Lighting control consoles (also known as lighting boards or lighting desks) provide the central point from which the stage lighting is controlled. A wide range of models are manufactured to cater for the diversity of performance venues, styles, equipment to be controlled and operator preferences.
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Manual Preset consoles are simple to operate. Each lighting state is manually "preset" prior to cross-fading with the masters. The time required for operators to preset each lighting state limits the rate at which lighting cues can be executed. These consoles typically have analog outputs to the dimmers, although some recent models do provide DMX-512 outputs. |
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Memory consoles use computer technology to automatically preset lighting states ready for cross-fading from a pre-recorded collection of lighting states. Functions are provided to enable recording and editing of hundreds of lighting states for a show, or multiple shows, all of which are stored in electronic memory. Other functions can include automatic sequences, timed cross-fades, music triggering and sophisticated functions for controlling complex 'intelligent' moving lights. Memory consoles usually have DMX-512 outputs to connect to the dimmers and other equipment although a growing number of manufacturers now also provide Ethernet connectivity. |
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DMX-512 is a digital multiplexing protocol that enables all the information for the dimmer channel levels to be sent from the console to the dimmers using just a single pair of wires, rather than a wire for each dimmer channel that an analogue system requires. The cost savings in cable are substantial. Another advantage of DMX is that many devices such as 'intelligent' moving lights and special effects equipment can be controlled directly from the console instead of needing their own special control boxes and associated special cabling.
Ethernet is a digital data network protocol that enables consoles to be connected to dimmers and other other equipment via Cat.5, or higher, structured premise wiring systems (typically used for computer networks) which then use Ethernet to DMX data converters to provide DMX points throughout the theatre to enable DMX equipment to also connect to the network. Ethernet and DMX each have distinct advantages and disadvantages while systems designed to utilise the best features of both types of data transport can provide an excellent and relatively future-proof control system partucularly for large permanent installations.