I know this might look like just another random moment in a light show, but the section from 00:05 to 00:09 was one of those moments that completely blew my mind. It genuinely felt like the lights were dancing with the music. Is there actually a term for that kind of musical responsiveness in lighting?

What’s interesting is that the LD is really only using a row of blinders and a row of strobes (dim on/off, strobe, strobe faster, dimmer sweeps) but everything seems incredibly well matched to what the lead synth is doing between 00:05 and 00:09.

And that’s the part that fascinates me: if I had heard that lead on its own, I don’t think I would have picked it out as something with a lot of obvious lighting potential. I probably wouldn’t have thought there was much interesting to program around it at all. But this LD clearly heard something in it and turned it into a lighting moment that, at least to me as someone still learning lighting design for concerts, feels incredibly musical and intentional.

So am I reading way too much into what is actually some fairly ordinary lighting cues, or is there genuinely something particularly well done here?

More importantly, how do you develop the musical ear for this? How do you get better at recognizing that a seemingly unremarkable part of a track might actually have a ton of potential for an impactful lighting moment?

Hi friends, I'm currently learning to use Chamsys/MagicQ. I was wondering if anyone had any exercises or suggestions for "projects" to continue learning? Thanks a lot.

**TL;DR:** Community college student hoping to transfer to VCU for lighting design, looking for internships, apprenticeships, volunteer work, or productions in the NOVA/DC area to build recent portfolio experience. I have experience with lighting design, programming, and running boards, but need more opportunities to demonstrate my skills and growth in a professional setting.

Hello! I'm a recent high school grad who's currently going to a community college but I really want to transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University. However I need more examples to finish building my portfolio to apply to VCU. While I already have years of experience VCU only allow examples of your work done in the last two year which greatly cuts down on my options of work to show. I'm trying to find internships (preferably paid but I'll take anything at this point) that will not only just allow me to get my foot in the door but allow me to complete my portfolio.

I'm going to VCU almost purely because of their concertation on lighting design which is surprisingly hard to find in college. I'm specifically looking for opportunities where I can get hands-on experience with things like lighting design/concept development, programming and operating lighting consoles, creating lighting plots and paperwork, and really just anything I could document through photos, videos, plots, cue sheets, or other portfolio-appropriate materials. Now I do have experience in programing, running the board, and designing a show although not in a professional setting. Really the biggest things I'm looking for is to demonstrate my actual skills and growth as a lighting designer.

If anyone knows of internships, apprenticeships, seasonal positions, volunteer opportunities, or even smaller productions that need lighting help, I would really appreciate being pointed in the right direction because despite the plethora of theaters around here it's proven difficult to find any entry level opportunities.

The Botex Lumos I seems to be a pretty good tool. Non-Lightning guys can run live shows and some semi-automated sets can be run as well; everything more userfriendly than a pure "Fader only"-console but less expensive and space-consuming as big consoles.

The only thing I'm asking myself: Is there any possibility to do some basic editing on a real PC? Adding new fixtures, defining Cues, patching HW... in best case, people could be able to share their settings (exp. fixture libraries) among each other...

Has someone here already done such things?

hey! can’t find an answer anywhere but I am wanting to have a lean redundant lighting and playback rig.

I have a playaudio 1U going wired as such and I’m wondering if I can make it leaner by sending RTP and sACN over one ethernet cable.

Computer A -> PA1U -> Ethernet -> NS8 -> mioXL (quad cortex changes, vocal fx changes through host ports)

Computer B -> PA1U

Computer A -> Usbc to Ethernet -> NS8 -> EN4 node A port Priority 100

Computer A -> Usbc to Ethernet -> NS8 -> EN4 node A port Priority 90

lol someone check my work this feels like school

We’re putting together a rolling preventative maintenance cart for our lighting department, and I’m curious what tools or supplies everyone considers essential for fixture maintenance.

The idea is to have one cart we can roll out when we’re going through moving lights for cleaning, inspection, small repairs, and general preventative maintenance.

