We use Lightkey thanks to you guys! I will recommend the use of network protocols (ArtNet, SACN, etc.) in case you have a more mobile setup so you are not tied to the USB dongle. This way you can control the lights from a laptop over WiFi. You can even have two DMX Universes with something as cheap and simple like Chauvet AN-2 for ArtNet or SACN over Ethernet.
6:45 You can make a custom fixture, you just have to tell it what each channel does, and the range that those channels operate at. We had to do it one some cheap moving heads we used temporarily and it was really quite easy. (The option should be in the dropdown cog nexts to the search bar.) Hope this helps. 🙏
I am primarily responsible for the technique in several churches in my city. and all places I use a program called QLC +. it is a very powerful program like where you can design hefty light shows but it is also easy to set up so that inexperienced people understand it easily. I also use midi faders to control the lights through the program. the program is for both Linux, mac and Windows
I’m currently using Lightkey with an Acai APC Mini, which gives 81 Buttons and 9 Faders, which you can map onto cues and light group fades, as well as a master fader. Has been a great way to maximise my productivity as when on a skeleton crew some weeks, I’m doing lyrics, media and lighting, while other weeks all three a pre separated.
I was able to get this running on my MacBook Air mini using a USB-DMX512 from Amazon ($21) and so far it’s working great! I am also using an Akai APC mini to control the lights which is an additional feature that I love about this program.
I think that using a hardware controller or lighting desk is actually less scary for new users. software can be quiet daunting but having something that you can touch and that's tangible is much easier to get to grips with so maybe adding a midi controller would make a lot of sense. The akai stuff works great with lighting software. But, i highly suggest using a proper lighting desk because it is a standard in the industry. I would have a look at the ZERO 88 stuff. Its really simple to use and quite modern, i think anything past that can get quite confusing such as Avolites, ETC and GrandMa.
Bold move updating lighting before Easter ;) We've been happy with Lightkey + ProPresenter MIDI control for our setup. TouchOSC control may also be a nice add which can make it even more volunteer friendly for those of us who have a small team (like everyone).
Hey Jake, I work with people all the time on stuff like this. The truth is there is no one "perfect" lighting software for all churches, I help them to figure out what could be best for them. Lightkey is one that I recommend to many churches, among 5-6 other consoles/software. Let me know if you'd like to chat about this, etc. I'm familiar with all of the popular options out of there.
What fixtures/colored led lights are you using for the ceiling? And how do you have them attatched to dmx, a dimmer? I've been thinking of doing this @ church for a while.
Hey Jake Production advise if you like... Set your 500mk2 to face only AF in some parts of the video the AF started hunting because you turned your face to the side to look at the monitor that's all.. As always great content... and we use Lightkey as well, we learned that software from you and we felt in love with it every since because of how easy it is to use we don't need a fancy "Concert" production system this is more than enough.
MA2 is great, its got everything. Or Dot2 for a better cost. You can set it up to do cues or you can busk it. you pretty much design it the way you want. Both also let you use a midi controller to go through cues or use faders to busk intensities.
I agree, just MA2onPC and a touch screen is good enough for most shows. You could even timecode the entire show. Likewise with every tool there's a learning curve. Their hardware devices do cost quite a sum.
I know vista chroma q has a good lighting software and has a board you can control it with. If you can’t afford a board you can also just run it from the computer as well. It is easy to program and it’s fun to use. We use it at my church and it works wondrous.
