WORK PRO unveils LightShark - New Hardware Lighting Console

LightShark is the new range of hardware lighting consoles launched by Work Pro. It is the first ever DMX-based hardware lighting console range to offer wireless, browser-based control from a multi-touch Smartphone or tablet, with support for up to three connected devices simultaneously.

The LightShark range is consist of two independent products, the LS-Core and the LS-1 console, both developed and designed entirely within WORK PRO’s lighting division. The LS-1 brings together the best features from the world of innovative software-only lighting control and marries them to an intuitive, ergonomic assignable hardware control surface. The LS-Core omits the LS-1’s hardware control surface but offers exactly the same lighting control software, processing power, and Smartphone/tablet-based software control interface.

Along with all the features of a modern and full lighting control system, LightShark also offers an intuitive control over a total of 8 DMX universes of 512 channels, in addition to built-in support for a library increasing of Fixtures. It also integrates an editor of Fixtures for those wishing to modify or customize the Fixtures control templates.

For professionals who prefer the control through a physical user interface, it is worth remembering that once configured and assigned, all aspects of the LS-1 system can be controlled completely from the surface hardware; a wide LCD display to the right of the control surface shows how physical controls are mapped at all times, and is updated when the user switches between layers of control allocation. For this reason, the LS-1 users have the freedom to control their lighting systems through software based on Web browser control.

“The LS-1 console is designed to fill what they perceive as a significant gap in the market of lighting control,” explains the CSO’s WORK PRO, Juan José Vila”.

“At the upper end of the market there are traditional lighting hardware consoles that cost thousands of dollars, even the smallest still sell for, at least 1500 euros.” At the opposite end of the market there are many systems or control only software applications, some with innovative automation and control functions which are very popular among lighting professionals. These are available for a few hundred euros maximum, but you must have a computer and a DMX interface hardware to complete the system, as well as a controller hardware if you prefer to not use mouse. Such a configuration is not very portable or resistant when it comes to a rigorous use at live events. We thought that we could do better, partly inspired by some of the excellent interfaces user software which have been developed recently for consoles in the professional audio market,” said Vila.

“What we wanted was to design a system of lighting control that combines the versatility of the software solutions with ergonomics, an integrated interface and the physical usability of a hardware console, but keeping the price as close as possible to 1000” euros. The use of graphics capabilities advanced easily available smartphones and tablets modern for our control interface has meant that we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel for LightShark, which has helped keep the price low. The LS-1 is the result, and we are very proud of it. The LS-Core is an even more affordable option for installations in which the control in real time through a physical interface is less important,” he concludes.