Tag: live production

Slice and Dice in Qlab!

TL;DR: Remix your audio files on the fly in Qlab, building loops and vamps. The Story: This is a topic that I was discussing with my friend Matt the other day. Everyone who has used Qlab has used it to play back sound files. Its quick and easy to get comfortable, and trim files to …

Get more out of ancient ETC Express lighting boards, using Qlab and MIDI

TL;DR: Use that ancient lighting console in new and exciting ways, by integrating your lighting cues with the rest of your show in Qlab! You can trigger Cues and Macros! The Story: The first big Qlab design I ever did was a show requiring me to design and run lights, sound, and video, in a …

A (Brief) History of Sound Reinforcement

I’ve had to teach about live sound in so many ways to various audiences over the years. I have always felt that an understanding, however cursory, of the past and development of the tools we currently have is key in understanding how and why we use them. Like graphic design and desktop publishing (a field …

Changing audio levels of multiple cues in Qlab

TL;DR: Change the audio levels of multiple cues in Qlab with a single command. The Story: As you get deeper into the design process, you may find that once you get into the space, you designed a set of cues too loud or too quiet. Perhaps you would like to change a number of audio …

Random triggers in Qlab, and embracing spontaneity

TL;DR: Embrace spontaneity – and actor performances – by using triggers and randomly generated cues in Qlab. The Story: Here’s a funny story I like to share. Back in the early 1990s, one of the biggest bands on the planet was U2. Their tour behind the album “Achtung Baby” – called Zoo TV – was …

Triggers and Hotkeys in QLab – a Primer

TL;DR: QLab can have more than one GO button. Here is why that’s a good thing. The Story: I realized that, in the course of this blog, I have talked a lot about using hotkeys and triggers in QLab. While I have sometimes explained how to do that, I wanted to put out the definitive …

Projector shutter control scripts for Qlab (Panasonic)

TL;DR: Control a Panasonic projector’s power and shutters using Qlab (Developed using a Panasonic D6000) The Story: In our examples in this post, we are using a Panasonic D6000 – every brand is different and uses different controls. I’ve used this with more than one model from Panasonic. This post will probably be more of …

A Brush-up on Basics – some helpful posts on Qlab and workflow

I work with a lot of students, across a few schools. I count myself lucky to be able to share with them what I know – as well as learn a lot from them. Many have become just “younger peers” because I like to work collaboratively, even if I am driving the design. Last month …

Automatically Switching Cue Lists in Qlab

TL;DR: Tell Qlab to automatically switch to another Cue List so that you’re ready to go – like jumping from Act 1 to Act 2, or out of your Preshow routine. No clicks needed, and make life easier for your board op. The Story: My goal with this blog is to help as many designers and …

Actually using that digital script/prompt book

TL;DR: Use the PDF version of your script/prompt book while running your live show. The Story: Last week’s blog post has already covered creating digital prompt books in detail – here I am going to show how I have worked those PDFs into my live show workflow. For following your prompt book during the show, you …