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Alien Apparatus Solo Performer Show Controller User Manual

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  • Page 3 Solo Performer Show Controller ® Version 4 User’s Guide...
  • Page 4 Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Solo Performer Show Controller® and Alien Apparatus® are registered trademarks of Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ................ 9 VERVIEW ERFORMER ONTROLLER ORKS ............EATURES IN ERSION 2 IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ......... 3 UNPACKING AND REGISTERING ..........................NPACKING ..............RODUCT EGISTRATION 4 QUICK START GUIDE ............... 5 INSTALLATION ON MACINTOSH ......................
  • Page 6 ..........IGHTSHOW DITOR INDOW MIDI E ..........FFECTS DITOR INDOW ............OTKEY DITOR INDOW ............NFORMATION INDOW 9 STARTING THE SOFTWARE ................. AUNCHING ERFORMER ONTROLLER ..............YSTEM EGISTRATION ................OINT THE E ............OCATE UDIO ILES 10 PLAYLISTS AND AUDIO ............
  • Page 7 12 TUNING ..............................UNING NSTRUMENT ............UNING THE LAYLIST UDIO ..........DJUSTING THE LOBAL UNING 13 EVENT SEQUENCES OVERVIEW ....................HREE ROCESS 14 LYRICS ......................... DDING YRIC ISPLAYS TO A ........... ELETING A YRIC VENT ............... UTTON ....
  • Page 8 ............. ELETING A IGHT CENE ..........DDING A CENE TO A IGHTSHOW ........ELETING A CENE FROM A IGHTSHOW ............REVIEWING A IGHTSHOW ......... AKING A IGHTSHOW SING HASES ..............AVING A IGHTSHOW ..............PENING A IGHTSHOW ..........XITING THE IGHTSHOW DITOR ..........
  • Page 9 ............ONTROLLING THE LAYLIST ............... HANGING THE OLUME ......HANGING THE OMPUTER YSTEM OLUME ..............CREEN YRICS .......... ECONDARY YRIC ISPLAY INDOW ............... ACHINE ONTROL ............ LTERNATE UTTON APPINGS ........ECONNECTING THE ONTROLLER .......... MPORTANCE OF A ACHINE ........ECOMMENDED REPARATION 20 CUSTOMIZING ................

  • Page 11: Introduction

    Introduction Overview - How Solo Performer Show Controller Works The Solo Performer Show Controller is a system for solo musicians to control their shows when performing live. It consists of a software program that manages playlists, plays the backing music, displays lyrics on screen,...
  • Page 12 If you are new to DMX512 lighting, refer to Appendix A1 for an introduction. The foot controller’s default functions are as shown below: The foot switch functions are as follows, from left to right: 10 Introduction Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 13 Lowers the volume of the current playlist item Volume Up Raises the volume of the current playlist item Lyric Window Toggles the lyric display area from a windowed view to full-screen Toggles the fog machine on and off Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Introduction 11...

  • Page 14: New Features Inv

    Markers can be dragged to move them to new locations and can be copied and pasted as well. Button View for Playing Without Fixed Set Lists 12 Introduction Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 15 Solo Perfomer Show Controller. Keyboard Navigation In previous editions of Solo Performer Show Controller, you could alway press keys on the keyboard to advance to songs that start with the letters that you have pressed.
  • Page 16 Button View with your entire library. Improved Authorization Method Previously, Solo Performer Show Controller had to be authorized by connecting the foot controller. Authorization was maintained by connecting the foot controller every 45 days.

  • Page 17: Important Safety Precautions

    In the unlikely event that any of our units require service please contact your nearest Alien Apparatus customer support representative. See Appendix A3 for more information. Warning! Route all cabling away from foot traffic. As a...
  • Page 18 Do not use any solvents. The unit should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 16 Important Safety Precautions Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 19: Unpacking And Registering

    first contacting customer support. Product Registration The Solo Performer Show Controller carries a one year (365 day) limited warranty. When running the included software for the first time, a registration screen will appear. Please fill out the on-screen registration form.
  • Page 20 Registering also ensures that you will receive all software updates that you are entitled to receive. 18 Unpacking & Registering Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 21: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide This section explains in brief the steps that must be performed to get Solo Performer Show Controller up and running. Chapter references are given for a more detailed explanation. 1. Install Software Macintosh users, refer to Chapter 5 Windows users, refer to Chapter 6 2.
  • Page 22 Refer to Chapter 16 D. Save configuration file Refer to Chapter 16 8. Set Preferences A. Set default configuration file and default audio file folder Refer to Chapter 20 Quick Start Guide Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 23 The Solo Performer Show Controller system should now be ready to use! Refer to the rest of this User’s Guide for more detailed information on specific functions. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Quick Start Guide...
  • Page 24 Installation on Macintosh Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 25: Installation On Macintosh

    If you are upgrading from a previous version of the software, follow the installation instructions as if you were doing a new installation. No document files, such as playlists, lyrics, lightshows, or light scenes will be deleted. Software Installation Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Installation on Macintosh...
  • Page 26 Double-click on the Install SP Show Controller.app icon to launch the installer. When the installer launches, a dialog appears asking for your user password for your computer. Type in your password and then click the OK button. Installation on Macintosh Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 27 The License Agreement screen appears. Read this agreement carefully and print a copy for your records by clicking on the Print button. When you are done reading the license agreement, click the Install button to go on. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Installation on Macintosh...
  • Page 28 After agreeing to the terms of the license agreement, the files will then be copied to your hard disk. When complete the Installation Complete screen appears. Installation on Macintosh Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 29 Click the Continue button to install the foot controller driver. The Read Me screen appears next and shows the Revision History for the driver. Click Continue to go on. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Installation on Macintosh...
  • Page 30 The driver installer requires that you type your password to install the driver. A notice appears informing that your computer must be restarted when complete. Click the Continue Installation button to continue. Installation on Macintosh Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 31 The necessary files are now installed When complete, the following window is presented. Click the Restart button to restart your computer. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Installation on Macintosh...
  • Page 32 Applications folder on your hard disk. A folder called Solo Performer Show Controller has been created in your Documents folder. This will be where all of your playlists and sequence files will be saved. Installation on Macintosh Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 33: Installation On Windows

