Creating a graphic EQ / spectrum analyser effect

[Guest lightnix]

I'm looking for some software, which can control a wall of LED strips and create "graphic EQ / spectrum analyser" type effects, like the ones seen in

- especially at 3:15-3:32 and 3:36-3:52.

 

I've been in touch with the guy who posted the video. It turns out we met him at PLASA last year, but unfortunately he's not selling the software separately at the moment :)

 

Can anyone suggest any alternatives? The system to be controlled, is very similar to the one on the video, with each LED strip individually controllable and taking up 3 channels of DMX (RG&B).

 

 

e2a... This is for a permanent installation.

[Grum]

Hi Nick,

 

Magic Q has a Graphic EQ effect built in to its pixel mapping software. I've used it on quite a few shows on several different types of display with great results.

 

If you're looking for more than one effect you could program different media on to different cue stacks and set each to be triggered by different frequencies.

 

This would give you various media clips reacting to music.

 

As you know, Magic Q is free to download, the audio interface is around the £550 mark if I remember correctly (I did purchase mine a while ago now so prices may have changed).

 

Hope this helps.

[Doug Siddons]

Probably of no use at all but this company do the GEQ effects on el panels on a tshirt http://www.flashwear.com/?gclid=CMywp-6gxJ4CFcmEzAodWmNFsg and I understand they can do the panels as big as you want

[Tim Edwards]

Hi Lightnix,

 

Pharos Controls do an audio module that connects to the LPC1/2. You can then use the audio to trigger or to set the position of a timeline etc..

 

How many different audio bands do you need?

 

HTH,

 

Tim

 

(Pharos Tech Support)

[Guest lightnix]

Thanks for the suggestions so far :blink:

 

I believe there are five audio bands required.

 

I'm actually searching on behalf of a client, but I'll be passing all suggestions on, so keep 'em coming ;)

 

 

 

 

Definitely wanting one of those T-shirts, too...

[spantax]

Considering this is for a permanent install I would recommend the Hippocritter Rack-mount from Green Hippo. It will give you exactly what you need in a 1 RU space.

You can dedicate one layer to the LED´s, and still have 3 layers available that you can use for anything else if necessary.

 

another option if the Critter is out of your budget is a Madrix system. It will do what you need it to, but you will need a computer to install it on, so maybe not the best solution for a permanent install unless you can get a rack-mount computer.

 

AC sells both Green Hippo and Madrix in the UK so I would suggest getting in touch with them. They´ll sort you out, and get you what you need.

[Ben Lawrance]

Another vote for the Magic Q!

 

Have had 31 Pixeline doing a GEQ, in sync with the music at a Dance night. It looks awesome, because it is so accurate.

 

I'll try and dig out a picture I took on my old phone.

[TomHoward]

In that original video, it may be just me but that doesn't look too much like it's actually analysing the audio, is it definately not just designed? I may be wrong but it doesn't seem to be very responsive.

[tvi675]

MagicQ + Audio Interface + Internal fixture mapping grid = Very quick and very simple to program across a massive LED matrix! Also once your fixtures are in the grid, it means that the entire world of the bitmap effects engine is opened up allowing you to generate very complex effects in just a few keystrokes.

 

Matt

[spantax]

The magicQ definatly sounds like the most affordable option.

 

However, since this is for a permanent install, I would take into consideration the possibility for error both on equipment (multiple pieces linked together) and also wetter or not there will be a trained and skilled operator there every day! Not just for the first months but in two or three years time...

The cheapest solution in the short run might end up becoming expensive in the long run.