This diy DMX Light Rig will Change Your Live Shows

[@venomfall]

This is a ridiculously cool system, as someone who's been in both the music and lighting world for a while being able to have something that I could use for my own solo performances which is affordable but also has a level of production that I'm happy with is something incredibly valuable. Even with just the 4 tubes at the end you had a great demo, and it's crazy to think how cheap it was to build. Definitely wanna see if I can build one of these rigs, thanks for the video!!

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much! I hope you do end up building a similar rig! I'll likely be setting up a discord or something so when I do, feel free to reach out anytime discord.gg/JbADZPtu

[@1GSweetP]

Thank you for sharing in detail your incredible light rig built. I have a 360 photo booth business, and I'm always looking for ideas to enhance my business. Like you said, it can be tedious work to pack and unpack after two or more shows in an organized fashion.. Your system would solve most of all my problems. I'm not a hands-on electrical designer DIY guy, but can you share how a novice like me can hire someone to build out a system like yours for me? And , yes, I would be a very happy donor for your channel because this is priceless. Thank you.

[@ShaylaRMcDaniel]

@@SuperValidDesigns Great video! Do you sell the electronics enclosure box you described at at 6:25 ? Also, discord is saying the link is invalid.

[@jmarcanti86]

This the smartest lighting rig for bands I've ever seen on KZbin. Other videos made these DIY tube lights, but didn't take into consideration easy load in and out. You solved that problem. Pure genius. Can't thank you enough.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much! Part of the reason i did this video is because, when I initially wanted to build a rig like this, i searched youtube and likely watched all the videos you referenced. And while they were helpful to get the lights going, no one had a good system for transport and for touring, that's half the battle for sure! I'd still make some improvements but this worked pretty well on the road!

[@wertyghjkl-fc3dx]

@@SuperValidDesigns Guaranteed one of my parents would be going on and on about a fire hazard.

[@ChrisField13]

No idea why, but I KEEP coming back to this video. Every time, I’m impressed and satisfied. I wish I had the need to try to make something like this.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much for the views! I hope you find a reason to make something like this soon!

[@dcurry7287]

As a professional stage technician and extremely unprofessional hobbyist musician, I would *love* to buy you a beer and talk shop about this setup. Thanks for sharing this with the world! Most of my time lately is spent in a shoebox nightclub with an always crowded stage. I've spitballed making my own fixtures in tube protectors just like yours, with a 4-channel decoder in the base each. Never even crossed my mind to centralize the DMX brains, what a brilliant way to reduce spaghetti!

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much for comment! Happy to talk shop anytime! I'm probably going to set up a discord or something so people can have a place to discuss ideas and what not

[@christintauriainen8816]

there's always spaghetti! any way to help untangle the chaos is awesome!!

[@QuixEnd]

Dude! So sick! I waited like 15 years for dmx to be affordable and it just never did. This is the first solution that doesnt require me to learn a whole new coding language or fork out $10k. Such a slick and simple solution

[@timdenner5896]

As a drummer, stagehand, LED builder and tinkerer; this is awesome! Great work!

[@silverblue73]

I'm just getting into doing live shows and I know expressive lighting can make all the difference, music is one dimension, light another, and the two together are unstoppable

[@johnnythreshold]

What an absolutely phenomenal design built wonderfully. You've considered, here, everything that would stop a small scale band from considering a lighting rig and made it a desirable and achievable option. Set up times, modularity, portability, tidiness and self-sufficiency are all accounted for and the result looks absolutely professional and incredible. My music projects need this and I'm going to pursue something similar. Thanks for posting and thanks for the great explainer.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks for the great comment! I’m hoping to see bands starting to pick this up! Come join the discord if you have any questions discord.gg/hesTCU5F

[@jaredbeamish9968]

this dropped my jaw and I am giving you a standing ovation. I have DMXIS and it does the trick. The big brand tubes cost like $5k and these look very similar. awesome work!

