[LCtalk] Ableton Live controlling LanBox LCX (was: Will it do what I want?)

[Blair Willis]

Rob and others looking for alternatives:

I agree.  I've been struggling with the poorly written manual for a year
now.  It's not that it doesn't have (most) of the information that's
needed, it's just a very confusing translation.  I'm guessing it was
written by a non-native english speaker?  It's technical writing at it's
worst, the layout is puzzling, and I'm always left with a nagging
feeling that I'm missing a few key paragraphs that would make that
"ah-ha!" feeling arrive.  A re-interpretation of the manual, and the
creation of a LanBox for dummies (stripped down version with just the
basic essentials) is not an unreasonable request, and I think within the
means of a small company.  Heck, if I can find the time (unlikely) I'll
write a LanBox for dummies manual with what I've learned so far.

The LCedit software is also complex, but it is what it is:  a
full-featured way to configure the LanBox.  It is not a live show
interface, despite my attempts in almost a year to manipulate it as
such.  One key feature that might make this possible (without a mountain
of programming required, I'd guess) is having the ability to map midi
control to all the buttons and gadgets in the interface windows, along
with an interface window setup that doesn't disconnect and disappear
all-too-frequently.  Upon every disconnect, I'd have to re-assign each
of the dozen or so interface windows on my screen, leaving me helpless
for precious seconds during a performance.   A complete change in layout
or approach is not going to happen, because it would alienate existing
users.  A brand-new alternative software is desperately needed for those
who want more of an interactive live interface.

The LanBox itself is a great piece of equipment, no doubt.  (I have the
LCX)  But due to the puzzling manual and un-intuitive software, I've
really not gotten the full potential out of the LanBox.  Recently, I
abandoned LCedit and began using Ableton Live in conjuction with the
LanBox as a midi-dmx interface!  Last night (New Year's Eve) was my
first show using the new approach, and I am finally realizing this is
the best solution for me.  It's still not "simple" but I've had much
experience with Ableton Live as an audio and midi app for the last 5
versions.  It is significantly more intuitive than LCedit, but there
will be a bit of a learning curve for anyone wishing to use this
approach.  I am certain the learning curve is much easier than with
LCedit, regardless!

I really wonder if the LanBox creators (CDS) realize that the poorly
written manual is likely affect sales?  Before purchasing new light
gear, I always have a good look at the manual to see what I'm getting
myself into.  I ended up buying the LanBox simply because I knew that it
seemed to meet the use I was looking for (using a Mac and MIDI to
control lights) but I honestly was quite confused about how it really
operated.  I was under the mistaken impression that I could use LCedit
via MIDI remote control, and ended up fiddling with the keyboard and
mouse with frustrating results. I was stuck at that point with having to
deal with it the best I could. Finally, after a year, I've had the time
to invest in creating a solution, and Ableton Live LanBox control is it!

To briefly explain my approach to controlling the LanBox with Ableton
Live:  The LanBox takes MIDI note information (MIDI channel 1, note
numbers 1-127 at velocity values 1-127) and applies that to DMX channels
1-127 and DMX values 1-255 (even values only with some exceptions).
Ableton live can be used as a multi-track MIDI sequencer.  Setup a
separate MIDI track for each DMX channel that you wish to control.
Create a MIDI clip for each specific DMX channel+value setting you might
apply by creating the appropriate MIDI note at the specific velocity
value (= 1/2 the DMX value equivalent).  These MIDI clips can be
triggered individually or in groups across some or all tracks (DMX
channels).  A MIDI clip can trigger multiple DMX channel values at once
(it's just sending a "chord") so a single clip can be as simple as
telling a light to change color, or totally manipulating every value in
a single fixture or group of fixtures, creating an entire scene with one
clip!

Show control is very flexible.  You can run a "show" of "scenes" or send
individual cues" however you wish.  Want a traditional linear show going
from one scene to the next?  It will work just like a basic DMX
controller, scene to scene.  Want live control to jump from one scene to
another as you see fit?  No problem.  You can trigger values or groups
linearly, non-linearly, and can even set "follow" rules that choose to
jump from one clip to another based on percentage based logic or
randomness.  This means you can tell a group of lights to turn blue for
8 bars, then choose the next color change to be red 50% of the time or
green 50% of the time, for example, kind of an artifically-intelligent
lighting robot to do your bidding!  Using some sophisticated MIDI
effects, you can create some highly dynamic DMX manipulation when you
begin to dive in to the application at it's more advanced level.

Ableton Live lets you configure external MIDI control devices
(keyboards, drum pads, sliders, buttons, etc) to trigger clips, scenes,
or just about any function within the application.  I plan to expand
this in my own setup to incorporate MIDI signals from multiple musicians
actually affecting the light show while they play.  I'll be programming
myself out of a job! <jk>

This is the oversimplified explanation to the whole approach, but 100%
accurate.  I'm only using the LanBox as a MIDI to DMX interface and not
actually using it's built-in control programming.  Because its
programming can be remote controlled through MIDI, I have to be careful
not to send an inadvertent control code that makes the LanBox
"misbehave".  Yes, I could use a much less expensive MIDI to DMX
interface (~US$200), but there are none easily available in the United
States... just the LanBox.  I've found a couple available in the EU and
UK, but they are unwilling to ship to the US.  Honestly, if I got my
hands on a simpler device, I might just part with the LanBox, and
purchase two interfaces so I had a working backup.  I can't justify the
expense of a backup LanBox at this point in my career!

Converting to this new Live->LanBox approach has been a time consuming
process, but well worth the results achieved at last night's show.  My
ultimate goal is to have a more dynamic interactive connection with the
lighting rig.  I find typical DMX controllers to be excruciatingly
limiting to my creative sense, and I like to create lighting "in the
moment."  I'm using both hands and feet now with MIDI devices.  Heck,
I'm even toying with a Nintendo Wii wireless remote for MIDI
interaction!

It might not suit everyone, but it's a different look at DMX
manipulation with the LanBox that might inspire some new ideas.

I've been wanting to put up a website to discuss my experiences with
Live and DMX, as well as some thoughts on light fixtures I'm working
with (like the new LED MiN Spots from Chauvet!) so I'll post a note here
if I do.  My time is running drastically short for side projects like
that, but it's something I'm passionate about and hope to share with
others.  Hopefully I'll get a chance to do so, but for now this
long-winded email has helped, I hope!

Blair