More than 30 high-power laser systems provided lighting effects for one of the world’s largest electronic music events, the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, USA. The outdoor show attracted 400,000 people when it took place at the end of June.
Lasertainment, a specialist in laser shows, partnered with laser manufacturer and distributor Laserworld to provide the laser equipment for the show.
Lasers are widely used in the entertainment industry, from improving the viewing experience of 3D movies, to providing illumination for light shows. Laser technology has advanced to the point where the diodes are now powerful enough and available in a variety of wavelengths to engineer spectacular laser light shows.
Laserworld provided RTI Nano and Piko laser light systems, which were controlled with Lasergraph DSP controllers (one for each laser) and a Grand MA 2 live control. The components all contributed to delivering a 60-minute time code synchronised show for nine DJ introductions.
The front of house was approximately 260 feet from the stage, so the laser control signal was transmitted via glass fibres, and later on with CAT6 cables, to avoid signal problems.
To create impressive illumination for large-scale laser shows, there are several challenges, particularly because the EDC required time code synchronisation as well as live operated systems. To get the most out of the laser systems, individual control of every unit was required.
And, outdoor laser shows commonly require well distributed fog or haze to create the most stunning impressions. At EDC Las Vegas there were more than 60 fog/haze machines present at main stage to ensure sufficient effects support for the lasers.
‘The very low humidity of only 5 per cent, the continuous wind and the dust in the air are a big challenge,’ said Oliveira from Laserworld USA. ‘Lasertainment requested the most durable systems for such conditions.’
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