For VJs with access to a fast upstream Internet connection one of the places that can be a place to perform is over the net by streaming the output of VDMX (or any other Syphon output enabled application) with Twitch. In this video tutorial we'll look at the basic steps involved in getting this set up.
Read MoreUsing an iOS Device as a Live Camera Source in VDMX
Now that iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch devices are readily available as extra mini-computers in our everyday lives, VJs and other video artists can take advantage of this by using them as additional live camera inputs in VDMX.
Read MoreGuest Tutorial: Using Lumen and VDMX together with Syphon
Today we have special guest Wiley Wiggins bringing us a video tutorial showing off how to use the video synth Lumen alongside VDMX by connecting them over Syphon.
Read MoreIntroduction to The Timecode Plugin
When designing preplanned shows and working alongside other software, one of the common tasks is keeping the timing of everything in sync. Within VDMX there are two main ways of working with time – the Clock plugin which is used for working in measures and beats and the Timecode plugin which counts in SMPTE time.
In this set of tutorials we'll cover the basics of using the Timecode plugin which publishes several data sources in VDMX, and is capable of both receiving and sending SMPTE timecode in a variety of formats.
Read MoreGesture Recording With the Data Looper
The Data Looper plugin in VDMX lets you create tracks that record data (values) from a data source, and then loop that data back, publishing it to the track's data source. Recording and playback is always quantized to the chosen clock, and the plugin also has a built-in editor that allows for quick and extensive modification of the recorded data, including scaling, warping, translation, and deletion.
In this tutorial we'll be looking at how to use the Data Looper to record incoming MIDI data and loop it quantized to the VDMX clock.
Read MoreUsing LUT FX in VDMX
One of the common types of image filters that are found in the workflow for photo and video editing are LUTs, also know as "Look Up Table" based FX. LUT FX are used to change the color palette of an image to create a different stylized look or feel, or in some cases to mimic the look of different print film types.
In this video tutorial we'll be looking at how to use each of the three different ways to use LUT FX in VDMX and how to add your own ".cube" LUT files.
Read MoreUsing VDMX as a Syphon Mixer
One of the best things about being a VJ on the Mac these days is Syphon which makes it possible for all of the different tools that are available to work together in countless ways. Within VDMX it is possible to have as many Syphon inputs and outputs as your computer can handle, which allows for it to be used as a source, mixer, FX processor or final output for other software you may want to work with.
In this video tutorial we'll look at a simple use case for connecting several Syphon enabled applications to and from VDMX by creating a two channel mixer that fades between two Syphon sources and publishes back out for other applications to use.
Read MoreUsing ProjectMilkSyphon With VDMX
ProjectMilkSyphon is a free standalone app for the Mac that can be used alongside any Mac VJ application that support Syphon inputs. In this video tutorial we'll begin by looking at the options available within ProjectMilkSyphon and demonstrating how to receive the video feed in VDMX.
Read MoreMedia Bins: Triggering Multiple Clips At The Same Time
One of the common things you may want to set up using media bin plugins is the ability to trigger multiple clips to different layers at the same time. Within VDMX this can be configured in a few different ways depending on your use case.
Read MoreUsing the ISF Editor To Create GLSL Generators and FX
When creating new ISF based generators and FX for use in VDMX or other supported applications, one of the most useful tools is the free ISF Editor. In this video tutorial we'll be looking at the basics of using the ISF Editor to create a basic generator and FX.
Read More4 Layer Korg nanoKONTROL2 template
One of the popular controllers used by VJs is the Korg nanoKONTROL, a versatile set of sliders, knobs and buttons that can be easily mapped to different setups. The goal of this more setup is to provide a good standard VJ rig for this controller that includes 4 layers with playback / mixing / color adjustment, clip / page switching along with a set of both manual and audio reactive FX that can be individually enabled.
Read MoreAnalyzing multi-track audio from Live in VDMX using Soundflower
For musicians working in Ableton Live or other multitrack production software one of the most useful tricks for driving real-time visuals is to output each sound track on a different set of audio channels before they are mixed together to get more accurate results for each sound when performing audio analysis in VDMX.
Read MoreGuest Tutorial: 10 Workflow Tips from DocOptic
This guest tutorial from the DocOptic team goes over some of their favorite tips to improve our workflow while using VDMX including keyboard shortcuts, BPM automation, presets, and more. Also covered are a few techniques using features of VDMX such as the Alpha Mask effect and using application windows as media sources.
Read MoreConnecting VDMX and Unity3D by Syphon
While mainly designed for cross platform game development many Mac VJs take advantage of the Unity3D engine for the purposes for creating 3D worlds and other real-time generated graphics for use in visual performance. By connecting these environments to other VJ applications like VDMX over Syphon and OSC we can control these worlds and mix, process and output the virtual camera signals from a scene like any other live media source.
Read MoreLuma Key Techniques for Layer Composition
One of the most powerful techniques for combining multiple layers of video into an output is the use of masking, also known as luma keying. With this process, two video sources are combined to create a "cut out" layer that can be composited over others image like a collage instead of simply blending them together. This style is commonly found in music videos, graphic design, and by VJs for live performance. Masking is also an important technique used when projection mapping video onto surfaces.
Read MoreUsing Video Game Controllers With VDMX
While many VJs and musicians use equipment designed to look like a traditional instruments for running their visuals, another great way to have gestural control during a live performance is by using setups normally used for gaming.
In this tutorial we'll look at three different types of game controllers that you can use with VDMX.
Read MoreSending DMX From a VDMX Color Picker
Like most interface items in VDMX, the Color Pickers can send their current state the DMX protocols for syncing with lighting consoles and fixtures making it possible for a VJ to control both the visuals and lights at a live event. In this video tutorial we'll set up a DMX controllable lighting fixture and set up a Control Surface plugin with interface items for adjusting each of the available parameters.
Read MoreManually Setting a MIDI, OSC or DMX Address for a Slider or Button
While the Hardware Learn Mode and detect methods are often the fastest way for a VJ to connect sliders, buttons and other elements from a physical controller to their corresponding UI items in VDMX, sometimes it can always be useful to manually enter in these addresses. You may need to do this if some item on the controller sends multiple MIDI values at the same time, or when attempting to set up a project working from a spec sheet when the device isn't actually plugged in.
Read MoreVideo Fundamentals – Part 3 – Visual FX
Once a video is playing, the next step in the process of visual performance is to apply real-time FX to each frame to change the way it looks before it is shown to the audience.
In some cases the FX being used are in a utility function, for example a Color Correction filter makes it possible to adjust the contrast, saturation, and brightness levels when calibrating projectors. Others are designed to stylize the image to match a particular aesthetic such as glitch or film.
Read MoreMore Fun Audio Analysis Techniques
Using individual plugins to directly automate the control of different aspects of a video performance or interactive installation can create some pretty awesome results, but one of the most powerful capabilities of VDMX is the ability to connect these plugins to each other to create more complex behaviors and visual effects that can be switched between during live VJ performance.
For this set of tutorials we'll look at a few ways that the Audio Analysis plugin can be used alongside the LFO plugin and standard interface controls as a demonstration of this technique.
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