    If you are upgrading from a previous version of the software, follow the installation instructions as if you were doing a new installation. No document files, such as playlists, lyrics, lightshows, or light scenes will be deleted. Software Installation Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Installation on Windows...
  • Page 34 Note that on some Windows systems, the file name extensions might be set to be hidden. If this is the case, setup.exe will appear as merely setup. When you have located setup.exe, launch it by double-clicking on its icon. Installation on Windows Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 35 If you do not agree with the terms of the agreement, click on the Cancel button and the installer will quit without installing the software. You may return the product for a refund. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Installation on Windows...
  • Page 36 The Information screen appears. This text explains what software will be installed and how to do a customized installation to install only selected components, if desired. Read the text, and then click the Next button. Installation on Windows Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 37 Start Menu, you may do so by either typing in a new folder name or by clicking the Browse button to find an existing folder. Click the Next button to continue with the installation. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Installation on Windows...
  • Page 38 If you do not wish to have a desktop icon installed, simply uncheck the checkbox by clicking on it. Click the Next button to continue. Installation on Windows Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 39 If everything is fine, click the Install button to begin copying files to your computer. The necessary files will now be copied to your computer. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Installation on Windows...
  • Page 40 If QuickTime 6.0 or later is not installed on your computer, QuickTime will be installed. If you already have QuickTime 6.0 or later, the QuickTime installer will be skipped. When the QuickTime installer begins, the following window appears: Installation on Windows Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 41 Click Next to continue on with the installation. Apple Computer’s QuickTime license agreement is displayed. Read it, and if you agree with the terms, click the Yes button to continue. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Installation on Windows...
  • Page 42 The following screen appears where a destination location for the QuickTime installation can be chosen. Most people choose the default location. Click Install to continue. The QuickTime files are now copied to your hard disk. Installation on Windows Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 43 Finish to exit the installer. You will next be asked if you would like to upgrade to QuickTime Pro. This is not necessary so you click the No Thanks button to continue on. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Installation on Windows...
  • Page 44 QuickTime is now installed, and the Solo Performer Show Controller software installation is complete. Click the Finish button to exit the installer. Installation on Windows Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 45: Foot Controllerd

    Foot Controller Driver Installation In order for the Solo Performer Show Controller software to communicate with the foot controller, a driver needs to be installed. To do this, simply connect the foot controller to the computer’s USB port using the cable provided.
  • Page 46 files, choose the Install from a list or specific location option and click Next. Fill in the path “D:\Drivers” in the search box then click Next. Installation on Windows Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 47 Depending on the Windows version you are using, the following screen, or one similar to it, may appear: Click Continue Anyway to go on. The foot controller driver files will now be copied to your hard disk. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Installation on Windows...
  • Page 48 Once finished, the necessary software to communicate with the Solo Performer Show Controller foot controller is now installed. Installation on Windows Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 49: Wiring The System

    Wiring the System The Solo Performer Show Controller system may be wired in a variety of ways, depending on the complexity and impact desired. In its simplest configuration, nothing needs to be wired! Simply run the software and play backing music on your computer!

  • Page 50: Line Termination

    5-Pin XLR Ground / Shield Pin 1 Pin 1 Data – (Cold) Pin 2 Pin 2 Data + (Hot) Pin 3 Pin 3 Not Used Pin 4 Not Used Pin 5 Wiring the System Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 51: High -Performancea

    It is recommended that a cable be inserted in the computer's audio-out jack (headphone jack), and be routed to an amplified system, or to a mixing board. The following diagram shows such a system: Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Wiring the System...
  • Page 52 Wiring the System Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 53: Midi Cabling

    MIDI interface, most music stores sell an adapter that connects to your computer via the USB port or serial port. Solo Performer Show Controller uses the computer operating system’s MIDI services to send MIDI messages, so any MIDI interface that is compatible with your computer’s operating system as a general MIDI...
  • Page 54 find out how to do this, as all devices differ. This channel number is what needs to be used in the MIDI events that can be programmed in Solo Performer Show Controller. Wiring the System Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 55: Overview Of The Software

    Editor looks like this: The playlist is a list of audio files, settings, and associated event sequences that stream with them, collectively defining a show. To the left of the playlist is Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Overview of the Software...

  • Page 56: The Lyrics Editorw

    first be on the playlist and be selected in yellow. When these conditions are met, clicking on the Edit Lyrics setup button on the Playlist Editor window opens the Lyrics Editor. The Lyrics Editor window looks like this: Overview of the Software Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 57: The Lightshow Editor Window

    To open the Lightshow Editor, a song must first be selected on the playlist. Clicking the Open Lightshow Editor button will then open the Lightshow Editor. The Lightshow Editor looks like this: Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Overview of the Software...

  • Page 58: The Midi Effects Editor Window

    To open the MIDI Editor, first select a song on the playlist and then click the Open MIDI Editor button. The MIDI Editor will then open and will look like this: Overview of the Software Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 59: The Hotkey Editor Window

    This is done with the Hotkey Editor. With a song selected on the playlist, clicking the Open Hotkey setup button will open the Hotkey Editor. The Hotkey Editor looks like this: Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Overview of the Software...

  • Page 60: The Information Window

    The Information Window Another very important window is the information window. The information window displays details about a selected song and can be opened by double-clicking on a playlist row. Overview of the Software Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 61 Details about the Information Window are given in Chapter 10. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Overview of the Software...

  • Page 62: Starting The Software

    Show Controller from the Solo Performer Show Controller group in the Windows Start menu. When Solo Performer Show Controller is launched for the first time, you will be asked to do two things – supply a license key and fill out registration information.
  • Page 63 After supplying a valid license key, you will be asked to register the software by supplying some additional information. Fill out the information on the form, including the serial number found on the rear of the foot controller. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Starting the Software...
  • Page 64 To mail the registration, click the Print Registration to Mail button and your registration information will be printed, along with an address to send the page to. Starting the Software Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 65: Joint The Elist

    Joint the eList When registration is complete, you will be asked if you would like to join the Solo Performer Show Controller eList. The eList is a mailing list to help you stay on top of the current Solo Performer Show Controller news such as software updates and special offers.

