Quick question,
We have a basic DMX lighting rig (dmx dimmers and conventional lights) that a number of volunteers run. We've got a basic controller (faders and chases) that they can pretty much get a handle on.
I'm wanting to add a few multi-channel dmx lights in two different areas: 1: Color-mixing LED's for the audience 'ambiance' lighting, and some movers and color changers around the stages.
What I would like to do (my ideal), is get a controller (or software, I'm fine with putting a laptop in there) that I can program a number of 'looks' or scenes into. The operator can 'run' the conventional lights as normal, and then select a scene (red stage, or highlight drums) for the other lights.
What I want to accomplish is a drastic simplification of the high-end fixtures for the volunteer.
First question: Would it be best to run two different systems - the conventionals on the 'fader board' we've got now, and the other fixtures on software/different controller - OR is there a system that will allow me to accomplish this with little danger of the volunteers getting in over their heads.
Second Question: With any of these systems, can the 'house lights' have their own scenes? In other words, if I've got the house lights on a slow color cycle, I wouldn't want to abort that when I change the stage scenes or hit a stage blackout.
What products/tools/processes should I be looking at?
Thanks in advance,
Jonathan
