Qlab beginners questions

[Judge]

Hi all, I am a lighting guy but will be running a show next year where I'll be doing the whole FOH tech side. Sound track will be several different clips with some ambient in between, so I think I need Qlab to play it, seems the best way forward.I am running lights from my PC laptop and Titan Mobile, but I also have an old Macbbok Pro 2010 model running OSX 10.11 (with SSD)

Has this got enough grunt to run Qlab 4? I see that I can still get hold of earlier versions. As I shall just be running audio, and no video or lights would I be better off with a previous version of the software?Or something else entirely?Thanks.J

 

 

[CPlater1]

I used to run Qlab4 on a 2009 Macbook (not pro) and it worked fine. I don't currently have that laptop, so unfortunately can't give any more details.

[timsabre]

Have you considered using SCS on the PC laptop, to save needing an extra computer?

[alistermorton]

Isn't that usually considered A Bad Thing, though, Tim - running two show critical apps on the same machine?

[MarkPAman]

That Mac should easily cope if there are no video files. QLab 4 will run on OS10.10.

Given that the timeline dragging/editing feature in 4 is such a massive advantage when creating ambient stuff (to my way of working at any rate), I'd go with that.

[Judge]

Isn't that usually considered A Bad Thing, though, Tim - running two show critical apps on the same machine?

Yup, its a Very Bad Thing! I wouldnt do it. Although I am sure many people do/have without problem

 

That Mac should easily cope if there are no video files. QLab 4 will run on OS10.10.

Given that the timeline dragging/editing feature in 4 is such a massive advantage when creating ambient stuff (to my way of working at any rate), I'd go with that.

Thanks MarkWill give it a go then cheers.

 

[andy_s]

Figure 53 pages are pretty clear about what you need to run Qlab, and also gives advice about optimising the laptop settings for running your show.

[indyld]

I think the machine will run you some audio, the only issue may be older OS and the later versions of QLab. At some point in the development cycle, you end up having to upgrade the OS to a base limit but can't remember exactly which ones and what. (Edit: OK so it says 10.10+ on the website so I guess you are in the clear).

 

BTW, if you want any help with figuring stuff out on QLab just hit me up on the usual channel matey.

[gareth]

That machine should be fine for doing what you need to with Qlab. And it's even better if you only need a basic stereo output and can use the free version ;-)

 

I'm a lighting guy too, and I find Qlab a nice, easy, intuitive piece of software to use.

[adamburgess]

Ran QLab 3 on an offstage 2010 MacBook Pro every night for around two years. Running backing tracks thru a little Focusrite USB interface, and sending MIDI for patch changes etc.... iPad remote, too.

 

iTunes always ready to go in the background playing away for break music.

 

Also running the EasyStandAlone lighting software thru Nicoleaudie’s USB-DMX dongle. Never a problem.