Version 2.4 Update Ready for Solo Performer Show ControllerNew release increases play list flexibility for musicians who improvise their set lists while performing July 9, 2005
Alien Apparatus' Solo Performer Show Controller is a system for controlling the background music, lyrics displays, MIDI effects, and light shows for musicians. The system consists of a six-button foot controller that connects to a computer via USB, and software that runs on Windows and Macintosh.
Solo Performer Show Controller plays mp3 files, aiff files, wave files, and MIDI files. It can control MIDI effects units, lights that operate using the industry-standard DMX512 protocol, and can display lyrics on-screen in a karaoke-like manner. The software also includes a utility for stripping out unwanted tracks in MIDI files so that only the rhythm tracks play.
In this new release, musicians no longer need to pre-plan their set lists. Entire folders of audio files may be opened all at once, and while a song is playing, the next song may be selected from the list. Play list items may navigated by either typing the first few characters of the song title, by moving the scroll bar with the mouse, or by engaging the new "auto-scroll" feature of the foot controller.
To further increase flexibility, users can now select from three play list behaviors, including a new "loop" mode. This enables musicians fill the play list with small audio samples that will loop continuously and seamlessly until another play list item is chosen. The system can be set up so that looped samples play continuously and then switch to seamlessly play the next selection.
The creation of light shows has been improved by including a new chase definition system. Light scenes can now be arranged into chase sequences that are recorded to the event list when the space bar is tapped. This means that while a song is being played, the space bar can be tapped to the beat to insert light scenes. In this way, complex light shows can be constructed very quickly.
The Solo Performer Show Controller System is currently the only system available for controlling a show that seamlessly integrates audio, MIDI, and DMX512 lighting capabilities. With its six-button foot controller, a guitar player could, for example, play a show in front of an audience and have all of the backing rhythm tracks play from the system while it controls the lights and changes the singer's vocal reverb during the choruses.
Solo Performer Show Controller is available for both Windows and Macintosh computer systems. For more information, visit their web site at www.alienapparatus.com. | 
