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Stage Monster Live is not just any old stage lighting/effect control platform, so using it is a bit different than using an off-the-shelf DMX controller.

Unlike those other DMX controllers, there's no need to memorize which DMX channel controls which parameter of which device. Simply adjust a zone parameter (Standard Mode) or device parameter (Advanced Mode) and the data will be automatically routed to the correct DMX channels.

The Stage Monster Live control interface consists of four sub-interfaces, with each striking a different balance between control and simplicity: "Simple Mode," "Standard Mode," "Advanced Mode," and "Monster Mode."

Simple Mode: Simple Mode is the absolute easiest way to use the Stage Monster Live platform. It consists of a 2-dimensional control area with the horizontal axis controlling the overall color theme and the vertical axis controlling the intensity of the light settings. Simply click on a location on the control area to change the settings. For example, clicking toward the top of the control area within the red region will result in a high intensity setting with red wash lighting.

Standard Mode: Standard Mode offers more control but less simplicity than Simple Mode and more simplicity but less control than Advanced Mode. It is designed to be used with a wide range of lighting devices and is therefore limited to control parameters that are common to many different models. The interface is separated into zones that each represent a different lighting function and/or physical space. For example, the Front Main Wash zone consists of wash lights at the front of the stage illuminating the performers. The Moving Head Stage Left/Right zones, however, consist of dynamic devices featuring rotating and/or flashing lights on the left and right sides of the stage. (Note: full explanations of all Standard Mode zones below). Each zone contains a set of parameters relevant to that zone and each parameter may control one or more devices or parameters within each device. Using this interface is as simple as adjusting each parameter. The data will automatically be routed to the corresponding DMX channels.

Advanced Mode: Advanced Mode is designed to take advantage of all of the parameters of a particular set of devices and is therefore only available for venue accounts (in other words, it cannot be used by bands/performers in their lighting presets or automations). It features all of the available parameters for each lighting device, and unlike with Standard Mode, each parameter corresponds to a single DMX channel and parameter on the lighting device. It therefore offers more control than Simple Mode or Standard Mode. To use Advanced Mode, simply adjust each parameter as you desire, and just as with Standard Mode, all data will be routed to the corresponding DMX channels. Advanced Mode can be used with the same devices as Standard Mode, different devices, or a mix of both.

Monster Mode: Monster Mode allows users to synchronize their lighting presets to a YouTube video. Using Monster Mode, a band or performer can incorporate lighting, pre-recorded audio, and/or video elements into their performances. Simply connect an automation to a YouTube video using the video ID, place your presets at specific times in the video, then play through the video during your performances. Synchronize your performance with the video using cues within the video or audio elements, for example a click track routed to the provided in-ear monitor system. (Note: Only Standard Mode presets can be used with Monster Mode, more on setting up and using Monster Mode below).


You must be signed in to your Stage Monster Live account to access most features.

Signing In (performer accounts)

The Accounts tab in the performer interface allows you to sign into your performer account and to connect to a specific venue for using your content at that venue. To sign into your performer account, click on the Connect by Signing In button in the section titled Sign In. Once signed in, you will be able to edit or create presets or automations but will not be able to send the data to a venue's lighting system until the venue has also signed in. Users with a performer account can only use the performer interface.


Signing In (venue accounts)

You can sign into a venue account using either the performer interface or the venue interface. To sign in using the venue interface, simply use the Sign In form under the Accounts tab. To sign in using the performer interface, there are two options, both listed in the Connect to a Venue section under the Accounts tab. You may connect by signing in directly with your credentials or you can sign in using either interface on a private device, then generate a session code which can then be used to connect to your account on the performer interface (this is more secure since you do not have to enter your credentials on another user's device).


Adding/Using Advanced Mode Devices
The Advanced Mode sub-interface allows you to add DMX devices and control all channels of that device. It is only available for venue accounts. To add a device, click the "Add New DMX Device" button. You can easily add one of your Standard DMX devices by clicking the "Import From Standard Devices" button, add a device from our database by clicking the "Add Device From List" button, or add a device that doesn't appear on our list by clicking the "Add Custom Device" button. Once a device is added, you will see a module containing all of that device's parameters as well as device-specific blackout, delete, move up, and move down buttons. The "Blackout" button sets all parameters of that device to "0" while the "Delete" button removes the device from the interface. The "Move Up" and "Move Down" buttons allow you to rearrange your Advanced Mode device modules.

Monster Mode
The Monster Mode sub-interface allows you to synchronize DMX lighting/effect presets to videos on YouTube.com. Simply put whatever audio elements you need (click tracks, backing tracks, etc.) into video format, upload the video to your YouTube.com account (video must be set to embeddable and visibility to either "public" or "unlisted"), click "New Song" within the Monster Mode sub-interface, click "Edit" on the new song that was created, add the YouTube.com Video Id within the edit area, then add new scenes using the "Scenes" area on the right. Each scene requires you to set a Standard Mode preset and a time in the video at which to call that preset. To play through multiple automations for a live performance, create a playlist using the "Add Playlist" button, then click on the new playlist to reach the playlist edit area, click "Add Song" and choose which song you would like to add from the drop down menu. You can set transition times (time between songs) or manual (must start video manually) for each transition between songs. To play through an entire playlist, click "Start Performance" on that playlist. Please note that individual venues can disallow the Strobe, Fog/Haze, and Vertical Fog zones to be controlled using Monster Mode automations. If you are using an automation that incorporates one of these zones in a venue where they are disabled, all other data will be still be sent.

