The Learn Stage Lighting Podcast

Latest Episodes:

3004 - How to not burn out and look after yourself, New Products from DVS and Onyx v4.10 May 17, 2024

Show notes

Burnout frequently occurs in the entertainment sector, with excessive work often cited as the primary cause, but is that true?

How can one navigate through this challenging phase and ensure self-care while working in this industry?

We take a look at some new products from DVS and Onyx v4.10

Chapters:

00:57 Introduction

02:10 Our topic for today

03:10 What causes burnout?

04:14 Are long working hours the main cause of burnout

04:59 JP’s opinion on burnout and what has caused him to burnout

07:19 Taking a look at burnout caused by unrealistic expectations you place on yourself.

08:27 Keep yourself physically healthy

09:42 Our recommendations on getting out of the burnout phase

Making sure you have people outside of your daily life that can help you get back on track.

11:20 Try to be honest with yourself about the problem so that you can determine how to resolve it

12:03 Our thoughts on the new Onyx version 4.10

12:35 What are some of the new features in Onyx?

14:26 Our favorite new features in the new version of Onyx

Dylos BPM Sync
NDI Input

18:52 Networking plays a larger role in lighting than ever before

19:33 Backup Lighting Consoles and why they are important

21:35 A new LED Wall from DVS

31:39 Closing

Links:

DVS Optic E: https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com/search?q=Optic+E&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

Download Onyx Here: https://support.obsidiancontrol.com/Content/Support/Downloads.htm

Buy Onyx Gear Here: https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com/search?q=onyx&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

Visit our sites/channels here:

Learn Stage Lighting Gear https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com

Learn Stage Lighting: https://learnstagelighting.com/about/

Learn Stage Lighting Labs: https://www.learnstagelightinglabs.com

Learn Onyx - Learn Stage Lighting YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LearnOnyx-LearnStageLighting

Learn Stage Video and LED Walls YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnStageVideoandLEDWalls

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnStageLighting/featured

Requests, Ideas or Topics for the Podcast can be sent to questions@learnstagelighting.com

3003 - The Martin Mac Viper xIP, New Fixtures and some cool gear from Mega-Lite Apr 19, 2024

Show notes

The Cat's out the bag, the new fixture from Martin is a LED version of the Mac Viper! We look at some new fixtures from Ayrton, ADJ, ETC and some innovating gear from Mega-Lite!

Chapters:

00:56 Introduction

01:45 New fixtures at Prolight & Sound

01:56 New Ayrton Kyalami

02:45 Discussing the Kyalami

05:10 The Martin Mac Viper xIP

05:20 Discussing the Viper

05:54 How IP ratings work

08:14 Is the Viper 1100 Watt or 760 Watt?

09:41 What do we like about Martin?

10:02 You can control the Viper with NFC

12:15 The ETC ColorSource Par Jr

13:21 What we like about this fixture

14:55 Do you always gain running fixtures in an extended mode?

15:57 The ADJ Electra Pix

16:03 How long does it take to ship fixtures after launch?

16:45 Taking a look at the ADJ Electra PIX

17:10 Background LED’s

18:35 The floor stand is a bit different

19:04 Capture Celebrates 30 years in the industry

20:03 Talking about trackers and follow spot systems.

25:22 New lights from Mega-Lite

30:23 A Lighting Console from Mega-Lite

31:50 Closing

Links:

Visit our sites/channels here:

Learn Stage Lighting Gear https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com

Learn Stage Lighting: https://learnstagelighting.com/about/

Learn Stage Lighting Labs: https://www.learnstagelightinglabs.com

Learn Onyx - Learn Stage Lighting YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LearnOnyx-LearnStageLighting

Learn Stage Video and LED Walls YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnStageVideoandLEDWalls

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnStageLighting/featured

Requests, Ideas or Topics for the Podcast can be sent to questions@learnstagelighting.com

3002 - From Planning to Execution you shows. New Gear from Martin and Do Hazers really affect your health? Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode well be focusing on the Planning and Execution of your shows, we chat about some new Gear and if Chinese fixtures are worth it!

