An introduction to the SmartFade ® ML Lighting Control Console Get Smart – Get Moving!

an introduction to the

SmartFade® ML Lighting Control Console

Get Smart – Get Moving!

Problem - Solution

The engineers first problem in any design situation is to

discover what the problem really is…

Problem - Solution

Problem: The cost of moving lights has come down over time yet the cost of professional moving light controllers has not.

Solution: Design a control console with professional features but reduced cost, and reduced peripherals (monitors, work lights, shipping size/weight, etc.)

Problem - Solution

Problem: Small events often require users to control lighting accurately from small dark locations in non-traditional performance venues.

Solution: Provide a console with the most-used functions simplified (reduce typing/steps to achieve results) and consider the size/darkness issue.

SmartFade ML

SmartFade ML

Overview

SmartFade ML is a compact, lightweight console designed to control up to 48 dimmable channels and up to 24 moving lights.

In the SmartFade tradition, SFML uses direct controls, encoders and LCD displays and color coded backlit elastomer keys to provide feedback to the user without the need for a connected monitor.

Direct Controls

SmartFade ML maps all moving lights patched to a specific range of parameter names. These parameters can be directly controlled using the 24 faders.

Dimmer intensity is also controlled using these 24 faders, just like SmartFade.

Encoders and LCDs

SmartFade ML provides three encoders and two LCD displays for use in setting up the system and patching, programming moving lights, and seeing Stack playback information.

Direct Selects

SmartFade ML includes direct select keys for selection of moving lights, groups, palettes and effects.

Direct select keys are backlit with RGB LEDs, and will display the current color setting of fixtures with color mixing systems and the color mix stored to color palettes.

24 default color palettes are built automatically when a fixture with color mixing capabilities are patched.

Playback Controls

199-step Stack with crossfader pair, Go and Pause keys

24 Memories x 12 pages – 288 total 12 Sequences (24-step) x 12 pages – 144 total Grand Master, Blackout, Bumps Master and Solo

Effects

SmartFade ML provides up to 11 focus shapes (pan/tilt) and 11 single-parameter effects per show.

These can be referenced by any devices in any Memory.

There are a number of pre-built shapes and effect tables included.

Advanced ML Functions

Hue/Saturation Color Mixing Controls Parameter “Fan” 24 x 3 Types of Palettes – Focus, Color, Beam Selective Storing functions – record only selected channels Masking functions – record only selected parameter groups Bump = Go – choose whether you want to pre-set moving

lights before manually fading up intensity or allowing the live move.

Move Dark

Who uses this product?

Meet “Scooter”! Scooter is 24 years old and he does gigs for a

living. He owns his own lighting console so he can light local bans, parties, meetings and other small events. He uses mostly moving lights and some conventionals.

Scooter doesn’t have a lot of money, but he wants to provide his clients the most professional show he can.

Scooter rarely gets a scripts for his shows. He needs a console that will let him improvise and make up the lighting as the show progresses.

How does SFML help?

Small footprint, no monitor required, Kensington lock for security

Backlit buttons – no work light needed, speeds programming, looks cool

Focus palettes and Auto-built color palettes speed programming

Manual or timed playback of Memories Rubberband or “Bump=Go” playback styles 144 Sequences available for short cue lists or

chaser effects Stack for more theatrical playback if needed Selective recording and masking functions

Who uses this product?

Meet “Walt”! Walt is the head of the Lighting Ministry for his

expanding church. He is in charge of lighting the rented movie theatre that acts as the church’s remote video venue. He uses mainly conventionals, but he has some moving lights for special purposes and to create a similar “feel” as one gets at the big church.

Walt works with volunteers with little lighting experience and often has teenagers run the console during services.

Walt’s “show” is relatively unchanging. He needs to be able to do special looks for holidays, but mainly he needs to be able to present the same looks each week for the service. Playback needs to be as simple as possible.

How does SFML help?

Small footprint, no monitor required, Kensington lock for security

Backlit buttons – no work light needed, speeds programming

Direct control of parameters on faders makes it easy for volunteers to control lights

Focus palettes and Auto-built color palettes speed programming

Manual or timed playback of Memories Stack for main playback with Go, Pause and

Go Back functions SD card to backup the show file.

Coming Soon - SmartSoft

While no monitor is required to use a SmartFade ML, there are times where having displays is a good thing…

SmartSoft is a software application that can be used together with a SmartFade ML (and ultimately SmartFade) to view show data.

Additionally, you can use the PC to enter text labels for show content like Groups, Palettes, Memories and Sequences.

SmartSoft can also be used offline for show editing.

Stats

48 Channels + 24 Fixtures 24 x 12 pages of Memories 12 x 12 pages of Sequences 199-step Stack 22 Shape/Effects slots per show Output: 2 DMX Universes (1,024 outputs) MIDI In/Out USB connectivity with a PC Universal Power Supply (same as SmartFade) Same size/weight as the SmartFade 2496 console.

What you’ve been waiting for…

The List Price!

$2,995

SmartFade ML

Questions?