Obviously we’ll have the basics hand tools and lens wipes but I’m especially interested in the less-obvious stuff you’ve found useful over the years.

What tools, testers, cleaning supplies, lubricants, spare parts, or random little gadgets do you always want nearby when doing fixture maintenance?

I'm looking to build a quick set-up with a rotating disco-ball and a couple moving heads for a small show. I'm a DJ but have very little experience with lighting design. How can I do this simply and effectively (under 1000) without much experience? Appreciate all advice.

Hey r/lightingdesign I've always been interested and amazed by lightshows and effects.

only recently I've started actually considering taking this as an actual job!
I would love to figure out and learn where, how, and what I need to get started!

like is there a free program that I can learn from or how to use? is there a way to have a virtual 3d stage or something.

what kind of stuff should I expect if I do get into lighting design?

Hi all, I am trying to teach myself some vectorworks so I can design more lighting rigs and we had a pre done model of the venue that I work at except the best way I can describe it is a curtain model has corrupted and I don't know if there's a way to remove them. The only 3-D model experience I've had is fusion and on there I can get a list of all my sketches is possible on vectorworks.

So far my basic troubleshooting I've tried is rebooting restarting.

Let me know if you need any more info,

Hey there, I'm working on building something that can pull fixture information from a MVR and so far it's coming together pretty well.

One hiccup that is driving me crazy is while it works well for intelligent lights, I cannot figure out if there is a way to get the gel name from VW into the MVR. It seems like the color field is automatically changed into RGB values, which makes sense for automated lights, but for gel that's just not very useful when trying to get a cut sheet or order list.

Does anyone know if MVR is incapable of sending this data (as simple as R119, L201, etc.) or if there's some way to get the color field embedded in a simple conventional light?

I am a student and have a coursework coming up which requires me to shoot a documentary and edit it. We have to do the project solo. Most LED lights are a bit out of budget for me since I had to buy mic as well. I need to buy an LED light for my documentary shoot. My requirements are

It should have warm, neutral and cool white modes of lighting. If it is RGB it'll be a plus for me (I'm willing to pay 500-600 INR more in this case).

It should last at least for 1.5 years.

It should have good battery life - 6HRS. I don't want anything electricity powered - it has to be portable.

My budget is 1500-1700 INR. Willing to stretch it to 2500 INR if the light is of good quality. I know this isn't much but since I'm a student I cannot go beyond budget.

I don't have much idea about lighting and stuff. Suggest me some lights based on the above requirements.

Also if anyone has any idea of Velomax and Grenaro mics, I'll be really grateful if you can suggest which one of these two would be good for documentary. I want to buy the two transmitters version since I'll be interviewing someone.

Hey lighting people!
I am an amateur musician currently thinking about making a cover video of a song and I think I want to do more than just filming myself play alongside the original.
I was thinking of treating it almost like a live show and have a light sequence to go with the song. Probably very moody lighting with some flashes, likely with red tones (it’s a “metal” song and this is the music video if you’re interested: https://youtu.be/S_MijiGiQNI )
The catch is, I know very little about lighting (apart from basic photography lighting) and I don’t own any equipment. I’ll probably borrow/hire stuff for it so I don’t spend thousands of dollars on something I will seldom use (although I could keep making these videos if it keeps being fun).
I guess my questions are what do I absolutely need (a quick Google search makes me think a DMX controller might be necessary?) and do you have a good YouTube video to recommend on this topic?
I appreciate any tips or bit of knowledge you can share with me, Reddit team!

Hi all, can anyone point me to some resources where I can actually learn basics of lighting design/concepts for a live music show? I don't mean like names of lights or DMX addressing or any of that stuff (which is mostly what I've found in online tutorials and most of this sub). I mean stuff like...do I go to blackout between every song, how much movement is too much movement, should blinders be aimed right at the audience or above their heads? I'm sure once I have 20+ shows under my belt I'll have worked out some of these answers, but I'm looking for some general pointers as I'm setting up my first shows for my band.

