QLab 4: Projects in Video, Audio, and Lighting Control is a project-based book on QLab software covering sound, video, lighting, and show control. With information on the basics and the more advanced functions of QLab, each chapter's specific projects will allow you to learn the software's capabilities at your own pace.

ForewordAcknowledgementsPrefacePART I: QLab BasicsChapter 1. What's new in Version 4 Workflow ChangesCue Templates Record Cue Sequence Paste Cue Properties Batch Editing New Playback OptionsCue Triggers Negative Post-Wait New Fade Curve Shape and Audio Domain Integrated Lighting Control Cue Carts Audio Improvements64-channel output Mic Cues Precision Slice Control Video ImprovementsHAP codec cupport Copy/Paste Surface Geometry Set durations for Still Images and Text Cues QLab RemoteBrand new design Adjust video surface control points Access to Light Levels in Inspector Cart Integration Create and reorder cues Summary Chapter 2. Getting to Know QLab 42.1 QLab 4 System RecommendationsRAM Processor (CPU)GPUHard Drive2.2 Understanding QLab 4 LicensingHow do licenses work?The Free VersionProfessional LicensesRent-to-OwnAcademic LicensingSite LicensesUsing QLab 3 2.3 Installing the Software2.4 Adding a LicenseRemoving LicensesModernizing you QLab 3 Licenses2.5 Organization and Workflow2.6 Templates2.7 Workspace SettingsA. GeneralCue TriggeringGo button settingsPanic durationCue numbering & Auto-loadLock playheadCue Row SizingB. AudioC. VideoD. LightE. NetworkF. MIDIG. Cue TemplatesH. Key MapI. MIDI & OSC Controls2.8 QLab PreferencesAt LaunchUpdatesSend Aggregate Usage Data Disabling OS FeaturesAudio Device BufferingBroadcast ModeLogging Level2.9 Preparing your computer for running a showDesign Tips: Using TerminalInternet Related ConcernsDelete All Extraneous SoftwareDisable NotificationsDisable Screen SaverDisable SpotlightDisable Time MachineVideo ConcernsDesign Tips: Backup Systems and Saving ProtocolChapter 3. Understanding the QLab Workspace3.1 Understanding Cues and the Cue StructureWhat is a Cue?Design Tips: Using Time Display ModesHow do Cues operate? Cue ListsCue Sequences Playback Position3.2 The WorkspaceA. Go/ Standby / Notes Field B. ToolbarC. The Main Cue ListDesign Tips: Toolbox and Load to TimeD. The InspectorThe Basics TabThe Triggers TabDesign Tips: Assigning a MIDI TriggerNew Trigger SettingsE. The Workspace FooterEdit / Show Mode Cue and Cue List CountWarnings PanelCue Lists, Carts, and Active Cues SidebarStatus WindowSettings3.3 Adding Cues 3.4 Setting Targets for Cues3.5 Navigation and Quick KeysDesign Tips: Searching the Workspace3.6 Paste Cue Properties 3.7 The Tools MenuLoad to TimeRenumber Selected CuesDelete Number of Selected CuesJump to CueJump to Selected Cues' TargetRecord Cue SequenceLive Fade PreviewHighlight Related CuesBlack out and Restore Desktop BackgroundsA. Fade ToolsSet Parameters from targetSet audio levels from targetSet video geometry from targetRevert fade action3.8 The Window MenuAudition WindowOverride ControlsLighting Controls (Light Dashboard, Light Patch, Light Library, DMX Status)Timecode Window3.9 Cue CartsPART II: QLab Audio ControlChapter 4. QLab and Audio Basics4.1 Audio Systems 4.2 Basic Audio Equipment & TerminologyMicrophoneInput SourceMixing ConsoleSignal ProcessorsAmplifierSpeaker4.3 Understanding Basic Signal Flow: Input / Output4.3 Understanding Software Signal FlowAudio FileAudio CueInputsCrosspointsLevels Faders (Cue Outputs)Audio PatchAudio Device Output Routing4.4 A Word About Audio Devices4.5 Audio System ConfigurationsBasic Stereo