A practical guide to laser show software and laser control software—how to wire it, set it, and run it with confidence. We compare Pangolin QuickShow and BEYOND, then give you copy-and-paste workflows for real shows.
Table of Contents
| Section | Anchor |
|---|---|
| 0) TL;DR | #tldr |
| 1) Scenario → Software → Hardware | #scenario |
| 2) Signal & Networking | #signal |
| 3) QuickShow: Settings That Work | #quickshow |
| 4) BEYOND: Organized Complexity | #beyond |
| 5) 3D Laser Mapping: Step-by-Step | #mapping |
| 6) Stability: Scan/Rate/Brightness/Color | #stability |
| 7) Haze & Visibility | #haze |
| 8) Safety & Compliance | #safety |
| 9) Two Turnkey Plans | #plans |
| 10) Buying & Upgrading | #buying |
| 11) Troubleshooting Sheet | #troubleshoot |
| FAQ (collapsible) | #faq |
| CTA | #cta |
TL;DR
Small to mid-size gigs that need fast, reliable laser show software → QuickShow.
Large productions that require multimedia, 3D, and big-rig control in your laser show system → BEYOND.
Not sure? Start on QuickShow and keep an easy upgrade path to BEYOND.
Large productions that require multimedia, 3D, and big-rig control in your laser show system → BEYOND.
Not sure? Start on QuickShow and keep an easy upgrade path to BEYOND.
1) Decide the Scenario First
Pick software and hardware by audience size, whether you have LED/screens/pyro, and whether you need timecode. Then talk wattage and projector count.
| Scenario | Software | Control | Rig Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weddings / Bars / Small Corporate | QuickShow | PC + MIDI/DMX | 1–6 laser projectors | Templates + timeline = fast output |
| Club DJ Residency | QuickShow | BPM + MIDI pads | 2–8 laser light projectors | Live triggering + safe scenes |
| Mall/Launch/Brand Show | BEYOND (Core/Advanced) | Timeline + ArtNet/DMX | 4–12 | Sync laser + LED/video |
| Landmark / Festival / Night Tourism | BEYOND (Advanced/Ultimate) | SMPTE master + network | 10–50+ | 3D, laser mapping, big control |
2) Signal & Networking That Won’t Betray You
Chain: Music/Timecode → Control Computer (QuickShow/BEYOND) → FB3/FB4 → laser display system → (Safety masks).
Use a dedicated gigabit switch with static IPs; keep show control off the office LAN. Maintain an ArtNet/DMX addressing sheet. Archive your MIDI profile (knob = FX intensity, fader = master, pads = scenes). For timecoded shows, keep SMPTE on its own track; protect console and switch with a UPS.
Use a dedicated gigabit switch with static IPs; keep show control off the office LAN. Maintain an ArtNet/DMX addressing sheet. Archive your MIDI profile (knob = FX intensity, fader = master, pads = scenes). For timecoded shows, keep SMPTE on its own track; protect console and switch with a UPS.
3) QuickShow: Settings That Actually Work
Workspace & assets: pages by song/section/type; button names include BPM/section. Seed a template library from Pangolin Cloud. Vectorize logos first (.svg/.ai); in QuickTrace trim corner points by 10–20% to reduce flicker.
Parameters: QuickText—bold simple fonts; width ≤70%; scroll 1–2 lines/sec. QuickShape—LFO shapes with mirrored phases for symmetry. QuickFX—Color cycle → Size breathe → gentle Warp → Rotate (cap each stage to protect scan angle). QuickTimeline—place Markers on kicks/sections; only cut on Markers; insert a one-frame safe scene between sections.
Multi-projector & safety: one Zone per projector with angle caps and masks; mirror symmetrical pairs. Keep Master 60–80% (drops +15% max). Keep a Blackout button and physical E-stop ready.
Parameters: QuickText—bold simple fonts; width ≤70%; scroll 1–2 lines/sec. QuickShape—LFO shapes with mirrored phases for symmetry. QuickFX—Color cycle → Size breathe → gentle Warp → Rotate (cap each stage to protect scan angle). QuickTimeline—place Markers on kicks/sections; only cut on Markers; insert a one-frame safe scene between sections.
Multi-projector & safety: one Zone per projector with angle caps and masks; mirror symmetrical pairs. Keep Master 60–80% (drops +15% max). Keep a Blackout button and physical E-stop ready.
4) BEYOND: Turn Complex into Organized
Devices & structure: build Projection Zones by blocks/facades; map to unit IDs/static IPs. Share controller profiles so every op runs identical mappings.
Timeline & multimedia: separate tracks for laser/video/LED/audio/pyro with SMPTE as master. Lock scene changes to the timeline, keep 1–2 live tracks for DJ input. Print your ArtNet patch and verify during rehearsal.
3D & color: model externally → decimate → vector contours in BEYOND. Layer LFO/noise with per-layer limits to avoid jitter. Run palette training and save a Project LUT so all units (including third-party rigs like KVANT Clubmax) match color and brightness.
Timeline & multimedia: separate tracks for laser/video/LED/audio/pyro with SMPTE as master. Lock scene changes to the timeline, keep 1–2 live tracks for DJ input. Print your ArtNet patch and verify during rehearsal.