Chapters:

00:57 Introduction/Welcome

01:21 What is our topic for this week?

01:44 Planning a show

02:21 David’s take on Planning a show

03:16 Some key things to remember when planning your show.

04:21 Why is it so important to do as much as possible ahead of time?

05:47 Power

06:55 Pre-Planning and Preparation

09:07 Should you attend rehearsals as a lighting tech?

09:46 How important is a lighting plot?

11:06 Writing down Ideas

12:03 Learning from other designers

12:29 A recent show David did

14:31 Working in sync with other departments

15:20 Have fun while doing your events and shows

16:19 Do Haze/Smoke machines affect your health?

20:10 Above AVL

21:15 The Martin Mac Viper returns full LED

25:09 Does more Lumens mean brighter?

27:07 The Martin Mac 2000

30:29 Are knock-off brands really that bad?

Visit our sites/channels here:

Learn Stage Lighting Gear https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com

Learn Stage Lighting: https://learnstagelighting.com/about/

Learn Stage Lighting Labs: https://www.learnstagelightinglabs.com

Learn Onyx - Learn Stage Lighting YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LearnOnyx-LearnStageLighting

Learn Stage Video and LED Walls YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnStageVideoandLEDWalls

Learn Stage Lighting YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnStageLighting/featured

Requests, Ideas or Topics for the Podcast can be sent to questions@learnstagelighting.com

3001 - New Co-Host, Artificial Intelligence in Stage Lighting and Laser-Source Fixtures Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode we discuss some of our videos, AI in Stage Lighting and the industry and why Laser Source fixtures are becoming more popular.

Chapters:

00:55 Welcome, and introducing our new co-host JP.

01:14 What has happened and where have we been since the last podcast that we had?

01:43 What happened to Crystal?

01:49 Who is JP?

02:17 Why will JP be doing our Podcasts?

02:49 Why did we decide to restart the podcast?

03:52 Where have we been the last few months?

04:12 Why did we make the DJ/EDM lighting videos

Design DJ/EDM Lighting with Me

Program and Playback DJ/EDM Lighting with Me

05:08 What makes lighting for EDM so different?

05:40 AI in Lighting

AI Showoff: Twinkly Lightwall vs. MaestroDMX - Who is the winner?

AI-Powered Lighting Revealed - Is it Just a FAD, or does it work?

05:51 Do we think lighting will become more computerized in the near future in terms of AI?

07:31 Where do we think AI will have an affect first in our industry.

07:49 What AI have we seen in the Audio part of our industry?

08:22 What do we think AI is going to look like?

10:15 Discussing the color mixing video

How Do You Use Colors in Stage Lighting (Pt. 1)

How Do You Use Colors in Stage Lighting (Pt. 2 - Programming Colors)

14:37 What is our prediction for the industry this year?

17:05 Taking a look at some new gear and what we saw at the most recent trade show we went to.

19:01 Talking about the new Vizra LED Wall

21:33 Buy Your Second LED Wall First

23:06 Can you use different size LED Panels together on the same controller?

24:51 Looking at laser-based fixtures

29:46 Closing

Visit our sites/channels here:

Learn Stage Lighting Gear https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com

Learn Stage Lighting: https://learnstagelighting.com/about/

Learn Stage Lighting Labs: https://www.learnstagelightinglabs.com

Learn Onyx - Learn Stage Lighting YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LearnOnyx-LearnStageLighting

Learn Stage Video and LED Walls YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnStageVideoandLEDWalls

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnStageLighting/featured

Requests, Ideas or Topics for the Podcast can be sent to questions@learnstagelighting.com

2006 - MIDI vs OSC and what the future holds. May 26, 2023

Show notes

What is OSC and MIDI? How can we use them to make our life and workspace a little easier in the lighting world?

Chapters:

00:58 Introduction

01:16 Today’s Topic

03:37 NAMM and USITT

04:42 What is MIDI and how is it used?

