Newbie seeking answers...

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Posted 02 November 2011 02:21 PM
Hi there,

I’m considering having this software installed at a local nightclub, but before recommending this to the owners, I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer on this forum. Note, I have gone through the manual, but I still need some clarification.

1. In the bar, there are 4 Chauvet moving heads and 4 DMX LED light bars – all DMX – Can this be hooked up to the software and then controlled all at the same time, with each fixture doing different things?

Yes and no and maybe. It depends on what you want to do and how you want to go about doing it.

Can they all be hooked up to the software and used? You bet. But, each doing its own thing? That's the grey area. You can make multiple scenes but each one would have to involve all your lighting. It's how it works.

Compu Live or Compu Show might be a better way to go.

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2. Is there a sound activation feature?

No. This has been gone over in length before. Sorry. There's been no change in this regards. Compu Show supports this. Not sure if Compu Live does.

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3. Once the scenes are programmed, can the software be locked to prevent accidental deletion by ‘other DJs’ who may not know what they’re doing? I.E. can I restrict access (password protect?) the software so end users would only have access to play scenes already programmed and saved?

Not that I am aware of, but in USER mode(as opposed to edit mode), changes can't take place, but it is easy to get to edit mode and screw stuff up. I know the whole concept of having guests and DJ's play nice is a useless road to go down.

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4. Can scenes be exported on another computer (back-up) – in case of a computer crash or laptop theft?

Not really. You can copy the universe file. I also suggest copying some other stuff too, such as custom objects and fixture profiles that aren't in by default or you've modified. It's more of an all or nothing deal

This can be done in Compu Live, but can get complicated.

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5. Can this be hooked up to a Midi controller such as a Abelton pad, where each button would launch a different scene? Would this be a way to help prevent other DJs who may not be as comfortable with the software?

Yes. That's something I'm working on. I haven't had time to test it. The issue is the the Launchpad supports 64 buttons(yes, I know it has 4 layers but the other 3 are CC layers), and MyDMX supports a maximum of 249 scenes. AND, you can only have one MIDI device recognized. In the case of a MIDI interface, anything hanging off the interface can be recognized, assuming MyDMX chooses to work with the interface. Only one device can be supported though, be it a MIDI interface(and hence everything behind it as the interface acts as proxy to them) or a USB-connected MIDI device

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6. Can scenes be programmed without being plugged into the lights? I.E. Can I take the laptop home with the lighting program, work on scenes using the visualize, and then when I re-hook up the comp, the scenes will work? Or will I also need to take the ‘interface’ home to ensure the software doesn’t just do the ‘demo mode.’?

Yes. The 3D Visualizer is a fantastic took for doing exactly that. You do need to take time to build your stage, but if you're in a static location, this is critical anyways, so you need to do this. Then, go back to your club, plug in the hardware, launch MyDMX and rock away the night with your new scenes!

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Any other notes to share with a newbie?

Thanks!

-K

No, Go ask more questions. It's easier that way.

Thanks Chris.

In your opinion, is Compu Show / Compu Live easier to use for a newbie?

Basically, if the bar owners wanted to start programming their own scenes and such, would Compu Show / Live be easier to learn than MyDMX?

Also, and disadvantages of the Compu Show / Live vs myDMX?

Thanks!

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Thanks Chris.

In your opinion, is Compu Show / Compu Live easier to use for a newbie?

Basically, if the bar owners wanted to start programming their own scenes and such, would Compu Show / Live be easier to learn than MyDMX?

Also, and disadvantages of the Compu Show / Live vs myDMX?

Thanks!

Regarding ease of use:
MyDMX does lay a foundation for getting into Compu Show/Compu Live, but you don't need MyDMX to learn those. Despite similarities, there are lots of differences. Compu Show and Live are harder to learn, but there's a lot more to learn and you need to step up your knowledge level.

If you want individual control at all times, or at least massive options, Compu Show and Live are the way to go as they allow things like scene over-lays, switches to over-ride scenes and a lot of other items such as "sound active" type functionality. There are also issues with the interfaces. The better/higher priced the interface is, the more capabilities you get from the software. Jingles can talk more about that. I got the top interface so I have no restrictions. It is SO worth it.

MyDMX is easy to learn and gets you started fast. But, it has limitations.
Compu Live and Show have a higher learning curve and way more functionality. But you're paying a LOT more so you get a lot more. But, once you get into it, you can find yourself working fast with Compu Show, it just takes more time to get to that point. Even so, you can get more done faster with Compu Show once you get into it, it just has better flow.

I have no regrets having both. MyDMX works great for me for band type shows, while Compu Show works idea for my larger events. MyDMX is strong because it works fast and easy in a fast paced environment when you have to do it alone.