Sound cards changing positions

Sorry for weighing to this thread a tad late but I would like to offer the following advice.

I have been using a programme known as Show Cue System (SCS) for several years in varying theatre situations using single and multiple sound cards without problem.

HOWEVER, in every situation I have used separate "stand-alone" devices for each broadcast source (IE: 1 for FOH, 1 for Main, 1 for fill/subs). My device of choice for this is the usb in XLR out ARX "Audi Box" . The creators of SCS also suggest using a fire-wire input, multiple XLR output I/O unit built by Roland - the "Octet"(?) but I cannot testify to the success of this as I have not tried it myself. 

I prefer the multiple unit method because in my experience most "on board" sound cards, either factory fitted or after-market, will tend to be prone to varying degrees of "pink noise" from the power supply transformer and drives of the computer and USB driven cards negate this. The problems are further compounded by the "pre-selection" situation that you have mentioned.

By keeping the sound card as "plug & play" SCS itself designates which unit is being used for what purpose in each "Sound Scape" created and will retain the memory of which unit is doing what each time. (SCS runs a pre-show check as it is activated and actually complain if a device is missing or not in the right place!)

The joys of SCS are many fold:

1. it is not limited to sound cues (it will also cue midi, 512 dmx, video and powerpoint)

2. it will allow designation of broadcast sources for each cue

3. it allows "on the fly" editing of cue play time length, individual/overall cue volume or pan.

4. it allows "single tap" space bar cue triggering. (no hunting for a particular key in dim light!)

5. it supports multiple cue overlay for complex sound-scapes.

6. it supports a "hot key" function that that will trigger "instantaneous" cues regardless of what else is going on at the time. (Very handy for that annoying "live" gunshot/explosion/thunderclap "somewhere" in a looped cue!) 

7. SCS pre-loads all cues far in advance so immediate playback is possible without any time delays even if cues are deliberately or accidentally skipped.

8. Soundscapes can be created on one machine (say, at home or in the studio) and "locked" to avoid erroneous editing, then downloaded onto a stick/thumb-drive which can be carried safely to any venue utilising the same version of SCS.  SCS will create a cue folder with any and all source files included. Thus allowing the Sound Designer to hand over to an Operator without fear. (NOTE! To do this any sound/video distribution equiptment programmed into the soundscape must be present at the venue and at the place of origin.)

9.  SCS will generate a Cue List that can be printed out to simplify what happens when for the FX Operator/Show Caller.

10. (For the Patriots.) SCS is created by Australians for Australian theatre.

 DRAW BACKS: This is a Windows based programme and at this point in time I do not believe there is a version that will run on a tablet.

SCS is available via download from their website as a fully functioning DEMO version to try before you buy, but this will only run a limited number of cues.

ARX Audio equiptment is available from most reputable Pro-Audio suppliers. For the record - ARX units are dual balanced XLR line level out so they are easily included to the mixing desk or can be coupled direct from PC to either live speakers or power amps negating the need for a desk!!

I usually operate using a laptop computer both at the venue and at home for creation and have not had any problems with either SCS or ARX.

Hope this helps and does not add to the confusion. 

Chookas!!

G.

"Each day is the dawn of a new error" - anon.