Q:
I'd like to buy a PC software equipped (equipped by a USB-DMX interface) but I wonder If this type of system are realiable in order to be used for occasional works or if I should buy a physical dmx console.
Unluckily, I don't have a lot of money to spend, so buying a physical DMX console would mean giving up other features I need (like, for example, the possibility of programming timecoded shows and the 3D simulation of the venue).
Thanks a lot.
A:
Simply try some software... I didn't like Chams (reason: lack of training or lack of knowledge -my fault: #startingasagreenhorn. In the end, I couldn't make peace with the workflow Chams needed and I lacked visual feedback on what is going on - Right Now... etc. My fault for not learning), and took the big leap to GMa2, now 3 ...
Learned it thoroughly, tried it, and spend 10's of hours with it. Its gender changed to Her
and I bought a console. Being a hobby of mine, a very expensive path...For small rigs dough, I use QLC+ (free)... Runs even on a Raspberry Pi. With 2 midi controllers: a motorized physical faders wing (will come important in your future as LD...) and a 64-touch button (you will train your mind where is what?) midi thing. This learns you the midi language. Essential if you want to use external controllers. The next step will be OSC. But hey... learning is fun? Right?
I'd invest some money into the output side ... EntTec pro mk2 is my favo weapon for a starter. An Artnet to DMX device will give you lessons on the network side of things - which is also very essential...
In regard to 3D sim, IMHO invest in some cheap moving heads. It might be -again- essential. They need to have gobos and a color wheel built into them. Using them, they teach you how to 'feel' slow-moving devices. Depending on the quality of the fixture definition, 90% will not include velocity times... So your beloved timecode show will be ruined because movers can't hold up the programmed pace. Having a small bargained-rig, helps you handle the real-world output speed of movers. You can quicken them up when you have fast movers but you can't slow them down in regard to your timecode show!
This picture I took just now - I'm in the middle of preprogramming a thingy, where runners run through a building and they needed a waaw-factor; I'm using this very cheap rig to get my EFX's right. I will get there, load in, setup and start the show I'm prepping right now. Once operational I will test the speed of the movers and adopt my BPM and EFX-timing to them. The showfile will follow that pace. That is the plan. (And the plan will be wrong for sure -again- sigh...
With the knowledge you gained, learning things, the troubleshooting will become very easy. At that precise time, when you are in trouble -you will be under such pressure, you can't think logically anymore- the brain muscle will sort things out in no time and you will be up and running writing invoices.
That's all folks... old daddy has talked up loudly.
#pressingbuttonsintherightpace