  • Page 66: Locate Your Audio Files

    Create Folder… button or simply go on without specifying a folder by clicking the Choose Later button. The audio library folder can be set at any time in the Preferences window. Starting the Software Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 67: Playlists And Audio

    Clicking the "Expand Playlist" shows all of the columns of information that are available in a horizontally scrolling list. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...
  • Page 68 Button View can be turned on by clicking the "Switch to Button View" button below the playlist: Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 69 Playlist Library, the Playlist, and the Lyrics Display. Two splitter bars are located below the panes that allow the panes to be resized by dragging or collapsed by double- clicking. Once collapsed, a pane may be expanded again by another double-click. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...

  • Page 70: Playlists

    The “active” playlist has an orange arrow icon next to its title in the Playlist Library as shown below: Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 71: Sorting Playlists

    When Solo Performer Show Controller is first launched, the last used playlist will open automatically. If the program has never been used before, the “All Songs in Library” built-in playlist will be active. Sorting Playlists Playlists can be sorted by any column, either ascending or descending.

  • Page 72: Making A New Playlist

    “Create New Playlist” button, a new playlist will appear in the playlist library and its title will be highlighted so that it can be renamed. Once an empty playlist is created, songs can be added to it. Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 73: Adding Audio To The Playlist

    Adding Audio to the Playlist Audio is added to a playlist in one of many way. Audio may be added by choosing Add to Playlist or Add Folder Playlist under the Audio menu. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...
  • Page 74 Song…” under the playlist “Action” menu, right-clicking or control-clicking the playlist and choosing “Add Song…” from the menu that pops up, or by dragging and dropping a song from one playlist to another. Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 75 This is an indication that after the song is done being played, no more songs will play unless the play button is pressed again. This is a “Stop” Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...
  • Page 76 “Little Green Men” will begin automatically. The Stop icon in the “Little Green Men” row indicates that the show will stop after “Little Green Men” is done playing, awaiting the play button to Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 77 The following is a list of effects icon types: Lightshow Indicator MIDI Indicator Hotkey Indicator MIDI & Lightshow Indicator Hotkey & Lightshow Indicator Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...

  • Page 78: Supported Audio File Formats

    MIDI & Hotkey Indicator MIDI, Lightshow, and Hotkey Indicator Supported Audio File Formats Solo Performer Show Controller is capable of playing a variety of audio file formats in a playlist. Essentially, the software supports any audio format supported by the installed version of QuickTime.

  • Page 79: Midi File Playback

    The row that is to be played next (the yellow row) may be changed while another song is being played. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...

  • Page 80: Reordering Playlist Items

    The order of playlist items can be changed by clicking on an item and dragging it to a new position. When dragging a playlist item, a black line will appear between the rows where the song will be inserted. Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 81: Removing Playlist Items

    file to be removed by clicking on it, then selecting the Remove From Playlist item on the Audio menu. Alternatively, Remove Song may be chosen from the playlist’s Action button menu. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...

  • Page 82: Ending Options

    Stop The song will stop when it gets to the end and wait for the play button to be pressed before resuming to the next song on the playlist. Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 83 Partial Loop and Stop Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...

  • Page 84: Volume Adjustment

    In the above example, “Alien Song” is the selected row and the volume slider has been moved to 75%. Note that the playlist column “Vol” indicates 75. Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 85: Time Remaining In Playlist

    All of these will happen at a slightly slower or quicker rate as well. The tuning setting is shown on the playlist row. A setting of 0 indicates that there is no adjustment. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...

  • Page 86: Information Window

    Adjustments to the play count may be made here. Clicking on the small arrow icons will increment or decrement the displayed number. Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 87: Saving Playlists

    Save Playlist As… from the File menu. When saving, the default file location for the saved playlist is the “Playlist Folder” that is chosen in the Preferences panel. See Chapter 20 for details. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...

  • Page 88: Playlist Locking

    file name in the Open Recent Playlist sub-menu in the File menu. Note that when opening a playlist, the default folder for opening a playlist is the one that is chosen in the Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 89: Button View

    Preferences panel. See Chapter 20 for details about customizing Solo Performer Show Controller. Button View Button view can be used to show all of the songs in the currently active playlist as an array of buttons. As mentioned at the beginning of this chapter, button view may be shown by clicking the “Switch to Button View”...
  • Page 90 Once dropped, the button will snap to the closest position on its grid the other buttons will re-order themselves. The size of the buttons may be changed by choosing a new size from the Action button menu. Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 91 Action button menu called “Match Button View Order” that conversely arranges the playlist to match the button ordering. The number of columns that are displayed can be chosen from the Action button’s menu as shown: Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...
  • Page 92 See Chapter 19 regarding the use of the foot controller. Much like the playlist view, button view also responds to key presses. By typing the first characters of a song Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 93: Audio File Tips

    files for a nominal fee • From a drum machine recording • From mail order houses and internet web sites that sell music with only rhythm tracks. This type of music is very Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Playlists And Audio...

  • Page 94: Using Click Tracks

    Another way to accomplish a click track is to mix down the audio files in a surround-sound format such as Dolby 5.1 or 7.1. To accomplish this, an audio interface that supports multi-channel surround sound playback is required. Playlists and Audio Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 95: Midi File Options

    You would probably only want the rhythm tracks to be included. To suppress MIDI instruments from playing back, choose Remove Instruments from the MIDI menu. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. MIDI File Options...
  • Page 96 Information window. The MIDI tab displays all of the tracks that appear in the MIDI file, and what instrument is being played on it. Tracks may be enabled or disabled MIDI File Options Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 97: Changing Midi Instruments

    MIDI file. To choose a different instrument for a track, simply click the name of the instrument in the popup menu and choose a different one. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. MIDI File Options...

