Four Reasons Lighting Designers Should Use XLERATE

What is XLERATE?

XLERATE is our free software tool designed to be flexible and work seamlessly with your rig. Featuring previsualization support, rig management capability, content management, and more, XLERATE is the perfect tool for lighting designers who want to integrate lasers into their show.

Read on to see how XLERATE users have an #UnfairAdvantage in their work.

1. Previsualization Support

We know many lighting designers like to use previsualization for concept development or pre-programming. XLERATE allows you to use lasers in your previsualization just like your other fixtures. XLERATE works with Capture, Realizzer, Depence, or WYSIWYG in real time, then stays out of your way while you program.

2. Previews

If you do not have a visualizer, XLERATE has you covered. The built-in preview feature is simpler than a full 3D visualization but is great for building effects on the go. You can toggle between seeing the beam in the air, the beam on a surface, or both, depending on your needs.

3. Content Management

Our Mercury-enabled lasers have over 400 built-in patterns, or gobos. XLERATE allows you to curate content for your shows. You can also import your own ILDA files and create your own content pack.

4. Rig Management

XLERATE supports Remote Device Management (RDM) of X-Laser systems as well as any lighting fixture that supports RDM. For these fixtures you can configure multiple parameters including DMX address, personality, labels, and many more. With Mercury-equipped lasers you can also configure advanced zoning controls, test modes, and more coming soon.

What do I Need to Get Started?

Lighting Console or Control Software

Any console that outputs Art-Net will work. We recommend Avolites, GrandMA, Chamsys, or Onyx with our latest Mercury profiles. 

Visualization Software (optional)

Use Capture, Realizzer, Depence, or WYIWYG to create your rig and seamlessly integrate your lasers.

Without a Visualizer

Using a computer that can run XLERATE, use the built-in previews to see your beam effects. You need a console or control software that can output Art-Net to XLERATE for this to work.

What Do I Need for Rig Management?

RDM-Capable Art-Net Infrastructure

XLERATE currently uses RDM via Art-Net for Rig Management. In order to access RDM fixtures on the network, those fixtures need to either have a direct Art-Net connection with support for ArtRDM, or they need to be connected to an Art-Net to DMX node that supports ArtRDM. Note that Pathway Pathport DMX nodes do not support ArtRDM and will not work with XLERATE.

A Computer on the Lighting Network

Your computer running XLERATE must be able to communicate with other devices on your lighting network. In many cases this is as simple as plugging your computer into the same network switch as your console. 

X-Laser projectors equipped with our Mercury control system natively support RDM via both 5-pin DMX ports and natively via ArtRDM. If you are already controlling your lasers via Art-Net or sACN, you only need to have them on the same network as your computer running XLERATE.  If you are using 5-pin DMX to control your lasers, you will need to make sure they are connected via a network DMX node that supports RDM and can transport RDM messages using standard Art-Net RDM messages.

Computer Requirements

Exact requirements vary with visualization complexity, but at a minimum:

• PC running Windows 10
• Intel i3 or equivalent or better
• 4GB RAM

Ready for your Unfair Advantage?

Complete the form at the bottom of this page and we'll send you a getting started package. For technical support visit our support center here.