Martin LIGHTING DIRECTOR, User Manual, Page: 29 / 105

CHAPTER 3 - Light and Media Set-up
In this chapter you will learn how to define and calibrate lighting fixtures and other
media for use with the MLD. The system is very flexible and it is designed to work in a
wide variety of configurations which we will review here.
LIGHTING CONTROL CONFIGURATIONS
The MLD can work as a “stand-alone” control system or in tandem with DMX
consoles, software controllers, MIDI instruments, and so on. The following figures show
some popular arrangements:
MLD box
Figure 11 - "Stand-alone" configuration: MLD
connected directly to DMX lights
DMX cable
DMX 512
out in
111 000
11 00
Light 1 Light 2
to other lights in series
(controlled by MLD)
Here the MLD system can control directly up to 64 fixtures using 512 DMX control
channels. This is a “stand-alone” configuration which lets the MLD control fixtures
without the need of any other controller, sequencer or console. In this configuration
there can be 4 maps loaded simultaneously and new ones can be added manually in the
real time screen. This arrangement is suitable for completely automated situations such
as convention centre presentations, small concerts, fashion shows or other events
where the lighting behaviour is not going to change too frequently or require
sophisticated moving light sequences.
Side note: it is possible for the performers themselves to load new maps from the stage so
that new behaviours can be seen. This is done by setting appropriate DMX triggers as dimmer
pack static controls in certain regions so that when the performer enters those regions the
maps load with the map remote control option. (Don’t worry! the terminology used in this note
will be explained in the following chapters).
MLD manual 1.1 Page 29