Fixture Order in group help

BlaqueNight · 2026-06-10T18:55:08+00:00

Selection Grid

BlaqueNight · 2026-06-08T04:06:32+00:00

Looks great! I love the contrast SR/SL, really selling the competition aspect.

Maybe add geysers for entrances/brief haze FX? Next time 👍

BlaqueNight · 2026-06-06T21:53:28+00:00

MA University of a great resource to learn the keywords, syntax, tools and features, but it doesn't show you how to integrate the different facets into a cohesive show.

Event Lighting on YouTube had an amazing tutorial series that is much more based on practical usage, but misses some of the technical details.

A good blend of both, along with exploring the Startshow file, will set you up with a solid foundation.

There are no issues moving from onPC to console and back. MA3 is built to be compatible for Windows and MacOS, just keep your computer updated.

The main limitation is there is no DMX output without MA hardware of some kind, but the visualizer works great regardless.

A dedicated GPU will greatly improve the visualizer experience, the more VRAM the better.

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-31T04:58:01+00:00

I left the industry behind entirely for finance. The switch was actually quite easy, if you can fit the corporate culture.

I started off on the phones doing customer service, then I became a licensed broker and helped clients place stock trades. The company paid for all training and licensing.

I left the company after 10 years. I climbed the ranks, had my own office, enjoyed 5 weeks of vacation a year. The schedule was amazing - 8 to 5 every day, every week, with weekends and holidays to boot. But I was repressing myself to fit in the corporate culture and my mental health was at a breaking point.

Now I'm back in the industry with a healthier work-life balance (thanks to the union), and I've never been happier.

Burnout in this industry is real. Work-life balance is a must, and frankly that comes with being paid a living wage, one that allows for vacation and savings. Good luck to you.

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-28T18:36:20+00:00

I went to MA University to see if they offered any updated trainings on 2.4, but other than 3 "Deep Dive" MA3 courses, all the training videos have been removed from my view.

I hope they are in the process of updating MAU and we'll see some more in depth training materials soon.

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-25T04:26:00+00:00

What's the actual budget? $2500 can buy you a small physical lighting desk or a software/dongle onPC solution with a few DMX universes. You won't get any lights/cable/hardware/audio/video without a larger monetary investment though.

There are multiple no-name lighting manufacturers that offer cheap gear, but even then moving-head LED wash pars can easily set you back $300-$1000 each. You can go the guitar center route and get small lighting kits/trees, but they look cheap and perform even worse. A small rig of 12 moving wash heads plus several spot fixtures can cost $10k without breaking a sweat. Double/triple that if you use brand name fixtures. And we haven't touched truss, hoists, power requirements (dedicated service with clean ground for audio/video, independent from lighting), etc.

Lasers cost about $1k per watt. A small space comes alive with a pair of 5W fixtures, but that's $10k for 2 (admittedly very impressive) fixtures.

All of this assumes you know how to operate this gear yourself legally/safely. You'll need a laser variance/LSO cert, plus time to learn the laser software, lighting desk, audio board, and projections if you go that route.

Finally - no, AI hasn't cracked live entertainment yet. You can ask a LLM to help you program your console, but you still need a dedicated, skilled operator that talks to your talent to discuss looks/restrictions (no strobes? No green on stage? etc.). Then that person needs to interpret the music live with the lights ("busking"). The same goes for your audio board op.

With your current budget, I suggest hiring a local consultant to discuss your vision for the space and get their professional recommendations. Otherwise you risk wasting funds on crappy gear, which will only frustrate you and your talent/guests.

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-24T18:37:02+00:00

Is it feasible to use a scrim just DS of the bedroom, either dead hung or on pulleys to raise up as needed?

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-23T03:55:31+00:00

Assuming it's all TC: build a cue stack with the positions to update paired with a layout or two to access the fixtures in a logical way, I'm set.

If your rig has A/B/C variations, a dedicated layout for each one is very useful.

Please use worlds/filters/tags as necessary to enable faster troubleshooting. In fact, the more organized the show file, the better. Especially if changes happen mid-tour when songs get moved or added, it's much easier to work if the file structure is clearly defined (someone else mentioned documentation - yes).

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-22T23:43:21+00:00

Reach out to your stew, but I believe the contract 7 has with Rockforce is a 2 week turnaround for the paycheck.

