Planning a live laser show for a festival, nightclub, brand launch, or touring act? This guide breaks down four reliable control workflows—PC/touchscreen, MIDI/DMX + PC, lighting console + PC, and console-only with Pangolin FB4 (offline)—so you can build a musical, scalable, and safe laser show system. We’ll keep it practical: how to match a laser projector / laser light projector to your room, when a DMX laser or ILDA laser connection makes sense, where QuickShow or Beyond laser software shines, and small ways to layer in laser mapping / laser projection mapping without overcomplicating your rig. (Starshine can spec gear, quotes, and ship windows—see the CTA below.)
Table of Contents
| Section | Jump |
|---|---|
| Who this guide is for | #audience |
| The 4 control workflows | #workflows |
| Spec essentials that change what audiences see | #specs |
| Which workflow fits your gig (with gentle product picks) | #scenarios |
| Power & throw quick guide | #power |
| Compliance & safety | #safety |
| Before doors: 12-point checklist | #checklist |
| Budget, quotes & timelines | #budget |
| FAQ (collapsible) | #faq |
| CTA — Get a ready-to-run plan | #cta |
Who this guide is for
• Club owners, LDs, VJs, and touring crews who want repeatable, safe laser show looks.
• First-timers moving from one projector to multi-unit rigs.
• Installers planning stable, low-maintenance shows with Pangolin FB4 offline playback.
The 4 mainstream control workflows
1) PC / touchscreen direct control (fast to learn, budget-friendly)
Setup: Laptop/touch PC → QuickShow or Beyond laser software → network/ILDA to the laser projector
Best for: small clubs, bars, brand activations, weddings
Pros: friendly timeline workflow, quick onboarding, low total cost
Tips: label cue pages and hotkeys, organize content for “grab-and-go,” carry a UPS and a backup laptop
2) MIDI or DMX controller + PC (tactile control for live hands)
Setup: PC with QuickShow/Beyond ↔ MIDI/DMX controller (faders, pads, encoders)
Best for: performers who rely on physical faders and blind-operate drops
Pros: fast reactions; map your most-used cues to real controls
Tips: create a clean mapping sheet, label every control, pre-rehearse to avoid channel clashes with other DMX laser fixtures
3) Lighting console + PC (LD-first, unified show control)
Setup: GrandMA / Chamsys / Hog / Avolites ↔ Beyond/QuickShow on PC
Best for: mid-to-large productions that want one master desk for lights, nightclub lasers, atmospherics, and SFX
Pros: unified timing, macros, groups, and network management across your laser show system
Tips: plan IP ranges and clock/sync; do a full-chain rehearsal with video, haze, and fans
4) Console-only with FB4 (no PC on show day—install-grade stability)
Setup: Pre-program in QuickShow/Beyond, store cues on Pangolin FB4 (internal/external), then trigger from any console
Best for: long-term installs, museums/experiences, shows where “no-laptop” reliability is king
Pros: fewest variables, easy repeatability
Tips: finalize content before load-in, keep a numbered cue list, verify every look on the actual rig
Spec essentials that actually change what the audience sees
• Scanner speed (kpps @ angle): judge at realistic angles (e.g., 30–40 kpps @ 8°) for clean graphics and tight beams.
• Divergence (mrad) & beam size: lower divergence = tighter, brighter looks at distance; match to throw.
• Analog vs TTL color: analog modulation allows smooth fades and precise levels; TTL is on/off per color.
• Safety & interlocks: E-stop, key switch, emission indicator, scan-fail safety are must-haves.
• Ingress protection: outdoor/dusty venues require the right IP rating and easy maintenance access.
• I/O & control: ILDA legacy lines vs network; FB4 adds offline storage and console-friendly triggers.
Which workflow fits your gig? (gentle, non-pushy product examples)
Small bars/clubs & mobile shows (entry & lightweight): Start around 10W for clean beams and basic graphics in small spaces. See a compact reference: J7 10W Laser Light Projector.