Chamsys is a good option also, good value for money good for installs I have installed some of there rack mounts and consoles in lots of venues all over Scotland. or if you have a bigger budget Grandma2 all the way. Just my opinion there are lots of good options. Etc eos (mostly aimed at theatre’s) Avolites Hog4
Just purchased Lightkey for our church. Trying to turn a "traditional" style church into a more "current" style church. Starting off with lower-end Mega Par Profile Plus lights and a few lightbars. I consider myself very tech-savvy until I started diving into DMX lighting. I am confident I can learn Lightkey though it's been a struggle so far however, my biggest question is should there be a computer failure, I picked up a DMX controller (ADJ operator 384) which again, is like learning a second language. I thought for the sake of simplicity, I could simply set up several lights with the same DMX address making the scenes on the controller easy for anyone to just click. This would, however, ruin my plan of having each light be individually controlled within the software. So I am having a battle of software vs hardware and it seems like a losing battle. Does anyone have suggestions? Please also forgive my ignorance in this subject field! haha
Where you able to integrate your adj operator and use Lightkey at the same time ? Wanting to do that setup at my church but want more info before I bring it to our pastor
What lights are you using for your house lights overhead? I'm curious about the white ones and the colored ones as well (maybe they are same fixture but just RGB). We are trying to update ours but they flicker and don't dim very well (used to be CFLs in cans like your sanctuary shown in the video).
Jake, quick question! We run playback on an iPad. Thinking about moving to light key software. Can you set light automations in playback to change cues in light key? Without using pro 7?
thank u for good review i can't find how it works with akai apc40 looking forward to buy licence already have dmx usb pro mk2, now trying to figure out if it is more comfortable to use with midi controller
This paired with an Elgato streamdeck would be awesome! Assuming you can use a stream deck to control and trigger scenes? Churchfront, do you guys think a streamdeck would work with this setup?
We use a Streamdeck for our Lights....and it is awesome. (Actually with an add on app for Streamdeck, called Companion you can have hardware controlled buttons for your ATEM video switcher too...which is awesome.
Hello from Montreal 🇨🇦👋 Thank you for the video. 😊 I have a question about the house light; what kind of light do you use for the house light? I still have them a separate system for house and stage light but yours set-up seems wonderful 🤩
As for moving heads with not the right profile, it is easy but time consuming to modify one of the profiles and map the right functions. You need to have the user manual for the fixture though.
Can you please detail the fixtures you are using for house lights. We are currently running a poor man's DMX stick-on-led strip in side the fluro housings, it's been OK but really need something better.
Obsidian Control Systems Onyx. You may find it confusing at first but it is so much more powerful and can run 2048 channels (4 universes) for free using an art net or sACN node. You can also buy hardware for like $600 that gives 10 faders and a direct DMX out. I think it also enables all 128 universes.
It is Very complicated for my employees i always have to program everything for them on onyx , it has been the worst software for first timers. But youre right once you know it … its powerful.
Hello my friend, for the wave effect i need to have each fixture in a different dmx address or i can apply the effect to a several fixtures with the same dmx address?
Before you start patching fixtures in the software, what are you supposed to have the dip switches set to? Or is their a certain setting on each fixture that will allow light key to control automatically? We have old school dip switch fixtures and also the digital fixtures as well. Any help is appreciated!
Have been searching for days still can't find answer. The delay between lightkey and Abelton is like 1 to 2 seconds. I have to move all cues up to try and sync. Looks like you have same thing happening on your videos. Anyone figure out the issue?
Your PC connects via USB to small DMX converter box which costs $100-$200. From the DMX out port on the box just daisy-chain all your fixtures together. If you start to get up to 20-30+ fixtures it's wise to use a DMX router. Your single DMX out would first go into the router then branch off from there. That way if you have a cable or connection go bad only that one branch will be affected.
Has anybody tried running Lightkey on a PC running Mac emulator software such as Parallels or VMware Fusion? Normally the VM emulator software is pretty good these days whether it is a Mac emulating Windows or Windows emulating a Mac. Just a thought.
Can you recommend someone who can affordably help us design a lighting system from the ground up? We're in Fort Lauderdale and have no lighting system at all. We've been raising money to build one but have no one here who even knows how to do it. Any help you can send would be appreciated.
I'm happy to help remotely. We had to do it on a budget and from the ground up some months ago, so the process and hurdles are fresh to me. pablo.quintana at bicher.mx in case you'd like to reach out.
How exactly is Playback sending the midi cue into Lightkey…? We use both Lightkey and Playback at our church but I don’t know how to send the midi light cue from Playback to Lightkey. I know how to set up light cues in the multitracks website, but when I add a light cue into a track in Playback, nothing happens with the lights. Can someone help me out with that…?