[@mattmcdonnell4205]

This is insanely impressive. I will be making some lights soon and was searching KZbin for options, yours came up and boy am I glad I found it.

[@traviscarrier3339]

This is AMAZING. As someone who does lights for my own bands, and went through the process of getting a more “conventional” rig this is a freaking incredible idea. We’re only ever really able to use our lights on the rare occasion we are headlining. Lately I’ve just been offering all the other bands on the bill to use our lights as well and I just plug them into a DMX controller and do the light show on the fly. This way I can get there early and setup our lights. Our show if fully programmed using Ableton & ENTTEC Pro DMX usb alongside EMU (pretty much the replacement for DMXIS). I just HAD to let you know this is super impressive. I LOVE seeing how other people implement the different uses of DMX and lights. Amazing! Keep it up!!!

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much for this comment! Lighting makes the show so much better and its always a hassle to implement it but so worth it if you can figure out how to make it work for your show. Sounds like you've got a great system going though and nice of you to offer other bands the option to partake! I'll have to check out the enttec Pro DMX usb!

[@MikeMcDoughnut]

I built a very similar rig using a lot of the same components (DMXis, same decoders and power supplies, and same style of light bars and edison bulbs) but you did it so much better and I wish I saw this video a few years ago when I built our rig! Now I need to re-do it using your as inspiration.

[@zzyzx13]

PATENT THIS NOW

[@digitaldragondamnati]

RIGHT!!!!

[@Wreckity]

Did you patent this yet? Patent this now!

[@ErikPelyukhno]

Not if I do it first mwuhahaha 😂 For real though, bravo. I’m in a similar space right now and this is genuinely cool, inspirational. I’m working on producing modular VJ controllers and this would be something I’d be interested in purchasing for a traveling rig

[@Studio_4to1]

Patent this, shut up, and take our collective money!!!!! ❤

[@DjKenmore]

Indeed

[@neilmunro5360]

Honestly such an amazing walk-through of something that has clearly had a lot of time put into it. The demo at the end was great, and really showed how much can be done with just a small setup. Really loved it.

[@mrhaiku4399]

Dude, that Casio keyboard music you played when explaining DMX brought back some good childhood memories. Great design concept and great video!

[@micahwagoner6114]

This is an incredible design and well thought out! I like the spool idea! I'd probably build it out of a road case with casters to easily roll in. Another thing i haven't seen people mention to give yourself a competitive edge, is to use individually addressable lights. I'd watch some videos on home christmas lighting and WS2811's to start. Throw a pixel controller in your brainboard instead of the 0-12v board. Place a network jack as input instead of DMX, and send sACN to the controller.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Having the addressable LED's would definitely be a step up for sure! I opted to keep things simpler for the initial build but this would definitely be a a massive improvement. I'll look into this for the updated version!

[@LAGASTEST]

The question is, if you can actually program the lights with the dmx sofwares, or you would just be limited to the WLED apps and such. do know if programing them with a dmx sofware like EMU or SoundSwitch would be possible?

[@meleesuss]

Watching the bulb slide down was so satisfying. Such a great idea. Excellently executed. Have subscribed.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

I promise, it's even more satisfying in person! Thanks so much for the sub, next video is taking longer than expected but I hope it's going to be equally as enjoyable!

[@melankolikfilms]

When cost-effective, controllable light systems meet fantastic hair, I'm sold.

[@EdTheBearsFan]

This is one of the best DIY videos I’ve ever seen. The rig is freaking awesome, and your hair is glorious. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, but please get this patented like other commenters suggested! ASAP! Awesome job!!

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much! I'm working on a better version to hopefully sell as a kit one day. Will definitely go through the patenting process then if I can! It's unfortunately very expensive but certainly worth it at some point

[@ShaggyMummy]

YES! ive been needing a more elegant solution for doing stage lights. Id love to see what could be done with Addressable LED strips and using the DMX to control animation modes

[@BudWilson13]

this is insane. I would be shocked if this doesn't become more regularly used going forward

[@NonnyStrikes]

the brain + power combo is a no brainer! Unreal they haven't implemented this already.

