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Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
Is anyone here using the Showexpress to controll their DMX lighting fixtures? I'm thinking of moving to a computer based controller and I'm curious as to how easy they are to use and how reliable they are. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
Grandillusionsmagic Loyal user 270 Posts |
I would use compu-pro see Living Illusions here on the Café
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Kline Veteran user 361 Posts |
Kent,
Depending on how extensive you want to get with your computer control. I have used both and either is fine. In the lighting world, once you understand the functionality of the program, you are able to create some pretty cool stuff. I was "raised" on light Jockey and still have a LJ doggle in my laptop bag when on the road with a show - just in case. We are currently using a Hog IPC and it seems to be a bit beefier than the other PC based options - How many fixtures are you currently using? This play a big part in the choice of controller - although most will control a good number, some do slow a bit with a higher work load. Take into consideration the fixtures you are using as well – a simply mx-4 or mx-1 unit uses 7 and 6 channels where as a Mac 2K uses 32 channels. This may not make sense but when you have that many “buttons” or faders to operate to get the desired movement and look, you may want to invest in a higher end board. Hope this helps a bit Steven
Steven Kline
<BR><BR>www.stevenkline.com <BR><BR>www.stevenklineproductions.com Follow me on Twitter @steveklinemagic |
Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
Thanks Steven. I'm currently using 10 LED fixtures.
Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
Kline Veteran user 361 Posts |
Each LED fixture uses 3 channels - 4 if you have the capability of Amber - it seems to me that the Chauvet or Elation programs would be right where you want to be as far as control.
The nice thing about hte LED fixtures you have, is that they draw less than 20 amps total ! No worries with overloading breakers. Unfortunately, the LED technoogy is not as advanced as we all hope for, although it is coming along. It sure will be great when we wont have to order 400amp service for lighting and 200 amp service for audio in venues. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions Steven
Steven Kline
<BR><BR>www.stevenkline.com <BR><BR>www.stevenklineproductions.com Follow me on Twitter @steveklinemagic |
Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
Thanks again Steven. I'm quite happy with the Chauvet LED's but I wish they could produce a really nice white, and it would be nice if they had a little more throw. But you're absolutely right. For the schools in which I'm performing (many of which are older), I don't have to worry about blowing breakers, and I don't have to worry about cool down time.
Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
Kevin Ridgeway V.I.P. Indianapolis, IN & Phoenix, AZ 1832 Posts |
Kent...
Steve laid out some great info. I'll add some to it from our personal experience. LED lighting with RGB's can only create a 'muddy' white. To get a true white you need an LED fixture with white's only. Some fixtures take that a step further and have color correction in their white fixtures. So far the two best uses of LED's that we have seen is used as truss warmers and behind frosted plexiglass. Below is an example of those. Look at the two horizontal panels that run the width of the stage. They were lit from upstage with hundreds of LED 'bricks' and can create any color. You can see examples of green and blue here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinandkristen/2981697237/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinandkristen/2981696511/ This entire TV set was done with LED's placed behind frosted plexiglass: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinandkristen/2462943548/ Here is an example of LED's as truss warmers: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinandkristen/2268381727/ As far as show control...Sunlite or Elation's CompuWare is a far stronger program that Chauvet Express. Granted Hog PC is even better, but for most here it may not be needed. Plus if you are running your show yourself. Sunlite & Compuware are a great way to go. I replied is this thread with plenty of info regarding them. http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......tart=0#1 Hope that helps! Kevin
Living Illusions
Ridgeway & Johnson Entertainment Inc Kevin Ridgeway & Kristen Johnson aka Lady Houdini The World's Premier Female Escape Artist www.LadyHoudini.com www.livingillusions.com |
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