ADJ has introduced the latest edition to its range of lighting control solutions, the LINK. This unique hardware/software system combines the processing power, wireless connectivity and multitouch screen of an iPad with lighting-specific tactile controls and a four universe DMX interface to deliver a unique control solution. Powerful and user-friendly, the LINK fills the void between small single universe DMX controllers and large format lighting consoles. It is designed to simplify control for aspiring lighting designers, small production companies, churches, community theatres and performances spaces, providing a new connection between lights and creativity.
The ADJ LINK control system is powered by the dedicated Airstream LINK iOS App for iPad, which is available as a free download from the Apple App Store. This feature-rich lighting control platform includes an extensive fixture library, making it easy to setup for different shows and equipment configurations. It incorporates powerful tools to allow the easy creation of complex movements and colour chase effects, and allows the iPad’s memory to be utilized for storing custom Scenes and Shows that can be quickly re-loaded when required. The software also makes use of the iPad’s precise touchscreen interface to facilitate actions such as colour mixing and drawing custom movement shapes.
To augment the iPad’s screen interface, the LINK hardware offers a selection of ergonomic controls designed to give lighting designers the hands-on experience of a traditional lighting console. Four large rotary encoder wheels, with push-in selection, provide precise control over functions such as movement, zoom and focus. Alongside these are eight 100mm channel / submaster faders together with an additional master fader with dedicated blackout button. Each fader is also paired with a dedicated rotary control, with push-in selection, as well as two-page playback buttons. A matrix of 32 buttons provide instant access to specific scenes, fixtures or effects, while page scroll buttons – together with a 2-digit backlit LCD display – make it easy to keep track of a large quantity of scenes. Finally, dedicated buttons provide quick access to each of the app’s main screens and an additional set of buttons provide shortcut control of key app functions.
Combined together, the physical dials, buttons and faders of the console, along with the visual interface facilitated by the iPad screen, provide an intuitive and comprehensive lighting control solution suitable for a wide variety of applications. Its smooth faders and extensive scene programming abilities will suit those working in a theatre environment, while the significant number of instant playbacks as well as the powerful movement and colour chase programming tools will appeal to concert and nightclub LDs. The easy to navigate iOS app makes the LINK system ideal for new designers, while its powerful features and versatile workflow will also suit experienced professionals.
Connection between the iPad (which needs to be purchased separately) and the LINK hardware can either be made wirelessly or via a USB socket (adapter not included). For wireless connection, the LINK device features an in-built dual-band Wi-Fi antenna which creates a private standalone 2.4 or 5GHz DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) network. This is able to coexist in busy RF environments alongside other wireless technologies and allows the iPad to connect wirelessly without the need for any additional network infrastructure. Wireless connection means that the iPad can be moved away from the LINK hardware, which may prove extremely useful during programming when it is desirable to view a lighting rig from different angles while simultaneously making adjustments.
The LINK system can be used to control up to 2,048 DMX channels, four full DMX universes. Each universe is output via a dedicated 5-pin DMX socket on the rear of the hardware unit. The rear panel is also home to the USB Type ‘B’ socket for (optional) wired iPad connection, a Kensington™ Security Device Slot as well as a 9V DC power input for connection of the included low voltage power supply. An additional USB 2.0 Type ‘A’ Port is located on the front of the control surface, which can be used to power the USB gooseneck LED work light that is supplied with the hardware.
Measuring 514mm by 328mm by 91mm (L x W x H) and with a weight of 6.8 kgs., the LINK has a convenient desktop design that is easily portable. It features an integrated iPad cradle, which can be adjusted to provide an optimal viewing angle. For permanent installation or flight-casing, the plastic side panels can also be removed and replaced with the supplied metal rack ears to allow mounting in a standard 19” equipment rack (the unit will occupy 7.5 units of rack space).
“Effective control is essential to allow lighting professionals to get the most from their fixtures and realize their creative vision,” commented ADJ USA’s National Sales Manager, Alfred Gonzales. “Broadly speaking, up until now, there have been three options available to lighting designers and event companies: simple hardware devices with limited channel capacity, computer-based software solutions, or very large format consoles. ADJ’s new LINK system is the result of extensive R&D work to provide a new category of control, one that fills a gap in the existing market. The LINK offers the feel of a traditional console paired with the compact computing power and touchscreen interface of an iPad to provide a comprehensive four universe DMX control solution that is ideal for houses of worship, community theatres, clubs, lounges and bars, as well as small-to-medium-sized event production companies. It is much simpler to learn than the advanced lighting consoles currently on the market, but still offers the features necessary to realize ambitious creative visions.”
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