Fan/grids & “wall of light” looks (array aesthetics): Array lasers save programming time and keep rhythmic looks tight. Explore arrays: J11 6W Array Lasers.
Livehouse / outdoor preshow / larger rooms (more punch): Bigger spaces and brighter environments need higher power and tighter control. Step up power: J8 20W Programmable Laser Lights.
Pop-ups / rehearsal room / quick practice (grab-and-go): Portable, fast setup, simple Bluetooth pairing. Travel-friendly: J5 Bluetooth Laser Light.
Power & throw: a quick, non-binding guide
Use this as a conversation starter—final specs depend on throw, haze quality, mounting height, and local regulations.
| Room / Stage Size (approx.) | Typical Use Case | Starting Power Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small bar / 100–200 cap | DJ booth, short throws | ~8–12W |
| Club / 300–600 cap | Main room beams + simple graphics | ~12–20W |
| Livehouse / 600–1200 cap | Deeper throws, brighter stages | ~20–30W |
| Outdoor preshow / plaza | Ambient light to overcome | ~30W+ |
Compliance & safety (know before you show)
• No audience scanning unless specifically permitted, measured, and approved.
• Follow local laser regulations (e.g., EN 60825-1, FDA CDRH where applicable).
• Keep E-stop reachable; set safe zones/beam masks; brief operators on show-stop protocol.
• Coordinate haze, fire, and venue approvals early and document the plan.
Before doors: a 12-point checklist
1) Content backed up (two copies) · 2) FB4/firmware verified · 3) IP/network plan labeled · 4) Console/MIDI mapping printed · 5) E-stop tested · 6) Safe zones taped · 7) Hazer/fan placement set · 8) Power loading checked · 9) Lens/optics cleaned · 10) Rehearse “show-stop” · 11) Cue list numbers match · 12) Take photos for repeatability.
Budget, quotes & timelines (the fast facts)
• What drives price: power/scanners, control stack (PC/console/MIDI), cabling/network, safety hardware, programming.
• Bundles: Starshine offers entry kits, engineered bundles, and multi-unit pricing; we can include haze, fans, cables, and a starter safety pack.
• Lead times: common configs ship in 3–7 days; custom programming/engineered bundles in 10–15 days (subject to live stock).
• Support: remote onboarding, basic training, content maintenance, and upgrade advice.
FAQ (buyer-friendly, intent-matched)
First show, tight budget—how do I start?
Go PC direct with QuickShow and one or two compact laser light projectors. Add a hazer and a small fan. Layer in MIDI/DMX later. Send Starshine your room size and we’ll estimate power/quantity and assemble a lean starter cart.
I want maximum stability. Can I skip the laptop?
Yes—use console-only with FB4. Program in QuickShow/Beyond, store on Pangolin FB4, and trigger from your desk. Fewer variables, easy repeats.
ILDA vs DMX vs network—what should I choose?
ILDA is the legacy analog link; DMX/Art-Net integrates cleanly with lighting; FB4 adds onboard storage and offline playback. Share your rig—Starshine will send a one-page comparison with price bands.
Will multiple units drift or desync?
Plan IP/Art-Net, use a decent switch, align firmware, and rehearse the full chain. For complex rigs, group by zones and adopt a clock/sync strategy.
Indoor vs outdoor power—any rule of thumb?
Indoors: moderate power plus good haze often wins. Outdoors or bright scenes: higher power, weather protection, and more pre-production time.
Is there a path that’s “entry now, expandable later”?
Yes—start PC + QuickShow and reserve room for MIDI/DMX. Add Beyond and a console when you need master control, or move to FB4 for install-grade repeatability.
CTA — Get a ready-to-run plan for your room or stage
Send your room size, trim height, hang points, show type, budget, and dates. Starshine will reply the same day with:
• A right-sized gear list and power/quantity estimate
• A simple wiring/network sketch
• Quote, stock, and ship timing (plus bundle discounts)
• A one-page safety checklist your venue will appreciate
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