resources

the scene's default vj platform; arena adds projection mapping, led control and a full media-server feature set.

modular mac vj software — build your own interface, deep quartz/isf shader support.

layer-based mac vj classic from the madmapper family.

scene-based audio-reactive visuals — every scene is a live shader with midi-mappable controls.

node-based audio-reactive visuals at an entry price.

turns ableton live into a vj instrument — video clips as live clips, sequenced like audio.

the definitive dedicated mapping tool — projection, led pixel mapping and laser control in one file; v6 added a timeline.

beginner-friendly mapping with built-in generative effects.

mapping and cue-based playback loved by theatre and dance productions.

the touring media-server standard — previsualise, sequence and run the whole show; x1 now runs single-output shows from a laptop.

green hippo's media-server range — real-time compositing and mapping with deep dmx integration.

av stumpfl's media-server platform — unreal integration and real-time tracking; gen2 servers added st 2110 and 3d performer tracking.

media server from the lighting-console house — tight synergy with avolites desks.

dataton's multi-display playback veteran — big blends and installations.

real-time compositing engine and media server in one — generative layers composited live over video.

node-based visual programming for interactive and generative stage visuals — sensors in, pixels out; the 2025 release moves millions of points in real time.

real-time vfx authoring that plays back inside media servers — the tool behind most arena-tour screen content; 2026.2 runs onnx ai models in the show file.

the game engine that took over virtual production and xr stages — increasingly driven live via media servers.

visual live-programming environment — the berlin school of generative stage visuals.

the patching environment jitter lives in — audio-visual instruments and one-off show systems.

node-based webgl visuals in the browser — fast to learn, exportable anywhere.

live-coding video synth — visuals written as code, one line at a time.

the industry-standard laser show suite — timeline, beams, abstracts and full dmx/midi integration.

the entry door into pangolin's ecosystem — most club and small-festival laser rigs run this.

laseranimation sollinger's controller — the precision end of laser graphics and mapping.

the touring lighting-console standard — most festival main stages run on an ma desk.

high end systems' console family — the other big touring desk lineage.

full console software free on pc — the budget-to-mid festival workhorse.

obsidian's console platform — grew out of martin m-series, strong value curve.

the led pixel-mapping standard — effects engine for large art-net/sacn installations.

led mapping software built for permanent installs and stage pixel rigs.

lighting previz — program and present the rig before load-in.

photoreal show previz — lighting, lasers, water and pyro in one render; the big-festival pitch tool.

cad-plus-previz veteran — plot, patch and pre-cue in one file.

cue-based playback for theatre and installations — audio, video and osc from one cue stack.

open-source intermedia sequencer — osc/dmx/midi scored on a timeline.

grabs live timecode from dj decks (pro dj link) so lights and video can chase the mix — the festival-booth bridge.

the official touchdesigner learning hub — curated paths from first patch to instancing.

professional touchdesigner training and a deep free blog on immersive-tech practice.

bileam tschepe's youtube series — the most-followed free touchdesigner path.

long-running instructor notes and patterns for show systems.

official video series — from clip launching to full arena mapping.

the manual doubles as the best structured intro to real-time vfx thinking.

official mapping walkthroughs — surfaces, led fixtures and lasers.

ma lighting's official console training — the credential festival lighting crews actually hold.

the self-paced course on the most dangerous thing a festival laser does — required reading before beams touch a crowd.

where touchdesigner problems get solved — search first, someone hit it in 2019.

the laserist community forum — hardware, safety and show craft.

the working vj subreddit — gear questions, gig stories, software wars.