Playback with Multiple SpeakersMultichannel Playback System with External Signal ProcessingMultichannel Playback System with QLab Signal ProcessingDesign Tips: Redundant SystemsChapter 5. Setting up QLab with your Audio System 5.1 The Multichannel Sound System5.2 Audio SettingsVolume LimitsMic Settings5.3 Cue TemplatesAudio Output PatchThe Matrix MixerInputsCrosspointsCue OutputsSetting Level FadersMaster FaderDesign Tips: Balancing Audio OutputDefault, Silent, & Gangs5.4 Editing Audio PatchesAudio Patch Editor: Cue OutputsAudio Patch Editor: Device RoutingCrosspointsAudio Patch Editor: Device Outputs5.4 Setting up QLab with an Audio Device5.5 Customizing Your Audio PatchesProject 5.1 - Setting up your System5.6 Audio Device Volume Levels5.7 Audio Effects and How to Use ThemAudio Effects and Cue OutputsProject 5.2 - Creating a Reverb Send in QLab5.8 Using Multichannel Audio FilesChapter 6. Audio Cues6.1 Inserting an Audio Cue6.2 Inspector: Basics6.3 Inspector: TriggersAffecting Other Cues6.4 Inspector: Time & LoopsThe Waveform DisplayWaveform ZoomDesign Tips: Multi-Touch GesturesPreview CueTimes, Loops, and SlicesDesign Tips: Looping Sliced TracksIntegrated Volume Levels and Playback RateControlling Playback RateProject 6.1 - Manipulating Start / End TimesProject 6.2 - Adding SlicesProject 6.3 - Manipulating Playback Rate6.5 Inspector: Audio LevelsAudio Output Patch & Device EditSet Default LevelsSet All Levels SilentAssign GangsVisible ChannelsAudio Levels & Crosspoint Matrix6.6 Inspector: Audio Trim6.7 Inspector: Audio EffectsProject 6.4 – Editing with Audio EffectsChapter 7. Mic Cues7.1 Understanding the Mic CueSignal FlowBuffering7.2 Setting up Your Audio DeviceDesign Tips: Getting to Know Your EquipmentMic SettingsMic PatchDevice Routing7.3 Inserting and Editing the Mic CueInspector: BasicsInspector: TriggersInspector: Audio LevelsAudio Input & Output PatchVisible ChannelsDefault LevelsSet All to SilentAssign GangsLevels & Crosspoint MatrixInspector: Audio TrimInspector: Audio Effects7.4 Audio Effects and Mic CuesCue OutputProject 7.1 – Creating a Global EQ Send with Cue OutputsDevice OutputProject 7.2 – Assigning an Audio Effect to a Device OutputChapter 8. Fade Cues8.1 Inserting and Editing Audio Fade CuesDesign Tips: Cue Naming8.2 Inspector: Basics8.3 Inspector: Triggers8.4 Inspector: Curve ShapeAudio DomainsFade Cue DurationReset to Default Shape8.5 Inspector: Audio LevelsFade Type: Absolute vs. RelativeStop Target When DoneDesign Tips: Fading Group CuesLevels and Crosspoint MatrixSet From Target / Set All SilentAssign GangsLive Preview8.6 Inspector: Audio EffectsFade RateStop Target When DoneSet Audio Effects from TargetAudio Fade Cue SummaryProject 8.1 – Pitch Bend to Replicate a Reel-to-Reel Malfunction 8.7 Mic Fade CuesInserting a Mic Fade CueBasics, Triggers, & Curve ShapeAudio LevelsAudio Effects8.8 Manual FadesProject 8.2 – Creating a Zero-Count Fade Cue8.9 Automatic FadesProject 8.3 – Automated Fade-In and Fade-Out of an Audio Cue8.10 PanningProject 8.4 – Panning via Fade Cue8.11 Ducking AudioProject 8.5 – Ducking Audio8.12 Copy/Paste Fade Parameters8.13 Exploring TrimChapter 9. Control Cues9.1 Start, Stop, and Pause CuesStart CueStop CuePause Cue9.2 Load CueDesign Tips: Load Cues and Playback Position9.3 Reset Cue9.4 Devamp CueProject 9.1 – Vamping an Audio Cue with LoopsProject 9.2 – Vamping an Audio Cue with Slices9.5 GoTo and Target CuesGoTo CueTarget Cue9.6 Arm and Disarm Cues9.7 Wait Cue 9.8 Memo Cue9.9 Script CueDesign Tips: Hotkey SafetyProject 9.3 – Creating a Hotkey Activated Script