Tech Connection

Dive into advanced features and workflows in TheatreMix with developer, James Holt Back by popular demand from our last great session with James Holt, dive deeper into TheatreMix in session 201, for seamless DCA cue automation across various mixing consoles. The developer himself walks us through the newest features and how to manage advanced workflows easily for your next big show, including ways to fine-tune your shows, work quickly, prepare for mic or cast swaps, and more. 

A Festival of Hope Uniting Thousands of Kids in Song

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Learn the ins and outs of TheatreMix from James Holt, the brains behind the software Take a deep dive into how TheatreMix solves many pains of running theatrical productions on live audio consoles with developer James Holt, presented by Tech Direction.

Unlocking the Power of QLab: Insights and Resources from Our Intensive Training Workshop During our QLab Training sessions in the past week, quite a few QLab compatible devices, software packages, and helper tools were mentioned and, as promised, you can find a list of links below. Interested in any of these products, looking for more information, or want personalized recommendations? Send us an email and we would be more than happy to help! Software Tools Audio Effects & Processing: Old Skool Reverb Glitchmachines' Fracture & Hysteresis Audio Loopback Software Used to patch audio between applications on the same mac Black Hole by Existential audio Video Compression & Transcoding: Apple Compressor (Mac App Store link) Features & Information (web page) FFMPEG : Free & Open-source video encoding tools (command-line application) Ffmpeg.app : website for plain-language command search Video Networking: NDI Tools : various software tools for working with NDI video NDI Scan Converter : Send a computer window from your mac over NDI to other devices Syphon : Send screen capture or an application window to other supported applications on the same mac Computer Networking: ZeroTier virtualized networks : the VPN/virtual network used to connect Tech Direction MacBook with Sam’s mac in NYC during OSC remote control demonstrations Basic Computer Networking for the Theatre : from the QLab Manual Software for OSC & MIDI: TheatreChat - Text chat via OSC Allen & Heath MIDI control - connect to and control Allen & Heath consoles via MIDI Hardware Tools Video capture and Output Devices Blackmagic Design : manufactures of capture and output devices supported officially by QLab Blackmagic Design Ultra Studio : thunderbolt SDI and HDMI video capture device line mentioned during training MIDI Devices and Tools QLab Recommended MIDI interfaces from the manual iConnectivity Mio USB MIDI interface Kenton products - MIDI controllers, processors, and other tools ESI Midi interfaces TeamSound NYC : Sam’s physical MIDI controllers for show triggers and editing MIDI Solutions products are tools for working with MIDI devices: chaining many together, processing & routing signals, and taking care of other needs Dante Audio Networking About Dante Nemesis Research Dante switch Autograph Signature Series : Dante & other audio switches/changeover devices, remote controls Studio Technologies Model 5202 : Dante to headphones/line-out converter Fostex 6301 Dante Version : small active monitor speaker with Dante support Mac Expansion, Audio Interfaces, and More Buttons Sonnettech - manufacturer of external Thunderbolt PCIe card enclosures (like the Echo Express mentioned by Sam). Used to connect PCIe cards (E.g. Blackmagic DeckLink cards) to your mac via Thunderbolt. Caberqu USB-C cable tester : find out if all headers are wired Loupedeck : customizable control surface ¯ro buttons for your computer Elgato Stream Deck : macro/shortcut button pad, available in various sizes Elgato Marketplace QLab Extensions - plugins for the official Stream Deck software Bitfocus Companion - Third-party, powerful editor for the Stream Deck Recommended QLab Cookbook reading Focusrite Scarlett Solo : small USB Audio interface from the popular Scarlett series QLab Links: Lighting control Supported DMX Interface list and introduction to connecting QLab with lighting systems (and other Art-Net or DMX controlled devices like projector dousers) QLab Help & Reference QLab Manual: https://qlab.tips QLab OSC Dictionary and Queries QLab AppleScript Dictionary QLab YouTube Channel: https://qlab.tv QLab Accounts: https://qlab.app/account QLab Discussion List (Google Group/Mailing List) Code of Conduct QLab Remote App - control QLab from an iOS device (iPad, iPhone, etc) Go Button app - “QLab lite” for iOS Join the conversation: #TechDirection

Exciting News for Theatre Technicians and Designers! Tech Direction is thrilled to announce a unique opportunity for theatre professionals: an official QLab training session in collaboration with Figure 53, the creators of QLab itself! This is your chance to learn directly from the experts behind the most widely used software in theatre and live performance technology today. Why This Training? QLab is the backbone of sound and video design in theatres worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, understanding QLab is essential for anyone involved in technical theatre production. With the recent launch of QLab 5 (and 5.3 update), there's no better time to deepen your knowledge and skills. Online or In Person: 🎨 Project Review Sessions: Open to in-person and online participants, bring your past or ongoing QLab projects to our daily review sessions at the end of each day of training. Think of it as "phone a friend" for professional advice on streamlining your workflow and infusing creativity into your projects. 💻 QCode Development (Nov 30 & Dec 1): Attend our advanced sessions on Days 2 and 3 (in person or online), and submit your QLab coding challenges. Our development team will work overnight, presenting you with innovative solutions on the morning of Day 3. 🔎 The Brains Behind-the-Scenes Tour (Nov 30): Be part of an intimate technical tour of the Tom Patterson Theatre at Stratford Festival led by the visionaries who worked on the design of the theatre’s state-of-the-art systems. This will be an in-person walk through that those attending online can follow via livestream. It’s a rare chance to learn what tech goes into a new theatre focused on technical excellence! In Person Only - Special Event: 🤝 Designer Discussions and Drinks (Nov 29): After the first day’s training, join us for an invite-only gathering in Stratford. Mingle with top sound and video designers, discuss your upcoming projects, and gain exclusive insights to elevate your designs. Virtual Participants: Join Our Live Stream QLab Training from Western Canada! For our participants in Western Canada, we're excited to offer a flexible streaming option for our QLab training! No matter where you are, you can join the sessions at your convenience the same day of the event. Engage with the training material live or asynchronously—rewind, pause, and play to match your learning pace. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and participate fully in the experience. Note that the recording links will go dead at the end of each day as these sessions are not going to be posted in their entirety. We particularly encourage you to join us for the afternoon session on Zoom starting at 1:30pm, where live participation will bring even more value to your learning experience. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your tech skills with the convenience of remote access! This event is more than just training; it’s a chance to connect, collaborate, and spark innovation with peers and pioneers alike. The Trainer The training will be led by Sam Kusnetz from Figure 53, who has an in-depth knowledge of QLab and it's newest features. His insights are invaluable, providing you with tips, tricks, and best practices that you won't find anywhere else. Who Should Attend This training is ideal for: Sound and Video Designers Technical Directors Stage Managers Anyone in the theatre and live performance industry looking to upskill Registration Reserve your spot now by clicking here and take your QLab expertise to an extraordinary new level. We can't wait to welcome you to what promises to be a first-of-it’s-kind technical theatre event. Stay Ahead of the Curve with Tech Direction and Figure 53! Register Now | Contact Us for More Info | \ Join the conversation: #TechDirection

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A Festival of Hope Uniting Thousands of Kids in Song

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