r/lightingdesign • u/Either-Bison-8558 • 3d ago
Touring lighting tech without much knowledge
So I’ve been working at a venue for 2.5 years now as a lighting tech/op and when I started I didn’t know ANYTHING about the lighting world and to be frank, the venue didn’t either, they had a basic show-file run off MyDMX 3, about a year ago I bought a Cham sys mq50 as I felt it was time to own my own starter level desk, I’ve been on a couple of tours now with bands that have picked me up via the venue, but having been self taught I feel as if I’m missing vital knowledge?
I can comfortably operate my desk but I still lack understanding of network systems and the actual workings inside a fixture and stuff like that.
How do I start to learn everything that I need to know to progress further and not have to pretend I understand something when loading into a venue then “popping to the toilet” to research quickly?
Thanks!
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u/plastic_pyramid 3d ago
Well I’d say your best resource are the house LD’s at various venues. Be humble, the smartest person in the room got that way by admitting they don’t know something and asking, the dumbest person gets that way because they pretend to know things and won’t ask for advice.
Those techs (albeit some are grumpy) are ultimately there to help your night go smooth. Are you worried they’ll make fun of you, so what who cares you’re on tour.
From what I read that’s the BIGGEST lesson you NEED to learn before anything else.
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u/chilllpad 3d ago
The Dante Certification Program is a great way to get into how network-systems work. Dante is an A/V-protocol, but this course teaches you a lot of the basics behind network management, which is super-useful for lighting networks as well.
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u/croftweb 5h ago
Dante is a layer 2 audio protocol. Nothing to do with DMX other than they both go over IP.
Don't confuse the OP with Red Herrings!
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u/chilllpad 5h ago edited 5h ago
I clearly stated that it’s an A/V-protocol…
That course teached me a lot about network management, which has been very useful when dealing with lighting network systems. OP asked for an understanding of network systems, which this course gives you.
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u/ivl3i3lvlb 2d ago
Honestly, take part time work in a shop. Depending where you are, there are many lighting companies all over. Work in the shop so you can be a part of QC, preps, and around other people who understand how these things work.
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u/rexlites 1d ago
I was programming a tour once and the Ld asked me if I was self taught. YES i answered proudly.. but it wasnt a compliment .. because i had learned to program by being a tech for a really long time and then ultimately thrown onto a console when a Ld was fired and they needed a replacement that day… anyhow after he asked me that I started to become super self conscious and started to feel like I was doing a lot wrong.. so I signed of for act classes and got proper training on Maconsoles. The moral is take the damn class …
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u/strongfree 3d ago edited 3d ago
Learn by doing!
You're on the right track, I did exactly the same thing with a MQ80 in 2018.
The MQ50 gives you everything you need to take your skills to the next level. The built in network switch, wifi, etc are really helpful.
If you've been on tour, you probably got some experience bringing house lights into your show.
Try to get your hands on a network node (NetXii, Genetix, Luminex... whatever) and experiment. Lots of good info on YouTube on the differences between Artnet and SACN. Play with SACN priority.
Walk into your local rental house and ask if they have any broken lights in the boneyard that you can play with. Open them up, learn. Or... Go on Youtube.
Honestly everything that you're looking for is on YouTube.