[@dtrmnts]

well for one it's not as affordable as buying used lights and dongle and laptop with free software to run it.

[@BudWilson13]

@@dtrmnts so?

[@dtrmnts]

so its a majorly time consuming project that cost more than buying lights...@@BudWilson13

[@dvdcd]

Super cool project, and a fantastic video! I love your presentation style, editing, and your visual illustrations (especially the one with the string wires and pushpins) were awesome!

[@SuperValidDesigns]

I appreciate the comment! Hopefully you'll find the next video just as interesting!

[@0vesl0]

@@SuperValidDesigns Which after watching this.....I'm eagerly waiting for that lol

[@CHGOfficial512]

I bought one of those dmx led controllers a while ago to be used with led lines as ambient lighting. You on the other hand took that to whole another level

[@destroy_television]

Glasson Electronics based out of the UK makes an RGB "bulb" with an added white led "filament" inside. It has a standard E26 socket on it and they are dmx addressable. We just did a show with about 1000 of them and they worked out great! They have a special box (that looks like something out of the 80s) where you to push the bulb into a socket on the box for very quick addressing. No screwing and unscrewing, very clever. The crazy part about this whole system, is that you send your DMX signal into the distro box, and it sends the data through the power cable to the bulb by sending very specific voltages down the line that the bulbs react to. The failure rate was very low. Maybe 0.5% of the 1100 we ordered were faulty. The support is a little weird.. I believe it's just one guy making these things, so communication takes time, but we were very happy with the rig we built with them. Anyway, as someone thats been in stage lighting for over a decade, this video was great, and I really loved the DIY engineering here. Hope to see more of your stuff in the future. It's people like you who keep this industry interesting and fun to work in.🤙 Edits: I suck at grammar.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

So cool, I just looked them up! I’m gonna dig more into their rigs for sure!

[@adriansuarez5407]

Found this at the perfect time. I’ve been getting into dmx, stage lighting, live visuals… this is exactly the content I need rn

[@Xsiondu]

My God you have just changed the world. This is so very well thought out and implemented.

[@NonnyStrikes]

And this is why I love youtube. I"ve been doing this kind of trial and error myself lately. I DJ at a local club, and I'm always trying to find easier, less expensive ways to improve things. Bravo man. SUBBBBBBBB ez

[@johnrula]

I was a ROADIE/Soundman back in the 70’s early 1980’s when you had to tap into the MAIN powerboxes with jumper cable connectors and it was FREAKEN SUPER DANGEROUS !!!!! Each time I risked ELECTROCUTION bigtime, so it’s amazing to see how far you have come…peace P.S you STOOD on the main Cable in case you touched a positive line and BANG you were DEAD!!!…peace

[@Paladimhandmade]

And why this doesn't have over 1M views already?! This is insane! Respect for sharing it so detailed and explanatory!

[@JA19962014]

I am beyond impressed. This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen

[@airkicksmusic]

YOU ARE WHAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR FOR YEARS! THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED!!!

[@olivejun6641]

I’ve been looking for a video like this for YEARS THANK U

[@righteousssssss]

I’ve been looking for something like this ever since I saw Bon Iver’s custom single light bulbs like you did here! Bravo!!!

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much! I'm not familiar with the Bon Iver lights, I'd love to see them though!

[@leewright4941]

I love the multi-drum spool idea. It could have applications for audio too.

[@briguy1960]

Your Grandad would love this! Way to go Jeffery

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks Brian!

[@BriggsMullen]

That display at the end was inspiring.

[@UaNdIEntertainment]

You have to kick starter this and get this commercially ready it will smash the mobile DJ industry

[@MasterfulCreationsSTEAM]

Great video! I've been researching lighting systems for my STEAM education events, and your timing couldn't be better. This has inspired me to create my own. Your creativity and innovation are truly appreciated. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@SuperValidDesigns]

So cool! Let me know if I can help in any way!