3D & color: model externally → decimate → vector contours in BEYOND. Layer LFO/noise with per-layer limits to avoid jitter. Run palette training and save a Project LUT so all units (including third-party rigs like KVANT Clubmax) match color and brightness.
- Measure four corners & baselines; take a true-front photo.
- Build a 0.5–1 m grid for reference.
- Align a calibration chart (position/rotation/scale).
- Subdivide meshes on curved/odd sections—don’t pull single vertices.
- Draw no-shoot masks first (roads/windows/residential), then content; feather edges.
- Align each projector, then soft-edge blend and brightness-match across the rig.
- First full run = wireframe at low level—check glare & spill.
6) Stability: The Settings That Matter
- Scan angle: 15–25° for graphics; wider = shakier.
- Scan rate: ~30–40 kpps @ 8°. If it flickers, reduce angle first.
- Dwell/blanking: minimize dwell; start blanking early; heavier fonts help.
- Brightness curve: use gamma/curves to lift the low end; one Master.
- Color match: per-channel gains + white balance; retrain LUTs after swaps/new batches.
7) Haze = The Canvas for Your Beams
Water-based haze (fine, gear-friendly) for indoor; oil-based hangs longer outdoors but leaves residue. Place haze upwind to form a horizontal layer; use baffles if it’s gusty. Aim for “clear beams, visible faces.”
8) Safety & Compliance (Non-Negotiable)
No audience scanning unless certified with exposure calcs. Keep hard no-shoot masks on roads/flight paths/residential. Use key switch, interlock, and an E-stop; outdoors needs rain protection and proper grounding. Prep three program lists (sun/rain/wind), main + backup control, a pre-show checklist, and UPS.
9) Two Turnkey Plans You Can Copy
A) 100-person club (2–4 projectors) — QuickShow live + timeline
Rig: 3–5 W RGB × 2–4 + FB4 + water-based hazer ×1–2. Build timeline templates with Markers for 8–12 staple tracks; live trigger grooves; lock hard scene changes to the timeline. Guardrails: scan ≤20°, Master 60–80% (drops +15% max).
B) Landmark façade (12–24 projectors) — BEYOND timeline + timecode
Rig: 8–15 W outdoor RGB × 12–24 + FB4; LED/video/pyro as needed; timecode player + UPS. Flow: survey → Zones/masks → 3D/text graphics → Project LUT → multi-track timeline with SMPTE → wireframe rehearsal → weather plan. Permanent no-shoot on roads/residential; soft-edge blends and brightness match across the laser show system.
Rig: 3–5 W RGB × 2–4 + FB4 + water-based hazer ×1–2. Build timeline templates with Markers for 8–12 staple tracks; live trigger grooves; lock hard scene changes to the timeline. Guardrails: scan ≤20°, Master 60–80% (drops +15% max).
B) Landmark façade (12–24 projectors) — BEYOND timeline + timecode
Rig: 8–15 W outdoor RGB × 12–24 + FB4; LED/video/pyro as needed; timecode player + UPS. Flow: survey → Zones/masks → 3D/text graphics → Project LUT → multi-track timeline with SMPTE → wireframe rehearsal → weather plan. Permanent no-shoot on roads/residential; soft-edge blends and brightness match across the laser show system.
10) Buying & Upgrading (Plain Talk)
- Starter: Pangolin QuickShow (bundled with FB3/FB4) + 2–4 × 3–5 W + hazer + small MIDI.
- Show kit: QuickShow or BEYOND Core + 4–8 × 5–10 W + ArtNet/timecode.
- Landmark: BEYOND Advanced/Ultimate + 10–50 units + multimedia + timecode.
- Save smart: BEYOND supports master/slave licensing—buy one master license, let the rest follow.
11) Troubleshooting Cheat-Sheet
- Jitter/flicker → reduce angle → simplify paths & dwell → heavier fonts.
- Color mismatch → retrain palette & LUT; stick to one Master.
- ArtNet chaos → verify Universe/addresses; isolate the control network.
- Drifting BPM → lock BPM; disable auto FX during breaks.
- Jagged logos → vectorize first; trim corner points in QuickTrace.
- Mapping off → mesh subdivisions + feathered masks; avoid single-vertex stretching.
- Glare/spill → night-test from driver POV; keep hard no-shoot on roads/windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which software should I pick for my first show?
Prioritize speed and reliability—start with QuickShow. Move to BEYOND when you need multimedia, 3D, big-rig control, and timecode.
What PC specs do I need?
QuickShow runs on i5/8–16 GB + SSD. For BEYOND with media, go i7/Ryzen 7, 16–32 GB, discrete GPU, and NVMe if possible.
Can I integrate lighting, video, and pyro?
Yes—BEYOND supports DMX/ArtNet/MIDI/OSC/SMPTE. Keep scene changes on the timeline; keep a couple of live tracks for improvisation.
How do I keep multiple projectors consistent?
Run palette training and save a Project LUT; manage brightness from one Master and keep geometry/masks at the project level.
Any way to save on licensing?
Use BEYOND’s master/slave licensing: one master license on a primary device, with the rest following as slaves.
Get a Ready-to-Run Demo Pack
Send your venue size, projector count, budget, and show date. I’ll reply with a timeline template, color/LUT starter, and a buying plan for your laser show projector rig.