We’ve seen terrific iPhone / iPod Touch apps for MIDI and OpenSoundControl, including Mrmr running VJ apps, i3L outputing to MIDI, and free, cross-platform Pd tools. With these, you can run visual, music, and other apps. But the latest addition is a very polished-looking app dedicated entirely to DMX, the protocol of choice for automated lighting and certain motorized projectors we love so much.
Luminar is a DMX lighting control app for iPhone and Touch, running control data for DMX rigs over wifi. There’s a touch-enabled mixer, precise, per-channel control, and color manipulation with a Color Changer channel layout. It’s definitely geared for lights in a way that general-purpose control software is not. I feel slightly icky talking about “lights” on this site. (Hey, aren’t those the things that blow out our projections?) But on the other hand, this kind of control and better software is just the kind of tool that can help give us better control over live rigs – and it’ll certainly work for DMX-controlled visuals, too, or (if you’re lucky enough to be doing this) synced projected visuals and lights, not to mention the kind of lights we very much enjoy (like LED arrays).
Nicely enough, they’ve also built in not only control tools, but clever monitoring / logging tools for viewing half a minute of data on each channel – something I’d love to have with MIDI and OSC controllers.
It’s beautifully-designed, inspiring software, and for those of you who are DMX nuts, loads of compatibility details and a downloadable manual. You can even save data by fixture manufacturer and model. It’s really powerful stuff, and proof positive serious apps can run on Apple’s mobile platform.
Luminair Product Page; Direct iTunes link
US$99.99 (which means we really could use a demo, guys!)
I'm not aware of any wifi enabled dmx rigs. Is this a common thing?
[…] Luminair: Gorgeous DMX Controller on iPhone, iPod Touch Runs Your Rocking Light Show Archivist Responds: Yes, Virginia, Delia Derbyshire Really Was That Awesome […]
haven't seen any with internal wifi, but have seen quite a few hooked up to wifi hubs/routers and used through that.
opera company i worked for used a dmx controller program for a compaq winCE device for communication with its board…
This is pretty nice… though any word of somebody (artificial eyes??) working on an official MIDI app for the iPhone? I know jailbroken options are available, but I'd love to see some official apps.
[…] Luminair: Gorgeous DMX Controller on iPhone, iPod Touch Runs Your Rocking Light Show […]
[…] Luminar, DMX controller […]
@ davyd_a
Although not particularly common at the moment, lighting rigs can contain wireless elements, either at the control end or fixture end.
Using DMX over an Ethernet protocol, such as ARTnet, means that you can use an access point to break into a rig.
There are more details on using DMX, RDM and wireless DMX systems at On Stage Lighting.
Best wishes
Rob
Hi has anyone used the luminaire app for the iphone
derek
I am exploring the Luminair App with an Enttec ODE DMX interface (http://www.enttec.com/index.php?main_menu=Products&pn=70305&show=downloads). I'll be back with a review after I complete my tests.
i bought this at version 2.0 now theres a 2.02 , it is cool and functional , i use the ipod to wireless talk to my wireless router , the routers ethernet jack goes to the ethernet port of my "Ethernet to DMX " enttec box – then direct to my first DMX light – i can control everything that every dmx light offers , i also tried the $5 IPod APP by another developer which works too , but not as sexy as this
This is very cool. Who would have predicted that an MP3 player could do these amazing things. Very Exciting times. Can only imagine what will be install in the next 5 years!