08:39 How Crystal has used MIDI before

09:20 There’s more than one form of MIDI.

12:14 Is MIDI MSC and MIDI Timecode the same thing?

14:22 Modern MIDI don’t use MIDI cables anymore

15:14 Why is MDI not the best option for lighting?

18:00 What is OSC and what it is used for in lighting.

23:49 How long will we still use MIDI and OSC?

25:58 What else is there about OSC and MIDI. (General comments)

27:11 OSC or MIDI, which one should you use and why?

28:23 Closing

Links:

USITT Show: https://www.usitt.org/stage-expo

NAMM Show: https://www.namm.org

Visit our sites/channels here:

Learn Stage Lighting Gear https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com

Learn Stage Lighting: https://learnstagelighting.com/about/

Learn Stage Lighting Labs: https://www.learnstagelightinglabs.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnStageLighting/featured

Requests, Ideas or Topics for the Podcast can be sent to questions@learnstagelighting.com

2005 - "Testing, Testing. 1,2,3." David's Fixture Testing Process for Learn Stage Lighting Gear Reviews May 11, 2023

Show notes

Testing Fixtures, We dive into how we test fixtures - How we recommend you should test them with or without a console and what we do when reviewing fixtures on our Learn Stage Lighting YouTube Channels.

Chapters:

00:54 Introduction

03:08 How does David decide what fixtures to review on Learn Stage Lighting Gear

06:49 Top Picks on Learn Stage Lighting Gear

07:37 Do you read the manual? Unlike many of us.

08:34 Tell us your general process for reviewing fixtures?

12:15 Crystal has a good question about photometric length.

13:00 David looks at the performance of the light and where he would possibly use the light.

19:07 Our different YouTube channels

20:30 Do you test the light before you record the review video?

23:10 Has David ever had a dissatisfaction about a light that he reviewed?

26:41 What are demo fixtures and how does it work?

32:43 Should you look under the hood of your lights?

33:29 How can you test a light without a console.

36:34 Is there a difference between testing a used light vs new out of the box?

40:00 Is there anything exciting new light that you want to get your hands on?

42:38 Product reviews we can expect to see.

43:10 BREAKING NEWS: Transworld has a new tradeshow – East Coast Haunters Convention

45:37 Where to find us?

46:57 Closing

Links:

City Theatrical DMX Cat: https://www.citytheatrical.com/products/electronic/other-electronic/dmxcat-multi-function-test-tool

East Coats Haunters Convention: https://eastcoasthauntersconvention.com

Visit our sites/channels here:

Learn Stage Lighting Gear https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com

Learn Stage Lighting: https://learnstagelighting.com/about/

Learn Stage Lighting Labs: https://www.learnstagelightinglabs.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnStageLighting/featured

Requests, Ideas or Topics for the Podcast can be sent to questions@learnstagelighting.com

2004 - Pew Pew! Let's Talk about Lasers! Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

Lasers are seen on most shows, let's give you better insight about using them safely, keeping the audience safe - What you need to operate lasers and where to find some training resources.

Chapters:

00:58 Introduction

03:55 What are lasers and how are they different from moving lights?

06:35 Laser Projection

07:34 Are there still mercury lasers out there?

08:43 Do you need a special permission to operate lasers?

13:00 How long is your variance valid; and when do you need to get one?

14:10 Do you need haze to use lasers?

14:44 Stone Mountain in Georgia

16:30 Can lasers blind me? Safety Zones with Lasers

21:19 How much do Lasers cost?

23:42 How do I control lasers?

28:24 Can lasers burn through things?

30:28 What types of media do you play on Lasers? Is there a special file type?

32:13 Can you buy sequences/shows for lasers like you can get for Christmas lights?

33:04 What is the general lifespan of lasers?

35:11 We do have resources on lasers. You can have look on our YouTube Channel.

37:20 Sharing a story about why we help you to get the perfect fit for you.

