Lighting Software vs. Consoles

ohhh good convo starter lightech! i use and have used compuware for years and i love it. i think it is easier and faster than programming on consoles. also the limitations on a console can be great and the limitations on software are in my expierence not a whole lot. i would recommend for you to donwload the free trial of compuware which i will post a direct link to HERE!!
i could go on and on but i ask that u just play around with it your self. also on compuware you can hook up your console to the software and do some other tricky things but u need to get a dongle with DMX in and out. sincerely,

I'm an AVO Pearl, HOG & GrandMA desk user, and have only used a computer program once.

I would more than likely never use somputer software, unless its just a party to make some movers go in a circle or something. Consoles have the power, and the speed to busk with effects, and the ability to save your busking as a look or a new cue.

Here are some pros & cons for both
1. Computer can crash, consoles are harder to lock up
2. computers can have "slow process moments" while a console is made just for lighting
3. consoles can be pricey for the big names, you pay for a good computer & the software and come out ahead.
4. you'll look silly running a 20+ mover rig with a laptop, consoles were made for lighting rigs.

In the end, you have to use what works for you. I don't know if anyone in this forum has ever used an AVO Pearl or the GrandMA desk, or have ever operated a rig of 120+ movers, but it's all operator preference! Use what you are comfortable with.

Well, I have used both NUMEROUS times. I tour (as some of you may know) with a contemporary Christian artist named David Phelps. We have a small rig (6 movers and 20 pars and some LED's along with some other accessories) We use Compuware. I LOVE IT!!! We have used consoles (including the legendary HOG) and I like those too, but I think the power is in the computer. Sure they crash sometimes but that is why you get a GOOD comp. (esp. one made for gaming, those are perfect!!!) They have ALOT more memory and can hold just about unlimited scenes. Also, if you know alot about computers (like I do!) then they are WAY easier to operate. Granted some consoles have a large screen and are easy to navigate but computers are WAY easier. And you may think you look stupid running a big rig with just a laptop but I think it shows that you have the power to control "all that with just that" (that was a quote from someone I talked to on tour. They said "I can't believe you can control all that with just that little thing, that's awesome. . .") I think it makes you look better. So all in all, Computer Software is the way to go! However, just like robertsanderslx said, it is operator preference.

Theres what I think,

jthtiger

Interesting points. I'll have to spend some more time noodling with with Compuware.

I'm not sure what it is about lighting software, but at the moment something just doesn't feel 'right' when I'm trying to operate and program my lights with it. There's something about a console that makes me feel much more 'involved' and a part of my rig.

The graphical user interfaces and visualizers in the software are nice, but while they still perform the same functions and accomplish the same mission, I feel like I am hindered by something, but I can't say exactly what it is.

Maybe it's an organizational thing - I like to have a "fixture", "scene", "chase", "record", etc, button to work with rather than clicking through menus.

Also, most of my programming and operation is for live entertainment, where operation and scene/chase selection all happen on the fly with modifications needed and set list changes happening constantly.

Thanks again for your thoughts and input. Please continue...

See and that all goes back to what robertsanderslx and i said about operator preference. My preference is Software, Jingles preference is software but robertsanderslx is console. Jingles and I can do some pretty cool stuff with compuware (it is REAL easy once you get to learn it) Then again I'm sure robertsanderslx can do some pretty amazing things with a console. I also think once you learn compuware front and back like jingles, then you will change your mind, BUT if you feel hindered by it, don't use it. About the "fixture", "scene", "chase", "record", etc, buttons, I think you can setup compuware to do that (sorta) I'm sure jingles will tell you.

Theres some more input from me!!!

jthtiger

ya lightech if u have any specific questions dont hesitate to ask. im the compuware tech support for elation so put me to work man! lol.
sincerely,

Jingles:

i'm helping out a new rock band from N. Wisconsin and interested in some basic information on a decient lighting system. I see your from Wausau and therefore would be a good fit with their needs being your close. Give me some info and I'll relay the info and give some advice to the band.

Thanks,
Towner

quote:

Originally posted by Jingles:
ohhh good convo starter lightech! i use and have used compuware for years and i love it. i think it is easier and faster than programming on consoles. also the limitations on a console can be great and the limitations on software are in my expierence not a whole lot. i would recommend for you to donwload the free trial of compuware which i will post a direct link to HERE!!
i could go on and on but i ask that u just play around with it your self. also on compuware you can hook up your console to the software and do some other tricky things but u need to get a dongle with DMX in and out. sincerely,

well tell me in a new topic (cause this one is for a seperate discussion) like what is their budget how many lights do hey want etc. thanks.

in my perfect world - i would program perhaps 12 scenes for each song (for different sections) - i would then have some sort of nice keypad so the operator could simply tap between the scenes (and sequences) - i do not know the jargon - i am calling scenes preset states for my system (24 par cans and 6 intels) and "sequences" referring to intel moves and gobo changes etc. question is - can this data created on a PC be downloaded to another device to take on the road?

thanks

you can create scenes and stuff on Compu Live and then transfer the files to i think a DMX partner. but who would control a whole rig with just a dmx partner? not me. it is possible though. i know it.