Tips and Tricks Part 3: Cue Stacks, Sequences

[MrDan]

How to run Cue Stacks/Sequences with the BlueLite X1

I had to answer this question already a couple of times so I thought I'd post it here for everybody to see.

Some people complain about the fact that you can't put cue stacks on a submaster. That is true, but there are several ways of getting a similar (maybe even better) result.

First of all, I think for timecoded shows, the BlueLite X1 is currently unmatched. Having 4 independent event lists all 'locked' to timecode (as opposed to just triggered from timecode) makes the BlueLite X1 the perfect fit for theme parks, exhibits and architectural applications. But of course a lot of people use the BlueLite X1 for any kind of live shows which have different requirements.

First let me say, that given the fact that the BlueLite X1 has an Effect Generator which is also more powerful than any other effect generator I know, the need for cue stacks sometimes is no longer needed for certain types of application. E.g. in a night club, most likely all you want is a lot of cues with a lot of effects going on. E.g. if you put a 'Circle' effect on a couple of fixtures, that single cue might just replace a cue stack of 20 cues on another console. Now given the fact that in the same cue you can also put other lights on different effects (e.g. a star effect), you can get a pretty neat look in just one single cue. (I will go into more details about the full potential of the effect generator in another post).

But of course there is still the need for cue stacks/sequences for other live shows.

There are several ways to achive the desired result. One way is by taking advantage of the so called 'stop flag' in the event list. The stop flag can be assigned to any event in the event list. If you then run the event list in "internal mode" then the clock will automatically stop once it reaches that event (without triggering the event yet). That allows you to divide your event list (you have 24 hours of event time) into small (or big) sequences all ending on an event having the stop flag set. To start/stop the event list all you have to do is press the space bar. (You can also use an external DMX console to start/stop the event list). Now all you have to do is press the space bar to trigger the next sequence and it will automatically stop at the appropriate point.

In internal mode (just like in timecode mode) all event lists run simultaneous, allowing you to have "cue stacks" which can contain 4 independent cue sequences running at once.

To take the above to another level, you can use the extented DMX input. If you have a more sophisticated DMX console hooked up to the BlueLite X1, then you can actually play sequences/cue stacks with one single button on your DMX console. Lets e.g. say you made sequences starting every 15 minutes of your event time. E.g. the sequences starting at:

00:15:00:00
00:30:00:00
00:45:00:00
...

and each sequence ending with a stop flag (so it doesn't run any unwanted sequence).

Now using the DMX console hooked up to the DMX input you can trigger with one button "Start at 00:15:00:00", which will run your first sequence. Then you can have a second button send the DMX command "Start at 00:30:00:00" and so on.

That allows you to recall any sequence with a single button click.

If you are a starving DJ and you run your entire show with just a laptop, then you can achive the same by using the "Automation API". E.g. you would write a VB application with e.g. 48 Buttons. Then all you would have to do is let each button send the "Automation API command Start at" with the appropriate time (00:15:00:00, 00:30:00:00, ...) and you just made yourself a DJ console which recalls 48 sequences at will.

Then there is of course the 'step mode' which allows you to just step from one cue to the next pressing the space bar. The step mode differentiates from the internal and timecode mode in the way, that in step mode all 4 event lists don't synchronize. That allows you to trigger a fade in event list one, then switch to event list 2 and trigger another fade. Step mode also allows you to step the event list in non-sequential order.

All the above is of course additive to the 24 submasters. Meaning, if you run your sequences then you still have the 24 submasters available to add on general looks. And of course you have 24 presets giving you 576 submaster assignments.

For more on live fades, have a look at this whitepaper.

Dan

[MrDan]

Since that last post, something has changed. Now we added an additional way to run "cue stacks" with the BlueLite X1. In version 1.3 we added the "Live Panel", which is especially usefull for live shows. Basically it gives you 4 independent chasers which you can "feed" with 24 pages of 48 sequences. But it is not your traditional way of sequences. You can recall just your speed, just your cues and much more.

I don't want to explain the functionality of the Live Panel here (again), that's what the Manual is for. Download it here and read chapter 12. Or just download the software and try it out for yourself. The Live Panel can be lauched from the BlueLite X1 main window under "Tools->LivePanel..."

The LivePanel gives you the ability to run an entire live show just with your computer keyboard. Check it out

We are currently adding additional improvements to the Live Panel so stay tuned. And as always, user feedback is greatly appreciated so share your thoughts.

Dan