book

QLab 4, 2nd Edition

by Jeromy Hopgood

October 2017

Intermediate to advanced

420 pages

11h 48m

English

Routledge

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1.1 Workflow ChangesCue TemplatesRecord Cue SequencePaste Cue PropertiesBatch EditingPop-Out Inspector, Cue Lists, and CartsKeep Audition Window on Top1.2 New Playback OptionsCue TriggersNegative Post-WaitNew Fade Curve Shape and Audio DomainLooping1.3 Integrated Lighting Control1.4 Cue Carts1.5 Audio Improvements64-Channel OutputMic CuesPrecision Slice Control1.6 Video ImprovementsHAP Codec SupportCopy/Paste Surface GeometrySet Durations for Still Images and Text Cues1.7 QLab RemoteBrand New DesignAdjust Video Surface Control PointsAccess to Light Levels in InspectorCart IntegrationCreate and Reorder CuesUSB Support1.8 Summary

2.1 QLab 4 System RecommendationsRAMProcessor (CPU)GPUHard Drive2.2 Understanding QLab 4 LicensingHow Do Licenses Work?The Free VersionProfessional LicensesRent-to-OwnAcademic LicensingSite LicensesUsing QLab 32.3 Installing the Software2.4 Adding a LicenseRemoving LicensesModernizing QLab 3 Licenses2.5 Organization and Work Flow2.6 Templates2.7 Workspace SettingsA. GeneralCue TriggeringGO Button SettingsPanic DurationCue Numbering and Auto-LoadLock PlayheadCue Row SizingB. AudioC. VideoD. LightE. NetworkF. MIDIG. Cue TemplatesH. Key MapI. MIDI and OSC Controls2.8 QLab PreferencesAt LaunchUpdatesSend Aggregate Usage DataDisabling OS FeaturesAudio Device BufferingArt-Net Lighting Network InterfaceBroadcast ModeLogging Level2.9 Preparing Your Computer for Running a ShowDesign Tips: Using TerminalInternet Related ConcernsDelete All Extraneous SoftwareDisable NotificationsDisable Screen SaverDisable SpotlightDisable Time MachineVideo ConcernsDesign Tips: Backup Systems and Saving Protocol
3.1 Understanding Cues and the Cue StructureWhat Is a Cue?Design Tips: Using Time Display ModesHow Do Cues Operate?Cue ListsCue SequencesPlayback Position3.2 The WorkspaceA. GO/Standby/Notes PanelB. ToolbarC. The Main Cue ListDesign Tips: Toolbox and Load to TimeD. InspectorThe Basics TabThe Triggers TabDesign Tips: Assigning a MIDI TriggerNew Trigger SettingsE. The Workspace FooterEdit/Show ModeCue and Cue List CountWarnings PanelLists, Carts, and Active Cues SidebarSettings3.3 Adding Cues3.4 Setting Targets for Cues3.5 Navigation and View Quick KeysDesign Tips: Searching the Workspace3.6 Paste Cue Properties3.7 The Tools MenuLoad to TimeRenumber Selected CuesDelete Number of Selected CuesJump to CueJump to Selected Cue’s TargetRecord Cue SequenceLive Fade PreviewHighlight-Related CuesBlack Out and Restore Desktop BackgroundsA. Fade ToolsSet Parameters from TargetSet Audio Levels from TargetSet Video Geometry from TargetRevert Fade Action3.8 The Window MenuThe Audition WindowOverride ControlsLighting ControlsTimecode Window3.9 Cue Carts
4.1 Audio Systems4.2 Basic Audio Equipment and TerminologyMicrophoneInput SourceMixing ConsoleSignal ProcessorsAmplifierSpeaker4.3 Understanding Basic Signal Flow: Input/Output4.4 Understanding Software Signal FlowAudio FileAudio CueInputsCrosspointsLevels Faders (Cue Outputs)Audio PatchAudio Device Output Routing4.5 A Word About Audio Devices4.6 Audio System ConfigurationsBasic Stereo Playback with Multiple SpeakersMultichannel Playback System with External Signal ProcessingMultichannel Playback System with QLab Signal ProcessingDesign Tips: Redundant Systems