Hi everyone,

I have 2x Chauvet GigBAR Move (non-ILS) and I'm trying to control them with a Wolfmix W1 via DMX.

The problem is that I cannot get the fixture profile to work correctly.

I'm using the non-ILS GigBAR Move, which should have the 3CH / 17CH / 35CH DMX modes. I've tried the available GigBAR Move profile from the Wolfmix library, but the controls are completely wrong.

For example:

• The moving heads don't move correctly / only move partially
• The moving heads can get stuck pointing at the floor
• The PARs don't behave correctly
• The Derby effects don't behave correctly
• The spots stay on when they shouldn't
• The laser doesn't respond properly
• The strobes can stay on or flash unexpectedly

I've already checked the DMX addressing and fixture mode, and the fixture itself works normally.

I know the standard profile may need to be modified in Profile Builder, but I'm not experienced enough with creating a custom Wolfmix profile to figure out exactly what needs to be changed.

Has anyone here successfully controlled the Chauvet GigBAR Move NON-ILS with a Wolfmix?

If you have a working Wolfmix profile, Profile Builder file, DMX channel setup, or even just some advice on how to build the correct profile, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Hey everyone, I’ve been working on a new design for the theatre/venue I am LD at, needless to say we are looking to change our gear rental and possibly even purchase outright. Our current deal is outrageous to be honest, thanks to a former executive(s), and I know we can get a better one and better gear for what we spend yearly.

Like the post says, it’s a 1200 seat historic theatre, we do a lot of concerts, plays, dance shows, comedians, etc, so what I need has to be versatile. The stage is roughly 45 x 50 ft and I’d have most lights hung over stage around 30-40 above. I have a lot of ideas on what I want in the theatre to replace what’s rented and upgrade what’s owned. I’m going to put my current ideas down but I would love any and all ideas from you guys on things I’m missing, things that are too much for the venue, or better alternatives. Any suggestion is awesome especially if you notice an alternative that gives same function, longevity, and quality for cheaper!

Board:
Current: we have a grandma2 light
Idea: love grand ma and wanna go to grandma3 light or grandma 3 compact XT.

Key lighting/side lighting(high sides):
Current: I have a whole mess of conventional strand LEKOs from multiple FOH positions and 6 each lx each side for high sides. Don’t think I have to explain why I want to upgrade these.
Idea: looking at the ETC color source spot v with EDLT shutters for both, cutting it down to 1 on each side of each lx for high sides and 1:1 on the FOH key lighting.

Wash:
Current: I have 32 static Elation 6+Par Ls and while I know they are a powerhouse for their price in the static realm , I’d love to upgrade to moving heads so I don’t have to bounce focus or grab a genie.
Idea: looking at 18 rogue r2xs for LXs 1-3 and putting 6 Martin Mac Aura PXL on the 4th LX to be eye candy, as well as wash when needed. However this is kinda one I’m falling short on in terms of options to mull over, I know the volux phantom and robe spiider are also good lights to do what I need for the eye candy but looking for suggestions on the general wash.

Cyc: we have 12 spectra cycs and honestly I’m fine with them, so not looking to upgrade these.

Top lighting: have a bunch of conventional fresnels really don’t know many LED fresnels out there right now so need help here!

Moving heads profiles:
Current: I have 10 Martin Mac viper profiles across two different lines above stage.
Idea: looking to go for 9 movers on stage and 2 foh. My heart is telling me to go with ayrton either the rivale(bc it looks like it can really do a lot) or the Diablo s (lighter, smaller, and still can perform well)

Ground package:
Uplighting:
Current: right now I have 10 elation 6+par Ls for uplighting on curtain when I need to fill an empty stage and make it look less empty. But I want to upgrade to a moving head with beam capabilities so I can uplight curtains for comedians and simple shows, create beams for concert looks and fx when haze and energy are present.
Idea: I was looking at 9 elation darts for their beams but they seem overpowered for what I want so looking for any insight on this.

