ADJ Launches New Airstream DMX Bridge for Wireless Control
ADJ has announced the arrival of its new Airstream DMX Bridge, a wireless DMX control solution that lets mobile DJs wirelessly operate multiple light fixtures via an app on their iOS devices, saving the need for extensive wiring.
The new Airstream DMX Bridge is a multi-signal Wi-Fi transmitter that twins with the Airstream DMX app to enable users to control multiple lighting effects from their smartphone or tablet. Thanks to this combination of hardware and software, DJs can create a single DMX network (with up to 14 WiFLY channels) for their ADJ WiFLY-compatible fixtures, sending a signal from their iOS device to the products themselves, via the Airstream DMX Bridge interface. This means that users have the freedom to control their effects and trigger displays from the convenience of their handheld device, and all from a distance of up to 2,500ft due to ADJ's inclusion of EXR (extended range) WiFLY technology. In addition, ADJ has fitted the Airstream DMX Bridge unit with 3-pin DMX outputs, so users can also control their non-WiFLY products from the same app.
Well-suited to mobile DJs with little or no experience of DMX, the free-to-download Airstream DMX app is easy to use, but still provides plenty of features for advanced users too. Offering more flexibility than the original Airstream IR app, this new software lets users go more in depth when it comes to colour selection, head movement and other features, without the need for complex programming through a hardware controller.
The app layout is simple, making it easy to navigate, with five tabs on the main menu: Fixtures, Channels, Effects, Scenes and Shows. On the Fixtures tab users can patch up to 24 fixtures by selecting from a pre-set library of ADJ WiFLY and Elation products, as well as having access to generic configurations (e.g. RGBA or 24-Channel). The Channels tab can then be used to access a range of settings for the selected product, such as adjusting the colour of individual LEDs or creating patterns of movement for moving heads. Using the app, Shape FX, Color FX and Flash FX can also be generated and assigned to the user’s fixtures. These effects can then be tried out using the Loop and Run features on each menu and saved for later when the user has achieved their desired look.
The final two sub menus – Scenes and Shows – let users build DMX lightshows to wow their audiences with! The adjustments and effects created and selected using the app can be saved to the slots in the Scene tab, after which DJs can use as many as 24 scenes to build an exciting Show that can be played back for their audience later from the Shows tab.
“Our new Airstream DMX Bridge is the ideal product for everyone from mobile entertainers to event organizers to church technicians to small-club lighting designers,” explained Alfred Gonzales, National Sales Manager for ADJ USA. “If you want multi-fixture wireless DMX control that’s quick and easy to set up but highly reliable and effective during operation, then look no further! Thanks to its game-changing features, like the extended-range WiFLY, and its accompanying iOS app, this affordable but forward-thinking product makes wireless DMX control a possibility for all.”
In terms of practical features, ADJ has equipped the Airstream DMX Bridge unit with a magnetic bottom plate, so mobile DJs can mount the unit quickly and easily, attaching it to metal fixtures and objects, including ceiling supports or their goalpost truss. A quick-lock bracket is also included, allowing the unit to be mounted in a range of positions and on different surfaces, for when using the magnetic bottom plate is not an option.
DJs on the move will also find the Airstream DMX Bridge unit to be well-suited for use in their on-the-road setups, thanks to its low weight (0.4kg) and compact dimensions (127 x 178 x 64mm), which make the unit discreet and easy to store during transit.
The Airstream DMX Bridge will be available in the UK from mid-March.
The Airstream DMX App for iOS can be downloaded for free from the App store.