  • Page 98: Transposing Midi Notes

    Using this slider, notes played on each track may be adjusted a full octave up or down. MIDI File Options Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 99 To restart an instrument that has a decaying playback, press the tuner button to stop the tuner play mode, and then press it again to start it going again. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Tuning...
  • Page 100 2. Move the playback position to just before the note. 3. Select Set Left Locator from the Tuning button’s menu. This will change the tuning loop left position readout to the current position. Tuning Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 101 Set Left Locator from the Tuning button’s menu again. This will update the starting location of the loop. Similarly, the ending position may be updated by moving Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Tuning...
  • Page 102 file by moving the tuning slider until the tuning loop is in tune with your instrument. Adjusting the Global Tuning Tuning Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 103 A slider is available to provide “global tuning”. When this slider is moved, all playlist audio will be tuned up or down an equivalent amount. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Tuning...
  • Page 104 Event Sequences Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 105 This actually simplifies the process because the third step of attaching the sequence to a playlist item does not need to be done - it happens automatically. In general, the steps are: Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Event Sequences...
  • Page 106 The following chapters will examine each of the event sequence types individually, however, the process for each is very similar - especially if you keep in mind the three-step process described above. Event Sequences Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 107 2. Select the Edit Lyrics item from the Lyrics menu or select the Action button’s Edit Lyrics menu option as shown. 3. The Lyrics Editor window opens up with a lyrics display window and a table to the right. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lyrics...
  • Page 108 4. Move the song’s playing position to where a lyric text display event is to be inserted by clicking into the waveform display. The playback position, represented by the green line, will move to the position of the mouse click. Lyrics Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 109 5. Type the lyrics to be displayed at this song position by clicking in the black rectangle and typing the lyrics. It may be desirable to add a few blank lines at the beginning to space the lyrics so that they are centered vertically. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lyrics...
  • Page 110 6. Click the Marker Color button to select a color for the marker to be used for the new lyric event. Lyrics Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 111 The lyrics will now be inserted in the time code list. Notice that a row has been added to the timecode list and that a marker has been added to the event track. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lyrics...
  • Page 112 The display will always show the lyrics that will be displayed on-screen at the proper moment. Pressing the Clear Lyrics button clears the display so that new lyrics may be entered. Lyrics Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 113 Note that whatever is typed must be in timecode format or it will be rejected. The format is XX:XX:XX:XXX where the X’s are numbers indicating hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds. Make sure that colons are used where indicated. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lyrics...
  • Page 114 3. Select Delete from the Action button’s popup menu. Alternatively, right-click or control-click on the marker itself or the timecode entry and choose Delete from the contextual menu. 4. The lyric is deleted from the table Lyrics Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 115 Lyric Editor. Follow these steps to paste complete lyrics into Solo Performer Show Controller: 1. Copy lyrics from a Word Processor or text editor using Copy on the text editor’s Edit menu.
  • Page 116 5. Add some blank lines at the top to space the text down a bit. Then move the text insertion point to the end of the first lyric event to be saved to the timecode by clicking the mouse in the lyric text. Lyrics Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 117 6. Click the Marker Color button to select a color for the marker to be used for the new lyric event. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lyrics...
  • Page 118 8. Move the song position to the location of the next part of the lyrics. Note that the lyric display should not have changed. If it did, the Lock button is likely not Lyrics Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 119 Make sure that the lock is in the unlocked position when this is done. Now, edit the display as much as required. When finished, simply press the “Put Lyrics in Timecode” Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lyrics...
  • Page 120 This will open the Information window. On the Lyrics tab, select a track to use for the lyrics. Another track may optionally be selected to display the chords of the song as well. Lyrics Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 121 If using embedded lyrics, and a change or addition is desired, the lyrics must first be converted to the normal Solo Performer Show Controller lyrics format. To do this, simply choose Convert Embedded Lyrics from the Lyrics menu. After doing this, click on the Edit Lyrics setup button and the lyrics may be edited as usual.
  • Page 122 Another technique that may be used is to put non-lyrical information on the screen that may be helpful during a performance. For example, when a guitar solo is coming, Lyrics Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 123 “(Guitar Solo)” so that the performer knows what needs to be done. Whatever such informational text needs to be displayed can be displayed. Use lyric text as your information billboard. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lyrics...
  • Page 124 MIDI Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 125 7, Wiring the System. MIDI Event Editor To begin creating a sequence of MIDI events to add to a playlist, first select a playlist item, and then select Build MIDI Sequence from the Action button’s menu. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. MIDI...
  • Page 126 The MIDI events editor now open and looks like this: The song that was selected in the playlist is now available for playback, and when it plays, its lyrics, if any have been defined, will show in the black rectangular lyrics MIDI Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 127 To begin creating a MIDI event, first select the event type that is desired in the drop down list as shown. Then choose the MIDI device that will receive the MIDI messages by clicking on the drop down MIDI Destination list. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. MIDI...
  • Page 128 In this example, Solo Performer Show Controller found that there are two MIDI devices connected to the computer’s MIDI system: a TC Halion VoiceLive effect unit and a Digitech GNX3 guitar processor. If you don’t see your MIDI devices showing up, choose the Launch MIDI Control Panel…...
  • Page 129 P2 popup menu is inactive. This P2 value is only needed for Control Message and Note-On events. We can now test what we have to make sure that it works by pressing the Send button. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. MIDI...
  • Page 130 To continue with our example, suppose further that we want to change both the guitar sound and the vocal reverb level during the chorus of a song at the same time. To do this, we can add a second line of MIDI Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 131 Now type in the Control number for the parameter that is to be controlled followed by the value that that control is to receive. In our example, we want to change the reverb level of the VoiceLive unit to 85. The VoiceLive manual Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. MIDI...
  • Page 132 MIDI event by clicking the Plus button located under the Saved MIDI Events list. Note that before saving, you may change the color of the event’s marker by choosing a color from the popup menu under the Saved MIDI Events list. MIDI Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 133 file as “Chorus & Guitar” Saved MIDI events may be re-opened to the editing controls by first selecting the MIDI event in the MIDI event list and selecting Open Event from the Saved MIDI Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. MIDI...
  • Page 134 MIDI event list and selecting Delete Event from the Saved MIDI Events list Action button. This action permanently erases the MIDI event file from your hard disk, so use this with caution. MIDI Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 135 2. Select the MIDI event to be inserted by clicking on it in the Saved MIDI Events list so that it highlights. Then click the Plus button located under the timecode list to add the selected event to the Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. MIDI...
  • Page 136 This even works when the song is playing, so you can play the song and when it gets to where you want the event to be, simply tap the space bar to insert the event. MIDI Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 137 MIDI Sequence from the File menu. You will be prompted to supply a file name and the file will be saved in the directory indicated in the Preferences panel. Most users simply choose the default Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. MIDI...
  • Page 138 See Chapter 20, Customizing, for more information on setting default file locations. 7. Saved MIDI event sequences may be opened by choosing Open MIDI Sequence from the File menu. This allows previously saved sequences to be edited. MIDI Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 139 MIDI Event Sequence file to add to the playlist item. After selecting the file, the selected playlist row will now display an icon that looks like a MIDI cable plug in the FX column to indicate that Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. MIDI...
  • Page 140 MIDI sequence by clicking on it so that it is highlighted, and then selecting Delete MIDI Sequence… from either the Action button’s menu under the playlist or from the MIDI menu on the menu bar. MIDI Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 141 To add an ending MIDI event, double-click a playlist item to open the Information window. The Events tab shows what ending MIDI event will be sent. Click Change to change it or click Remove to remove an existing event. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. MIDI...
  • Page 142 Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 143 Each of these steps is outlined in this chapter. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 144 If a light-specific device file is not provided for a light that is to be used in a lightshow, either the “Generic” device file may be used or a new one can be easily created using the following procedure. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 145 Controller treats each DMX512 address as a separate device, thus if a light requires 3 DMX512 addresses, 3 Solo Performer Show Controller devices will need to be defined to fully control this one light. For example, a light accepts lamp control commands on address 1, speed commands on address 2, and color commands on address 3.
  • Page 146 To create a new DMX512 device, first make sure that DMX512 is selected in the Device Type drop down Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 147 "Red". Setting the description in the whole range to "Red" would create a slider in the Lightshow editor that has many unnecessary settings for "Red", making it more difficult to use. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 148 file. By default, device files are saved to the "Device Library" folder. Only device files that are saved here will show up for use in the Lightshow editor screen. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 149 This is done in by setting the channel number. Details of how to do this follow later in Configuring the Channels in this chapter. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 150 For example, if using a MIDI dimmer pack that varies the brightness of the light from 0 being off, to 127 being on, the light device table could be set up like this: Velocity Description 0 Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 151 102 114 127 100% Such a device would then have a Device Editor table that looks something like this: Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 152 Range Creator Tool can be opened by clicking the icon in the lower left corner: The Range Creator Tool then opens as a side panel to the Device Editor Window. To expand on our example of creating a range of 20 Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 153 Further, if you would rather see the actual DMX value appear such as “13” instead of “D2” in this example, check the “Use values as labels” checkbox. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 154 file. If a new name is chosen for the device file, a new device file will be created, leaving the original intact. This is a great way to make many device files that are similar, using one as a template. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 155 The lightshow editor window opens up. This is where lightshows are constructed for the playlist song selection. To make a lightshow, light scenes need to be defined. Then, the scenes are arranged in order on the timecode list. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 156 The folder of the device library is chosen in the preference panel. See Chapter 20 for details on changing user preferences. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 157 Note-On or After-touch commands to control the lights, the Channel number refers to the MIDI note number that is assigned to this light. If the light device uses MIDI control messages to control the lights, the Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 158 32 channels of lights may be differentiated from one another. When all of your channels are configured, the configuration can be saved by selecting Save Configuration from the Lights menu. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 159 Note that if the text is too big to fit in the box, the full text will appear if the mouse is held over the text box for a few seconds. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 160 180 and the upper slider is 10. That means that the light would ramp up its value from 125 to a final value of 180 over a 10 second period that starts when the new scene is sent. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 161 Saved Scenes list. Finally, press the Plus button as shown below: A dialog box will appear to enter a name for the scene. After saving, the scene will appear in the scene listing. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 162 A saved scene may be opened to the slider controls for viewing and/or editing by simply double-clicking on the scene name on the Saved Scenes list or by selecting Open Scene from the Action button’s menu under the Saved Scenes list. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 163: Deleting A Light Scene

