Dan + Shay tour with ChamSys MagicQ
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Mathews, who has been lighting the pop-country duo since early 2016, gave them the bold look they were after by creating a power-packed video and lighting package that he runs with a ChamSys MagicQ MQ 80 and an extra wing. Despite the memorable impression that it’s making on the international tour, Mathews’ 79-universe rig is compact and flexible enough to fit a wide variety of venues.
“Our clients wanted a large package for the summer and fall tour, as well as the spring 2018 tour, that could fit in two trailers alongside the backline,” said Mathews. “Since they play a variety of sized venues -- from clubs and large theatres, to arenas, amphitheatres and festivals -- they also wanted something that could easily be expanded or scaled back.”
After tossing around a few ideas, Mathews and his clients came up with a design plan that called for a lighting and video package on gas-assisted set carts with extended diamond-shaped frames. Hanging between each of the set carts, the diamond frames hold LED video panels. LED video bars outline each of the frames, accentuating their shape.
At the top of each set cart is a T-bar holding a pair of arc beams. LED washes alternating on the top and bottom of the diamond frames are used for specials, backwashing and aerial washing. A collection of eight smaller LED wash fixtures is positioned on risers at the downstage edge, while four ellipsoidal are used for side washing, and a hazer is placed on either side of the stage for atmospherics. Audience lighting and eye candy is provided by the six warm white LED blinders that run across the stage, alternating between the top and bottom of the rig.
“My lighting takes up four universes, while my video and pixel mapping account for 75,” said Mathews. “I’m using ArKaos MediaMaster Pro for controlling the video and hazers. For pixel mapping I’m using the ArKaos and the Kling-Net mapper. Everything was programmed in ChamSys and MediaMaster. The MQ80 was great for building our show. Programming workflow on the desk is extremely efficient and detailed, with tools for pretty much anything I want or need to do. The ease of cloning and morphing is tremendously helpful, considering the size of some of the rigs I’ve been working on. There’s also a visual syntax that just makes sense.”
He adds: “Dan + Shay embrace a lot of different musical influences, so our looks change from straightforward country and rock, to some rowdy pop/EDM imagery, to softer mellow lighting.
“I'm using a lot of varieties of white in their songs -- CTOs, CTBs. The Chauvet Professional STRIKE 1 blinders in my rig have been vital to my design plans. They are super punchy, robust, definitely built for the road and have a very convincing incandescent emulation with a nice looking dimmer curve, so they’re with me every step of the way when I’m creating diverse looks.”
(Jim Evans)
