Video mixers for live performance
Hello all,
I've got an upcoming performance for which I plan to use multiple cameras (3 or 4), which I'd like to be able mix, crossfade, etc. I've also decided that it would probably be easier for me to composite and mix these sources down to one video stream coming into the computer, rather than have jitter looking at multiple devices and mixing in the computer (especially as I don't have multiple video cards). I'm also going to be maxing out my cpu cycles on processing a single stream anyway, so it seems to make sense to take this approach.
I'm on ye olde mac (pre intel) platform, os x.
Can anyone recommend a solid piece of gear that is
many thanks!,
Michael
The V-4 has evolved into the defacto standard of VJ mixers, and does
a great job, the MIDI input is definitely a nice thing... as you can
automate it with Max. I haven't tried any NUmarks, they've only
recently been expanding into video gear on Edirol's/Korg's/Pioneer's
cue. Personally I very much like the Korg Kross4 (K-4) a stripped
down basic mixer that comes standard with a nice DJ crossfader,
selectable fader curves, and a small form factor.
One thing to note on all these mixers: they all utilize 8bit ADA
conversion chips -- which is quite visible quality loss to the
discerning eye (mostly in color banding) They are perfectly fine for
their intended purpose, and you simply can't beat them for price vs
performance. But if you are looking for higher quality, you would
need something with 10bit processing or higher. (All Panasonic
mixers for example - check ebay for good deals)
Videonics makes mixers with Firewire I/O (MXProDV) - but a bit
pricey, and the thing I dislike about them is a noticeable latency
mixing/controlling... They feel unresponsive, and last I knew, are
even prone to crashing.
- DeKam
> ps, a couple I've seen are:
> http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Edirol-V4-4Channel-Video-
> Mixer?sku=633204
>
> and
>
> http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Numark-AVM02-AudioVideo-
> Mixer-with-Effects?sku=801259
I've been using V4 for live vj gig - it has 3 outputs (incl prewiew) - so you can connect cameras and send one (or 2 if you want) to jitter and back to feedback nicely. there can come out nice results... it has a small delay but you can use it for good.
the V4 is a handy device. MIDI in is good, but so is the MIDI out. Part of the Union video mixing software is the "Virtual V4" which turns the V4 into a control surface :) I also built a multi-V4 control software called OctaV4 for sync'ed control of up to 8 of these things. The moral is not bragging, it is that I have all the sysex and midi commands and how to cope with the somewhat unexpected MIDI implementation, if anyone wants he'p on that.
p
Quote: pnyboer wrote on Fri, 15 September 2006 17:35
he moral is not bragging, it is that I have all the sysex and midi commands and how to cope with the somewhat unexpected MIDI implementation, if anyone wants he'p on that.
>
> p
Hey there,
The V4 came today, and I popped it out of the box and boom, it was useful right away. I would definitely be interested if you've got MIDI stuff broken down into helpful stuff that you've be willing to share.
thanks!,
Michael
yes...gimmie a couple of days - I'll have to cut some things out that won't really make sense! send me an email if you haven't heard from me...
I'd love a copy of some V4 Midi control patches also, if you wouldn't mind sharing.
Thanks!
this is very old, very quick and dirty patch.
but most of midi functionality is adressed here.
On Oct 9, 2006, at 1:41 AM, Sean Stevens wrote:
>
> I'd love a copy of some V4 Midi control patches also, if you
> wouldn't mind sharing.
>
> Thanks!
Thanks much. I'll try it out with my friends V4.
Poked around your site, looks like you've done some fun stuff.
Hobby servos are great :)
http://www.yowstar.com/share/v4MIDI.zip
has a bunch of patches that explain the ins and outs of MIDI with the V4.
Enjoy,
Peter Nyboer