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Here is the situation:

I have spent a few days working with myDMX and while I believe it is a great piece of software, I am coming to the conclusion that this may not be the best choice for live performance bands. But I am open to a better understanding from more experienced DMX software users.

Here is my reasoning:

A DJ who knows a song is going to be played the exact same way each and every time the DJ hits play, so the light show can be completely present for that song. Perfect for myDMX.

In a live performance the guitarist, harp player, keyboard player, drummer may take a solo or do something different each time they play the same song. So the lighting person must be able to dynamically kick in a chase or a light or a Scene and may not want to disturb any other portions of the existing Scene. As an example the stage is lit perfectly for the song but the guitarist takes a solo - so while in the solo the light person needs to accent the guitarist while maintaining the stage as is.
There are so many possibilities that it would be nice to for example CTRL click on a scene2 (spot on the guitar player) and by using CTRL allow the existing Scenes to stay in tact. Then after the solo CTRL click scene2 to remove it while still leaving the existing main scene.

So far I have found that in myDMX when I click on any scene or trigger any scene it removes all other fixtures that are not included in that scene. This creates an almost impossible method of lighting a live performance, as every possible combination of scenes would have to be created. This would virtually eliminate the usefulness of having software in the first place because you would then have to remember every possible combination to switch to a scene that added an effect for a solo, then return to a similar scene without the solo effect.
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So here is my question:

What software out there is best for lighting during a live performance?

I have been working with myDMX so far.

I have heard about Compu Live and its new incarnation Compu Show which sounds very promising.

I have heard about Emulation but don't know enough yet.

Any input from anyone doing lighting for live performance bands is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Jim
MyDMX can be used quite well for live performances, but you have to think not only within the box, but also outside the box and what you can connect to the box.

Now, I mainly do fixed scenes, and use enough where I'm good for most of what I want to do. It gets the job done, but I'm mainly doing zones or stage-wide washes/functions, so it's not really a problem.

You are right when you trigger a scene, that's what comes up, period. That's how it's meant to work.

Now, you have options. Your options are limited by your budget and imagination, but probably your budget!

For example, using a Korg nanoKONTROL, which runs around $65, you get a fader/knob bank that contains a bank of 9 faders, 9 knobs and 18 buttons, as well as a static transport control area. Since the button/fader/knob area is in 4 banks(take those numbers and multiply by 4), you end up with 36 faders, 36 knobs and 72 buttons, all of which can be assigned to scenes or DMX channels. Also, assignable items can be assigned to multiple DMX channels. Say, for example, in my case, I use Bank 1, faders 1-4 to control the RGB and Dimmer channels on my 8 individually addressed 64 LED Pros, you can do it.

Using HTP/LTP settings(experiment with to see how you work best with those channels), you can over-ride scene programming. However, this is good for triggering fog, or a strobe or maybe bringing up spots or something, not something major like movmenet.

Yes, its great software, but if you understand how you work, then it works better. Obviously, you understand how you work, and that's good. It's letting you ask the questions you need to ask.

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