Getting Started with Venuemagic
Getting Started With VenueMagic®
For those who are new to DMX and show control, this page will give you a basic understanding of VenueMagic and how to use DMX for lighting control.
What does VenueMagic do?
What is DMX?
Is DMX equipment expensive?
What equipment will I need?
How do I hook it all up?
Where can I get more information on DMX?
What does VenueMagic do?
Put simply, VenueMagic is software that plays audio files and controls lights (and other things) through a DMX interface. However, VenueMagic is much more than that. VenueMagic includes a built-in library of sounds and lighting effects that help you put your show together in no time. You can also load your own wave, MP3 or Windows Media sound files.
You build your VenueMagic show by dragging sounds and lighting effects onto a timeline and lining them up where you want them. Then you can add sound effects such as echo, reverb, chorus, etc…. You can choose from the built-in lamp effects such as lightning, candles, fireworks, chaser sequences and more, or you can create your own.
Cue-up and play timelines with the click of a button. You can play several timelines together.
For a more complete description of some of VenueMagic’s features, click here.
What is DMX?
DMX (or DMX512) is an entertainment industry standard method for controlling lamps, foggers, strobes, etc… It was developed in 1986 by the U.S. Institute of Theatre Technology as a way to interface lamp dimmers and consoles. VenueMagic can control any device that is equipped with a DMX interface.
Is DMX equipment expensive?
Not really. You can get a DMX512 dimmer that will control four lamps for about $70-$150. You can also get strobes, foggers, etc…, for around the same price. You’ll find some links below so you can shop around.
What equipment will I need?
First, you’ll need a PC, either laptop or desktop, running Windows 2000 or XP. VenueMagic does not support Mac computers at this time.
Second, you’ll need to purchase a USB to DMX512 interface. It will cost around $60 and will control up to 512 DMX channels. A single lamp requires one DMX channel. Foggers and strobes usually need 2 channels each. The Enttec Open DMX USB Interface is recommended. You will also need an DMX 3-pin to 5-pin adaptor. If you’re controlling multiple DMX devices, you will need a DMX terminator.
Third, you will need some DMX hardware to control and some cables to connect them together. Below are links to some hardware:
DMX Lamp Dimmers
musiciansfriend.com (4-channel)
planetdj.com (6-channel)
DMX Strobes www.musiciansfriend.com (800 W)
www.planetdj.com (3000 W)
DMX Foggers www.planetdj.com (fogger, requires controller)
Lamps www.activemusician.com
You could also check out HomeBase or HomeDepot for some inexpensive work lamps.
How do I hook it all up?
The diagram below shows a simple setup with two 4-channel DMX lamp dimmers.
Where can I get more information on DMX?
Here are some links to additional information about DMX:
http://www.lighting-association.com/links/dmx-faq.htm
http://cheaplights.com/dj-equipment-dmxguide.html
http://www.dmx512.com/web/light/dmx512/index.htm
http://www.dmx512-online.com/