chamsys Consoles Power Dynamic Lighting and Video for Major Concert at De Kuip Stadium
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ChamSys lighting and video control systems played a central role in a recent high-profile concert held at De Kuip stadium, enabling a lighting and video team to deliver a complex and dynamic show for a major artist. The production leveraged the flexibility of ChamSys consoles to facilitate collaborative programming,simultaneous show element control,and seamless integration of video content.
Collaborative programming & Simultaneous Song Control
The lighting and video team, led by Driessen, benefited considerably from ChamSys’ ability to support multiple programmers working within the same cue list concurrently. “[W]e were able to program with two programmers in the same cue list as the same time,” Driessen explained. “So basically, as one programmer was setting the look and feel in the cue list of the song, the other was programming the effects, highlights like build ups and drum riffs.”
this parallel programming workflow dramatically increased efficiency. Furthermore, the team was able to work on multiple songs concurrently within the same show file. “Also, at some points, we programmed two songs at the same time in the same show file,” Driessen continued. “It was really invaluable that our ChamSys allowed us to connect multiple previz systems to the same show file.” Previsualization (previz) systems allow designers to virtually model and test lighting and video designs before the show, saving time and resources during the live event.
Expanding Control with MQ500M Consoles & DMX Merge
on-site at De Kuip, the team expanded their control capabilities by adding two additional ChamSys MQ500M consoles. These consoles were dedicated to managing the show’s extensive video elements, which included two large video walls and video content displayed throughout the stage and even on the lighting fixtures themselves.
The integration of video was achieved using ChamSys’ DMX Merge feature. “We used the ChamSys DMX Merge feature to integrate all video content into the console from servers,” Driessen stated.”In this case, we were able to map video across all washes and LED strips.” DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a standard communication protocol used to control lighting and video equipment. DMX Merge allows multiple DMX universes (channels) to be combined and controlled from a single source. As all consoles operated on the same network, the team could control all cues – lighting, video, and key lights – from a single main lighting desk.
Timeline and Hand Cues for Dynamic Performance
The show was programmed using a combination of timeline-based and manual (hand cue) control.”Basically,each song was running on timeline,but the outros were by hand,” Driessen explained. This approach allowed the band to dynamically extend songs at the end of their performance, adding an element of spontaneity and audience engagement. Timeline-based programming ensures consistent execution of pre-defined cues, while hand cues provide the lighting and video director with real-time control to react to the performance.
Key Takeaways:
* Collaborative Workflow: ChamSys consoles enabled two programmers to work simultaneously on the same cue list, accelerating the programming process.
* Simultaneous Song Programming: The system allowed for programming multiple songs concurrently within a single show file.
* Integrated Video Control: ChamSys’ DMX Merge feature seamlessly integrated video content with lighting control.
* Flexible Control Options: The combination of timeline and hand cues provided both precision and dynamic responsiveness.
This production demonstrates the power and flexibility of ChamSys consoles in handling complex, large-scale live events. As concert productions continue to push the boundaries of visual spectacle, systems like chamsys will be crucial in delivering immersive and engaging experiences for audiences.