Hi All. First, wanted to thank everyone, especially the Steinberg crew, for all of the help on the effects channel workaround. We had our show last month and it sounded amazing. I mixed the band before us and was able to use nearly 50 plugins on the drum tracks live (everything from waves eqs to compressors to bus compressors, character plugins, verb etc) and it sounded studio quality. When we played, we managed 20 songs each with different effects/settings sent through Dante to my mixer controlled by iPad. Lots of positive feedback from audience.
Now it’s getting to be fall and we have booked some night shows where I’m going to need lights. I’ve got 8 moving heads, a bunch of LED pars, a laser, etc. I have a WolfMix Mk2 on order which I was intending to control via midi commands leaving VST live but now I’m wondering if I’m attacking this problem all wrong. Perhaps I would be better using an art net compatible DMX board and mixing the DMX channels into live and recording that performance on the live DMX mixer. I will need multiple universes (2 probably) given the number of channels in the moving heads. Each of our songs does not have backing tracks (except for a few) but they are performed on a click and the arrangement is fairly static. Some songs have solo sections at the end which are variable depending on the show, but I’m assuming I can just skip to next song and end the light show at any point in time on the songs of variable length.
I’m not super experienced in DMX. I have an Enttec box and DMXIS. I used DMXIS with a foot controller previously and that is tough to manage while I drum.
I’d appreciate input from those with relevant experience. I’m wondering if I can just busk the lights along with a virtual sound check recording of each song and then just have those values recorded and replayed when we play live. Seems potentially easier than running midi signals to an outboard device to trigger DMX scenes (although it appears the Wolfmix is really easy to program with cool patterns, etc., so maybe I’m not appreciating how much work it would take to use a DMX desk to control moving heads etc. Also, I cannot afford to buy a large console, so it would need to be something comparable to the $700 cost of the Wolfmix.
Any thoughts here? I know the audio side well but have no clue on lights! Thanks as always gang!
Long question, but will try to answer. I’m currently playout about 800chs on 2 universes using VL2.
Benefits of recording DMX movements with VSTLive is that you finally hit PLAY and you’re done. No need to struggle with a second app. Yes, you can use ArtNet interface and record DMX up to 16universes,
Me, who hasn’t got lighting app/desk, I pay for the program, record to VL then PLAYout.
Disadvantages for now(! but developers continuously keep working on all features incl. DMX capabilities):
the DMX channel dimmer is not working, that means no way to “fine-tune” if venue needs more or less level (e.g more in afternoon, less in evening time)
VL seems to slow down when using DMX tracks (slower song ch, slower save time, cpu o.load at simultaneous moments).
No fixture handling, re-patch of channels, therefore it’s not easy to modify.
Final words: I’m using pre-recorded DMX, but if you’re experienced with a DMX app already, as moving heads might need even some re-position (pan/tilt) on each different venues I would suggest to use MIDI CC’s or timecode from VL to control your lighting app for now. Wile you can even record DMX movements to VL a later time when all set, all tested on stage.
Yes - use an ArtNet device. I use the Chauvet DMX-AN2 and it’s flawless with VL (other devices are available). The problem with USB devices is they all have different drivers and can be hard to configure, or just be flaky. ArtNet is a universal protocol.
As far a programming goes: There are free DMX programs that you can use to set up your show using Time Code from VL to sync. Once set up you can record the DMX back into VL so it becomes self contained. Have a look at FreeStyler and dot2.
Thanks. Artnet may be tough because I’m already using multiple networks for Dante and mixer control. Seems like the easiest way to get to multiple universes though.
I’m probably going to try the wolf mix as it has tons of presets and can be used as a standalone if I’m just wanting to DJ. Also it accepts midi time code etc so I should be able to synchronize the show and also have a midi pedal to do strobes and accents.
Especially with high powered lights, really need an overall dimmer also.
it is! if u dont have 2 netw cards, can use an usb2eth (i’m using usb2eth for transmitting to the 2 artnet universes)
afaik it receives midi tc, but using it for creating random changes in rhythm not for labelling/fire different cues (as e.g. GrandMA or Chamsys can do)
