Frequently Asked Questions

What Is DigiSynth?

DigiSynth is a powerful software toolset for creating and performing dynamic abstract images and beam effects for laser light shows. It incorporates a node-based digital synthesizer, a timeline, a live performance gui, and other utilities for production.

Why Should I buy DigiSynth?

Because it is unlikely that you have any tool for creating abstracts as powerful as DigiSynth. Please don't read that as arrogance, we've both seen and used alternatives, and have not been satisfied with the industry tools. Smooth, clean abstracts with a high level of flexibility and performance. There are no built-in limitations such as the number of oscillators or how they are connected. With DigiSynth you have all the best attributes of an analog synthesizer, without the noise, and the benefits of a digital system without the rigid structure or fixed architecture.

Aren't abstracts dead? No one cares about them, right?

Actually, our audiences and our clients' audiences have enjoyed getting back to the basics with the unique images only possible with laser abstracts. Most beam effects are techically "abstract" too. While the whole of the industry has shifted toward graphics, most people can spot cheesy 3-frame animations and bad digitizing. Other mediums don't suffer like laser does when trying to generate recognizable imagery, and the days of teams of animators and digitizers cranking out high quality animation is pretty much gone.

Is DigiSynth only software?

Well, mostly software. We also provide a hardware key for secure licensing of the software, and use hardware to convert the output of the software to a usable signal to send to the laser projector. See the notes on hardware below.

Is it true that dongles are cumbersome?

Actually, we use one of the smallest dongles on the market, smaller than most memory sticks, but lets look at dongles in another very realistic way... Would you rather grab a tiny USB dongle that fits on your key chain, or have to tear your PC apart to harvest a PCI card that is then subjected to static and physical damage?

Do I need to have the output device connected to the computer to run DigiSynth?

No, you only need an output device if you plan to actually output a signal. This adds to the flexibility and portability
of DigiSynth to be run where convenient to do so.

Can I use my copy of DigiSynth on multiple computers?

You may install DigiSynth in as many computers as you would like, however, you may only run the software on one at a time. You simply move the USB dongle to that computer, and you have transferred your license to that machine, again, no need to rip out a PCI card.

Will DigiSynth run on my laptop?

While we definitely recommend a beefy processor like the Core i5 or Core i7 from Intel, DigiSynth can run on some modern laptops with at least a dual core processor and up to date video drivers. The complexity of the patch and quality of the laptop may result in variations in performance for realtime playback. We frequently run DigiSynth on our laptops mid-flight on planes. There's something ironic about programming laser shows from inside a plane, no variance or FAA notification required. Just don't connect any equipment, we won't be responsible for your relationship with the Department of Homeland Security.

What CPU do you recommend for DigiSynth?

Our current favorite is the Intel Core i7, but most dual or quad core processors will run DigiSynth just fine. Again, the complexity of the patch will ultimately determine the processor usage requirements, and needless to say, the better the system, the more overhead you will have for the DigiSynth engine to use. Think gaming system, and look at what they are aiming for: Beefy processor and excellent video card.

If I upgrade my computer will patches run faster?

Assuming you mean "will the speed of oscillators change so that the image is no longer running at the same harmonic?" No, this will not happen. DigiSynth runs at a constant rate of 48Khz to match the Lightpipe clock speed. If what you had patched was a "Patchzilla" and it was bogging down the CPU, then yes it will run faster in realtime, but you will be very happy about this.

If I lose my dongle will you replace it for free?

Even though the dongle itself is a small thing, the value of the license is much greater. If you forget where you put your car, no auto company in the world will offer a free replacement, but if you have paid your premiums, perhaps your insurance company will. Unfortunately, not everyone is honest about such things, so no, we will not replace your dongle for free.

I like what I've seen created by people using DigiSynth. Is there a place that I can download more patches?

DigiSynth users have access to the support forum, which also serves as a repository for the sharing of patches between users, which is highly encouraged. Unlike most graphic images, the same abstract can be performed to many types of music. By sharing patches, we all produce more, faster!

May I customize patches that other people make?

Absolutely, the ability to save and modify existing patches is one of the beautiful things about DigiSynth. An open community of users willing to share and customize the art to their own needs is a powerful alliance to have.

