Martin User Forum (closed) - Need some advice

244 Posts

Posted - 14 Feb 2013 : 17:56:54

I'm having a hard time with organizing the M1 to give me ultimate flexibility when using Lighting and Arkaos in a punt situation. I need to have direct access to files, effects, blending modes, etc. while also having access to lighting attributes.

I just seem to run out of real estate too quickly. Any suggestions in how to organize this more effectively?

274 Posts

Posted - 14 Feb 2013 : 18:51:33

More screens? You can tripplehead2go the DVI or VGA output of an M1 to give you up to 3 external screens...

Thanks.

244 Posts

Posted - 14 Feb 2013 : 19:43:50

I guess ELO would be the best solution for this scenario?

274 Posts

Posted - 14 Feb 2013 : 19:47:48

Yeah most Elos work.

Contact controllersupport@martin.dk to check whether your desired touchscreens will work before purchase.

Thanks.

244 Posts

Posted - 22 Feb 2013 : 22:58:44

So my next question is. Since I can only do one page of playbacks at a time how will adding additional screens help?

10024 Posts

Posted - 22 Feb 2013 : 23:40:04

Kevin,

Are you saying that 100+10+24 playbacks in view at once isn't enough?

Can you share a typical busking layout you use now?

244 Posts

Posted - 23 Feb 2013 : 21:40:41

I will set up the controller today and set up a scenario, but here is a description.

Media Server:
10 - 12 Background Animations
10 - 12 Foreground Animations
10 - 12 Composite Animations
5 or so Effects per layer in use (Always 2, sometimes 3)
2 - 4 Geometric Locations for each layer ( for instance if I want a spinning cube in the the center of a vortex appearing as if the cube is travelling down a wormhole with neon streaks bouncing around)

Another scenario is a clients logo tiled in the background framing a "live feed" window in the center.

2-3 Blending Modes per layer in use (generally this can be assigned to just 1 or 2 layers

Intensity Faders for each layer in use

LED Lights or Color Wash:
6 - 8 colors
6 - 8 Color Effects
2- 4 Color Chases
1 Override Fader to Control Speed of Effects
2- 4 Intensity Chases
Intensity Fader for each type or Zone

Moving Lights:
6 - 8 Colors
6 - 8 Gobos
6 - 8 Gobo Combinations
6 - 8 Positions
6 - 8 Movement Effects
2 - 3 Intensity Chases

Effects:
Blinders Bump
Hazer Toggle
Strobe Bump
C02 Bump
Snow Machine Bump
Laser Emergency Off Toggle (This is very rare)

Conventionals:
House Intensity
3 Different Zones Submaster
Bscklights Submaster

All Lights :
Even/Odd Intensity Toggle
Group Intensity Toggle
3 Part Intensity Chase Effect
Override Fader for 3 Part Intensity Chase Effect
All White Bump
Random Strobe Bump

I am sure I am forgetting some things, but then again I may want to do too much. I know busking is an art and setting up your board is an art as well. I will be the first to admit that my experience isn't as deep as many of you, but it seems to me that the ability to offer different looks throughout an evening is imperative.

274 Posts

Posted - 24 Feb 2013 : 00:17:48

In a busking scenario... It's better to have a screen dedicated to Groups and Presets with Live Time enabled so you can throw something in very quickly - this way is more versatile than making playbacks for Color and gobos because you can very quickly just Color the floor fixtures or every 3rd floor fixture etc.

Explore ways of using presets live rather than boat loads of playbacks. More screens = more available presets and area to put stuff. Making use of Banks per song is good if you have an idea of what's coming. Even a bank for "rock songs" one for "ballads" one for "slow songs" one for "warm
Up bands" etc.

Thanks.

244 Posts

Posted - 24 Feb 2013 : 08:02:48

I will definitely try that. Thank you!

244 Posts

Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 16:08:57

Thanks Joe. Its working like a champ. This has really opened my eyes to a new way of doing things.

Question:

In preparation for a change do you just record a cue with what is in the programmer, activate cue, clear programmer, then go blind? Is there another way?

274 Posts

Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 16:27:20

That could work yeah... Although in a busking environment I very rarely do a full clear, ill just clear whatever conflicts or what needs to be cleared.

I'm a TV guy and don't use Blind much because it doesn't work how Blind is supposed to work (in my eyes). There isn't really an answer to the question you asked - there is no right or wrong way in programming - do what works for your show or yourself as a Programmer.

Thanks.

244 Posts

Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 16:36:32

So how do you typically change multiple attributes simultaneously?

10024 Posts

Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 16:40:00

you can use the Blind (Preview) button for this.
In taht mode the programmer is not sending value to the output.

Prepare all you want and the turn off the Blind all values will Xfade in the Live-Time value.

Big_Daws

290 Posts

Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 16:47:34

how i do it is program multiple effects for each fixture. this gives me maximum control. i use the buttons and encoders on the left for what effects and chases i have recorded and want direct access to, then i record all my colors, gobos, FX and specific looks (like combo colors, static looks, across ALL fixtures) onto playbacks(on a separate touchscreen).

i put my FX speeds onto an OR fader so i have control of my speed of FX.

i feel this gives me as much control and functionality as i need to make a show be a show...i just learned that i can change the function of the playbacks (toggle, flash etc) and this has been such a help!

274 Posts

Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 17:44:06

quote:
Originally posted by Paul Pelletier

you can use the Blind (Preview) button for this.
In taht mode the programmer is not sending value to the output.

Prepare all you want and the turn off the Blind all values will Xfade in the Live-Time value.

Blind and Programmer should be two completely separate editors in my opinion. Lets use Kevins example of having a busked "cue" in the programmer... You have to store it somewhere before going to Blind. For me in TV... I want to be making Subs in Blind but a lot of the time I cant use blind because I have stuff in the programmer that I dont want to store or cant store.

Allowing the Programmer to carry on outputting its snapshot of values while your in Blind is something I really really really want to happen. Other desks do it... Please can we have this functionality! It would open up more options for busking too...

Imagine having a look in the programmer, going to Blind, building another look then hitting a button on the screen and merging the Blind and Live Programmer together or having the Live Programmer clear and the new look (made in blind) take its place.

Thanks.

10024 Posts

Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 18:08:38

"Blind and Programmer should be two completely separate editors "
It will be... and more... :-)

274 Posts

Posted - 26 Feb 2013 : 18:15:28

Oh I know... I am well aware of what the "Swop Prog" button will eventually do...

But hey... I wouldn't be me (or British for that matter) if I didn't moan? ;)

Thanks.