5.1 Multichannel Sound Systems5.2 Audio SettingsVolume LimitsMic Settings5.3 Cue TemplatesAudio Output PatchThe Matrix MixerInputsCrosspointsCue OutputsSetting Levels FadersMaster FaderDesign Tips: Balancing Audio OutputDefault, Silent, and Gangs5.4 Editing Audio PatchesAudio Patch Editor: Cue OutputsAudio Patch Editor: Device RoutingCrosspointsAudio Patch Editor: Device Outputs5.5 Setting Up QLab with an Audio DeviceCustomizing Your Audio PatchesProject 5.1 — Setting Up Your System5.6 Audio Device Volume LevelsBalancing Audio Device Output5.7 Audio Effects and How to Use ThemAudio Effects and Cue OutputsProject 5.2 — Creating a Reverb Send in QLab5.8 Using Multichannel Audio Files
6.1 Inserting an Audio Cue6.2 Inspector: Basics6.3 Inspector: TriggersAffecting Other Cues6.4 Inspector: Time & LoopsThe Waveform DisplayWaveform ZoomDesign Tips: Multitouch GesturesPreview CueTimes, Loops, and SlicesDesign Tips: Looping Sliced TracksIntegrated Volume Levels and Playback RateControlling Playback RateProject 6.1 — Manipulating Start/End TimesProject 6.2 — Adding SlicesProject 6.3 — Manipulating Playback Rate6.5 Inspector: Audio LevelsAudio Output Patch and Device EditSet Default LevelsSet All Levels SilentAssign GangsVisible ChannelsAudio Levels and Crosspoint Matrix6.6 Inspector: Audio Trim6.7 Inspector: Audio EffectsProject 6.4 — Editing with Audio Effects
7.1 Understanding the Mic CueSignal FlowBuffering7.2 Setting Up Your Audio DeviceDesign Tips: Getting to Know Your EquipmentMic SettingsSetting Default Levels for New Mic CuesMic PatchDevice Routing7.3 Inserting and Editing a Mic CueInspector: BasicsInspector: TriggersInspector: Audio LevelsAudio Input and Output PatchVisible ChannelsDefault LevelsSet All to SilentAssign GangsLevels & Crosspoint MatrixInspector: Audio TrimInspector: Audio Effects7.4 Audio Effects and Mic CuesCue OutputProject 7.1 — Creating a Global EQ Send with Cue OutputsDevice OutputProject 7.2 — Assigning an Audio Effect to a Device Output
8.1 Inserting and Editing Audio Fade CuesDesign Tips: Cue Naming8.2 Inspector: Basics8.3 Inspector: Triggers8.4 Inspector: Curve Shape1. S-Curve2. Custom Curve3. Parametric Curve4. Linear CurveAudio DomainFade Cue DurationReset to Default Shape8.5 Inspector: Audio LevelsFade Type: Absolute vs. RelativeStop Target When DoneDesign Tips: Fading Group CuesLevels and Crosspoint MatrixSet from Target/Set All SilentAssign GangsLive Preview8.6 Inspector: Audio EffectsFade RateStop Target When DoneSet Audio Effects from TargetAudio Fade Cue SummaryProject 8.1 — Pitch Bend to Replicate a Reel-to-Reel Malfunction8.7 Mic Fade CuesInserting a Mic Fade CueBasics, Triggers, and Curve ShapeAudio LevelsAudio Effects8.8 Manual FadesProject 8.2 — Creating a Zero-Count Fade Cue8.9 Automatic FadesProject 8.3 — Automated Fade-In and Fade-Out of an Audio Cue8.10 PanningProject 8.4 — Panning via Fade Cue8.11 Ducking AudioProject 8.5 — Ducking Audio8.12 Copy/Paste Fade Parameters8.13 Exploring Trim
9.1 Start, Stop, and Pause CuesStart CueStop CuePause Cue9.2 Load CueDesign Tips: Load Cues and Playback Position9.3 Reset Cue9.4 Devamp CueProject 9.1 — Vamping an Audio Cue with LoopsProject 9.2 — Vamping an Audio Cue with Slices9.5 GoTo and Target CuesGoTo CueTarget Cue9.6 Arm and Disarm Cues9.7 Wait Cue9.8 Memo Cue9.9 Script CueDesign Tips: Hotkey SafetyProject 9.3 — Creating a Hotkey Activated Script Cue
10.1 Understanding Group Cues10.2 Inserting and Editing Group Cues10.3 Inspector: Basics10.4 Inspector: Triggers10.5 Inspector: Mode10.6 Workspace FunctionCue NameNotesHiding Group Cue Contents10.7 Group Cue ProjectsProject 10.1 — Using the Group Cue to Create a PlaylistProject 10.2 — Simultaneous Playback of Children