Who do I credit when using patches that other people have made when I submit my work for an ILDA award?

Please credit Digisynth Image Library Distribution Organization. You may abbreviate that if you wish.

Is there an opportunity to gather with other DigiSynth users at an annual conference?

Yes, we try to attend the ILDA conference, as well as hosting Digisynth Independent Laser Display Operator's Symposium. We also do webcasts which can be both informative and entertaining.

Are there help files that I can ask for but never read?

Our users told us that rather than writing volumes of text about the software, the video tutorials we made were much more useful. We also include the sample patch from each tutorial so you can pick it apart and analyze it yourself.

Does DigiSynth output laser light?

DigiSynth itself does not output laser light. There is, however, a fabulous preview window that simulates laser output. For actual laser output you will need a laser projector and laser light source, a Lightpipe optical output card, and an output interface device such as an Optical Showlink Transcoder or modified ADAT.

Is there a limit to the number of oscillators or rotators that I can use?

There are no self-imposed limits to the number of components you can connect in a DigiSynth patch. The performability of extremely complex images will be determined by the speed and performance of your computer.

You keep using the words patch and patching, to what are you referring?

In the olden days of analog synthesizers, for music or laser imagery, patching was the art of connecting different components in a synthesizer together to pass the signal through various processes. The resulting connection was called a Patch. The same is true today, but the tools are much more modern.

How is DigiSynth better than my old analog image synthesizer?

While DigiSynth was certainly inspired by the concepts and flexibility of the old analog synths, it doesn't fall victim to any of the pitfalls of analog signal processing, such as noise, oscillator drift, DC offsets, and centering of rotators.

If DigiSynth runs at 48Khz, can I run content on 60K scanners such as the CTI 6215?

Absolutely. 48Khz is merely a sample rate and is not related to the speed at which scanning occurs. Oscillators are capable of operating at a much higher frequencies than the scanners are capable of drawing.

Does DigiSynth accept inputs from MIDI keyboards and control surfaces?

Yes, MIDI control is an important aspect of the performance side of the software. There is an easy utility for setting up and customizing NRPN values, but even better is the ability to Listen for a change, and capture the assignment within a patch. We have enjoyed using the Behringer BCF 2000 USB/MIDI control surface, as well as X-Keys buttons. These are available at a fraction of the cost of other performance consoles available to the industry.

What operating system will DigiSynth run on?

DigiSynth currently requires a Microsoft Windows based OS. Our current users are running DigiSynth on systems operating on XP, Vista, and Windows 7.

Do I need a good video card?

Yes, DigiSynth employs the open GL technology available in modern video cards, so most up to date video cards should run the interface just fine.

I heard that DigiSynth has higher dynamic range than other systems, what does that mean?

DigiSynth will streamup to 24 bits of resolution per color, which is much higher than other production tools on the market. This means smooth fades and blends of color with less stair stepping. Using the Transcoder, which also has up to 24 bits per color, which allows color correction without significant reduction of color resolution. Systems with lower color resolution such as 8 bit, suffer greatly once their palette is adjusted, resulting in very chunky fades.

What palette does DigiSynth use?

Forget about outdated techniques like palettes, DigiSynth employs Gamma Curve Correction, which not only allows the user to adjust their system for excellent color balance, but also to compensate for issues between diodes and DPSS lasers with inconsistent start times from one color to the next within a projector.

I have a QM2000, can I use it to output cool abstracts from DigiSynth?

If you have DigiSynth Studio or higher, you can render the show to .wav files which can then be processed through the Lasershow Converter ADAT from Pangolin to make a massive number of frames, but you might want to consider going the other direction to retain the high quality fades and color fidelity.

What are the advantages of outputting my shows through Lightpipe rather than my existing PCI card?

Outputting a digital, optical signal means not having to ever hunt down ground loops, or fight against induced noise in the system. Lightpipe allows you to connect digitally to an HD24 or similar hard drive recording deck for mastering show material directly, without converting from analog signals. Lightpipe (and the Transcoder) saves you from the headaches of compatibility issues with single ended vs differential signals. And, while it might be great to have something created in a computer, there's nothing worse than loosing the digital advantage as soon as you exit the computer, as is the case with certain products on the market. Lightpipe can travel farther using converters it can go up to about 3km.