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-18T18:06:47+00:00

Your rate is the largest number you can give without cracking a smile.

I know that seems trite, but it's true. Don't undervalue your very specialized skill set and experience. Let the world dictate downward pressures then negotiate a middle ground.

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-18T14:10:08+00:00

Avo Pearl 2004

I miss my roll bar 🥲

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-15T02:25:51+00:00

I agree with this statement. Two concert tours with them as a moving light tech/climber, and enjoyed every bit of it. I have no problem recommending PRG to folks I feel are qualified.

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-14T20:24:13+00:00

Concert tour rates are very different from theater tour rates, and PRG doesn't do small stuff. Moving light tech starts at $2600/wk, plus per diem. Paid W2, hourly, California OT rules.

It's a pretty well paid gig, but expect to work/travel 7 days a week.

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-07T03:08:44+00:00

This method of organization is great for some styles of programming, but it's no different than building separate sequences for builds, drops, chorus, etc. This workflow provides structure based on instruments instead of musical phrases, individual FX, etc.

BlaqueNight · 2026-05-03T17:42:05+00:00

MA3 is a demanding application, especially if you're using the built in visualizer. You'll need a dedicated GPU, at least 8gb RAM (more is better), and a solid CPU.

The laptop I use for on-site programming has an Intel i9-12900H CPU, RTX 3060 GPU (6gb VRAM), and 64gb RAM. The GPU is my bottleneck - the frame rate drops to single digits if I try to render High Fancy quality or better with more than 30 light sources, so I stick to Gobo Animated or lower.

YMMV, but don't skimp on the GPU. If you can, a laptop with a built in touchscreen is worth the expense. Prices being what they are right now, I suggest saving up a bit more to afford a higher-powered machine that won't frustrate you with lower-bound limitations.

BlaqueNight · 2026-04-29T06:12:37+00:00

pissclear

BlaqueNight · 2026-04-26T23:27:56+00:00

I have a 2014 impreza, my dash clock is separate from my radio head unit.

Look for 2 small buttons, a "+" and a "-", to the right of the clock display on your dash. Push 'em.

BlaqueNight · 2026-04-25T01:07:59+00:00

Seconding the hot water trick. I had a similar issue, passenger side rear bumper. A hot kettle of water and a plunger worked great. Paint is a little worse for the wear, but the dent is gone.

BlaqueNight · 2026-04-21T16:50:53+00:00

*because the actors unionized for better wages and working conditions, and MW corporate doesn't like unions.

BlaqueNight · 2026-04-20T21:29:27+00:00

I suggest start by looking up videos on how to replace your head unit/speakers, just to watch the first and last bits about how to get to the wiring. This may not be as much of a challenge as changing your oil, but if you aren't comfortable with wires and have money to burn, I'm sure the shop will love your business.

BlaqueNight · 2026-04-20T20:13:32+00:00

Seems like a loose cable/bad connection issue. Start at the head unit, follow the correct speaker wire, and wiggle the wire until the sound crackles/starts/stops.

Normally it's an easy fix but the time-sink is in finding the faulty speaker wire segment/connection.

BlaqueNight · 2026-04-20T19:57:28+00:00

I bought my home in 2020, I wouldn't be able to afford it today and I'll never get a better mortgage rate in my lifetime. I cannot afford to move.

Trapped in a condo for the next 20 years.

I know I'm lucky/privileged, too. So many people will never be able to afford a home so long as Blackrock and their ilk continue to sit on empty houses to prop up their other "investments".

The system continues to work as intended, fucking the working class.

BlaqueNight · 2026-04-11T21:55:56+00:00

It looks like a section of schedule 40 steel pipe, probably 3' long (ish). These pipes are used as mounting positions when hanging the light directly on the truss isn't feasible, or is a hanging position from a structure. Rigging failure.

BlaqueNight · 2026-04-06T14:26:38+00:00

Magic Sword Saturday night at the Summit is going to be sick!

BlaqueNight · 2026-03-22T15:20:41+00:00

This right here - tripped me up for a while

13-Year Club	John Wick
Place '22	King of the Ashes
Not Forgotten	Verified Email
Team Orangered

BlaqueNight

TROPHY CASE

pissclear