Lighting Consoles, Preset Boards, and Computers — ETCP Domain 1D
The lighting control console is the command center of any entertainment electrical system. Consoles translate the operator’s artistic intent—cue lists, chases, groups, and effects—into DMX512 or network data streams that drive every fixture in the rig. Skilled electricians must know both operational understanding and the technical knowledge needed to set up, interconnect, and troubleshoot console systems.
Console Architecture and History
Early theatrical lighting relied on resistance dimmers controlled by manual boards. The advent of silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs) and thyristors in the 1960s enabled the first electronic memory consoles. Today’s consoles are purpose-built computers running real-time operating systems optimized for deterministic DMX output.
Two-Scene Preset Boards
The two-scene preset is the simplest memory-style console. Two identical rows of faders (Scene A and Scene B) allow the operator to pre-set the next look on one scene while the other is live. A master crossfade fader transitions between them. Though largely superseded by full memory consoles, two-scene presets remain in small venues, houses of worship, and as emergency backup systems.
Full Memory Consoles
Modern memory consoles store lighting states digitally as cues. Core architectural concepts include:
- Programmer: The working area where changes are made before recording. Values in the programmer override playbacks.
- Cue list / cue stack: An ordered sequence of recorded lighting states, each with independent fade and delay times.
- Playback faders: Physical controls that replay recorded cues, chases, or submasters at proportional intensity.
- Tracking: Fixture attribute values persist from cue to cue unless explicitly changed or blocked. This reduces cue data and allows smooth editing across large shows.
- HTP (Highest Takes Precedence): The highest intensity value from any active playback controls a dimmer channel. Standard for conventional lighting.
- LTP (Latest Takes Precedence): The most recently activated playback controls an attribute. Standard for color, position, gobo, and other non-intensity parameters.
Major Console Families
No specific console brand is required, but familiarity with major platforms is essential for working professionals:
| Manufacturer | Product Line | Operating System | Network Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETC | Eos, Ion Xe, Element, Congo | Eos Family | sACN (primary), Art-Net |
| MA Lighting | grandMA3, grandMA2 | MA3/MA2 OS | MA-Net3, sACN, Art-Net |
| High End Systems | Hog 4, Road Hog | Hog 4 OS | sACN, Art-Net, Hog-Net |
| Avolites | Sapphire Touch, Titan Mobile | Titan | sACN, Art-Net |
| Chamsys | MQ500M, MQ80 | MagicQ | sACN, Art-Net |
| Obsidian (Elation) | Onyx NX2, NX4 | ONYX | sACN, Art-Net |
Computer-Based and Software Consoles
Many platforms offer full-featured software versions that run on standard PCs or Macs: MA on PC, MagicQ PC, Onyx PC, ETC Nomad, and Hog 4 PC. These serve multiple roles:
- Full offline programming and visualization without hardware
- Hot backup running synchronized with the primary console
- Show file editing and preparation off-site
Show files (project files) contain all patch data, cue lists, group definitions, and fixture library information. Always verify that the show file version is compatible with the console firmware version before loading on a production console.
Backup and Redundancy
Entertainment electricians are responsible for understanding console redundancy strategies to protect against equipment failure during a live production:
- Hot backup: A second console running the same show file, synchronized in real time, ready to take control instantly if the primary fails.
- Cold backup: A console loaded with the show file but not synchronized. Requires a manual takeover and potential loss of the current cue state.
- UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Protects console and network equipment from power interruptions. Provides ride-through time and allows graceful shutdown.
- Show file backups: Multiple copies on different media (USB, network share, cloud). Verify before each call.
Console Setup Best Practices
Proper console setup begins before the first cable is plugged in:
- Verify firmware version matches production requirements and all nodes/fixtures on the rig
- Assign a static IP address within the lighting network subnet (typically 2.x.x.x or 10.x.x.x)
- Configure output universes and map them to physical ports or network universes
- Load fixture library profiles and verify channel counts match actual fixture modes
- Patch: assign each console channel to a DMX address/universe
- Test all outputs at 50% before the rig is fully trimmed
References
Cadena, R. (2006). Automated lighting: The art and science of moving light in theatre, live performance, and entertainment. Focal Press.
ANSI E1.11. (2008). Entertainment technology: USITT DMX512-A — asynchronous serial digital data transmission standard for controlling lighting equipment and accessories (Rev. 2018). ESTA. Free download: tsp.esta.org
ANSI E1.20. Entertainment technology: Remote device management over USITT DMX512. ESTA. Free download: tsp.esta.org
Huntington, J. (2000). Control systems for live entertainment (2nd ed.). Focal Press.
Bellman, W. F. (2001). Lighting the stage: Art and practice (3rd ed.). Broadway Press.
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