Moving Head Lights

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NickC

NickC

Mac Daddy DJ
Aug 28, 2013
387
520
Bardstown, KY
www.selectsoundky.com
I'm curious, for those of you that use moving head fixtures, do you just run them on sound mode? I spent a lot of time this summer getting my light show programmed to about 12 different scenes on an Elation Operator. Just wondering how those types of lights would fit into my overall design? Thanks in advance for the feedback! :help:
 
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I have a pair of Movers and I use them on Sound Mode but others who use them will tell you, DMX programming is the way to go with movers!
 
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NickC said:
I'm curious, for those of you that use moving head fixtures, do you just run them on sound mode? I spent a lot of time this summer getting my light show programmed to about 12 different scenes on an Elation Operator. Just wondering how those types of lights would fit into my overall design? Thanks in advance for the feedback! :help:
Click to expand...

I HIGHLY recommend Chauvet's Show Xpress DMX software. There is a little bit of a learning curve to get started but you can pick it up VERY quickly and there are plenty of video tutorials to have you up and running in minutes. You can use it with any brand of lights also so don't be confused by the fact that it's Chauvet's Software. For Movers this is my favorite software we've used thus far, and we've used a LOT of them.
 
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So, do you program certain movements, on/off times, or something else?

Also, so you ruun the DMX software on a different computer, or the same one as the music (assuming you are digital)?

I feel like I am missing something in the whole DMX thing.:vbconfused:
 
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I don't own it yet but I second Chauvet Show Express. I did use it before 2004-2008 in a club where I played and it is an awesome Program. It is best to run your lighting on a separate Laptop, it could be your Backup laptop. Yes, it does take a learning curve and pre show preparation but it makes your Show light up! Pun intended. LOL
 
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NickC said:
So, do you program certain movements, on/off times, or something else?

Also, so you ruun the DMX software on a different computer, or the same one as the music (assuming you are digital)?

I feel like I am missing something in the whole DMX thing.:vbconfused:
Click to expand...


Yes, you can program certain movements, you can literally take your mouse and draw a path that your movers will follow around the room, also there's built in patterns that you can select and customize to fit the space you are in. You'll be able to black out, Strobe, and use all of the other features of your lighting at the click of a button. I run my Dmx software on a Separate computer, the good thing about Show Xpress though is that it does not require much computer power to run, an old laptop will do just fine, also you can run it on the same computer as your DJ software, but for me personally i just don't like clicking back and forth between screens so i use 2. The only thing you need to buy for Show Xpress is the DMX Dongle or the DMX Box ( For just starting out and trying it, you can probably just get by with the Dongle starting out but will want to upgrade to the 512 interface in the future as your light show grows. Good luck and just let me know if you need any help :)
 
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I have several "scenes" that are compiled together to create a "show". I have created several "shows" to go along with different sets of music based on the BPM of that set.
 
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One computer with two screens works nicely. If you do not use dmx the lights seem to go to the areas you don't want them in most of the time. Funny how that works out.
 
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I haven't been here in a while, but read this post and thought I'd comment. I use ShowXpress exclusively now, and while it had a difficult learning curve in the beginning, I think it's the best of all the programs available. I even know of some pro stage shows that use it. I have several interfaces, and use a "Plus" at the hockey arena where I have several shows for ice re-surfacing. I use an "X-box" for my nite club shows (the "Plus" isn't really necessary unless you have unskilled operators who are pushing buttons or you don't have a computer hooked up). There are so many advantages... you can program an entire show in minutes versus using a hardware controller and taking the same show over an hour or two. The BEST feature is the "Generator" page. That alone is worth the cost! Generator creates shows with fixtures or groups of fixtures, and you can delay each fixture if you want.

I use the "Timeline" for all of my shows... it allows you to choreograph the lights to your songs with one tenth second accuracy on the ques. Your song and show will be EXACTLY the same every time you run it... with one touch of a button. Once you create a light sequence in "Generator" you can inset it into the "Timeline" and have a professional show for an entire song in a minute or two. I'll never look back... best program I've ever used.

I just purchased a shyt load of new equipment and will be adding a video program that can be used in the "Timeline" page just like adding a song. Same sequencing and just as easy and fast! When using a touch screen, anyone who can push a button can operate the lights like a pro!

PM me if you'd like more information.
 
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Nick C... yes, you can turn a page and run shows on the fly. You can also select any color (or picture) you'd like to lay over each button. You can have one button cancel the previous button, or stack buttons with as many turned on as you'd like. Using a touch screen, you can have "flash" buttons or turn them all on with a touch. Amazing program!
 
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If the only thing you use your movers for is a dance floor - then you probably don't need to program DMX unless they are your only source of color wash and effects.
The key to the auto-run sequences that are built in to some fixtures is to find out what orientation the fixture was in when the sequence was written.

If the sequence was written for a fixture that is ceiling mounted and you are going to invert the fixture on a truss totem - then the sequence will spend most of it's time pointing to the wrong areas. You can sometimes make a partial correction for this if the fixture settings allow you to invert the tilt while still in auto mode.

Likewise, if the sequence was written with a fixture mounted over the center of a space and you are set up on the edge of a floor (180 deg. field) then half of the time the light will be pointing in the wrong direction. There is no correction for this unless you happen to be setup in front of a wall of mirrors. :)

Some fixtures have different auto-sequences written for different setup arrangements so, if you purchase the right fixture you can get a great auto-show for a dance floor and not bother with the DMX.
 
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