CueChapter 10. Group Cues10.1 Understanding Group Cues10.2 Inserting and Editing Group Cues10.3 Inspector: Basics10.4 Inspector: Triggers10.5 Inspector: Mode10.6 Workspace FunctionCue NameNotesHiding Group Cue Contents10.7 Group Cue ProjectsProject 10.1 – Using a Group Cue to Create a PlaylistProject 10.2 – Simultaneous Playback of ChildrenChapter 11. Cue Carts11.1 Understanding Cue Carts11.2 Creating a Cue Cart11.2 Inserting Cues into Carts11.3 Cue Cart Setup: InspectorBasicsTriggersGrid Size11.4 How to Use Cue Carts11.6 Integrating the QLab RemotePROJECT 11.1 – Using a Cue Cart for Flexible PlaybackPart III: QLab Video ControlChapter 12. QLab Video System Basics12.1 Understanding Video SystemsVideo Playback SystemsVideo Reinforcement Systems12.2 Video System Components1. The Digital Video Camera2. Computer3. Interface Connections4. Output Devices12.3 Understanding Video Signal FlowVideo / Image File / Video FeedVideo Cue / Camera CueVideo Surface PatchDesign Tips: Surface ControlOutput DeviceAudio12.4 Hardware ConsiderationsThe Bottleneck DilemmaData PathHard Drive / Data StorageExternal StorageThe Need for Multiple DrivesRAMCPUQLab Video CPU UsageRegarding Codecs and CompressionVideo Card vRAMGPUOutput12.5 Connecting to a Video DisplayWhat Kind of Connector(s) are Needed?Cable runsSignal Amplifiers12.6 Graphics Expansion DevicesChapter 13. Video System Preferences and Setup13.1 Workspace settings: Video SurfacesVideo SurfacesAdding SurfacesDuplicating Surfaces13.2 Editing SurfacesEditing the Single-Screen SurfaceSurface Name and DimensionsEditor CanvasScreensIndividual Screen ControlsSurface Controls13.3 Creating and Editing New SurfacesTools of the Trade: Remote Control for Your Workspace 13.4 Setting up a Graphics Expansion Device with QLabProject 13.1 – Plug-and-Play SetupProject 13.2 - Individual Screen Control with an Expansion Module13.5 Creating a Surface with Edge BlendingProject 13.3 – Creating a Surface with Edge Blending13.6 Workspace Settings: CameraCamera Patch SettingsTools of the Trade: Syphon OutputChapter 14. Video, Camera, and Text Cues14.1 Inserting a Video Cue14.2 Inspector: BasicsCue InfoDesign Tips: A Word About FileFormats14.3 Inspector: Triggers14.4 Inspector: Display & GeometryThe Video StageVideo SurfaceMode: Full SurfaceMode: Custom GeometryDesign Tips: Rotation OptionsProject 14.1 Fade Controls for Video CuesProject 14.2 Animating Image Rotation with Fade CuesProject 14.3 Using the Anchor to Your Advantage14.5 Inspector: Time & LoopsWaveform DisplayPreview CueTimes, Loops, and SlicesIntegrated Fade Envelope & Playback Rate14.6 Inspector: Audio Levels, Audio Trim, and Audio Effects14.7 Inspector: Video EffectsTools of the Trade: Quartz Composer14.8 Camera Cues14.9 Inspector: Basics and Triggers14.10 Inspector: Display & GeometryCameraVideo SurfaceVideo Display ModeLayer and OpacityProject 14.4 - Creating a Ghostly Effect14.11 Inspector: Video EffectsQuartz composer Integration14.12 Text CuesInspector: Text14.13 Text Cue ProjectsProject 14.4 - Sing along lyricsProject 14.5 - Intergalactic Title EffectsChapter 15. Video Effects15.1 Video Effects Presets: Color and ExposureColor ControlsExposureGammaSepia MonochromeTools of the Trade: macOS Color PickerMin Max InvertWhite Point15.2 Video Effects Presets: TitlesFont PlacementBlend ModeFont NameFont SizeShow Cue ImageTextColor15.3 Video Effects Presets: Blur / SharpenBox / Disc / Gaussian BlursMotion BlurSharpen LuminanceUnsharp MaskZoom Blur15.4 Video Effects Presets: Textures & Edge EffectsPixellationScreenBloom and GloomCMYK