live theatre applications

Well, I know a lot of smaller theatres use a combination of consoles. For example, they use one for conventional lighting and the other for intelligent lighting. This helps out some people and makes things easier.

Personally, I put it all on one console whenever I can. For example, I know theatres that use an Express for conventionals and a Hog 1000 for intelligent. Personally, I would run it all off the Hog 1000, especially since it has the palette buttons or I would cough up some of my own money for enough to rent a Road Hog.

A lot of people thing I am nuts for using a Road Hog for mostly conventional shows, but I have gotten so use to it in that capacity, I setup my groups and views and it makes it easy. I also use an Express series for moving lights as well, and again, its not as fast as a Hog, but I have got certain systems down that make it go much faster. Use of a lot of subs, groups, and focus points.

Experience will ultimately tell you what will work best for you. And that's the important thing, what works for you?

I agree to an extent with Serra Ava. He knows what he can do with the tools available, and while it may sound excessive to go with a high end console like a Road Hog, it really comes down to what the operator feels most comfortable with.

I use MyDMX. I am NOT a DJ. Never have been, never will be. And I wish this one lady would stop calling me once a month with her fake 15 year old kid and expecting to get service for $150! I am a live sound production company.

I have a show that is more theatrical, and MyDMX works fantastic. I have the show programmed so tight, one I run it, it's hitting things like flashes and rapid changes dead on. I timed everything. I love it.

Do you use a spreadsheet to time your shows?

Absolutely! I had to to keep a running track of times.