How to Automate Lights
What you'll learn
- How to Automate Light Fixtures and LED Strip
- Basic DMX Functionality
- Supplies and Software Need (Links Provided)
- How to Install LED Strip in Drums/Various Instruments and Props
- Custom Rack Build to Power and Automate LED Strip
- Automation Workflow and Tricks
Requirements
- Knowledge in any DAW (ex. Ableton, Pro Tools, Logic, etc.) is recommended.
- Knowledge in DMX protocol will be helpful but not required.
Description
Learn how to automate and sync lights to music from Owl City drummer, Matt "Goose" Gusmer. You will learn inexpensive ways to install and automate lights as well as how to install LED strip in drums and any other creative stage prop you can think of. The course gives a general overview of DMX protocol and is made for even those with 0 lighting experience.
*NOTE* This lighting program used in this course is DMXIS. DMXIS by Enttec was announced that they will not be updating it anymore (however it still works!) but they have transferred efforts to a new and better performing app called EMU. I highly recommend using EMU instead of DMXIS throughout this course, primarily because the DMX interface needed to run DMXIS is unfortunately no longer available to purchase. The exact concepts, mapping, VST integration function the same whether you are using DMXIS or EMU so my recommendation is to use EMU and the instructions in this course will align even though DMXIS is displayed in the course content. I have personally found that DMXIS is CPU intensive, especially with fades in automation and when you are automating 100+ channels simultaneously. The new EMU app is incredibly more efficient and take minimal CPU to run making EMU is a much better option.
Students will learn how to implement automated lighting via DMXIS/EMU in Ableton Live software for syncing lights to music. From automating led strip on drums, installing it, what products to buy, to the actual automation workflow, this course covers the full process with multiple charts showing and explaining the process clearly. Approach learning in this course aggressively. Be prepared to know exactly how to build your next dream rig and automate an incredible light show.
Who this course is for:
- Musicians
- Performers
- Solo Artists
- Bands
- Sound Engineers
Instructor
- 4.7 Instructor Rating
- 74 Reviews
- 349 Students
- 3 Courses
Based out of Minneapolis, MN, Matt Gusmer is a prominent drummer, drum instructor, and producer. He consistently strives to grow himself and believes strongly in the power of practice and hard work.
Born in Green Bay, WI, Matt began playing drums at the age of 10. His birthday gift for his tenth birthday was a beginner drum kit along with weekly drum lessons with Steve Seitz for 6 years which sparked his passion and dream to be a drummer. Matt developed his love for music in multiple rock bands, marching bands, jazz bands, and concert bands throughout high school.
In 2011, Matt moved to Minneapolis to study Music Business at North Central University (NCU) where he acquired the nickname "Goose." Matt studied at NCU with elite drummers Zach Miller (Sara Groves) and Aaron Johnson (River Valley Church). This led to his audition for North Central University’s premier touring group called One Accord, mentored by former SonicFlood member Jeff Deyo. Matt traveled with One Accord on two tours for over seven months. Since then, Matt has graduated from NCU and been a part of countless endeavors including a live music video with YouTube sensation Molly Kate Kestner covering Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” North Central University’s live album Hearts On Fire, Jeff Deyo’s music video “I Belong To You,” as well as performing with The Voice’s Andi and Alex identical twin duo. These opportunities led him to begin playing with Owl City on Cinematic Tour in Sept-Nov 2018.