Morandi successfully overcomes the challenges of lighting a two-person band to make the energy fill the whole of the stage using creative visual and lighting FX. Lighting consists of moving spots and washes whilst video content is controlled through a Catalyst Media Server.
Out on the road, lighting designer Sam MacLaren operates the system. Both Morandi and MacLaren are long-time Hog II users and have found the jump to MagicQ straight forward. With 18 Universes, in-built network switch and 8 encoder wheels it provides the power to handle larger shows with complex fixtures.
The keypad syntax can be configured in multiple ways, enabling them to choose the way that is most familiar to them. One of the benefits of MagicQ is the ability to modify a pre-programmed show to a change in circumstances - a different size venue, different equipment or just a re-ordering of a show sequence.
Throughout the recent runs of shows, MacLaren has used the MagicQ Morph facility to change the programmed show from one make of moving light to another. The MagicQ Morph allows fixtures to be exchanged with the minimum of fuss - simply transforming the programming from the old fixture type to the new fixture type.
The Tings Tings recently won the Ivor Novello Award for their album We Started Nothing and Best UK Video for Shut Up and Let me Go in the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.
(Jim Evans)
