A question that comes up very often is when choosing between lightShark LS Core and LS1 Console, what interface options do I have? The (2) lightShark consoles have the capability to add different options, so which one should you consider?
lightShark LS1 and LS Core
The lightShark as a unit works perfectly fine. Regardless of which unit you may decide to go with you’re going to have the following available to you:
- 8 Universes of DMX (2 of those available though local DMX Ports)
- The rest of the DMX Universes are available on the network
- Wireless Control through the built in Network
The LS1 Console is more of a hands on unit that offers you 10 faders, a master fader, 4 encoder wheels, and a screen to see what is going on with your parameters. There are also additional programming buttons for you to work with.
Out of the box, both of the units, LS1 Console and the LS Core, have everything you need to control up to 2 DMX universes of lights.
Having More Control
Much like myself, there are others that work in lighting who want more control, more faders, and even more DMX Channels to work with. So how do you make this happen?
The Basics
If you are just starting out, you may want to consider starting with the LS-1 Console or LS Core. Then, you can find a tablet to pair it up with either unit. Normally, people might have a tablet they can use or I will recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab A Tablet to start with.
I recommend that tablet because I can normally find a used unit for a decent price. These tablets can definitely run the lightShark and they have a fantastic screen.
In my opinion, when working with a lightShark unit, you want to have a tablet with a good screen. It makes the world of difference.
Adding More DMX Universes
Another common theme is those wanting the ability to add more DMX Universes. This is definitely doable and can be done via Art-Net or sACN, which is a networked DMX.
Since Art-Net and sACN is a universal protocol, you do have the option to use any Art-Net or sACN Node to connect to the lightShark units.
Also, lightShark does sell it’s own node, LS Node, that has a 1, 2. and 4 port versions available.
Adding More Faders
What if you’re looking to add more faders? That’s not a problem at all. With both the LS1 and the LS Core, you have the ability to add MIDI controllers. Most MIDI controllers are inexpensive and generally easy to set up.
Playback Interface
To go along with adding more faders or a playback interface you do have a couple of options. As mentioned earlier, you do have the ability to use a tablet and the Touch OSC app.
Another great tool would be adding a wing, such as the LS-Wing. The LS-Wing can be paired up with either lightShark units or even another console.
The LS Wing is a very well built wing that comes with the following:
- 10 Faders
- Flash Buttons
- 20 Playback Buttons
- 2 DMX Jacks
- Desk Light Ports
- 3 Ethernet Ports
- Network Switch
- USB Ports
For those that are wanting to gain more control over their lighting, there are a lot of different options that are available when working with the lightShark units.
As a conclusion, you want to go through and consider first what options you have available to you right now. Then, what direction are you wanting to take your lighting? Do you need more lights? More control?
Lastly, consider what options are available to you and where you want to take your lighting next.
