In the Field: CHAUVET Professional EPIX Strip IP

IN THE FIELD: CHAUVET PROFESSIONAL ÉPIX STRIP IP

Jacob Collier updates his lighting rig, adding CHAUVET ÉPIX Strip IP fixtures to his touring arsenal. Lighting Designer Luke Edwards of Cue Design explains why the fixtures are vital to the multi-instrumentalist’s midi-controlled, multicoloured multi-verse…

Jacob Collier’s live shows are described as a journey through every musical genre under the sun. Case in point is the London-based performer’s latest project: Djesse – an ambitious four-volume, 50-song album featuring more than two dozen artists and ensembles. Lighting Designer, Luke Edwards of Cue Design helped create an immersive environment for musicians and the audience by utilising the capabilities of CHAUVET ÉPIX Strip IP fixtures.

Edwards first came across the fixtures while searching for LED strip products. “Matt Hallard at CHAUVET Professional convinced me to have a look at the ÉPIX,” he recalled. “With its high pixel count, robustness and lightness, it ticked all the boxes for us. Jacob was so impressed with them that he invested for the four years of touring ahead of us.”

To this end, Edwards used 32 CHAUVET Professional ÉPIX Strip IP 1m-long RGB strips in his 12-universe show. Each of the ÉPIX Strip IP units were topped with “old school” Edison bulbs – an arrangement that symbolises Jacob Collier’s multifarious music, which bridges the gap between digital and analogue.

Using the ÉPIX Drive 2000 IP, which is required with this product, allowed Edwards to control the ÉPIX Strip IP via Art-Net, Kling-Net, or sACN to configure and program shows in a matter of minutes rather than hours. A total of 16 ÉPIX Strip IP fixtures were rigged upright on stage.

“Using them as colour blocks, twinkles and sparkles gives us a lot of flexibility during the show to change the mood on stage and set the scene,” Edwards commented. “They are fully pixel mapped so we have full control, allowing for some interesting looks on stage.”

The new 1m LED strip also features a quick-programming mode that greatly reduces the amount of time needed to set up pixel-mapping programs by allowing access to several prebuilt effects while using just a few DMX Channels. Collier is famed for his energetic and interactive performance style that often sees him running around the stage, the small footprint of the fixtures is a huge advantage. With 100 RGB SMD 5050 LEDs lined up in a row, the ÉPIX Strip IP produced a stunningly bright output and extremely highresolution graphics. Adding to its versatility are its three different lens covers, which can be used to create a wide range of diffused and high contrast looks.

In keeping with this flexibility, the ÉPIX Strip IP offers a variety of programming options. As an alternative to the quick programming mode, Edwards could opt to control each pixel individually, or divide the fixture into five-, 10-, 20-, or 50-pixel sections – also maintaining the ability to utilise the fixtures as a media server to control every pixel or section.

When it came the larger shows – Sydney Opera House, for example – Edwards increased the number of fixtures used, doubling the amount from 16 to 32 CHAUVET Professional ÉPIX Strip IP fixtures.

Ruggedly built, Edwards concluded that ÉPIX Strip IP are “ideal” for the touring environment. “Not only are the strips IP65 rated, but the four-pin XLR connectors that link them to the ÉPIX Drive 2000 IP are, too. These connectors are also fast and easy to work with, further simplifying life for end users.”

TPi

Photos: Jordan Munns

www.jacobcollier.com

www.cue-design.co.uk

www.chauvetprofessional.co.uk