    Deleting a Light Scene Scenes may be deleted from the scene listing by selecting the scene in the listing and clicking the Delete Scene button as shown below. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...

  • Page 164: Adding A Scene To A Lightshow

    To make a lightshow, scenes are added to the timecode listing. To do this: 1. Move the playback position to where the scene is to be placed by clicking in the waveform display. Use zoom button if necessary to get accurate placement. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 165 Alternatively, the scene may be dragged from the scene listing and dropped in the timecode listing. To do this, click on the scene and hold the mouse button down. Then drag the mouse pointer to the timecode listing and release the mouse. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 166 4. An event marker may be repositioned by dragging it along the event track to a new position. While Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 167 final three are the milliseconds. Don’t forget the colon separators! 5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 as necessary to add many scenes to create a lightshow. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...

  • Page 168: Deleting A Scene From A Lightshow

    To preview a lightshow, press the play button. The audio will play and the sliders will move to create the light scenes at the appropriate time. If the light devices are connected properly, the lights will change as well. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 169: Making A Lightshow Using Chases

    When the chase sequence gets to its end, it will start over from the beginning. To define a chase sequence, choose Define Chase from the Lights menu. The Chase Editor will open and will look like this: Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 170 Chase List. Scenes can be added to the right-side Chase List by first selecting a scene on the left, and then clicking the Add button. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 171 Once a sequence of light scenes is defined on the Chase List, the chase may be saved for future recall by clicking the Save button. Saved chases may also be recalled by clicking the Open button. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 172 Done will suffice to put the chase in memory for use. Once a chase has been defined, the scenes can be put into the timecode by tapping the spacebar during the playback of the song. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 173 first light scene on the chase will be inserted into the timecode list. The Undo Chase Record menu option reverts the timecode list back to the state that it was in prior to playing the audio. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...

  • Page 174: Saving A Lightshow

    A lightshow may be saved by choosing Save Lightshow from the File menu. Alternatively, the Save As… menu item may be chosen from the File menu to save a copy of the lightshow as a different file name. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 175: Opening A Lightshow

    This can be done on a Macintosh computer by clicking the red dot in the title bar. On Windows Computers, to exit out of the Lightshow Editor, click the red close box as shown: Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...

  • Page 176: Adding A Lightshow To A Playlist

    Removing a Lightshow from a Playlist A lightshow may be removed from a playlist by first selecting the playlist item, and then selecting Delete Light Sequence… from the Action button’s menu at the bottom of the playlist. Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 177: Adding An Ending Light Scene

    To add an ending light scene, double-click a playlist item to open the Information Window. The Events tab shows what ending light scene will be sent. Click Change to change it or click Remove to remove an existing scene. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...