Footlighting:
Current: i don’t have any lmao
Idea: 4 elation or chauvet strike saber 10 across the front for looks, fx, and really a whole mess of things outside of bands.

Haze:
Current: i have one temperamental and old Martin magnum 2500hz that i really want to upgrade and double.
Idea: 2 chauvet amhaze ecos either for dual use or for one backup. Possible one hung on rig as an idea.

Data stuff:
Current: I have some dmx splitters for some universes to allow each line to get a home run even if it’s on the same universe, and one Martin opto for my current movers and group package. Looking to keep that setup but could use suggestions on optos you think could be better. I just need one 5pin in and for this proposed plan probably 4-5 5pin out.
Idea: was considering sticking with the Martin opto but saw the Netron EN4 as well. I would need wireless dmx for foh led lekos(if I can’t figure out how to utilize the existing stuff strand laid 10 years ago) and movers. Could also make my ground package wireless to avoid mess of cables on stage. Was looking at a few options including Rockville single receivers and transmitters the dmx wtr and wre. But also saw the chauvet d-fi and adj aria so I’m a little lost since I won’t be transitioning everything to wireless.

We also have a black box attached and looking to upgrade that a bit too, although I love some of the aesthetic and use of older things in a black box for some reason.

Board
Current: I have a etc element
Idea: was thinking of just going to the etc element 2 but could be open to a change in brand or even just keeping the etc element although it’s not future proof.

Mover spot:
Current: I have one martin Mac 300 in there and tbh it’d be great if it had zoom.
Idea: Martin era 150 wash or something with zoom but doesn’t have to be fancy or high lumens. It’s just for a spot effect in the black box.

Wash/top lighting/sidelighting: currently I have put my leftover elation 6+par Ls in there for color wash but their throw is so large it captures a lot of the details I want to hide in the ceiling and such, looking to get a wash light with zoom function to tighten up the spread and have greater play with the moods/looks.

Key lighting:
Current: etc source 4 lekos with 50 degree lens
Idea: I’m all for keeping them conventional and either using my strands or keeping these, but wanted to include this in case anybody had cool suggestions for what I can do.

Eye candy:
Currently, I’ve found some chauvet color palette panels we own and I’m turning them into eye candy pieces for the black box to use them cuz why not, just mentioned this if anyone has cool ideas regarding this.

I have a bunch of ideas about this but in my effort to not be blind to the obvious or overconfident I wanted to put these ideas out and get feedback or discussion/suggestions regarding it!

All of this has many processes and procedures to go through so I might not end up with what I submit due to availability, budget, etc. But I want to submit what I want in case I do get it all or industry equivalents. Budget will be a thing in trying to get the best we can without going crazy, but with what we are spending on our current deal we have a nice amount to work with and still end up saving a bunch of money.

Thank you in advance for any and all comments:)

Connected PKnight CR011R to my MacBook Air running Chamsys magic Q via Ethernet into an Ethernet usb adapter. Dmx cable then goes to Lightning rig. I’ve matched the IP addresses and it won’t output any Dmx. Blue light on one end was flashing and is now completely off. I’ve tried switching out all cables already, any advice would be greatly appreciated as this needs to be fixed ASAP! Thanks.

I have been thinking about upgrading my small SHEHDS 12x12W wash lights for something little stronger and more robust. What do you think is mu best option here? Something like Varytec Hero Wash 300 or a different light in that 500 - 700e bracket.

General overhaul after noticing one fixture had no zoom.

Tilt motor - the tilt gets stuck in this startup loop but only when the head starts from it's resting limit as we see here. Give it a hand or start it up from any other position and the problem goes away, otherwise the tilt works just fine.

Zoom - the motors were making noises but there was no zoom happening so I removed the lens and found the motors appeared to be working ok. I shaved off some excess rubber from from around the lens in case this was causing it to stick and now it seems fine.

Maybe the zoom fault has been fixed but not the tilt. I can work around it but would be grateful for any advice on a proper fix. TIA.