The key difference with CSC to other systems is the use of a modular workspace, and a much more "hands on" approach to constructing a show. Designs are constructed around "real" objects - wave playback is similar to using traditional MiniDisc machines and CD players, and levels can all be changed at the touch of a button.
CSC presents the designer with tools to create a show, with whatever equipment they desire to use. Full MIDI support is provided, including a standard MIDI command module, a Show Control Module (MSC, MMC and SysEx), and MIDI sequence creation and playback for using traditional sampler playback methods.
The Cuelist presents a full linking and numbering system to help the show flow smoothly, and the Cuelist has a unique "Expanded View" which is optionally enabled to allow all the components of a cue to be visible (during design time), or just the cue description (run time). Five pages of 'Hot Cues' allow cues to be assigned to live buttons for on the fly cue recalls.Multiple machines running CSC may be easily networked together to benefit from real-time live tracking of a 'master' machine.
Freelance sound designer Glen Beckley commented: "I like it, it's good - the way CSC is laid out and designed is intuitive - you can get really fast on it really quickly, it is so easy to use. CSC has the best of all worlds - easy to master but also incorporating the powerful facilities like built-in .wav file playback."
CSC is available in two versions, LE and PRO and is distributed in the UK by Orbital Sound. Both systems will feature as part of Orbital's showcase at The ABTT Theatre Show 2006, 14-15 June, Royal Horticultural Halls, London.
(Lee Baldock)
