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An introduction to the art and craft
of live visuals mixing
Video Mixing
Video mixing requires a video mixer and two or more video sources.
A hardware mixer is an actual physical device that you can plug video sources into with standard video cables.
New hardware mixers can be bought for $600 to $1500, and can be found used for $400.
Video sources can include VCRs, DVD players, VideoCD players, video cameras, and computers.
Hardware video mixers have an outbound video signal that can be plugged into televisions or a video projector.
Alternatively, mixing can be performed solely with a computer using a software mixer.
Mixing on a computer has many advantages such as quick access to clips and a portable performance system.
The disadvantage of a software based mixer is that it is usually less flexible and customizable than
building your own setup with hardware. Another disadvantage is that computers are more prone to crash
than say, a VCR.
In order to use a computer, you need a way to export a video signal. There are several ways to do this.
Direct video out:
Some display cards have a s-video or rca video out built-in. This video out signal can work in two ways:
mirror, exporting the same view that is on the main monitor, or
multi-monitor, where the video signal acts as a whole new monitor.
The problem with mirror is that is that you generally cannot control which area of the screen is being exported to the
video signal. Therefore you can only use it with visuals programs or videoplayers that playback full screen, allowing
no room for onscreen controls. A multi-monitor system is the way to go, then you can have your visuals controls on the main monitor,
and put the output on the video monitor.
Scan Converter:
Scan converters attach to the monitor port on the computer. You can then plug your monitor into
the scan converter to get the regular signal. The scan converter also has a video out jack.
The beauty of a good scan converter is that you can zoom in to the area of the image that you want to send out on the video signal.
Acceptable quality scan converters run from 100 to 350 $US, with high quality ones costing as much as 15000 $US.
Which equipment and gear you use is an important choice and will influence how you mix.
But ultimately, the most important thing is what sort of energy, ideas, and style you have.
Content
Like a DJ mixes with records or CDs, a VJ mixes with videotapes, VideoCDs and DVDs,
live videocameras and other video media.
By mixing and weaving separate video signals into a whole, a VJ can take totally different clips and make a new movie
or visual experience. Mixing live, a VJ can respond to the flow and the music of an event as well as their own mood.
So, what is the content that VJ's mix?
There are many good visuals programs that are available, most of them allow you to affect them in realtime.
Many of them also offer some kind of sound responsiveness, with various degrees of success.
Global culture has created quite a bit of video content in the last 80 years, so that is nice to pull from.
A live camera at the venue is a great way to involve the people in the visuals.
Additionally, with a live camera you can create stunning effects
by filming the mix as you create it. This organically interactive technique, Video Feedback, takes on a whole new
dimension when combined with a video mixer.
Most importantly, you can create your own content. Videos can be created purely with software, or some hybrid between
software and images from the world. I cannot recommend using a videocamera highly enough. Remixing the world is a
beautiful thing.
This looks like a great opportunity to plug dc's videos:
VJs have a sea of material to pull from.
Sampling movies and tv is a given, but when you are trying to create something new,
the heavily edited shows already have too much meaning, context and interruption.
dandelion collective visual's SOURCE provides pure, simple, consistent themes and clips that you can combine and layer in any way you like.
SOURCE, a series of DVD/DVDROM's, VideoCD/CDROM's and Videotapes engineered for live mixing.
State of the Art
VJing is still in its infancy, it will be incredible to see what happens in the next few years. But actually, THATS
BULLSHIT! :) Artists have been performing live visuals to music for ages. Just look at the
psychadelia screens from the 60's... Wait a minute, just look at
Oskar Fischingers work from the 20's. Wait a minute,
just look at Indonesian shadow puppetry performed to Gamelon music which dates back centuries.
Well, now that we've got the historical perspective out of the way, new technology is changing what is possible
in cataclysmic ways. One of the most significant is non-linear access to media. DVDs and VideoCDs are an example of this,
where you can get to any track instantly. But, computers with big harddrives and web connections are the ultimate:
entire media libraries are instantly accessible. For VJs who want to want to create video live, not just choose
which tape should go on next, nothing could be better.
Another revolution is that the cost of gear is dropping readily. My advice to people getting into this is to
get a laptop.
Style
Everyones got their own. We thought we would share some of ours. Send us some of your tips and we'll post them with your
name (and email/url if you would like).
symbio - dandelion collective visual
- listen to the music. anticipate changes and build up of rhythm and sound
- use original material
- when applicable, try to build some meaning and theme into your mixing
sets, try and take your audience on a visual journey and tell a story. too
many vjs just play pop movies and eye candy. make your set truly help define
the audience experience of an event.
topherZ - dandelion collective visual
- focus on your mix. a transition can last 1/30th of a second or 5 minutes.
- you dont have to always be in the mix. some clips stand by themselves, a mix with another clip might just
dilute it.
- don't switch clips too fast. sometimes a clip will fit perfectly with the music or mood, let it roll.
- other people may not like what you like.
- depending on the situation, mixing back to a clip you have already used can be:
very powerful
annoying and lame
- only mix as long as you feel like mixing
- still images are as beautiful as moving ones
- black is a powerful color
- be passionate
Links
Here are some excellent web sites to check out if you are interested in learning more about visual mixing:
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