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  • 1.  Need help Spec'ing out some new technology

    Posted 05-06-2025 09:23

    To start out please respond as if I have no clue (because I do not)

    I am a Tech Geek and a theatre Geek but not a Theatre Tech Geek

    I am looking to make significant upgrades to our theater's technology. This process will likely unfold over several years; however, there may be an opportunity to implement several changes quickly. As I navigate this journey and learn along the way, I want to have a clear plan in case I'm given the go-ahead to purchase everything tomorrow. I will share what we currently have and where I hope to go. If I'm heading in the wrong direction, please let me know.

    I have a MAC I am able to run QLAB on (the free version now but may have funds for an upgrade. Main purpose immediately is for sound (effects) and video cueing. I would like to use it for lights as well. Looking down the road I would like to interface with sound board for mike cueing.

    Sound I have a bunch of wireless mikes with a fairly new control board. The board outputs via XLR cables with no type of computer control interface (this is staying most likely). I have a very old sound board that has its issues all analog. I would want to replace it with something with a simple interface (I am not mixing for the beatles) the less confusing the board is to operate the better. That said I would like to interface with QLAB as mentioned above. I believe I can get by with 16 inputs 24 would be better.

    Lights

    I have a single batten with 4 lights 2 are white two are programmable color. They are controlled by a weird DMX like system  (FENIXFIT Wireless DMX512 Transmitter Receiver Rechargeable DMX Wireless 1 Transmitter & 3 Receivers Built-in Battery Long Transmission Range Wireless DMX Light Controller for LED Stage Disco Lighting

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    It is controlled by a cheeapy control board.  I would love to integrate this with qlab but am open to other thoughts. I can use the existing lights but would need to figure it a more standard way of connecting them (preferably wireless). I would love to use a second computer to control the lights but still have a tie in to QLAB, I am very open to adding more lights.

    Finally I want to mount a camera on the batten that would output to monitors in the control booth and both green rooms (preferably wirelessly) 

    Any thoughts suggestions or other input would be greatly appreciated

    ) 



    ------------------------------
    Ron Fedele
    Middle School Drama Teacher
    Obsidian Middle School
    CA
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  • 2.  RE: Need help Spec'ing out some new technology

    Posted 05-07-2025 12:58

    I'm going to give you some advice that may not seem terribly helpful, but I think in the end you will be much happier.  Don't seek this kind of advice from an online group.  Specifying technical systems for theater is far to specific to your situation and is very complex.  A must work with B must work with C and won't work with D or E.  Any advice you get in an online forum is going to be nothing more than a guess.  I strongly suggest you find a (relatively) local provider with whom you can develop a relationship.  They can then look at your entire situation and make suggestions that include steps to take over time.  You only get to do this once, so it's not something to rush or to go into blindly.  I'm certain there are companies in Santa Rosa. There are dozens in San Francisco and many of them work all over the state.  Get some local help to put together a plan.  Good luck!



    ------------------------------
    Kirk Longhofer
    Theatrical Sound Design, Audio Production, Editing and Engineering
    Systems Design and Consultation
    www.technopraxis.org
    kirk@technoprasix.org
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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