Vista 3 is a very good lighting program that is easy to pick up and learn.
We use Lightkey thanks to you guys! I will recommend the use of network protocols (ArtNet, SACN, etc.) in case you have a more mobile setup so you are not tied to the USB dongle. This way you can control the lights from a laptop over WiFi. You can even have two DMX Universes with something as cheap and simple like Chauvet AN-2 for ArtNet or SACN over Ethernet.
6:45 You can make a custom fixture, you just have to tell it what each channel does, and the range that those channels operate at. We had to do it one some cheap moving heads we used temporarily and it was really quite easy.
(The option should be in the dropdown cog nexts to the search bar.) Hope this helps. 🙏
Wait, you have volunteers? What are those? I’ve had to grow 5 arms in our media department. Lights, livestream, cameras, sound, etc. LOL
Same here. can we get a video on how to grow your team???
@@zxphilmz7980 no one in my church wants to even stand up and clap hands during worship. Let alone work during it ahahaha.
Oof
I am primarily responsible for the technique in several churches in my city. and all places I use a program called QLC +. it is a very powerful program like where you can design hefty light shows but it is also easy to set up so that inexperienced people understand it easily.
I also use midi faders to control the lights through the program.
the program is for both Linux, mac and Windows
I’m currently using Lightkey with an Acai APC Mini, which gives 81 Buttons and 9 Faders, which you can map onto cues and light group fades, as well as a master fader. Has been a great way to maximise my productivity as when on a skeleton crew some weeks, I’m doing lyrics, media and lighting, while other weeks all three a pre separated.
Same
Wow earliest I've been to the channel 🤣❤❤❤Love the channel
I was able to get this running on my MacBook Air mini using a USB-DMX512 from Amazon ($21) and so far it’s working great! I am also using an Akai APC mini to control the lights which is an additional feature that I love about this program.
Good on you Jake. Thanks for continuing this ministry.
I think that using a hardware controller or lighting desk is actually less scary for new users. software can be quiet daunting but having something that you can touch and that's tangible is much easier to get to grips with so maybe adding a midi controller would make a lot of sense. The akai stuff works great with lighting software. But, i highly suggest using a proper lighting desk because it is a standard in the industry. I would have a look at the ZERO 88 stuff. Its really simple to use and quite modern, i think anything past that can get quite confusing such as Avolites, ETC and GrandMa.
My favorite is Onyx! It's free and you just need a USB to DMX made by Onyx or Martin!
Bold move updating lighting before Easter ;) We've been happy with Lightkey + ProPresenter MIDI control for our setup. TouchOSC control may also be a nice add which can make it even more volunteer friendly for those of us who have a small team (like everyone).
Hey Jake,
I work with people all the time on stuff like this. The truth is there is no one "perfect" lighting software for all churches, I help them to figure out what could be best for them. Lightkey is one that I recommend to many churches, among 5-6 other consoles/software.
Let me know if you'd like to chat about this, etc. I'm familiar with all of the popular options out of there.
If you’re serious about lighting then you should use onyx by obsidian control systems
I agree but it’s not easy to train volunteers to be able to use it in my experience.
What fixtures/colored led lights are you using for the ceiling? And how do you have them attatched to dmx, a dimmer? I've been thinking of doing this @ church for a while.
I was also wondering this, if you find a solution please let me know!
Hey Jake Production advise if you like... Set your 500mk2 to face only AF in some parts of the video the AF started hunting because you turned your face to the side to look at the monitor that's all.. As always great content... and we use Lightkey as well, we learned that software from you and we felt in love with it every since because of how easy it is to use we don't need a fancy "Concert" production system this is more than enough.
I prayed for this video update thank you
We’re currently use Onyx. It works great, but geez Louise, that UI. We’re making the switch.
Love the information also the comments they have been extremely helpful. I too would like to know what you are using for the house lights.
