u/Pbfconnor

Hello. I am a promoter based in Korea. We run lots of international and local shows. Ive always been interested in lighting. Recently we have started managing a couple of artists and i thought now might be the time to get into it a bit more. Id like to be able to elevate their live shows (im aware this is gling to take some time - but it is a good excuse to get started).

Ive been watching videos and thanks to the shows we run, i habe some idea of the basics. But ive no idea where to start, i cant afford a console right off the bat. So some questions - sorry if they are dumb ones, but gotta start somewhere.

1. ⁠if i dont have a console, can i run the software from a mac?

2. Do i need to get the ‘on pc dmx key (starter?)
   Or Do i just need a node? If so, which one?

3. Once i have a dmx key / node in theory can i run small shows off that and a mac laptop. Id probably need an extra monitor? Or is it possible to do it all on a laptop screen?

4. What else do i need to know to get started? Lots of tutorials online. Thats good. I will probably try to do some kind of course as well to soeed the process up

I already feel like i am over my head. But keen to give it a go!

Hello.

I manage a couple of artists in Seoul. We are looking to up their live game, and I think lighting is one of the ways to best do it. I have been doing a bunch of research, and I understand the basics on how to program a show with midi triggers from their MR tracks (ableton live). I plan to use something like lightkey initially to get things moving, then switch over to Magic Q further down the line when i have a better grasp on things.

So, not i need to work out the answers to the following questions, which is where I would like some advice.

1. What Fixtures Do I Need?
   I get this is a 'no size fits all' type of question, but still ... any guidelines would be great. We are going to be playing small venues, 100 - 150 cap. Some will have lights already, some wont. But my plan is to buy a basic little set up that i can program and we will take it with us to set up in the venue.

From what I understand, i should be looking at getting some pars/washes (x4??), moving heads (x2?) and a strobe or two? Would that be enough for most small venue stages do you think? Anything else that should be in there?

Could i / should I get more strobes and double them up as washes?

For one of the acts, i am thinking about getting some LED tape, and making a couple of lamp shade type fixtures as well. Ive been looking into the logistics around that. Seems doable.

2. Chinese Made Fixtures
   I understand these are not the best option. You get what you pay for and all that. That said, we dont have massive budgets being a smaller label, so i would like to consider the options there. Does anyone have positive experiences with any makers / models of lights out there? or is it all just a no go?

If China made fixtures are not advisable, are thee any affordable fixtures that would work for a small venue. Anywhere that sells second hand (I am from the UK and visiting soon, so any recommendations there would be ideal).

Appreciate any tips and tricks