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Table of Contents
Lighting
- How do I tell which control language my lighting system uses?
- I have no light. What do I do?
Sound
- Why is my microphone not working?
- There is a loud hum coming from my sound system.
- I can't turn up my microphones up loud enough before they feedback
Scenic
- What are my stage drapes called?
How do I tell which control language my lighting system uses?
There are a many different protocols:
DMX512 (Digital Multiplex) DMX512 is a universal digital lighting control
protocol that allows controllers (lighting consoles) to speak to devices
(dimmers, scrollers, strobe lights, etc.). Each DMX “universe” or cable, can
control up to 512 channels, using 5 conductors (wires). Because DMX is a
universal protocol, it can be used with controllers and devices from different
manufacturers. Each device is assigned an address by the user, which tells the
device which control channels to respond to. The DMX control specification
requires that data be sent on a 5-pin XLR type connector, however it can
sometimes be found using 3-pin connectors as well.
AMX192 (Analog Multiplex) An older lighting protocol, mainly proprietary, used
by Strand Lighting. Each AMX “universe” could control 192 channels, using 4
conductors. Works in much the same as DMX, however is limited by decreased
channel capacity and older technology. AMX data is sent on one of two types of
connectors. The first is a 4-pin XLR connector, the second is a TA-4 connector.
MPX (Microplex) A propriety lighting protocol, used by NSI (Leviton). Each MPX
universe could control up to 100 channels, using 3 conductors, however the
greater the channels, the slower the control response time. MPX is sent on a
standard 3-pin XLR connector.
Analog Analog lighting control protocols are generally proprietary, meaning that
only one company’s controller will operate with that company’s dimmer. Analog
control uses a single conductor for each control channel, and triggers the
dimmer by sending a 0-10V signal to the dimmer. This technology is much older
than the other digital and multiplex protocols. Analog data is sent on literally
dozens of different connectors, but common are DB15, DB9, DB25, and Multi-Pin
DIN connectors.
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I have no light. What do I do? 1. Check that your controller and dimmers are powered up, all power and data
cables are properly connected and that the proper channel is activated on the
controller. Most dimmers have a data light to indicate that it is receiving a
control signal. As well, some dimmers have individual channels lights to
indicate that the channel has been activated. 2. Check breakers and fuses on the dimmers. All dimmers have some sort of power
protection for it’s loads. Some have breakers mounted on the front, others have
small fuses that can be replaced. 3. Check the fixture. It could be unplugged, or the bulb could be blown. You can
try replacing the bulb with a new one. Ensure the power to the plug has been
removed before replacing the bulb! 4. Take note of all equipment manufacturers, model numbers and system
configuration and call us at 1-800-263-7678. Back to Top
Why is my microphone not working? Are there any other sounds coming out of the sound system? If you have a CD
player or any other source connected use them to ensure that the sound system is
functioning properly. If they do not work either than the problem may not be
with the microphone. Is there a switch on the microphone? Make sure it is in the on position.
Have you replaced the cable? One of the conductors in the mic cable may have
broken or shorted out to another conductor. You will usually hear a hum or buzz
from your sound system when this happens. Is it a condenser microphone? If so condenser microphones require a small amount
of power to enable them to work. This is supplied to the condenser microphone
one or two ways. A battery contained in the microphone body, or a “phantom
power” supply. Most modern audio consoles have a switch to enable phantom power.
If your console does not have this feature a phantom power supply box can be put
in-line between the console and the microphone.
Back to Top There is
a loud hum coming from my sound system.
Change the power receptacle you have the systems connected to. Ageing ballasts
in fluorescent lights are a notorious source of noise in an audio system. Other
grounded audio devices in the signal chain connected to a different electrical
service which is running at a slightly different voltage may introduce noise to
the audio system as well. A properly grounded electrical service should always
be used with your sound system and is the best way to ensure quite reliable
operation. Are the audio cables in your system old or of poor quality? A cable that has a
brittle or cracking jacket, a kink in it or a poor solder joint in the connector
may be the source of the problem. These conditions can indicate that the cable
has a short between two of the conductors inside. This may cause a hum or
complete system failure.
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I can't turn up my microphones up loud enough before they feedback
Check your speaker placement. If you set your speakers up on stands and have the
ability to move them make sure that they are positioned ahead of the
microphones, so that the person speaking into the microphones can see the back
of the speaker cabinet. Use a minimum amount of microphones. Every time an additional microphone is
opened (turned on) on-stage, the level at which the system will operate at before it begins
to feedback is reduced. Also multiple open microphones can begin to cancel each
other out. Sound travels at a set rate so if the microphones are at different
distances from the source the sound will be arriving at the microphones at
different times and when you mix multiple versions of the same sound slightly
offset from each other they begin to cancel each other out.
Back to Top What are my stage drapes called?
Main Valance short drape, hung in front of the Main Draw, is the Main Valance.
It’s purpose is to mask (or hide) the Main Draw Track. This drape is made from
the same type of fabric as the Main Draw
Main Draw hung at the front of the stage, this cord operated drape closes off
the whole stage from the audience. Usually a heavier, higher quality fabric such
as velour, the Main Draw can be made in many different colours to suit the décor
of the auditorium Borders short drape, hung across the stage, usually 3-6’ in length (depending on
the size of the stage), used to mask the electrics and stage rigging hardware.
Usually a lighter duty fabric, such as commando cloth, and generally black in colour
Legs narrow drapes (6-8’ in width) used to mask the sides of the stage (wings).
Hung in pairs Upstage to Downstage. Usually a lighter duty fabric such as
commando cloth, and generally black in colour Traveller usually found at mid-stage, or at the rear of the stage. A cord
operated drape that closes off upstage portions from the audience. Usually a
lighter duty fabric, such as commando cloth, and generally black in colour
Cyclorama also known as a cyc. A very large piece of white fabric, tensioned on
two or more sides, which covers the entire back wall of the stage. It can be lit
in various colours or have slides or gobos projected onto it.
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