MA2 is great, its got everything. Or Dot2 for a better cost. You can set it up to do cues or you can busk it. you pretty much design it the way you want. Both also let you use a midi controller to go through cues or use faders to busk intensities.
I agree, just MA2onPC and a touch screen is good enough for most shows. You could even timecode the entire show. Likewise with every tool there's a learning curve. Their hardware devices do cost quite a sum.
I know vista chroma q has a good lighting software and has a board you can control it with. If you can’t afford a board you can also just run it from the computer as well. It is easy to program and it’s fun to use. We use it at my church and it works wondrous.
We use this but I have the hardest time trying to figure out programming effects.
Chamsys is a good option also, good value for money good for installs I have installed some of there rack mounts and consoles in lots of venues all over Scotland. or if you have a bigger budget Grandma2 all the way.
Just my opinion there are lots of good options.
Etc eos (mostly aimed at theatre’s)
Avolites
Hog4
Thanks for the overview!
Super curious to know what type of house lights you have in place! Thanks!
What type of Light do you use for the "House Lights WHITE"? Could you please share the Amazon link of these fixtures? Thanks!
What fixtures are you using as house lights? I love how you can change colors of house lights!
I was also wondering this, if you find a solution please let me know!
Grandma2 greatest lighting software
Just purchased Lightkey for our church. Trying to turn a "traditional" style church into a more "current" style church. Starting off with lower-end Mega Par Profile Plus lights and a few lightbars. I consider myself very tech-savvy until I started diving into DMX lighting. I am confident I can learn Lightkey though it's been a struggle so far however, my biggest question is should there be a computer failure, I picked up a DMX controller (ADJ operator 384) which again, is like learning a second language. I thought for the sake of simplicity, I could simply set up several lights with the same DMX address making the scenes on the controller easy for anyone to just click. This would, however, ruin my plan of having each light be individually controlled within the software. So I am having a battle of software vs hardware and it seems like a losing battle. Does anyone have suggestions? Please also forgive my ignorance in this subject field! haha
Where you able to integrate your adj operator and use Lightkey at the same time ? Wanting to do that setup at my church but want more info before I bring it to our pastor
Can you do a video on sending midi notes from the pro 7 computer to light key? I literally just switched over from my dmx3 the day before Easter 😭
You can create the profile and is not hard, you just need the lights Manual.
What lights are you using for your house lights overhead? I'm curious about the white ones and the colored ones as well (maybe they are same fixture but just RGB). We are trying to update ours but they flicker and don't dim very well (used to be CFLs in cans like your sanctuary shown in the video).
I would like a video on smoke machines if that is anything you could cover?
Jake, quick question! We run playback on an iPad. Thinking about moving to light key software. Can you set light automations in playback to change cues in light key?
Without using pro 7?
thank u for good review
i can't find how it works with akai apc40
looking forward to buy licence
already have dmx usb pro mk2, now trying to figure out if it is more comfortable to use with midi controller
Vista for jands is awesome
do you happen to be Harry Kane's brother?
Vista by chroma Q is the best!
This paired with an Elgato streamdeck would be awesome! Assuming you can use a stream deck to control and trigger scenes? Churchfront, do you guys think a streamdeck would work with this setup?
I'm gonna try this soon
We use a Streamdeck for our Lights....and it is awesome. (Actually with an add on app for Streamdeck, called Companion you can have hardware controlled buttons for your ATEM video switcher too...which is awesome.
Hello from Montreal 🇨🇦👋
Thank you for the video. 😊
I have a question about the house light; what kind of light do you use for the house light? I still have them a separate system for house and stage light but yours set-up seems wonderful 🤩
This is at 9:30 thanks 😊 🙏🏼
Hi from Honduras Jake.
Do you now how config the Phillips hue Light with Lightkey?
As for moving heads with not the right profile, it is easy but time consuming to modify one of the profiles and map the right functions. You need to have the user manual for the fixture though.
who's got time for that!?
@@Churchfront Someone with OCD like me! =D
What kind of lights do you use for the house?