  • Page 178: Light Scene Tips

    "appropriate" lighting in place through the song without a lightshow. Another, perhaps better, way to handle this is to create a "one-scene" light show to use for every song that will not have a complex lightshow. In this way, Lights Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 179 Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Lights...
  • Page 180 Example Lighting Setups Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 181: Example Lighting Setups

    The Setup/Tear-Down Minimalist Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Example Lighting Setups...
  • Page 182 Most color changer lights even have "automatic modes", where they change colors either continuously or via a sound-activated trigger. Usually, these automatic modes can be set by sending a DMX512 command to the fixtures. Example Lighting Setups Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 183: The Budget Setup

    The Budget Setup This setup consists of: • 1 T-type Light Stand • 4 Par 38 Lights • 1 Six-Channel DMX512 Relay Switch Box • 1 Fog Machine • 4 Color Gels Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Example Lighting Setups...
  • Page 184 “listens” to the music and turns lights on and off to the beat. With the DMX512 control, the chase sequences may be altered during the show or turned off to display static light scenes when appropriate. Example Lighting Setups Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 185: The Dimmer Setup

    The Dimmer Setup This setup consists of: • 2 T-type Light Stands • 8 Par 38 Lights • 2 Four-Channel DMX512 Dimmer Packs • 1 DMX512 Fog Machine • 8 Color Gels Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Example Lighting Setups...
  • Page 186 This setup allows for the light brightness to be controlled, as well as some scene switching. Note that the lights used are inexpensive non-DMX512 lights. Example Lighting Setups Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 187: An Advanced Setup Example

    • 8 DMX512 Color Changing Lights • 2 DMX512 Gobo Projector Lights • 1 DMX512 Effect Light • 1 Four-Channel DMX512 Relay Switch Box • 4 Non-DMX512 Moonflower Effect Lights • 2 DMX512 Fog Machines Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Example Lighting Setups...
  • Page 188 This setup squeezes a lot of capability out of 21 of the DMX512 channels of Solo Performer Show Controller as an example of how to run big lightshows with only 32 channels! In fact, in this example, we still have eleven of the light channels still available to use for other things! Notice how the channel sharing is done.
  • Page 189 Finally, the fog machines share four common addresses so that when a fog command is given, more fog is spread out over the stage by virtue of two fog machines working in synchronization. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Example Lighting Setups...
  • Page 190 Hotkeys Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 191: Hotkeys

    Hotkeys are simulated key presses that can be sent to other running programs in order to control them from Solo Performer Show Controller. Hotkeys are sometimes referred to as keyboard shortcuts. Often, hotkeys are keys that use a modifier, such as control, alt (on Windows), or command (on Macintosh) in addition to the main key.
  • Page 192 Immediately under the lyrics display is the waveform display and the event track. The controls under the event track are used to create new hotkey events. The buttons under the two list boxes are used to manage hotkey Hotkeys Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 193: Creating A Hotkey Event

    <option> <enter> <return> <windows> <esc> <tab> <up> <down> <left> <right> <delete> <backspace> <insert> <clear> <page up> <page down> <home> <end> <f1> <f2> <f3> <f4> <f5> <f6> <f7> <f8> <f9> <f10> <f11> <f12> <f13> <f14> <f15> Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Hotkeys...
  • Page 194 Do this by clicking in the Receiving Application field. A dialog box will open where you can navigate through your computer system in order to find the application that will receive the hotkey. Hotkeys Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 195 To make Solo Performer Show Controller be the front- most window again, after sending the hotkey event, make sure that the check box in the lower left corner is checked.
  • Page 196 To save the hotkey event, press the Plus button located under the Saved Hotkeys list. You will be prompted for a filename for the hotkey event. After saving, the hotkey will appear in the Saved Hotkeys listing. Hotkeys Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 197 Then, select Delete from the Action button’s menu located under the Saved Hotkey list. Note that this will permanently delete the hotkey event file from your hard disk, so use this with caution. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Hotkeys...

  • Page 198: Creating Hotkey Event Sequences

    2. Select the hotkey event to be inserted by clicking on it in the Saved Hotkeys list so that it highlights. Then click the Plus button under the Hotkeys Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 199 Event Track or byediting the time in the sequence listing by clicking on the time displayed and typing. All times must be entered in the following format: XX:XX:XX:XXX where the first Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Hotkeys...
  • Page 200 Delete key on the keyboard. Alternatively, selecting Delete from the Action button’s menu under the sequence list will accomplish the same task. Hotkeys Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 201 file name and the file will be saved in the directory indicated in the Preferences panel. Most users simply choose the default location. See Chapter 20, Customizing, for more information on setting default file locations. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Hotkeys...

  • Page 202: Exiting The Hotkey Event Editor

    Exiting the Hotkey Event Editor When finished in the Hotkey Editor, simply close the window. This can be done on a Macintosh computer by clicking the red dot in the title bar. Hotkeys Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 203 On Windows Computers, to exit out of the Lightshow Editor, click the red close box as shown: Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Hotkeys...

  • Page 204: Adding Hotkey Event Sequences To A Playlist

    MIDI sequences as well, the icon could be combined with the icon of other event types. For a complete list of icon types, see Chapter 10, Playlists and Audio. Hotkeys Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 205: Removing Hotkey Event Sequences From A Playlist

    first selecting the playlist item by clicking on it so that it is highlighted, and then select Delete Hotkey Sequence… from the Action button menu under the playlist. Alternatively, the Delete Hotkey Events menu item on the Hotkeys menu performs the same action. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Hotkeys...

  • Page 206: Ending Hotkey Events

    To add an ending hotkey event, double-click a playlist item to open the Information window. The Events tab shows what ending hotkey event will be sent. Click Change to change it or click Remove to remove an existing event. Hotkeys Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 207: Running A Show

    Play Starts the playback of the show from the current position Stop Halts a currently playing show Fast Forward Moves the playback position forward while it is being held down Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Running a Show...

  • Page 208: Setting Up The View

    To aid with this, a clock may be displayed by selecting Show Clock from the File menu. The clock window can be resized by dragging its resize handle in the lower right corner. Running a Show Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 209: The Next Song Window

    Like the clock window, this window may be resized and repositioned anywhere on the screen. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Running a Show...

  • Page 210: The Foot Controller

    The Foot Controller The six-button foot controller is used as an alternative to the software controls to control the Solo Performer Show Controller software while performing live. Running a Show Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 211: The Foot Controller Button Status Window

    A show may be played by pressing the Play/Stop button on the foot controller or by pressing the Play button in the software or by pressing the space bar on the keyboard. The show will start playing at the currently Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Running a Show...

