Norwegian Lighting designer Roy Arne Wold is using a Jands Vista T2 console, with the next generation Vista v2 software, to control lighting and video on the current “Hellbillies” tour.
The Hellbillies are a country rock band – with slightly more emphasis on the rock than the country – and among Norway’s most popular recording artists, with 12 albums under their belts and a large and loyal live following.
Just before embarking on the tour, Roy decided to upgrade to the new Vista v2 software, which he says “takes the entire Vista control system into a whole new league.”
On this year’s tour, they are carrying a ‘specials’ package of lighting and video, which is supplemented with each day’s locally-provided house rig.
The touring rig consists of eight Robe ColorSpot 700E ATs, twelve Robe ColorWash 575AT Zooms, four Martin Atomic strobes, eight Active Sunstrips and eight panels of 30mm pitch LED screen, together with 48 dimmer channels.
At each venue, they connect the house rig into the T2 and use Vista v2’s second generation “generic fixture model” to automatically swap the show programming to fit that day’s fixture types, saving time and ensuring that they are able to consistently deliver the same high quality show.
The T2 is also triggering the touring Hippo Critter media server which stores and plays back all the content for the video panels.
One of the many features that Roy particularly likes about Vista v2 is the way the console interfaces seamlessly with media servers, with all the media clips displayed as easily-viewable thumbnails on the desk. “It’s great to be able to see and do everything on the desk, and not have to refer to the server at all” he said.
Other v2 highlights for Roy are the ease which which it is possible to add split timings to a cue, and the powerful search functions, whereby the user just types in the first digits of what is being looked for – and it will be found instantly.
“I love the layout,” he says, referring generally to the v2 interface. “I can see so much information simultaneously and can create my show so fast.”
Vista v2 was, says the company, designed from the ground up to allow all levels of user to get the most from whatever mix of technology they have available, whether lighting, LED, or media. Available in a wide range of hardware, Vista v2 is said to offer both the simplicity to work quickly with the power to control the finest details, so everyone can focus on creating a great looking show rather than on programming a desk.
“Shows of all sizes and styles really benefit from using Vista v2,” said Jands Europe’s Neil Vann. “It has the right balance of power and simplicity to ensure that it is fast to use, while allowing the user to create exactly what is demanded on stage. Take a look for yourself and see what this exciting next generation of control can offer you.”
