Karaoke Forums

I'm looking at adding some lighting to my setup. I have a few options to play with but my biggest need is to install it in a manner that allows me to use the lights and not worry about others using them. They'll be installed at the bar but there is another host and some bands who will use the stage.

I thought getting the lights controlled through DMX would at least require a specialized piece of hardware and that would likely keep the casual user from utilizing them. Am I correct in that assessment? Would the extra premium on DMX lights and controller be worth it?

I run a mix of LED's and Lazers that are also permanently mounted at the bar. I just run them through a light controller and unplug the switchboard for the controller and lock it in my bin when I leave. DMX is expensive and imo not needed for a club show (karaoke or dance).

Just my two pennies.

IF the lights are connected DMX dimmer pack, someone would need a DMX controller to use them. Bigger bands may have DMX controllers that they travel with, but the smaller ones likely won't.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

DMX 512 / 512A started in the early 90's and has become somewhat of the standard for stage lighting these days, not to mention that it is actually pretty inexpensive when compared to some of the older multiplex varieties used by NSI, ETA and Leprecon just to name a few. DMX type controllers and dimmers start at under $100.00, placing them well within the price range of even the smallest operation be it a KJ,DJ or band. The only question would be 3 pin or 5 pin for compatibility but adapters are readily available for this. Also DMX can only communicate in one direction, for that reason RDM is starting to be offered by some companies which apparently will work in conjunction with DMX which allows for two way communications between controllers and devices. It would be really rather counter productive to buy anything but DMX these days both from a cost and from a function stand point.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

I do use a DMX controller for my DJ gigs and they do come in handy. I do use them to control a couple of PAR64 lighting because they tend to be a bit too bright and are not very good with 100% duty cycle. Having the DMX controller control the light makes a lot of sense.

However, you don't really need it for Karaoke. All I use for karaoke is a couple of simple mood setting lights. I don't even use Par Cans anymore. I don't use moving heads, like I do in DJ gig. Many of the lighting now contains it's own sound activated patterns so I just set them up for auto and it's good to go.

If you do really want to use a DMX controller, use your laptop as the controlling machine. It's much easier to program and run. All you need is a USB to DMX converter and use free software. Do a Google search and you will find a lot of these type of software available. Some will only work with a certain hardware so make sure you get the right converter. Then use the GUI to program, which to me is easier than try to program one of the DMX controller box.

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Seize the day and SING!!!

Like Eben says...
Most DMX FX are sound to light anyway.

When it comes to programable lighting.

Xweed gave me the best program ever.

If you ever plan on expanding your lighting in the future, go for the DMX now, but do your homework on it just like any other equipment purchase. Shop around and find something that will work for your needs but leave room for expansion! Don't by an 8 channel controller if you are planning on running 6 or 7 instruments right now. I run an American DJ Stage Setter 8. I have 16 channels available to me, but only use 8 right now because I need to buy some more dimmer/relay packs once I can scrounge up some more money... luckily they're coming down in price! I do like the dimmer/relay packs vs. just a dimmer or just a relay pack as I can change it from one to the other with the flip of a single dip switch. So if I want to run my Pars on one pack, it can be set as a dimmer back. If I want to run my effects lighting (which has electronics built in that CAN NOT be on a dimmer) I can flip the switch and run them on a relay pack.

Care to elaborate on this program...is it available to us?

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Music speaks to the heart in ways words cannot express.

It may not actually be suitable for you.
I use faders and flash buttons on a midi / dmx lighting desk to control par 64's.
When I play a CDG, Xweeds program allows me to record and sync the midi lighting data so next time that song is played it plays back the light show previously recorded for that song.
I was going to use it for adding echo at certain parts in a song i.e. controlling a midi FX unit but never got round to it.

If you do really want to use a DMX controller, use your laptop as the controlling machine. It's much easier to program and run. All you need is a USB to DMX converter and use free software. Do a Google search and you will find a lot of these type of software available. Some will only work with a certain hardware so make sure you get the right converter. Then use the GUI to program, which to me is easier than try to program one of the DMX controller box.

I've looked for these usb adapters and it looks like everyone that makes one says it only works on their program - thus you have to buy their program. Isn't there a schematic for one I can make to work with any program? If not - what's the difference?

I also saw a demonstration on Utube that stated that mike cables are different enough from DMX to cause shimmer in some of the moving fixtures. What's your thoughts on Mike vs DMX?

The only difference I have noticed is the DMX use cheap XLR's.
I use Mic. cables with Neutric ends.
Never had a problem.

look at american dj sw 16 controller. It is a simple bump button on/off lighting controller. It uses xlr cables just like DMX controllers except it has a DMX through and Through so if you want to and a DMX controller it will patch right into the system.

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CHECK YOUR ATTITUDE AT THE DOOR, STICK AROUND YOU JUST MIGHT HAVE SOME FUN