Summary: Lighting News<br> This week in lighting news we do have a grim story but it needs to be discussed. There were a couple of accidents in China and Brazil where trusses fell down during a live show. Unfortunately, some people were hurt and passed away.<br> What I want to talk about is that if you’re not fully insured or completely confident you should really work with someone who has done this type of work in the past. If you’re hanging lights over people or dealing with high volt electricity bring in someone who is trained and fully insured!<br> Main Segment<br> When I first started in the business about 10 years ago it was unheard of to get a lighting console for under $500. But with technology advances, these products are becoming more available at an affordable price.<br> Last week, we covered how you can get started controlling lights under with $100. These are the basics but it will get you going. Be sure to check out last week’s episode:<br> <a href="https://www.learnstagelighting.com/episode-17-how-do-i-get-started-controlling-lights-for-less-than-100/">How Do I get started controlling lights for less than $100?</a><br> Types of Consoles<br> Chauvet Obey 40 – Starting with the simplest first if you need the most basic functions such as a couple of faders, a few lights, and LEDs I would suggest the Chauvet Obey 40. It’s not a complex console and can handle just a couple of basic functions. <br> <a href="https://www.learnstagelighting.com/how-to-begin-with-the-chauvet-obey-40/">How to Begin With The Chauvet Obey 40</a><br> ENTTEC DMXIS – The next console I would recommend is the ENTTEC DMXIS. If you already have a computer to work with, ENTTEC’s DMXIS is software based and really easy on computers. They don’t take a lot of space and if you have an old computer the software can handle it. This runs for $290. <br> The interface is very simple and easy to use. Some features you can use are saved presets and creating banks. You can also import DMX as a VST file to work with individual lights or scenes using Ableton or another DAW.<br> <a href="https://www.learnstagelighting.com/how-to-program-with-dmxis/">How to Program With DMXIS</a><br> Enttec D-Pro – For a more creative and professional approach I highly recommend the D-Pro. You’ll get 2 universes of output and you’ll need to get an interface to control your lighting. These run on a Mac or Windows The interface is easy to set up and run a more complex show. With the console and software, this will cost about $350 – $400. <a href="https://www.enttec.com/us/products/controls/lighting-controller/d-pro/">Buy D-Pro here!</a><br> <a class="row-title" href="https://www.learnstagelighting.com/begin-enttec-d-pro/">How Do I Begin with ENTTEC D-Pro?</a><br> Elation M-Series Software – This is a professional console that is used in big shows, churches, corporate events and more. It’s reliable and becoming more popular. Even better, the software is able to be downloaded for free, and they offer some of the most competitive<br> <a class="row-title" href="https://www.learnstagelighting.com/begin-m-pc/">How Do I Begin With M-PC?</a><br> Elation M DMX Box – If you need 2 universes of DMX and retails for under $250. You’ll get the full software functionality. <a href="https://www.learnstagelighting.com/what-is-rdm-and-why-does-it-matter-to-me/">As well as RDM</a> which talks to your fixtures and change menu settings.<br> M-Touch and M-Play – For physical software I recommend the M-Touch or M-Play. These are interfaces that you have playback faders and buttons. The M-Touch has a programming and playback section. With either of these, you can get started under $500.<br> <a class="row-title" href="https://www.learnstagelighting."></a>