[@user82938]

I'd feel lucky if you were in my band taking care of all this stuff.

[@ibimslawa]

There are already fixtures out there with this concept (both budget and pro), but nothing like this simple and easy as you did it. (For reference: Stairville LED Pixel Rail RGB MKII, ADJ Pixie Strip, GLP X4 atom)

[@ibimslawa]

For example the German band Annisokay uses the Starville Pixel Rail

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Very cool, there are definitely tons of options that often times do a lot more than what my rig could do but the simple factor allowed us to keep the thing within budget while still bringing a decent sized light show!

[@aidanknight]

With the revolution in bands DIYing in-ear systems, I'm shocked it's taken this long to get DMX lighting happening. Amazingly well thought out. There's huge potential here for making incredible lighting systems for artists that could take their live shows to a new level.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

I agree, I was surprised to see so few bands doing something like this! I haven’t heard about the DIY in ears though??!

[@brunoberndtguitar]

this is by far the best video I've ever seen on building and affordable custom lighting rig. Please keep them coming!

[@elijah2118]

Dude. What?? Seriously??? I love you.

[@admeezydrums]

Bro this is *absolutely* wild! Actually incredible you were able to pull this off. My entire collection of hats and beanies off to you.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much! Was a fun project with a bunch of mistakes made and many things I'd still like to improve but I'm glad you liked the video and I hope you like the next one just as much!

[@clanoue1167]

I'm thinking of building something like this myself. You drastically expanded the scale of which I want to build it now. Different fixtures, and a that box with cables, custom connector. All things that I hadn't thought about. I do want want todo addressable LED though. And still figuring out how I want to do that.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Awesome! Yes the addressable leds would be a step up for sure. I never figured out a way to make that work effectively but might be worth another shot! Feel free to join the discord link in the description. A bunch of us going over ideas on there!

[@BrendenPragasam]

as someone who has a career in industrial design, but ends up doing lots of photography and videography, this project is absolutely wicked and ripe with potential for expansion. Honestly might try creating a 2.0 version with the keyed connector as well as the ability to be 3d printed!

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Appreciate the comment! If you haven’t seen my V2 video yet, I make a few major changes including the keyed connector but I’d love to see what you come up with!

[@kingfridayx241]

THIS IS AMAZING..and I would LOVE to see more detail on building the components…I’d also pay.

[@adventuremachineVGM]

This is the most genius thing I have ever seen. I've tried a similar idea before, but the lights were cumbersome, and the power was unreliable - this is just absolutely genius, and the result is fantastic!!

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thank you so much! Took quite a bit of trial and error to get to this stage but the pressure was on so I had to figure it out!

[@garyt3hsna1l82]

Georgeous system everything from the deployment of the reels to led parchment tubes is pure rock and roll you could make an awesome slap stick intro "lightsabering the set together" the whole thing is pure joy thank you for sharing.

[@ZeroResolution]

This idea is amazing. I plan to construct an 8 LED tube system to act as a facade for my DJ booth and control it with SoundSwitch. I discovered in design phase, that RGBW LED strips require 5-pin aviation connectors, which are oriented by design and can only be plugged in one-way. I also had to upgrade to an RGBW encoder to use all the effects of the RGBW strip. Although the strips are more expensive, I prefer a cool white over the warm white for my visuals. Thank you for posting this, definitely a huge inspiration for my upcoming rig.

[@showglolighting]

Amazing! Love the idea of combining power and DMX into a single connector!

[@3nertia]

You ... are ... BRILLIANT! With a few modifications (expansions really), this could easily work for videography as well! Glad I found this video! Thank you!

[@ChanceSampson91]

Man, I made something very similar for my band 5 years ago. I didn't really take any pictures, wish I would have now. I used many of the same things you ended up using - including the bulb protectors and the same 12v dmx decoder, etc. You did a really amazing job on these, very cool!

[@originaljisp]

Wow, impressive system and love your tutorial style. Thanks for the share mate!