2:50 grandma 2
Other question is if you want to just turn on house lights do you have to boot up lightkey to do so?
Can you please detail the fixtures you are using for house lights.
We are currently running a poor man's DMX stick-on-led strip in side the fluro housings, it's been OK but really need something better.
Obsidian Control Systems Onyx. You may find it confusing at first but it is so much more powerful and can run 2048 channels (4 universes) for free using an art net or sACN node. You can also buy hardware for like $600 that gives 10 faders and a direct DMX out. I think it also enables all 128 universes.
It is Very complicated for my employees i always have to program everything for them on onyx , it has been the worst software for first timers. But youre right once you know it … its powerful.
What house lights do you have?
Hello my friend, for the wave effect i need to have each fixture in a different dmx address or i can apply the effect to a several fixtures with the same dmx address?
Would you say light key is more user friendly than Vista? We use Vista, and for the LIFE of me I cannot figure out how to program anything. :(
Before you start patching fixtures in the software, what are you supposed to have the dip switches set to? Or is their a certain setting on each fixture that will allow light key to control automatically? We have old school dip switch fixtures and also the digital fixtures as well. Any help is appreciated!
Once you patch in your fixtures you can select the ones with dip switches and it should show which ones are flipped on
I made some customs fixtures from LED strips, they’re connected to DMX decoders which also have dip switches and that’s how I knew how to set it
@@RobCMMl thanks Robert! And what about the ones that are not on dip switches? What mode do they need to be set to?
have you used a rpofessionial software like onyx or ma
Great video 😁😁
How do you custom build a profile?
Question: with the list cues, can you automate them and how does that affect spontaneity? Does double cueing cause an issue?
What are you thoughts on Luminair? We recently purchased it but after seeing Lightkey, it looks much more user friendly.
Thoughts…?
Can you share your file of light key ? Would like to see how you have your set up and play with it
Have been searching for days still can't find answer. The delay between lightkey and Abelton is like 1 to 2 seconds. I have to move all cues up to try and sync. Looks like you have same thing happening on your videos. Anyone figure out the issue?
Do you know if the Soundswitch Micro DMX Interface USB will work with Lightkey?
This is pretty cool software sir! Too bad its not coded for Windows but can be understandable
How did you integrate the in the house lights? Does lightkey override the original controls?
Good info. I just won't ever use mac.
How do you connect all the lights to the computer though?
Your PC connects via USB to small DMX converter box which costs $100-$200. From the DMX out port on the box just daisy-chain all your fixtures together. If you start to get up to 20-30+ fixtures it's wise to use a DMX router. Your single DMX out would first go into the router then branch off from there. That way if you have a cable or connection go bad only that one branch will be affected.
Any recommendations for PC?
Onyx by Elation (formerly M-PC by Martin) is much better, and outputs 4 universes for free.
@churchfront what haze machine do you guys use/recommend?
Thanks!
So which LG Monitors are you using?
Has anybody tried running Lightkey on a PC running Mac emulator software such as Parallels or VMware Fusion? Normally the VM emulator software is pretty good these days whether it is a Mac emulating Windows or Windows emulating a Mac. Just a thought.
I’ve been pretty pleased with Chauvet Show Xpress. What are your thoughts on it?
Never tried it, but thanks for sharing.
Too unreliable.
Anyone compared Lightkey to Emu?
What house lights are you using?
Can you recommend someone who can affordably help us design a lighting system from the ground up? We're in Fort Lauderdale and have no lighting system at all. We've been raising money to build one but have no one here who even knows how to do it. Any help you can send would be appreciated.
I'm happy to help remotely. We had to do it on a budget and from the ground up some months ago, so the process and hurdles are fresh to me. pablo.quintana at bicher.mx in case you'd like to reach out.
How exactly is Playback sending the midi cue into Lightkey…? We use both Lightkey and Playback at our church but I don’t know how to send the midi light cue from Playback to Lightkey.
I know how to set up light cues in the multitracks website, but when I add a light cue into a track in Playback, nothing happens with the lights.
Can someone help me out with that…?