I've heard that one of the toughest things to program in laser is a rolling wave effect. Is this true?

We've heard that too, but it must be the tools they have been using. Waves are easy to make in DigiSynth, with just a couple oscillators. A sawtooth on X, a sine wave on Y, and you are well on your way. Just toss in a little color mod and some blanking and have a blast. Even better, you can rig that wave to be performable, and react to your control.

There are production systems out there that require the user to write code to create abstracts, do I need to learn how to program?

There is absolutely no need to write code to make DigiSynth work or create beautiful imagery. Our team of software experts already do that for you. The result is an easy to use node-based interface, where you connect virtual wires to connect components together, and drag and drop objects onto a timeline. Simple, flexible, powerful.

Does DigiSynth use time slicing to output streams of abstract imagery?

Absolutely not. This is one of the major advantages to DigiSynth over other abstract generators. The entire patch is calculated for every sample, and the samples are extremely clean. If you look at an image with time slicing without blanking, even something simple like a wave beam effect, you will see crap moving through the image. That doesn't happen with DigiSynth... ever.

How can I import frames that I already have?

The Depangulator is a simple, free utility that will run on computers with a QM2000 installed, and convert your frames to a .dsframe file. It is then a simple matter of loading that file as resource to use in your patches or on the timeline. It works with both single and animation frames.

Does DigiSynth come with a frame editor?

Right now we are focused on making the best abstract editor and performance tools, but eventually we will add such features to make it a more well rounded toolset.

What about morphing? Can you do morphing?

We've got something cooler than morphing. It's called a crossfader, and it probably does what you think it does, perhaps even more.

What do you mean by "DigiSynth is hardware agnostic?"

We don't force you to buy one brand of hardware to output signals. DigiSynth works with many 3rd party Lightpipe output cards or devices, and while your best analog input and output will be through a Transcoder with all of it's cool built-in functions like UGC, if you just have an old modified ADAT lying around that you want to use to output an analog signal, well that's fine with us.

Are there any required accessories?

To operate DigiSynth with output to a laser projector, there are some minimum required accessories that must be used. These are off the shelf 3rd party devices that we have found to be quite useful.

• A Lightpipe output device, Typically a professional quality sound card with ADAT output, or 1394 device such as the M-Audio Profire Lightbridge.
• A Lightpipe to analog converter, such as a modified Alesis ADAT or HD24, or even better, our Optical Showlink Transcoder for an ILDA compatible input and output, as well as MIDI, DMX, and audio, with integrated geometric correction and gain/offset adjustments.
• A MIDI control surface is recommended for live performance. The Behringer BCF2000 is our current favorite, with 8 flying faders, 8 rotary encoders, and 20 buttons. DigiSynth is also compatible with X-Keys for added performability.

Is DigiSynth compatible with my Lightpipe card?

DigiSynth is compatible with a variety of ADAT optical i/o devices. If your Lightpipe card or device is ASIO compliant, and outputs at least one universe (8 channels) of ADAT Lightpipe signal, then it should work fine with DigiSynth. Some devices require additional software drivers, and initial setup of channel assignments for order of output, sample rates, and clock sources.

What is the Optical Showlink Transcoder?

The Transcoder is an integral part of a professional DigiSynth system. More than an output device, the Transcoder can simultaneously convert ADAT optical to ILDA-compatible analog signals, audio, DMX, MIDI, and encode a second set of those signals back to optical, or pass them through. It employs a powerful UGC for correcting both subtle and extreme geometry challenges, and several user presets for added flexibility. The 1U rack mountable device is light weight and portable, and can be controlled remotely via serial interface. There are over 60 transcoders in operation, and those who use them love them.

The transcoder is a great way to connect your older ILDA-compatible devices and import them to DigiSynth for further production enhancements or real-time performance.

QM2000, Pangolin, LC-ADAT are trademarks of Pangolin Laser Systems, Inc. Lightpipe is a trademark of ALESIS LLC.

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