11.1 Understanding Cue Carts11.2 Creating a Cue Cart11.3 Cue Cart Setup: InspectorBasicsTriggersGrid Size11.4 How to Use Cue Carts11.5 Integrating the QLab RemoteProject 11.1 — Using a Cue Cart for Flexible Playback
12.1 Understanding Video SystemsVideo Playback SystemsVideo Reinforcement Systems12.2 Video System ComponentsThe Digital Video CameraComputerInterface ConnectionsVideo Only — AnalogVideo Graphics Array (VGA)Composite VideoSeparate Video (S-Video)Component VideoVideo Only — Analog/DigitalDigital Visual Interface (DVI)Video and Audio — DigitalHigh-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)DisplayPortMini DisplayPort/Thunderbolt 2ThunderboltThunderbolt 3IEEE 1394 (FireWire)Universal Serial Bus (USB)Category 5/6 (CAT 5/CAT 6)Output DevicesDigital ProjectorsFlat Panel Displays12.3 Understanding Video Signal FlowVideo/Image File/Video FeedVideo Cue/Camera CueVideo Surface PatchDesign Tips: Surface ControlOutput DeviceAudio12.4 Hardware ConsiderationsThe Bottleneck DilemmaData PathHard Drive/Data StorageExternal StorageThe Need for Multiple DrivesRAMCPUQLab Video CPU UsageRegarding Codecs and CompressionVideo CardvRAMGPUOutput12.5 Connecting to a Video DisplayWhat Types of Connector(s) Are Needed?Cable RunsSignal Amplifiers12.6 Graphics Expansion Devices
13.1 Workspace Settings: Video SurfacesVideo SurfacesAdding SurfacesDuplicating Surfaces13.2 Editing SurfacesEditing the Single-Screen SurfaceSurface Name and DimensionsEditor CanvasScreensIndividual Screen ControlsSurface Controls13.3 Creating and Editing New SurfacesTools of the Trade: Remote Control for Your Workspace13.4 Setting Up a Graphics Expansion Device with QLabProject 13.1 — Plug-and-Play SetupProject 13.2 — Individual Screen Control with an Expansion Module13.5 Creating a Surface with Edge BlendingProject 13.3 — Creating a Surface with Edge Blending13.6 Workspace Settings: CameraCamera Patch SettingsTools of the Trade: Syphon Output
14.1 Inserting a Video Cue14.2 Inspector: BasicsCue InfoDesign Tips: A Word About FileFormats14.3 Inspector: Triggers14.4 Inspector: Display & GeometryThe Video StageVideo SurfaceMode: Full SurfaceMode: Custom GeometryDesign Tips: Rotation OptionsProject 14.1 — Fade Controls for Video CuesProject 14.2 — Animating Image Rotation with Fade CuesProject 14.3 — Using the Anchor to Your Advantage14.5 Inspector: Time & LoopsWaveform DisplayPreview CueTimes, Loops, and SlicesIntegrated Fade Envelope and Playback Rate14.6 Inspector: Audio Levels, Audio Trim, and Audio Effects14.7 Inspector: Video EffectsTools of the Trade: Quartz Composer14.8 Camera Cues14.9 Inspector: Basics and Triggers14.10 Inspector: Display & GeometryProject 14.4 — Creating a Ghostly Effect14.11 Inspector: Video EffectsQuartz Composer Integration14.12 Text CuesInspector: Text14.13 Text Cue ProjectsProject 14.5 — Singalong LyricsProject 14.6 — Intergalactic Title Effects
15.1 Video Effects Presets: Color and Exposure ColorControls ExposureExposureGammaSepia MonochromeTools of the Trade: macOS Color PickerMin Max InvertWhite Point15.2 Video Effects Presets: TitlesFont PlacementBlend ModeFont NameFont SizeShow Cue ImageTextColor15.3 Video Effects Presets: Blur/SharpenBox/Disc/Gaussian BlursMotion BlurSharpen LuminanceUnsharp MaskZoom Blur15.4 Video Effects Presets: Textures and Edge EffectsPixellationScreenBloom and GloomCMYK HalftoneColor PosterizeCrystallize and PointillizeEdge WorkKaleidoscopeMedian and Comic EffectNoise Reduction15.5 Video Effects Presets: Distortion EffectsCircle Splash/Hole DistortionPinch/Bump DistortionTorus/Lens DistortionTwirl/Circular Wrap/VortexGlass Lozenge15.6 Video Effects Presets: TilesOp TilePerspective TileQuad TilesReflected TilesRotated Tiles15.7 Video Effects Presets: Custom CompositionsTools of the Trade: Syphon Recorder15.8 Video Effects ProjectsProject 15.2 — Video Effects and Fade CuesProject 15.3 — Combining Video Effects
