April 15, 2025 • 9 mins
Discover how Dakota Theater in The Hague transformed its events with Elation's groundbreaking LED systems, supported by Rolight. This episode highlights the KL and FUZE series, detailing their precision, energy efficiency, and creative versatility, which benefit theaters, live shows, and cinematic setups alike. Learn how these innovations redefine professional lighting standards.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:19):
Well, here we are for another future tech episode and a
discussion about a great brand and a really cool project as
well. In fact, let's jump right in and
talk about Dakota Theatre and their shiny new lighting system.
By elation. We're not just talking about a
simple update here, this is a major leap forward.
They've swapped out their old energy hogging traditional
(00:40):
lights for an advanced LED setupand let me tell you, it's a
total game changer. Yeah, I mean, they've positioned
themselves as a cultural hotspotin The Hague, right?
They're hosting everything from experimental theatre to what was
it, film screenings, live music workshops.
It's a pretty packed schedule. They needed a versatile lighting
(01:02):
package that could keep up with that kind of variety.
Exactly. And here's the thing.
This new LED setup isn't just flashy, it's incredibly
functional. Take the KL Profile FC.
It's the workhorse of the system.
It's got interchangeable Fresnellenses, meaning you can switch
between a sharp spot or a soft wash of light, all without
(01:22):
manual adjustments, all messing with filters.
That's huge for flexibility, especially mid production.
OK, wait, so those are what? Yeah, front lighting or key
lighting, perfect for highlighting performances or say
a speaker during a queue session.
And then you've got the Fuse Wash 500 fixtures.
These things are dynamic. They're mostly used for side
(01:43):
fills, backlighting, effects, oreven just creating some visual
texture during musical performances.
And it all runs smoother now, right?
Like no more running back and forth or climbing ladders to
adjust stuff manually. Which is great, because when
you're juggling a million thingsbackstage, that extra time can
make all the difference. Oh totally.
(02:03):
It's incredible. Before this upgrade, theatre
technicians had to physically switch out gels and adjust
positions for every little colorchange or angle tweak.
Now it's all digital. Every color you could want, boom
at the Press of a button. And the consistency across
fixtures is colour harmony. We're talking about perfectly
(02:24):
matched tones thanks to Elation's R GB MA colour engine.
No more mismatched hues in your scenes.
That's wild, but what about energy efficiency?
Everyone's all eco conscious these days.
What's the deal there? Glad you brought that up.
These LE DS sip power compared to the old school incandescent
lamps they were using Dakota theaters cutting their energy
(02:46):
consumption by a significant margin.
That's not just better for the planet, it's a serious cost
saver over time. And bonus, they don't have to
worry about hunting down outdated discontinued lamps
anymore. Maintenance savings alone make
it all worth it. So it's kind of like they got
the best of both worlds. More creative, control, all the
colours could want, and they're saving effort and money too.
(03:09):
Sounds like a win all around. It really is, and the best part
is how this levels up their event possibilities.
From cinema panels to theatre productions, even workshops,
they're now equipped to handle whatever comes their way and do
it with style. So Speaking of flexibility and
all that creative control you were raving about, I keep
hearing about this Elation KL series being like a big deal.
(03:32):
What's the story there? Oh, it's not just a big deal.
It's a giant leap for LED luminaires.
The KL series is all about precision and reliability.
These lights are designed for environments where sound and
color fidelity really matter, like XR stages, live television,
or even some high end theatre productions.
(03:54):
Wait, XR stages as in like virtual production sets, stuff
like that? Exactly, on camera work
especially loves these lights because of their high CRI.
That's colour rendering index bythe way.
It basically means the colours stay true to life, like you're
seeing things exactly the way they're supposed to look.
No weird tints or shifts. Huh.
So it's not just about looking good, Liv, it's about looking
(04:16):
good on the playback too. That makes sense.
Right, and it gets better. These lights are whisper quiet.
There's nothing worse than trying to film something and
having your equipment buzz in the background.
It's a nightmare to sound engineers.
The KL series Silent as a churchmouse.
OK, but silent and high quality doesn't always mean easy, right?
(04:38):
How do they hold up in like realworld chaotic setups where
you're running around trying to get things ready on time?
Oh, you'd love this part then. They're ridiculously portable,
super rugged, but still lightweight enough to be around
fast without feeling like you'relugging a ton of bricks.
Plus the fixtures are designed to handle last minute
transitions and they integrate seamlessly with most control
(04:58):
boards. It's basically plug and play for
pros. OK, so imagine your mid event,
something's changed and you've got what, like 5 minutes to
rework the lighting? Are we talking full on panic or
can these things actually save the day?
Oh they're lifesavers. I actually know a shoot.
Not going to name names, but they had to redo the entire
(05:20):
lighting setup Last minute, tight deadline, high stakes.