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gagepabst5867]

Wow. I like never feel inclined to comment on a video but this just solved so many things I was working through in my head on how to build a more affordable diy lighting system. Much thanks. Seriously rad.

[@gagepabst5867]

Would you care to share your 3d print files?

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Absolutely! I have them posted for free on my discord channel!

[@DunningKrugerSan]

1. I know absolutely nothing about lighting and I thought this was fascinating. Great work. 2. Your hair is awesome.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

1. I'm so happy you found it interesting! Thank you! 2. You're too kind :)

[@pierrex3226]

That's awesome. You're officially my hero for today.

[@lukesanglap890]

I am currently starting to do lights as a hobby please continue making this video its very informative TYSM

[@TheEndless560]

Your light programming skills are also completely insane dude

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much! I’m still learning but I feel like being a drummer is very helpful!

[@freakyfred543]

I like your use of lighting. In my opinion there is a fine line between tasteful and tacky when it comes to lighting. Keep up the good work.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

I appreciate the compliment! I agree, lighting has the potential to get very tacky very quickly. Building the lights is only half the battle. Programming them is a whole other ball game

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

Very helpful. Especially the diy aspects. Addressable led strips inside plastic tubes is such a fantastic money saver!!

[@michaelkent]

This is insane! As a non-musician, I cant believe this isnt standard. Great work! As a photographer, I would love to see how this might work in my photography studio. You got me chewing on ideas for modular lights that would work in your system for photographers...

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much! I would love to see these used by photographers

[@DiegoMarcianoDM]

I totally agree with the other comments, your system looks way too cool and accessible for a lot of people! Congrats bud!

[@bokajllensch661]

DMX cables are xlr cables. The connector is what gives it its name. The only difference can be the impedance of the cable. Most people only use cables with the right impedance for DMX as it doesnt compromise other applications.

[@j3llyman7]

This is an incredible video, I hope it gets the recognition it deserves

[@zMPHz]

This is the most impressive and inspiring thing I've seen in a long time!

[@Sploit]

Awesome rig, I by myself own 10 Standard LED bars, but your setup gives a whole other vibe to the stage...maybe because of it's special design 📈👌🏼

[@CountyPicker]

Very well thought out approach to lighting that scales up or down as required. Excellent video! Thank you.

[@nickforan]

Worth the price of admission if only for the parchment paper idea. This is all so so impressive, congrats on the first video of i hope, many

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thank you! I eill be doing another video on this type of thing eventually but I will be filming a few different inventions/diy builds on this channel so expect to see some more videos on a wide variety of things!

[@lummerhaj]

Totally cool, Can see so many places this could work.

[@rickhicks3757]

DUDE! Well done, I love the fact you made a mini 3D set up to show how it works! Great effort and looks very effective!

[@Ci77o]

I had exactly the same idea last year but I couldn't carry it out because in my country (Argentina) many things are not available or are ridiculously expensive due to import problems. I hope to be able to do it at some point, this video inspired me to be able to resume the project. Thank you very much for sharing this information.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Awe bummer I hear you. Being from Canada, I am often feeling limited by whats available here vs the US but I guess I should feel lucky that we have enough to make projects like this work still! I hope you continue to work on your own project!

[@LoganLovell]

Dude.....DUDE!!! This is so well thought out. Obviously there will always be room for improvements but this is already something you could patent and market. Incredible work. I don't think it's fully appreciated the amount of crossover between different industries and skills required to make such an effective system.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate this! I'm about to release a video about the version 2 rig which is a lot more refined and capable. I hope you enjoy the new version!

[@dvdza]

IDK how I ended up here, but i was about to start digging into light shows, this is amazing, keep this videos coming!

[@movietriptv6986]

I was searching for a video like this all the time and now out of the blue KZbin requested it

[@emnul8583]

This video is amazing! Love how detailed you were and how you included links to everything in the description

[@silverblue73]

Pure genius, thank you for all your hard work, this video included!

