Currently, our drummer plays to a sequence the entire night (coming from a Yamaha MotifES keyboard). We're playing small to mid-sized clubs.

I send MIDI messages to the Elation Stage Pak Dimmer, and the lights change accordingly (8x2 set-up).

I want to move to an LED set-up... should I just buy LED Par-38 'bulbs'? Or should I go with a system like the Octopod 80?

Any suggestions?

well if u go with a system like the octopod 80 u have options as to how many u can control at a time. u will be able to control them in groups of 4 or singles or all together. but if u decide singles u will need to have them addressed on 1 fixture button and have at least 48 dmx channels avail on the one fix. button. take a look at the pdf manual for the octopods. also when u say led bulbs are you refering to the E12v led bulbs for pars that u can control R,G,B?

Hi Chad,

yes, I am also confused about the par38 LED bulbs.
However your LED system may be a little more complex. Before, the midi turned on and off your par cans, correct? This is simple channels 1-4 or 1-8.
Using LED fixtures, wheter octopods or any other DMX led, you will need to start programming scenes. Here is where your stage setter 8 will no longer work very well because it is limited in DMX channels.
Once you upgrade your console, you can then start programming color scenes or sequences using your new LED lights. Once this programming is done, you can now easily assing a MIDI note to those scenes and sequences?

I hope this helps.

Thanks guys-that makes sense.

So, MIDI-->the DMX LED console-->Scenes... seems pretty easy... might just have to breakdown and try the octopod.

I'm concerned that just the 8 LEDs won't be enough light- is it possible to string two sets of octopods together for 16? Maybe I'm using the wrong words here, based on my lack of knowledge, but I think you get my meaning?

Also, I was referring the PAR 38 lights that look like flood lights, but instead of the filament bulb, the surface has LED lights... mostly coming in white, you can also get these in colors. I was wondering if I should try something like that... but the Octopods are far more attractive sounding.

Thanks for ya'll's help.

Hi Chad,

Yes, you get the Idea. And yes, you will be able to link up more octopods, as many as you want.

I see what you mean regarding the par 38 lights.
The advantage to the Octopod system is that you have RGB color mixing, so you will be able to get many different colors, rather than sticking to your gels. LED's let you create very cool colors.

Best regards,

Hi John and thanks for all your advice.

I have one more question:

When you download the Quicktime Movie of the Octopods from the Elation site, the LEDs seem to be more of an ambience than actual "lighting".

My question is- will it be enough to light an entire 15x15 stage? I suppose I could set-up a par light or two to act as a "spotlight"... maybe keeping it on 50%...


Any thoughts?

Thanks,
C

Hi Chad,
It really depends on how many you will use, and how bright you want them to be.

Also what is happening on this 15' x 15' stage?
Let me know.

Hi Chad,
I do lighting for bands in Northern Virginia, and I use Octopod 80's for my main stage lights. I also run a trackpod 30 over the drummer on a truss (w/ other various scanners/moving heads/etc). For your average bar type stage (15'x15' is a good example) they work well. The wider stages where you have to throw the light a bit farther its pushing it a little. I have one stage thats about 20+ feet wide and its starting to push it. The place is pitch black though so that helps. Also, you will need to get cable extensions. The main cables are about 10' or so, so that will reach the lights next to the controller, but not reach across the stage. You will need 4 of them (if you are splitting them 4 per side).

If you want any more info on them, you can email me at kpisz@speakeasy.net.