39:25 Closing

Links:

Learn Stage Lighting YouTube Laser Videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEyo6_xbT5EBs-GSo351MlWhHy-wP9yK4

Pangolin Laser Software: https://pangolin.com/blogs/education

X-Laser https://x-laser.com

Visit our sites/channels here:

Learn Stage Lighting Gear https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com

Learn Stage Lighting: https://learnstagelighting.com/about/

Learn Stage Lighting Labs: https://www.learnstagelightinglabs.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnStageLighting/featured

Requests, Ideas or Topics for the Podcast can be sent to questions@learnstagelighting.com

2003 - What Do I Need When Looking For a Quote for New Lighting? Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

What do you need to consider when purchasing gear? In this episode we'll guide you into making the right decisions!

Chapters:

01:19 Introducing today’s topic.

02:16 What information do we need to help you make a purchase

04:42 Cameras and Lighting

05:37 What measurements do I need to provide?

08:00 Cameras are always there, whether a cell phone or professional camera

09:53 Replace some lights – or all the lights?

13:53 How to preserve your lights to last longer?

16:15 Using Relays in your lighting system.

18:12 Dirty Power

21:38 Making the most out of what you have - Matching equipment to your budget and needs

25:44 Use someone professional when buying and installing lights

29:25 Things to keep in mind with budgeting and costs involved with buying gear.

35:21 We now offer custom flight cases on LearnStageLightingGear.com

37:08 Closing

Links:

ETA Relays: https://www.e-t-a.com/products/relays_solid_state_remote_power_controllers/overview/

ETC Foundry Panel: https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Architectural-Systems/Foundry/Mini-Panels/Features.aspx

Elation RP2 https://www.elationlighting.com/rp2

Visit our sites/channels here:

Learn Stage Lighting Gear https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com

Learn Stage Lighting: https://learnstagelighting.com/about/

Learn Stage Lighting Labs: https://www.learnstagelightinglabs.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnStageLighting/featured

Requests, Ideas or Topics for the Podcast can be sent to questions@learnstagelighting.com

2002 - What's the frequency Kenneth!? Wireless DMX explained! Mar 16, 2023

Show notes

Wireless DMX is such a cool thing to have and to use, but oh boy have we seen some mishaps, In this episode we'll help you to get the right device, and to make the right decisions when using wireless DMX

Chapters:

01:09 Introducing today’s topic of wireless DMX

01:52 What is wireless DMX and components.

05:12 Wireless lifespan and is it reliable?

06:12 When should you use Wireless?

11:43 Every brand does have a wireless system.

13:44 The cost of these wireless DMX

17:48 What megahertz should be use and venue sweep of frequencies.

22:28 What are ISM frequencies?

25:31 How can I set yourself up for success with wireless DMX

28:01 What to look for to ensure a reliable wireless system.

30:14 Will it help if I take all the phones away in the venue?

31:08 Do all wireless system do RDM?

Visit our sites/channels here:

Learn Stage Lighting Gear https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com

Learn Stage Lighting: https://learnstagelighting.com/about/

Learn Stage Lighting Labs: https://www.learnstagelightinglabs.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnStageLighting/featured

Requests, Ideas or Topics for the Podcast can be sent to questions@learnstagelighting.com

2001: Who is David Henry and Why is He An Expert? Feb 08, 2023

Show notes

We are back, with double the power as we add a new member, Crystal, to the Podcast! In this episode we’ll be taking it way back to when we started Learn Stage Lighting and some history about why it started.

Chapters:

01:17 Introducing Crystal and some background about her.

03:33 LDI and the impact David had on people with the Podcast.

05:27 How David and Crystal met.

06:31 How Learn Stage Lighting started.

11:50 Why should people trust David’s information and judgement in Lighting (some history on David too)

17:41 Learn Stage Lighting Labs

21:07 Learn Stage Lighting Gear and why David started it and what the goal of Learn Stage Lighting Gear is.

26:33 What’s the goals for 2023 for David Henry, and all the branches of Learn Stage Lighting.

Visit our sites/channels here:

Learn Stage Lighting Gear https://www.learnstagelightinggear.com

Learn Stage Lighting: https://learnstagelighting.com/about/