16.1 Mapping vs. MaskingDesign Tips: Gradation and Masks16.2 Overlapping Geometric SurfacesProject 16.1 — Creating Surfaces for Overlapping Geometric Areas16.3 Mapping on Non-Planar SurfacesProject 16.2 — Mapping to 3D SurfacesTools of the Trade: External Mapping Options: MadMapper16.4 Masking Made EasyProject 16.3 — Using QLab as a Masking Tool
17.1 Understanding Lighting SystemsPowerControlLighting Instruments/Accessories/DMX-Controlled DevicesWhat Is DMX?What Is an Address?17.2 Understanding Lighting ConsolesInput/OutputChannelsMaster ControlSubmasters and GroupsPlaybackPalettesEffects17.3 QLab as a Lighting ControllerHow QLab CommunicatesUSB-DMX InterfacesChannelsMaster ControlSubmasters and GroupsPlaybackPalettesEffectsSummary
18.1 Network SetupDesign Tips: A Word About Polling18.2 Adding Your LightsPatchMIDI ControlGroups18.3 Definitions and the Light LibraryLight Library18.4 Putting It All TogetherSetting Up Your Lights
19.1 Inserting a Light Cue19.2 Inspector: Basics and Triggers19.3 Inspector: LevelsCommand LineAdd CommandPrune CommandsSafe Sort CommandsThe Lighting Commands ListDesign Tips: Live vs. Blind ProgrammingCollating Effects19.4 Inspector: Curve Shape19.5 The Light Dashboard19.6 The DMX Status Window19.7 Understanding Lighting Command LanguageSelection Ranges and PassingPulling ValuesUp ArrowAd-Hoc Groups19.8 Cueing ExamplesProject 19.1 — Creating a Chase Effect
20.1 TerminologyEntertainment Control SystemsStandardsShow ControlNetwork20.2 Entertainment Control SystemsSound Control SystemsLighting Control SystemsVideo/Projection SystemsAdditional Control Systems20.3 Show Control SystemsSound Control SystemsLighting Control SystemsVideo/Projection Control Systems20.4 Show Control Considerations
21.1 What Is OSC?21.2 OSC Settings Settings: NetworkDesign Tips: Networking Options21.3 Network CuesInspector: Basics and TriggersInspector: SettingsOSC MessagesCommandsQLab MessagesPlayback Control CommandsParameter-Change CommandsUDP Messages21.4 OSC and Cue CartsProject 21.1 — Creating a Cue Cart InterfaceTools of the Trade: OSCulator
22.1 MIDI Basics22.2 What Is MIDI Show Control?22.3 QLab and MIDIWorkspace Settings: MIDI ControlsWorkspace Settings: MIDIDesign Tips: MIDI Across Network22.4 MIDI CuesInspector: Basics and TriggersInspector: Settings22.5 MIDI Voice Message22.6 MIDI Show Control (MSC)General CommandsSound Control Commands22.7 MIDI SysEx22.8 MIDI File CueTools of the Trade: Go Box
23.1 How Timecode Works23.2 Timecode Settings23.3 Triggering Cues from Timecode23.4 Timecode Cues

Content preview from QLab 4, 2nd Edition

17QLab Lighting System Basics

Lighting design has long been an essential design area for performances and installations. It has only been since the release of V4 that QLab has offered the ability to natively control lighting through your workspace. With the addition of DMX lighting control over Art-Net and USB-DMX interfaces, this opens an entire new realm of possibilities for QLab users that had been impossible until now. In order to understand how to use QLab as a lighting controller, it is important to first learn some of the basics related to lighting control systems. This chapter will give a brief introduction to lighting systems and how QLab interacts with them.