24 DMX channels, with no other demo limitations.
That's enough for what I need at the moment.
My typical set up would be 8 x Par 56s (4 front, 4 rear) and 2 IColor 4s on the floor at the sides.
There's still spare channels if I wanted to add another lighting effect eg.
It's run from an old PC laptop. The USB to DMX interface I use is an Enntec Pro.
I really rate it, I do sound and lights from my position out front.
I have pre-programmed light scenes (nothing too complicated) that I switch between using either a mousepad or a small midi keyboard as my controller.
I tried a lot of software before I settled with this.
This does the job, and it's fun. |
Desks - SL 24.4.2, A&H PA20
PA - JBL VRX 932LAP, VRX918SP, db Technologies DVA S10, JBL PRX615
Effects - TC M3000, TC Vocal Doubler
Macbook Pro 2.4 i5 dual core
Monitors - RCF 4Pro 3002, RCF 710a, Wired IEMs via HP4
Mics - AT, Sennheiser, Shure, Audix, Rode, AKG, Beyerdynamic
Lighting - Showmagic SL24, |
Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
tysonviolin
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| I use the Enttech DMXIS for club applications. It works as a plugin or standalone and syncs to any software. |
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Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
Mort
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Joined: 06/09/2010 14:35:00
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Location: Bochum, Germany
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| If you don´t have to do any fancy stuff like complex chases with a lot of moving lights etc. it is in my experience much easier to use a hardware dmx-controller (elation etc.) than any software-based solution. I run 16 led pars, 4 led washlights and 4 led moving heads with a small board called 'Showtech Showdesigner' (not sure if it is available in the u.s.). |
| Teach the young - honour the old - ask the wise and bear with the fools... |
Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
rockstardave
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Joined: 29/07/2010 01:02:17
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Location: buffalo ny
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| i will be using half a dozen moving head lights, a dozen LEDs, and a dozen halogen par cans.
i think i want software. thanks for the suggestions so far - anyone else? what about ADJ MyDMX software? |
| 2xSL16 , KW-series , Macbook pro / ipad , fairly decent mics and DI boxes. |
Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
Monolithent
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Joined: 28/07/2010 18:47:25
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| This is all excellent.
I've been considering moving into addign lighting to my big system so I can stop contracting it out but was never really sure where to begin.
Keep this one going. |
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Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
Jerryd
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Joined: 28/07/2010 16:01:24
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| rockstardave wrote:i will be using half a dozen moving head lights, a dozen LEDs, and a dozen halogen par cans.
i think i want software. thanks for the suggestions so far - anyone else? what about ADJ MyDMX software?
Dave -- That is what I have & I Love it. I didn't love setting it up BUT there are some decent YouTube instructional videos out there to help out. Once you have everything the way you like it -- You can easily run the software on your laptop & run the mixer at the same time.
The cool thing about the software is that you can program your setup on your laptop without digging everything out and setting it up. Pretty cool!
I also use lights by Chauvet that are called '4 PLAY'. I have 4 of them (there are 4 lights on each rack) for a total of 16 across the back. I don't know of any other light out there that you can buy for the money BUT these 4 Plays don't cost very much and they kick butt! MAJOR Butt!
I used to have all the big par can lights (still have some left) but I don't use them. The 4 Plays are super light. Check them out.
I have a show tomorrow night -- I will try to take a few pics so you can see what they look like. I will post them.
Yes -- get the American DJ 'MyDMX'. I think there are several versions at different price ranges. I just got the cheapest one and I am really happy with it so far. Had it for about a year now. |
Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
RicB
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Joined: 29/07/2010 17:39:58
Messages: 129
Location: North East England
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| I also had a look at ADJ MyDMX and was impressed.
Looking at what fixtures you intend to control, you're going to need way over 24 channels, so Showmagic SL24's a non starter.
If you went the Showmagic route and went for SL64 it would cost you at least double what MyDMX costs.
Another thing I liked about Showmagic though is that you can also include audio in the scenes.
That can be quite effective for those elaborate intros, 1 click triggers a full sound and light timed intro sequence.
Add a DMX controlled smoke machine (or a DMX addressable relay) for effect.
A big plus about MyDMX is that you can preview your show on a virtual stage. I don't think you can do that on the lower versions of Showmagic.
|
Desks - SL 24.4.2, A&H PA20
PA - JBL VRX 932LAP, VRX918SP, db Technologies DVA S10, JBL PRX615
Effects - TC M3000, TC Vocal Doubler
Macbook Pro 2.4 i5 dual core
Monitors - RCF 4Pro 3002, RCF 710a, Wired IEMs via HP4
Mics - AT, Sennheiser, Shure, Audix, Rode, AKG, Beyerdynamic
Lighting - Showmagic SL24, |
Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
Jerryd
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Joined: 28/07/2010 16:01:24
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| Yeah -- This is what I got: http://www.guitarcenter.com/American-DJ-MY-DMX-Lighting-Control-Software-105322119-i1393708.gc
512 DMX channels -- That is a lot!
Library of 2000 profiles
Profile editor
3D visualizer
MIDI triggering
Effects generator
Works with simple scenes/steps
You can certainly run fog /haze machines thru DMX.
The lights I use can be Audio Activated if I want them to be. For $300 you can't be it. You can make a very lame light show come to life with this.
It is somewhat hard to set it up because you have to get all the 'DIP' switches set correctly......etc. BUT it will be worth the hassle.
The software itself looks cheap but your light show won't. |
Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
rockstardave
Presonic
Joined: 29/07/2010 01:02:17
Messages: 322
Location: buffalo ny
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| What about for Mac though. Seems mydmx is windows only |
| 2xSL16 , KW-series , Macbook pro / ipad , fairly decent mics and DI boxes. |
Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
Jerryd
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Joined: 28/07/2010 16:01:24
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| rockstardave wrote:What about for Mac though. Seems mydmx is windows only
Dave -- It looks like Windows only. Didn't even think about that. Maybe you can email American DJ directly and find out. Sorry man!
I know hauling two laptops around is a pain but that is what I have to do. I have a Mac as well -- mostly for the SL but never tried to load the software on it. Maybe I could try and see what happens. |
Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
Jerryd
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| Dave -- download the software and try it on yours. It is free. The interface is what you pay for. |
Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
RicB
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Joined: 29/07/2010 17:39:58
Messages: 129
Location: North East England
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| I run my DMX software on a pc because my Mac is busy doing everything else (VSL, Capture, LAMA)
I find I need a totally separate screen for lights as some of my scenes are done on the fly.
I've got an old PC laptop which I got for (ahem) nothing, (old one from work, they never asked for it back)
My point is any low cost pc with a USB port will do the job.
The pair of them just sit side by side on my dog house. |
Desks - SL 24.4.2, A&H PA20
PA - JBL VRX 932LAP, VRX918SP, db Technologies DVA S10, JBL PRX615
Effects - TC M3000, TC Vocal Doubler
Macbook Pro 2.4 i5 dual core
Monitors - RCF 4Pro 3002, RCF 710a, Wired IEMs via HP4
Mics - AT, Sennheiser, Shure, Audix, Rode, AKG, Beyerdynamic
Lighting - Showmagic SL24, |
Subject:Re:DMX software - whats best for what application? |
rockstardave
Presonic
Joined: 29/07/2010 01:02:17
Messages: 322
Location: buffalo ny
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| for what it's worth --i bought the Chauvet Xpress 512.
two things influenced this decision:
1. works on mac
2. i get chauvet stuff way cheap
i'll let you guys know what i think of it
|
| 2xSL16 , KW-series , Macbook pro / ipad , fairly decent mics and DI boxes. |