HalftoneColor PosterizeCrystallize and PointillizeEdge WorkKaleidoscopeMedian and Comics EffectNoise Reduction15.5 Video Effects Presets: Distortion EffectsCircle Splash / Hole DistortionPinch / Bump DistortionTorus / Lens DistortionTwirl / Circular Wrap / VortexGlass Lozenge15.6 Video Effects Presets: TilesOp TilePerspective TileQuad TilesReflected TilesRotated Tiles15.7 Video Effects Presets: Custom CompositionsTools of the Trade: Syphon Recorder15.8 Video Effects ProjectsProject 15.1 - Video Effects and Fade CuesProject 15.2 - Combining Video EffectsChapter 16. Projection Mapping and Surfaces16.1 Mapping vs. MaskingDesign Tips: Gradation and Masks16.2 Overlapping geometric SurfacesProject 16.1 - Creating Surfaces for Overlapping Geometric Areas16.3 Mapping on Non-planar surfacesProject 16.2 - Mapping to 3-Dimensional SurfacesTools of the Trade: MadMapper16.4 Masking Made EasyProject 16.3 – Using QLab as a Masking ToolPart IV: QLab Lighting ControlChapter 17 QLab Lighting System Basics17.1 Understanding Lighting systemsPowerControlLighting Instruments / Accessories / DMX-Controlled DevicesWhat is DMX?What is an Address?17.2 Understanding Lighting ConsolesInput / OutputChannelsMaster ControlSubmasters and GroupsPlaybackPalettesEffects17.3 QLab as a Lighting ControllerHow QLab CommunicatesChannelsMaster ControlSubmasters and GroupsPlaybackPalettesEffectsSummaryChapter 18 Preparing to Cue Lights18.1 Network SetupDesign Tips: A Word About Polling18.2 Adding Your LightsPatchMIDI ControlGroups18.3 Definitions & Light LibraryLight Library18.4 Putting it All TogetherSetting up Your LightsChapter 19 Light Cues19.1 Inserting a Light Cue19.2 Inspector: Basics & Triggers19.3 Inspector: LevelsCommand LineAdd CommandPrune CommandsSafe Sort CommandsThe Lighting Commands ListDesign Tips: Live vs. Blind ProgrammingCollating Effects19.4 Inspector: Curve Shape19.5 The Light Dashboard19.6 The DMX Status Window19.6 Understanding Lighting Command LanguageSelection Ranges & PassingPulling ValuesUp ArrowAd-hoc Groups19.7 Cueing Examples Project 19.1 – Creating a Chase EffectPart V: QLab Show Control and NetworkingChapter 20 Show Control Systems20.1 TerminologyEntertainment Control SystemsShow ControlNetwork20.2 Entertainment Control SystemsSound Control SystemsMIDI Keyboards / SequencersSound MixersTimecodeLighting Control SystemsLighting ControllerDimmersCircuitsLighting InstrumentsVideo/Projection SystemsVideo Playback SoftwareVideo ServersProjectors / DisplaysDowsersTimecodeAdditional Control Systems20.3 Show Control SystemsSound Control SystemsLighting Control SystemsVideo / Projections Control Systems20.4 Show Control ConsiderationsChapter 21 Understanding OSC and Network Cues21.1 What is OSC?21.2 OSC SettingsSettings: NetworkDesign Tips: Networking Options21.3 Network CuesInspector: Basics and TriggersInspector: SettingsOSC MessagesCommandsQLab MessagesPlayback Control CommandsParameter-Change CommandsUDP Messages21.4 OSC and Cue CartsProject 21.1 - Creating a Cue Cart InterfaceTools of the Trade: OSCulatorChapter 22 QLab and MIDI22.1 MIDI Basics22.2 What is MIDI Show Control?22.3 QLab and MIDIWorkspace Settings: MIDI ControlsWorkspace Settings: MIDDesign Tips: MIDI Across Network22.4 MIDI CuesInspector: Basics & TriggersInspector: SettingsMIDI DestinationMessage Type22.5 MIDI Voice Message22.6 MIDI Show Control (MSC)General CommandsSound Control Commands22.7 MIDI SysEx22.8 MIDI File CueTools of the Trade: Go BoxChapter 23 Timecode23.1 How Timecode Works23.2 Timecode Settings23.3 Triggering Cues from Timecode23.4 Timecode Cues