CYFARTALWR / EQUALIS ER EM EA
CARDIFF / UK
Th e de s i g n t e a m a t Ne o n B lac k we re th e innov at o r s b e h i n d a c u t t i ng -e dg e public a r t a nd l i g h t i n g i n s t a l l a t i on at th e Ca r dif f M u s i c C i t y F e s t i v al 2024, with LED a n d w i r e l e s s c o n t r o l te c h nolog y integr a l t o t h e r e a l i s i n g its vision.
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V E N U E - E ME A | WWW.M O ND O D R .CO M
The light art installation, called ‘CYFARTALWR/ EQUALISER’, transformed the whole side of a building into a dynamic graphic equaliser, which reacted in real-time to the beats of a playlist and the sounds of the city. Each window of the building was lit with individually controlled colour-changing LED lights to create a large format light canvas to spectacular affect. To create the visuals, NeonBlack ran LumenRadio’s Stardust into a large number of Astera AX2 Wireless PixelBar LED fixtures (which each feature a built-in CRMX receiver from LumenRadio), and utilised MADRIX software within the workflow. Stardust is an eight universe, DMX/RDM transmitter widely used across the entertainment lighting industry for its highly reliable wireless performance. The installation was carried out together with NeonBlack’s technical partners, SR Production Services. “We chose Stardust wireless DMX for the CYFARTALWR/ EQUALISER project because it offers unmatched reliability and flexibility,” said Jon Barker, Project Lead at NeonBlack. “With 3,360 LED pixels spanning seven floors, this technology ensured seamless synchronisation with the music. “The low latency and robust signal strength of Stardust enabled us to create a stunning experience without the constraints of traditional wiring, allowing us to fully unleash our creativity in this dynamic urban space.” Barker also relied heavily on the capability of MADRIX software to create the successful project. “With built-in audio analysis features, MADRIX can react in real-time to audio input, allowing for captivating light shows that synchronise perfectly with music,” continued Barker. “This responsiveness is achieved through various settings that analyse sound frequencies and amplitude, translating them into vivid lighting effects.” To integrate MADRIX with the wireless lighting system, Barker sent sACN data to LumenRadio, which acts as a wireless transmitter. “After configuring MADRIX to output sACN data, I connected it to the LumenRadio interface, effectively bridging the software with the wireless network,” stated Barker. “Once the sACN data was transmitted via LumenRadio, it was wirelessly received by the ASTERA lighting fixtures, which we chose for their robust performance and versatility. They seamlessly picked up the signals, allowing them to execute the light patterns dictated by MADRIX. “Overall, the combination of MADRIX’s sound responsiveness, LumenRadio’s wireless transmission, and ASTERA AX2’s powerful lighting capabilities resulted in an impressive, synchronised light show that captivated the audience. “CYFARTALWR/EQUALISER is a celebration of the vibrant interplay of life in cities, and using this advanced LED control technology, it transformed the building into a dynamic light canvas and produces a real-time, music-responsive light show that invites viewers to see urban structures as dynamic and interactive. “It’s a visual and auditory experience that mirrors the city’s rhythm, blending the rigidity of buildings with the fluidity of music and light, and this awesome project was months in the making and took a massive team effort to conceive and deliver.” www.neonblack.design