[@robertsteadman4226]

Awesome! With led's remember to keep them cool, under 45C they will last a lifetime, unlike hid. Super work A+ (thats die not case temperature)

[@skylarfeigel8556]

Please make more videos about this kind of stage production diy stuff.

[@atalhlla]

Was wondering about the fixture orientation, but you did indeed mention a key/slot for the next version.

[@davidclark8840]

This is very inspiring stuff. Thank you for putting effort like this in and sharing with us all. 💪

[@SuperValidDesigns]

So happy you found it valuable!

[@SethBeamerMusic]

“Couldn’t find RGB Edison bulbs, so I made them from scratch” 😂 dude you’re an ANIMAL!! Absolutely love this. Like holy shit

[@mrstowe12]

really cool system, i did a big 4x 8 sign with decoders and a ballast for a band once and have been thinking of building something for new projects. the thought you put into load time, with the distro and aviator plugs has me thinking of all kinds of ideas, thank you!

[@BeFs]

Great work! Got some nice ideas from this, it's always fun to see others doing this type of creative craftmanship with standard off the shelf components.

[@seankenneally3483]

Thank you my friend I just opened the venue I really needed some lighting I was really in the dark no pun inten ded but this helped a lot.

[@UGAmedic8714]

Christmas is about to be lit... literally.

[@adamonline45]

Wow, this is amazing! The product, the thought on future improvements, the visual and physical effects in the video... Definitely subscribing, I wanna see everything in your brain!

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much! Looking forward to getting many more videos out!

[@minimalistvagabonds1597]

Wow, epic work! One of the best things I've ever seen on youtube! Keep it up!

[@ssneg]

Power can also be daisy-chained. In fact, it says "POWER OUT" on the device you show at 2:05. Saves you a bunch of extension cords.

[@joelthurner3682]

wooow, iv just been getting into building some lighting fixtures, your system is really inspiring

[@Paladimhandmade]

Man... you blew my mind! This is so cool and genius! I am taking this with me in the workshop

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Come join the discord if you need any more info! discord.gg/E8Bk9pRv

[@dfxmonkeyhead]

Genius. I love your use of off-the-shelf parts and simple design principles. Inspiring project! And yes - rework the slip-ring concept and the spool boxes!

[@lostsauce0]

Very cool! I've been designing a similar system myself and I hadn't considered integrating cable spools

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Nice! I’d love to see what you’ve made!

[@osopolar3250]

Amazing system. So far the best solution I've seen. You are very clever. Great job. I will try to solve it in a similar way. Thanks for the inspiration and detailed explanation.

[@davpat2112]

This is super useful, I am building out a large live streaming venue and will def be building some interesting fixtures like this! Really want to "DMX my whole house now :)

[@crocholiday]

Wow... This is a killer system. Well played sir!!

[@photonpilot__]

Making those tubes with addressable LEDs would be awesome. Especially if you drove them using Madrix or Enttec ELM

[@Drumboyww]

Wow verry cool modulair system i like the scene with LOTS of tubes! Im stunned that this is your only vid on the channel. I love to see more about the rig! Keep on going

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Thanks so much! I'm working on the second video now, its taken longer than I had hoped but with a full time job and a bunch of unrelated projects on the go, it's been a bit difficult to manage but hoping to have another video up soon! The next one is entirely unrelated to this video or lighting in general but I hope you like it too! It will be about a different "Invention" I've been working on, so this channel will just be a bunch of random things I've come up with to solve an array of problems in my life! I'll likely do an updated build on these lights at some point though!

[@Nasirisme]

came here for the tubes to do with argb for my room but now i want to put bulbs on the end like that too looks really cool and i want multiple aswell i wany my room looking like that setup at the end now

[@williamroyagoncillo]

from the work that you did here helped a lot of ppl like me to farm ideas from, you deserve more paid shows and subscriber. awesome, i'll be waiting for more content bud.

[@SuperValidDesigns]

Appreciate the comment! Next video is in progress and while it has nothing to do with lighting, I hope you still find it enjoyable! It's just another invention I've been working on.