  • Page 212: Stopping A Show

    While the show is running, the currently playing song will be highlighted in green. The song that is highlighted in yellow is the song that is cued to be played next. This Running a Show Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 213 To change the volume by the volume slider in the software, first click on the volume button under the playlist and a volume adjustment slider will appear. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Running a Show...
  • Page 214 Window button on the foot controller. The full screen display mode is particularly useful when performing onstage, as the text is much larger thus enabling the performer to see the lyrics from a short distance. Running a Show Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 215 Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Running a Show...
  • Page 216 Secondary Lyric Display Window Lyrics may also be displayed in their own separate window. Select Lyric Window from the Lyrics menu to display the secondary lyrics window. Running a Show Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 217 Each button can be set to do one of thirteen different actions: Play Stop Scroll Down Scroll Up Scroll Stop Volume Down Volume Up Lyric Zoom Fog On 10. Fog Off Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Running a Show...
  • Page 218 MIDI events as well. All of the buttons could be mapped to send hotkeys or MIDI events and you’ve got yourself a foot controller that will control external software programs or MIDI devices on the days Running a Show Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 219 fixture and the floor. Without fog, the audience will not see the colors "in the air", but will only see the lighting on whatever surface the lighting strikes, but nothing in between. Recommended Pre-Show Preparation Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Running a Show...
  • Page 220 Audio plays for every song on the playlist Lyrics are displayed on screen for every playlist item that should have them displayed MIDI events are sent for every song that has MIDI events Running a Show Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 221 Lightshows are present for every song that should have one Hotkeys are being sent for every song that has hotkey events Selecting each song and playing a few seconds of it will be enough to verify these issues. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Running a Show...
  • Page 222 Customizing Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 223 Customizing Opening the Preferences Panel The preferences panel may be opened by choosing Preferences… under the Show Controller menu on a Macintosh, or by choosing Preferences… under the Edit menu on a Windows computer. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Customizing...
  • Page 224 Preferences Panel to give access to the settings indicated by the toolbar item. Setting the General Preferences The General preference pane is the initial view of the preferences window. It looks like this: Customizing Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 225 For very long set lists on slower computers, it may be desirable to have this option turned off. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Customizing...
  • Page 226 The Play List Scroll Speed settings are used to set up how scrolling through songs using the foot controller behaves. The Initial Pause Duration is the amount of time that it takes to go from one song to another at the Customizing Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 227 files are saved when they are created. If this folder is not set up correctly, no lyrics will be displayed. Make sure that this folder points to where your lyric files are located. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Customizing...
  • Page 228 MIDI event files that are in the folder indicated in this preference item will show up in the MIDI editor events list. Similarly, the MIDI sequences folder is the default location for saving and opening MIDI event sequences. Customizing Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 229 The Device folder and Scene folder are the places that Solo Performer Show Controller looks in for setting up the Lightshow Editor window. The Device folder should be set to where your light device files are located. If this is not set up correctly, there will be no light devices showing up in the device menus of the Lightshow Editor window.
  • Page 230 Note that you could have multiple configuration files that correspond to the various light setups that you may want to use. Always set the default configuration file to match the current light setup. Customizing Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 231 Font And Color Settings Various colors used in Solo Performer Show Controller may be set up in this tab of the Preferences window. Most notably, the lyric display background and default text color can be set here. If you prefer to use black text on a white background, you can set that up right here.
  • Page 232 Additionally, you may choose to put all song names in italics if they do not have lyrics entered for them. This may aid in setup by alerting you as to what songs still need to be completed. Customizing Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 233 The default text font used to display lyrics may be changed by selecting a font in the pop-up menu. The font size of the lyrics display may be changed by selecting a size in the pop-up menu. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Customizing...
  • Page 234 These settings are how Button View will look when opened for the first time for a playlist. If changes are made, the changes will take precedence and will be saved with the playlist. Customizing Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 235: Midi Settings