The KL fixtures gave them the flexibility to shift gears
without needing to bring in extra hands or lose time.
That kind of reliability under pressure.
Priceless. So like no drama, it just works.
Exactly that. No drama, just rock solid
performance every time. And while we're Speaking of rock
(05:41):
solid performance, the KL seriesis definitely a hard act to
follow. But the Elation Fuse series
really takes things up a notch in terms of versatility and
precision. The Fuse Max Profile and Fuse
Wash 500 in particular, they're essentially a lighting
designer's dream toolbox. These fixtures are built to
(06:02):
thrive in almost any professional lighting scenario
you can imagine. OK so walk me through it.
What makes these like must havesfor the pros?
2 words. Vibrant colours, I mean, the
Fuse Max alone has this insane ability to deliver colours that
pretty much jump out at you. Add in the precise optics and
you're not just casting light, you're crafting like a whole
(06:24):
mood. It's like you see the scene
exactly how the designer intended, no compromises.
Right. So they're versatile, but give
me an example like, where do these really shine in, you know,
the real world? Oh, for sure, take a theatrical
setup, right? You've got a shift between drama
and spectacle. Maybe you need a sharp spotlight
for a soliloquy. Then quickly switch to a
(06:44):
sweeping wash that covers the entire stage for a musical
number. The Fuse Wash 500, for instance.
It's got this motorized zoom that lets you go from tight beam
to soft spreads in seconds. No manual fiddling, just control
it from the desk. OK, but can they handle like the
crazy timelines? You know when setups get chaotic
(07:04):
and you've got what, minutes to make something happen?
Oh absolutely. These things are built for high
pressure environments. Picture and award show set up
tons of moving parts. One of those last minute oh we
need a new look in this corner 5minutes ago kind of situations.
Boom. The Fuse series steps in with
seamless adjustments. It's what they're designed for.
(07:25):
That's actually kind of incredible, but I have to ask,
what about when things don't go as planned?
Like, ever hear of a story wherethese things kind of saved the
day? Oh definitely.
There was this concert where thevenue lights malfunctioned right
before the show. They had a few fuse units in the
rig and they ended up redesigning the lighting on the
fly using just those. No one in the audience even
(07:48):
noticed something was off. That's what I'm talking about.
Life saving versatility. Wow, it's like they're not just
tools, they're kind of like creative partners.
Is that fair to say? Exactly.
They're not just functional, they enhance what's possible.
You're not fighting the gear, you're partnering with it to
elevate the experience. All right, I'm sold.
(08:08):
The Fuse series sounds like it'sgot everything Power, precision,
flexibility, and it just makes life easier.
What's not to love? Couldn't have said it better
myself. And honestly, this is where
lighting tech is headed. It's all about supporting
creativity while meeting the demands of modern production.
The Fuse series, it's leading that charge.
(08:29):
Well, Chris, I've learned so much today, but I think that's
all the time we've got for this episode.
Yeah, this was a blast. And hey, for everyone out there
passionate about shows and the gear they use or just curious
about the magic behind the scenes, stay tuned.
There's always more to uncover. Thanks for listening.
And on that note, we'll see you next time on Geezers of Gear
Future Tech Bye. Music to your ears.
(09:09):
Hey, hey, hey. Let's go.
New gear vibes, new tech jive gearheads unite.
We keep it live.
Well, here we are for another future tech episode and a
discussion about a great brand and a really cool project as
well. In fact, let's jump right in and
talk about Dakota Theatre and their shiny new lighting system.
By elation. We're not just talking about a
simple update here, this is a major leap forward.
They've swapped out their old energy hogging traditional
(00:40):
lights for an advanced LED setupand let me tell you, it's a
total game changer. Yeah, I mean, they've positioned
themselves as a cultural hotspotin The Hague, right?
They're hosting everything from experimental theatre to what was
it, film screenings, live music workshops.
It's a pretty packed schedule. They needed a versatile lighting
(01:02):
package that could keep up with that kind of variety.
Exactly. And here's the thing.
This new LED setup isn't just flashy, it's incredibly
functional. Take the KL Profile FC.
It's the workhorse of the system.
It's got interchangeable Fresnellenses, meaning you can switch
between a sharp spot or a soft wash of light, all without
(01:22):
manual adjustments, all messing with filters.
That's huge for flexibility, especially mid production.
OK, wait, so those are what? Yeah, front lighting or key
lighting, perfect for highlighting performances or say
a speaker during a queue session.
And then you've got the Fuse Wash 500 fixtures.
These things are dynamic. They're mostly used for side
(01:43):
fills, backlighting, effects, oreven just creating some visual
texture during musical performances.
And it all runs smoother now, right?
Like no more running back and forth or climbing ladders to
adjust stuff manually. Which is great, because when
you're juggling a million thingsbackstage, that extra time can
make all the difference. Oh totally.
