How to Synchronize Lights to Music
- 1). Purchase light strings. Each individual string will be considered one "channel," and will be controlled as one unit. If the channel consists of multiple bulbs, the bulbs will act in tandem; they can't be individually controlled. A "controller" is a pre-configured device that has plugs in the back. Controllers can be purchased with a 2 to 10 standard plug configuration from major retailers.
- 2). Hook up the controller to the computer, and one solid state relay to each channel of lights. Most controllers have USB adaptable hubs. If you are building your own kit, you will need to make sure that the controller is able to connect with all the solid state relays while remaining accessible to a computer interface.
- 3). Download software that interacts with the controller, such as Daslight's DMX Virtual Controller 2 (see Resources), or SUNLITE. This software creates programs that send on/off cues to each solid state relay. This allows the lights to be synchronized to important beats in the music. If you are building your own kit from scratch, you will need to invest time in programming your own synchronization software.
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