Building a Light Show

Learn how to create a full lighting sequence using the Timeline, with multiple layers and transitions.

Goal

Create a 32-beat light show with:

• Multiple effect layers
• Smooth transitions
• Beat-aligned timing

Time: 25-30 minutes

Prerequisites

• Fixtures added and patched
• Basic understanding of the Node Editor
• Familiarity with beat-based timing

Understanding the Timeline

The Timeline is where you arrange your show:

• Horizontal axis = Time (in beats)
• Vertical axis = Layers (stacked effects)
• Clips = Effect instances with duration

Step 1: Set Your BPM

1. Look at the BPM display in the toolbar
2. Click it to enter a specific BPM, or
3. Use Tap Tempo to tap along with your music
4. For this tutorial, set 120 BPM

Step 2: Create Your First Layer

1. Open the Timeline panel
2. Click the + button to add a new layer
3. Name it "Base Color"
4. This layer will provide a foundation color

Step 3: Add an Effect Clip

1. Double-click the layer to enter the Node Editor for that layer
2. Create a simple static color effect:
   • Add Input > Color node
   • Add Output > Color Output node
   • Connect them
   • Set the color to deep blue
3. Return to the Timeline

The effect now runs on this layer.

Step 4: Set Layer Duration

1. In the Timeline, you'll see the layer as a bar
2. Drag the right edge to extend it to 32 beats
3. The effect will play for the full duration

Step 5: Add a Second Layer

1. Add another layer, name it "Chase"
2. Create a chase effect in its Node Editor:
   • Time → Add (with Fixture Index) → Fract → HSV to RGB → Color Output
3. Set this layer's duration to 16 beats, starting at beat 1

Step 6: Add a Third Layer

1. Add a layer named "Strobe"
2. Create a strobe effect:
   • Time → Comparison > Greater Than (compare to 0.5) → Color Output
   • This creates a 50% on/off strobe
3. Set duration to 8 beats, starting at beat 25

Step 7: Adjust Layer Blend Modes

Layers stack from bottom to top:

1. Select the "Chase" layer
2. In Layer Settings, set Blend Mode to "Add"
3. Set Opacity to 0.7

This lets the base color show through.

Step 8: Add Transitions

Smooth the entrances and exits:

1. Select the "Chase" layer clip
2. In Parameters, find Fade In and Fade Out
3. Set Fade In to 2 beats
4. Set Fade Out to 2 beats

The effect will smoothly appear and disappear.

Step 9: Preview Your Show

1. Press Space to play from the beginning
2. Watch the Preview panel
3. Use the timeline scrubber to jump to specific points

Step 10: Fine-Tune Timing

Adjust your sequence:

• Drag clips left/right to change start time
• Drag edges to change duration
• Hold Shift while dragging to snap to beats

Step 11: Add Beat Markers

Mark important moments:

1. Right-click in the Timeline ruler
2. Select Add Marker
3. Name markers like "Drop", "Breakdown", etc.
4. Use markers for navigation and reference

Layer Organization Tips

Naming Convention

Use descriptive names:

• "Base - Blue Wash"
• "Chase - Rainbow"
• "Accent - Strobe White"

Layer Order

Organize from bottom to top:

1. Base colors (bottom)
2. Moving effects (middle)
3. Accents and strobes (top)

Color Coding

Right-click a layer to set its color for visual organization.

Exporting Your Show

Once complete:

1. Go to File > Export
2. Choose your format
3. The show can run standalone or be triggered externally

Next Steps

• Add beat synchronization
• Control with MIDI
• Learn more about layers