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Using Loop Functions to Automate Light Sequences
Source: | Author:佚名 | Published time: 2025-05-30 | 0 Views | Share:

Introduction

Automated lighting is at the heart of modern stagecraft. Whether for concerts, theatre, broadcast, or art installations, the ability to repeat a sequence consistently and precisely can make or break a performance. Loop functions—repetitive cue-based operations—are a foundational feature in lighting control systems. They allow designers and programmers to automate effects, reduce manual operation, and ensure rhythmic accuracy.

This article provides a technical breakdown of loop functions, how they’re implemented across control platforms, and best practices for using them to design intelligent and efficient light sequences.


What Are Loop Functions?

Loop functions are programming tools used to repeat lighting instructions over time. A loop can involve a single cue (e.g., a fade-in) or a complex scene involving multiple fixtures and parameters. Loops can be finite—repeating a set number of times—or infinite until triggered to stop.

In lighting consoles and software, loop functions are commonly referred to as:

  • Chases

  • Effect engines

  • Cue stacks with loop flags

  • Timecode macros

  • Cycles or sequences

They are widely used to automate color changes, dimmer pulses, movement patterns, strobe effects, and more.


Types of Looping in Lighting Control

1. Basic Cue Loops

This is the simplest form of looping: a cue or group of cues set to repeat.

  • Use case: Alternating color between red and blue every second

  • Implementation: Cue 1 fades to red → Cue 2 fades to blue → set loop back to Cue 1

Most modern consoles allow you to define the number of repeats or set the loop to “infinite” until manually stopped.

2. Chases

Chases are loops where one or more parameters step through predefined values in sequence. They are often speed-controlled and can be synchronized to audio BPM.

  • Use case: A four-fixture running light

  • Implementation: Fixture 1 on → Fixture 2 on → Fixture 3 on → Fixture 4 on → repeat

Chases are often linked with beat-based synchronization to follow the rhythm of a song or scene.

3. Effects Engine Loops

Many consoles feature built-in effects engines that generate sinusoidal, linear, or random loops for movement, color, dimmer, and zoom attributes.

  • Use case: Creating a wave-like pan/tilt effect across a line of moving heads

  • Implementation: Assign effect engine loop to PAN attribute → adjust speed, phase, and size

Effects engines reduce programming time and allow for fast adjustments during live performances.

4. Timecode-Driven Loops

In shows requiring synchronization with video, audio, or pyrotechnics, looped light sequences can be precisely timed using MIDI or SMPTE timecode.

  • Use case: A lighting loop that restarts every chorus in a music video shoot

  • Implementation: Program cue loop within timecode timeline, locked to musical bar or frame

This is the most precise and reproducible form of loop automation.


Advantages of Using Loop Functions

Efficiency

Rather than manually cueing every transition, loops automate repetitive actions. This dramatically reduces operator workload and ensures consistency, especially in long or complex shows.

Rhythm Integration

Loops are easily aligned with musical tempo, allowing lighting effects to “breathe” with the beat. This improves audience immersion in concerts and dance-heavy performances.

Repeatability

Loops create predictable behavior, which is critical for timed sequences such as fashion shows, theatre cues, or art installations with exact visual demands.

Real-Time Adjustability

Modern control surfaces allow real-time tweaking of speed, intensity, and duration—without rebuilding the entire sequence. Operators can make reactive changes during live events.


Looping Use Cases in Different Settings

Club Lighting

Loops are widely used for strobing, color wipes, and rotating beams. DJ lighting often uses BPM-synced chases with automatic loop triggering via MIDI or audio input.

Theatre

Choreographed scenes benefit from looped fades and backlight transitions. Theatrical lighting relies on subtle looping for mood shifts or timed transitions during long dialogue scenes.

Film/Photography Sets

Loops simulate flickering, thunderlight, or rotating gobos for atmospheric effects during camera shooting. These are often programmed in short, repeated cycles for consistency across takes.

Arena Concerts

Large-scale productions use loops to automate color rolls across LED walls, timed crowd sweeps, and moving head oscillations to fill vertical space.


Best Practices for Programming Light Loops

1. Use Timing Grids

Plan your loop around the beat structure or cue timeline. Use time divisions like ¼, ½, or 1-bar for musical synchronization.

2. Name and Label Loops Clearly

In cue stacks, give each loop a descriptive name (e.g., “Blue-Red Pulse 120bpm”). This saves time during show-day edits or operator handoffs.

3. Layer Loops Wisely

Avoid stacking too many loops on top of each other—this can create visual chaos. Instead, use loops for background or rhythmic elements, and layer unique cues on top for accents.

4. Test Loop Transitions

Always preview how a loop exits into the next scene. Abrupt or mismatched transitions can disrupt the flow and look amateurish.

5. Avoid Infinite Loops Without Stop Conditions

Infinite loops are powerful, but dangerous if not managed. Ensure there’s a clear trigger or timeline break to stop the loop reliably.


When Not to Use Loops

While loops add automation, they may be inappropriate when:

  • Timing needs to respond live to performers (e.g., improv)

  • Lighting is narratively reactive (e.g., actor-driven scenes)

  • Unique or evolving lighting cues are needed for dramatic impact

In these cases, manual cue control or conditional programming may be better suited.


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