Mastering QLab: Insights and Resources

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 & macro 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

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