    file. The various ports of your MIDI system will also show up in this listing. By selecting one of these options, Solo Performer Show Controller will stream MIDI files to the Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Customizing...
  • Page 236 With this option checked, patch number zero will show up as one in Solo Performer Show Controller to match the number that the Customizing Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 237 If using MIDI lighting, set up these two parameters to correspond with the lighting device. Tuning Settings The tuning settings may be set by clicking on the Tuning & Fog toolbar item in the Preferences window. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Customizing...
  • Page 238 Tuner Instrument pop-up menu. The pitch of the note that is played back for tuning may be changed by choosing a different note from the Tuner Pitch pop-up menu. Customizing Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 239 Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Customizing...
  • Page 240 The three setup addresses and setup values are optional settings that can be used to send setup commands to the fog machine when Solo Performer Show Controller first launches. Here’s an example of a fog machine setup:...
  • Page 241 26, are only useful when the fog machine is set to timer mode rather than manual mode, so we will just set these channels to 0. The settings in the Preferences window will then look like this: Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Customizing...
  • Page 242 If this were to be done, the fog machine could be left to run automatically throughout the show, putting out 10- second puffs of fog in two-minute intervals and could be stopped completely by pressing the fog button on the foot controller. Customizing Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 243 Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Customizing...
  • Page 244 Button Mapping toolbar item. Each of the six buttons can be set to perform one of thirteen actions: 1. Play Stop Scroll Down Scroll Up Scroll Stop Volume Down Volume Up Lyric Zoom Customizing Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 245 file to use. If after setting a button to a hotkey event, a light show, or a MIDI command, the Edit button will be enabled to allow a change to a new event file, if desired. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Customizing...
  • Page 246 Glossary Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 247 DMX512 controllable. Chase Sequence An ordered list of light scenes or patterns. Device Editor This is the window in the Solo Performer Show Controller software where new DMX512 devices may be defined and edited. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Glossary...
  • Page 248 Dimmer Pack A light intensity controller. They come in several varieties. DMX512 controllable dimmer packs may be used with Solo Performer Show Controller. DMX512 A lighting industry standard for light control that was published by the U.S. Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT).
  • Page 249 Editor The window in the Solo Performer Show Controller software where lightshows are constructed by arranging scenes in a time sequence. MIDI A standard for communicating music and settings information to synthesizer controllers and effects units. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Glossary...
  • Page 250 A device that connects to your computer, usually by USB, that has connectors for connecting MIDI devices such as keyboards and effects units so that they can be controlled or recorded by you computer. Glossary Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 251 A small device that is connected to the last DMX512 device in the chain in order to keep a proper DMX512 signal. Many people attempt to run their systems without using a terminator, but this may result in unreliable lights. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Glossary...
  • Page 252 Because this is not a true standard, be sure that your DMX512 devices are wired per the diagram that is printed on the foot controller next to the connector. Glossary Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 253 First, make sure that your computer is set up to play audio. If you are running the Windows version of Solo Performer Show Controller, make sure that you have a sound card installed. Check the computer system sound Alien Apparatus Company, Inc.
  • Page 254 Verify that QuickTime is installed. If using Windows, a re-installation of QuickTime may help. Can I use Solo Performer Show Controller to control other software programs? Yes! This can be done through the use of hotkeys.
  • Page 255 Where can I get audio files to use with Solo Performer Show Controller? See the audio file tips section of Chapter 10. Also, visit the user forums at the Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. web site for more suggestions. http://www.alienapparatus.com/forum How can I play audio files that are on a compact disc?
  • Page 256 Audio files can be played directly from a compact disc on the Macintosh version of Solo Performer Show Controller. On Macintosh systems, CD audio files show up as .aiff files. In Windows operating systems, things are a bit different. CD audio contents show up as .cda files that are not audio files at all, but are only very small...
  • Page 257 I have an expensive high-quality MIDI sound module. How can I use it with Solo Performer Show Controller? One of two things can be done. The sound module could be attached to the MIDI system of your computer, and you can setup Solo Performer Show Controller to play MIDI files to it by selecting the sound module as the MIDI...
  • Page 258 Only those devices that are in your device library folder will show up in the menu, and then only if their filename ends with “.dmx”. You many change the location of the device library folder in the preferences pane. See Chapter 20. FAQ Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 259 Solo Performer Show Controller when the program is first launched and when the foot controller is first detected. Unplug the foot controller and plug it back in. Then choose Reconnect Foot Pedal from the File menu. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc.
  • Page 260 Getting Help Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 261 Also, the Common Problems page contains many answers to common problems. Online Help From within the Solo Performer Show Controller software, choosing Show Controller Help under the Help menu brings up the online help system. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc.
  • Page 262 find answers to questions that have been posted in the past. Customer Support Customer support is available by sending an email to: support@alienapparatus.com Customer support is also available by telephone at: 888-533-6012. Getting Help Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 263 There are, in fact, some lights that have as many as 32 or more addresses. Lights on this scale are Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. DMX512 Lighting Intro...
  • Page 264 If it is inconvenient to run the control line in one straight run, DMX512 splitters exist. It is important to use these rather than to just DMX512 Lighting Intro Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 265 DMX512 protocol. DXM512 And Solo Performer Show Controller Solo Performer Show Controller allows for the control of 32 DMX512 addresses. 32 channels of control may not seem like a lot compared to what is being used for huge arena events, but for a solo act, 32 channels can take you far.
  • Page 266 DMX512 addresses. So, by giving up control of some of the light’s parameters that may not be important to you anyway, you may be able to control more lights. DMX512 Lighting Intro Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 267 Software License Agreement Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. Software License Agreement CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING LICENSE AGREEMENT. BY OPENING THE PACKAGE OR CLICKING ON THE "AGREE" BUTTON, YOU ARE CONSENTING TO BE BOUND BY AND ARE BECOMING A PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT.
  • Page 268 LICENSED SOFTWARE to another party, provided that: (a) the transfer must include all of the LICENSED SOFTWARE, including all its component parts, original media, printed materials and this Agreement; (b) LICENSEE does not retain any copies of the Software License Agreement Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 269 NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OF SATISFACTORY QUALITY, AND OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO NINETY (90) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASE. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. S oftware License Agreement...
  • Page 270 INTERFERENCE WITH LICENSEE'S ENJOYMENT OF THE LICENSED SOFTWARE, THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE LICENSED SOFTWARE WILL MEET LICENSEE REQUIREMENTS, THAT THE OPERATION OF THE LICENSED SOFTWARE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, OR Software License Agreement Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 271 10. Export Law Assurances. LICENSEE may not use or otherwise export or reexport the LICENSED SOFTWARE except as authorized by United States law and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. S oftware License Agreement...
  • Page 272 If after repeated efforts AUTHOR is unable to make the software operate as warranted, the LICENSEE may terminate the license(s) of LICENSED SOFTWARE and receive a refund of the License Fee(s) Software License Agreement Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...
  • Page 273 AUTHOR. Any translation of this Agreement is done for local requirements and in the event of a dispute between the English and any non-English versions, the English version of this Agreement shall govern. Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. S oftware License Agreement...
  • Page 274 272 Declaration of Conformity Solo Performer Show Controller User’s Guide...

  • Page 275: Limited Warranty

    (collectively referred to in this Limited Warranty as “Alien Apparatus”) with this Limited Warranty. This Limited Warranty is applicable in all countries and may be enforced in any country where Alien Apparatus or its authorized service providers offer warranty service subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this limited warranty.
  • Page 276 Alien Apparatus. Your dated sales or delivery receipt, showing the date of purchase or lease of the product, is your proof of the purchase or lease date. You may be required to provide proof of purchase or lease as a condition of receiving warranty service.

  • Page 277: Limitation Of Liability

    – including representations made in Alien Apparatus sales literature or advice given to you by Alien Apparatus or an agent or employee of Alien Apparatus – that may have been made in connection with your purchase or lease of the Alien Apparatus branded product.
  • Page 278 Software technical support is defined as assistance with questions and issues about the software that was included by Alien Apparatus with the Alien Apparatus branded product at the time of your purchase or lease of the product. Technical support for software is available for the first ninety (90) days from the date of product purchase or lease.

  • Page 279: Declaration Of Conformity

    Alien Apparatus Company, Inc. P.O. Box 761 Horsham, PA 19044 declare that the equipment Solo Performer Show Controller SC1000 In accordance with the following Directives: 73 / 23 / EEC The Low Voltage Directive and its amending directives; 89 / 336 / EEC...

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