NBC’s brand new American Song Contest, which hit screens Monday March 21, featured the global television premiere of GLP’s impression X5 – the next generation of high performance, professional LED washlights from the German lighting manufacturer.
The impression X5’s 19 powerful 40 Watt LEDs allow the fixture to penetrate through even the most difficult lighting environments, and were developed specifically to offer an expanded and more comprehensive colour gamut. The fixtures incorporate a brand new algorithm called iQ.Gamut – white points are calibrated perfectly to the black body line and the expanded gamut can be accessed via three different colour control modes, depending on user preference.
Beyond standard mixing, a virtual colour wheel is included with 64 referenced LEE colour filters.
Each LED source in the impression X5 can be individually controlled for full pixel mapping effects and a comprehensive effects section is included that has twin layers and many dynamic pattern macros.
The impression X5 can be controlled via DMX, ArtNet or sACN and has an integrated Near Field Control Sensor for setup and adjustments from a smart device. Also onboard is a GLP iQ.Service Module, compatible with the GLP iQ.Service App, and the new GLP FPO (Flexible Protocol Option) Port for alternative control protocol options. Additional features include variable PWM settings, auto ranging power input, multiple performance modes, failsafe ethernet connectors and much more.
“Julio [Himede] had produced some early conceptual designs and dreamed up the lighting sculpture [the custom steel fabricated by Scenic Express] and at that point we made the decision to populate it with all 90 X5s,” said Full Flood lighting designer Noah Mitz.
Dan Norman of Evolve Lights joined the project to consult on the design of the sun sculpture and “helped ensure that our centrepiece had the various layers and could live up to the necessary multifunctionality as required by the show.”
A field of circular washlights was always in the design plan. “We wanted the power you could only get with larger wash fixtures, and we wanted pixel control of each cell – with all the features we needed to be contained in one washlight,” explained Norman. “So it was an easy decision to make.”
Based on the worldwide phenomenon Eurovision Song Contest, organised for 65 years by the European Broadcasting Union and watched by 200 million viewers annually, American Song Contest will feature live original musical performances, representing all 50 states, five US territories and the nation's capital, competing to win the country's vote for the Best Original Song.
A solo artist, duo, DJ or band will represent each location and will perform a new, original song, celebrating the different styles and genres across America. The live competition consists of three rounds as the acts compete in a series of Qualifying Rounds, followed by the Semi Finals and the ultimate Grand Final where one state or territory will emerge victorious.