Simple Mode
The Simple Mode sub-interface is the simplest way to jump into your stage lighting performance. Click anywhere on the control area to set the overall speed/intensity of the lighting effects (on the vertical axis) and the color of the front main lights (on the horizontal axis).

Global Presets
In addition to individual zone presets, you can set up to 500 global presets per control mode. The Standard Mode presets comprise all Standard Mode parameters, as well as all expansion DMX channels, AC outlet buttons, and Digital Switch buttons. The Advanced Mode presets comprise all parameters of all connected Advanced Mode devices, as well as AC outlet buttons and Digital Switch buttons. Any preset can be connected to one of 20 quick buttons per control mode for easy retrieval of your presets.

Send and Autosend
Each sub-interface has a Send button at the top, which sends the current values of all parameters for that sub-interface to your data file. When Autosend is turned on, only the data that is changed is automatically sent when you change a parameter, retrieve a preset, click a blackout button, click on the Simple Mode control area, or click a utility button.

Easy Fog/Haze and Easy Vertical Fog
At the top of each interface are buttons to turn on/off the fog/haze zone and vertical fog zone independently of the rest of the control parameters. This allows you to easily turn the fog/haze or vertical fog on or off without affecting any other zones or DMX channels.

Global Blackout/Utility Buttons
The global blackout button, located at the top of each interface, allows you to set each parameter of the current control mode to "0" or "off." The "Utility" button is only available in Simple and Standard Modes and allows you to set static white light across the stage to provide lighting for setup, tear down, etc.

Expansion DMX Chanels
The expansion DMX channels allow performers to bring their own DMX devices and incorporate them into their performances. Up to 100 channels available.

Power Outlets (Not yet available)
The power outlet controls will allow users to control the on/off state of a series of AC power outlets. This could be used for controlling non-DMX lighting or any other simple plug-in devices.

Digital Switches (Not yet available)
Many electronic devices are controlled by digital switching circuits, circuits that are not intended to provide any functionality to the device aside from telling it whether it should be activated. For example, many dual channel guitar amplifiers feature a foot switch that simply opens or closes a switching circuit, which tells the amplifier to switch to the other channel. The digital switch controls will allow users to control these devices using the Stage Monster Live platform.

Chase (Not yet available)
The chase feature will allow users to set sequences of presets and cycle through those sequences at set time intervals.

History (Not yet available)
The history feature will allow users to view the presets that were previously sent and click on them to resend those presets.

Standard Device Setup (Venue Interface Only)
Warning: Changing any settings in this section may result in your lighting system not working properly. The standard device setup section allows you to configure the devices used by the Simple, Standard, and Monster Mode sub-interfaces. To add or edit a device, click on the zone, then click on the device to edit or a device with "No Device Selected" to add a device. Using the form that appears, find the device that you wish to add (Note: only devices that have been confirmed as being compatible with our data configuration system will appear in the options) and click the Load button. Then use the DMX channel map to choose the starting channel for that device. The starting channel entered here must match the one set on the device itself. Then click the Load button. To remove a device, click on the device, then click the Remove button.


Zone 1/2 - Moving Head Stage Left/Right
The Moving Head zones consist of dynamic lighting devices that incorporate flashing and movement. They contribute to the intensity of the stage lighting. The Moving Head Stage Left and Moving Head Stage Right zones can be linked so that both zones are controlled by the Moving Head Stage Left zone.

Zone 3 - Front Main Wash
The Front Main Wash zone consists of basic wash lights placed at the front of the stage facing the performers. It contributes to the overall tone of the stage lighting.

Zone 4 - Vocal Accent
The Vocal Accent zone is a specialized zone that consists of a small wash light placed behind the vocalist (or other person or object) and facing the audience. When turned on, it creates a shadow effect around the vocalist.

Zone 5 - Strobe
The Strobe zone consists of strobe devices. It contributes to the intensity of the stage lighting. Individual venues can disable the ability to control the Strobe zone using Monster Mode automations.

Zone 6 - Fog/Haze
The Fog/Haze zone consists of fog or haze machines. It greatly enhances the ability to see the lights, which enhances the overall lighting show. Use this zone sparingly to avoid over-fogging. Individual venues can disable the ability to control the Fog/Haze zone using Monster Mode automations.

Zone 7/8 - Rear Wash Stage Left/Right
The Rear Wash zones consist of basic wash lights placed at the rear of the stage facing the audience. They contribute to the overall tone of the stage lighting. The Rear Wash Stage Left and Rear Wash Stage Right zones can be linked so that both zones are controlled by the Rear Wash Stage Left zone.

Zone 9 - Vertical Fog
The Vertical Fog zone consists of devices that shoot fog in a single direction, usually also incorporating lighting. It contributes to the intensity of the stage lighting. Use this zone sparingly to avoid over-fogging. Individual venues can disable the ability to control the Vertical Fog zone using Monster Mode automations.

Zone 10 - Laser Effect
The Laser Effect zone consists of laser light devices, usually incorporating motion. It contributes to the intensity of the stage lighting.

Zone 11 - Blacklight
The Blacklight zone consists of UV light devices.

Zone 12 - Blinder
The Blinder zone consists of bright white lights placed at the rear of the stage and facing the audience. It creates the effect of illuminating the audience and preventing them from seeing the stage. Use this zone sparingly because it can cause temporary discomfort in the members of the audience.