Hello, I’m creating a show where I control lights, lasers, projections and pyro with the multi-track audio coming out of my Ableton live set.The lighting and projections are working and I'm about to start integrating the laser element.

Here's a lighting and visuals render with some audio:
https://youtu.be/2K2_5S43lbA

I will need to buy an ILDA laser and an ILDA interface or combination of both. Initially this is just for testing ideas in my studio and I don't intend to run public shows without the proper laser safety sign-off.


I’ve seen a few different options of interfaces to use and I prefer ethernet connection like Laserworld shownet (£200). I now have a fair bit of ethernet gear in my set up, I have a net pocket 2/3 for artnet output and an ethernet switch to connect computers together for NDI, so another ethernet device would make sense, also as ethernet cables runs can be very long.

The cheapest 'branded' ILDA laser I've seen is the Shehds 3W laser which delivered to the UK is £205
https://www.shehds.net/products/sheh...riantsId=14737

Similar is the Laserworld CS1000 mk4 £300
https://www.thespecialistfx.com/en/c...kaArK7EALw_wcB

I've also found some lasers that have the Shownet built in, eg Laserworld DS1000, cost a lot higher like £700 but I might have a friend who can get me trade price closer to £400. This would mean the laser acts as a node in the network and other lasers with built in shownet boards can be connected to it by ethernet, no need for ILDA cables. I've also recently discovered you can send video over CAT8 cables so I'm hopefully moving towards a system where everything is ethernet network based.

Just wondering if people with more knowledge than me have any recommendations? A cheaper ethernet ILDA interface would be nice! I've seen the Helios but that is USB and I already have load of USB midi controllers attached to the show computer.

I am on a budget for now so just looking for something cheap to get me started and don’t mind upgrading something more expensive later on once the show is on the road. Definitely want an ILDA interface to start with.


I'll most likely be using madmapper and madlaser to control the laser. I know madlaser is shownet compatible so madlaser can address the laser directly. Madmapper as has an plugin that sits within Ableton Live to allow Ableton to control all it's functions. Using Resolume is also an option. Time and experiments with both will tell!