Inspiration for live video and lighting software

[Martin Naef]

Hi M@

 

I guess Storyblocks is a given then. Can’t go too wrong there, and I might even use some of the AfterFX templates occasionally, so that’s a bonus.

 

I am quite fond of the idea of driving the lights through music, so that’s probably the risk I will take. Plenty of time to experiment and maybe give it a first shot in another concert where it’s not an essential part of the show. As we’re focusing on the live experience, adding things in post is not really the way to go. We might record for promotional material, but that would be a secondary use. Let’s see, there are ten months to go, so I am not in a rush… 

 

I like your thoughts about the audience. They will notice glitches and troubles, but they would never realize if we decide to drop effects. Food for thought…

 

Martin

 

From: music-bar <music-bar-bounces at lists.music-bar.org> On Behalf Of Matt Picone
Sent: Montag, 3. Januar 2022 16:11
To: music-bar at lists.music-bar.org
Subject: Re: Inspiration for live video and lighting software

 

The only element I can offer an informed comment on here is Storyblocks. I think that's the way to go. 

I like the straight DMX option. Sacrifice the advanced details. If the event is being filmed for release, add some polish in post. 

If it's not, the audience will never know what they missed and will probably love what you present.

--
M@

On 1/2/22 7:33 AM, Martin Naef wrote:

Hi Bar

 

We have a project coming up next October where we want to combine a traditional classical concert (two flutes) with light and projection - “The Audible Light”. It’s not a huge production, so the efforts should be reasonable. I am looking for some inspiration and maybe experience reports on the tools to use.

 

The venue is a mid-sized church. White walls in the back. I expect to bring about 8 DMX controlled LED par lights, 6 for coloring the background, two on the performers. Plus one video projector for background visuals. We might use additional audio effects or backing tracks, but that’s not decided yet. I definitely want to use audio-to-light control conversion for some of the pieces.

 

I am now trying to figure out what software to use to control the rig. Here are my thoughts so far:

 

1.	MAX/MSP for the whole system and concert. I’ve done this nearly 15 years ago in Glasgow and it worked fine for video and sound effects. While I haven’t tried it out yet, I am quite sure I can implement the DMX control and all the video FX that I need. Downside: It takes quite a lot of effort to create a user-friendly performance interface, and its flexibility is massive overkill for 75% of the show.
2.	DMX software for the light (I have a Cameo / DasLight System), and a VJ software for the video. Advantage: Very effective for 75% of the show, does not work for the few advanced lighting bits that I have in mind. Switching software mid show seems like a bad idea.
3.	MAX/MSP for DMX, but a VJ software for video. That would cover the full show (I have no plans for overly interactive video that need MAX), but I’ll be using two tools at the same time – likely on two separate laptops then. 

 

Open question: What VJ software should I use (Windows)? So far I’ve found Arkaos VJ or Resolume as contenders that look pretty powerful – probably more than I need, but it seems easy to define a bunch of scenes and then play with them during the show. I don’t expect to use it very often, so the cost is a bit of a downside, but not a killer (my time is more valuable).

 

Video material: I expect to use mostly stock footage that I arrange and mangle to suit my needs (I am well equipped with video editing tools). Any good recommendation for sites (mainly looking for natural scenes, water effects, calm background graphics)? Storyblocks looks like a good option that is reasonably priced. Any others?

 

Oh, and happy new year to everybody!

Martin

 

 

 





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