The Avolites D7 console is a game-changer for lighting designers like Paul Owen, who has been crafting immersive experiences for the Australian hip-hop group Hilltop Hoods on their world tour. Owen's journey with Avolites began with the D7-215 console, which he used during the Australian leg of the tour, supplied by Harry the Hirer. This console's flexibility and suitability for live busking workflows, as Owen notes, are key to his creative process.
Owen's collaboration with Hilltop Hoods spans nearly two decades, and he's developed a unique lighting style that complements the band's energetic performances. The D7's Key Frame Shapes generator is a standout feature, allowing Owen to create dynamic effects in real-time across rigs with numerous pixel-based fixtures. This capability is particularly useful when animating looks without the need for a media server, as Owen explains.
The tour's lighting setup varies, with festival shows featuring around 60 fixtures spread across trusses and floor-mounted carts, combining spots, washes, LED panels, blinders, and pixel fixtures. The upcoming arena shows will take this setup to the next level, expanding the rig to approximately 270 lights, along with video and special effects. This scale-up highlights the D7's ability to handle complex lighting designs.
Owen's choice of Avolites is influenced by the console's portability, which is crucial when touring across Australia, where production teams often face the challenge of traveling by air due to the vast distances between venues. The D7's ease of transport ensures that Owen can quickly adapt his lighting setup for each new location.
In Owen's words, "Using the D7 and a bit of lateral thinking, you can effectively animate a look without having to use a media server." This approach showcases his creativity and the console's versatility. As the tour progresses, Owen's use of the D7 will undoubtedly continue to shape the visual spectacle of Hilltop Hoods' performances, leaving audiences captivated by the fusion of music and innovative lighting design.
