QLab

Articles, guide and tutorials on show control software QLab from Figure 53. QLab is a programmable show running software used in the professional performance industry to run recorded media such as audio and video plus to control other show critical systems such as lighting and other cues. QLab is relevant to us in stage lighting as it is commonly integrated into our control systems, allowing a single operator to run a complex show of lighting, sound and video cues using a Go button interface or Space bar.

QLab features programming and playback of audio files such as WAV and MP3, video files such as MPEG and MOV plus will control other show systems using MIDI, MIDI Show Control, OSC and Timecode. On Stage Lighting features a number of QLab tutorials.

Will QLab Ever Be A Lighting Thing?

May 16, 2020November 9, 2017 by Rob Sayer

A year on from the release of QLab 4, On Stage Lighting asks: “Will QLab ever really be a lighting thing?”

Rob Sayer

Rob Sayer HND PGDip FHEA is a Senior Lecturer in Technical Theatre Production, mentor, and consultant in stage lighting and education. As a professional lighting designer, Rob designed and programmed theatre performances, music festivals and large corporate events for blue chip companies while travelling all over Europe. With a background in theatre, he combines traditional stage lighting knowledge alongside fast moving lighting and video technology in the world of commercial events.

www.onstagelighting.co.uk

QLab 4 – Lighting Workflow Ideas

November 19, 2016 by Rob Sayer

Following the release of QLab 4, On Stage Lighting presents some suggestions for lighting workflows aimed at users who may be unfamiliar with programming QLab and its core concepts.

Rob Sayer

www.onstagelighting.co.uk

Do you have a hardware fetish?

November 19, 2016November 18, 2016 by Rob Sayer

The world of lighting control would seem to be very much about software right now. Fans of different console platforms will argue over functionality and workflow as much as they’ll state that their favourite shiny console has the best screen tilt mechanism or power-up button. That attention to hardware is still there, bubbling away. On Stage Lighting asks if we aren’t suffering from a tiny bit of Control Hardware Irrational Prize-ification (CHIP). Do you have a CHIP on your shoulder?

Rob Sayer

www.onstagelighting.co.uk

QLab 4 and Stage Lighting Control

December 11, 2020November 16, 2016 by Rob Sayer

So, the much anticipated QLab 4 has arrived and with it a new branch of functionality that may or may not have caught you by surprise. On Stage Lighting looks at the new lighting control capabilities of QLab 4 and considers future developments.

Rob Sayer

www.onstagelighting.co.uk

OSC and Stage Lighting Control

May 16, 2020July 27, 2016 by Rob Sayer

Following a recent tip-off from ChamSys that the 1.7.2.6 release of the MagicQ software will include support for Open Sound Control (OSC), we look at what OSC is and how it relates to modern stage lighting systems.

Rob Sayer

www.onstagelighting.co.uk

QLab 3 to LX Console DMX using OSC

July 13, 2020July 24, 2016 by Rob Sayer

As part of the ‘Summer of Video’ at On Stage Lighting, we present a short tutorial on a cheap and simple DMX lighting control system that integrates the free LX Console software with QLab 3 using OSC as a cue trigger.

Rob Sayer