(02:03):
It's incredible. Before this upgrade, theatre
technicians had to physically switch out gels and adjust
positions for every little colorchange or angle tweak.
Now it's all digital. Every color you could want, boom
at the Press of a button. And the consistency across
fixtures is colour harmony. We're talking about perfectly
(02:24):
matched tones thanks to Elation's R GB MA colour engine.
No more mismatched hues in your scenes.
That's wild, but what about energy efficiency?
Everyone's all eco conscious these days.
What's the deal there? Glad you brought that up.
These LE DS sip power compared to the old school incandescent
lamps they were using Dakota theaters cutting their energy
(02:46):
consumption by a significant margin.
That's not just better for the planet, it's a serious cost
saver over time. And bonus, they don't have to
worry about hunting down outdated discontinued lamps
anymore. Maintenance savings alone make
it all worth it. So it's kind of like they got
the best of both worlds. More creative, control, all the
colours could want, and they're saving effort and money too.
(03:09):
Sounds like a win all around. It really is, and the best part
is how this levels up their event possibilities.
From cinema panels to theatre productions, even workshops,
they're now equipped to handle whatever comes their way and do
it with style. So Speaking of flexibility and
all that creative control you were raving about, I keep
hearing about this Elation KL series being like a big deal.
(03:32):
What's the story there? Oh, it's not just a big deal.
It's a giant leap for LED luminaires.
The KL series is all about precision and reliability.
These lights are designed for environments where sound and
color fidelity really matter, like XR stages, live television,
or even some high end theatre productions.
(03:54):
Wait, XR stages as in like virtual production sets, stuff
like that? Exactly, on camera work
especially loves these lights because of their high CRI.
That's colour rendering index bythe way.
It basically means the colours stay true to life, like you're
seeing things exactly the way they're supposed to look.
No weird tints or shifts. Huh.
So it's not just about looking good, Liv, it's about looking
(04:16):
good on the playback too. That makes sense.
Right, and it gets better. These lights are whisper quiet.
There's nothing worse than trying to film something and
having your equipment buzz in the background.
It's a nightmare to sound engineers.
The KL series Silent as a churchmouse.
OK, but silent and high quality doesn't always mean easy, right?
(04:38):
How do they hold up in like realworld chaotic setups where
you're running around trying to get things ready on time?
Oh, you'd love this part then. They're ridiculously portable,
super rugged, but still lightweight enough to be around
fast without feeling like you'relugging a ton of bricks.
Plus the fixtures are designed to handle last minute
transitions and they integrate seamlessly with most control
(04:58):
boards. It's basically plug and play for
pros. OK, so imagine your mid event,
something's changed and you've got what, like 5 minutes to
rework the lighting? Are we talking full on panic or
can these things actually save the day?
Oh they're lifesavers. I actually know a shoot.
Not going to name names, but they had to redo the entire
(05:20):
lighting setup Last minute, tight deadline, high stakes.
The KL fixtures gave them the flexibility to shift gears
without needing to bring in extra hands or lose time.
That kind of reliability under pressure.
Priceless. So like no drama, it just works.
Exactly that. No drama, just rock solid
performance every time. And while we're Speaking of rock
(05:41):
solid performance, the KL seriesis definitely a hard act to
follow. But the Elation Fuse series
really takes things up a notch in terms of versatility and
precision. The Fuse Max Profile and Fuse
Wash 500 in particular, they're essentially a lighting
designer's dream toolbox. These fixtures are built to
(06:02):
thrive in almost any professional lighting scenario
you can imagine. OK so walk me through it.
What makes these like must havesfor the pros?
2 words. Vibrant colours, I mean, the
Fuse Max alone has this insane ability to deliver colours that
pretty much jump out at you. Add in the precise optics and
you're not just casting light, you're crafting like a whole
(06:24):
mood. It's like you see the scene
exactly how the designer intended, no compromises.
Right. So they're versatile, but give
me an example like, where do these really shine in, you know,
the real world? Oh, for sure, take a theatrical
setup, right? You've got a shift between drama
and spectacle. Maybe you need a sharp spotlight
for a soliloquy. Then quickly switch to a
(06:44):
sweeping wash that covers the entire stage for a musical
number. The Fuse Wash 500, for instance.
It's got this motorized zoom that lets you go from tight beam
to soft spreads in seconds. No manual fiddling, just control
it from the desk. OK, but can they handle like the
crazy timelines? You know when setups get chaotic
(07:04):
and you've got what, minutes to make something happen?
Oh absolutely. These things are built for high
pressure environments. Picture and award show set up
tons of moving parts. One of those last minute oh we
need a new look in this corner 5minutes ago kind of situations.
Boom. The Fuse series steps in with
seamless adjustments. It's what they're designed for.
(07:25):
That's actually kind of incredible, but I have to ask,
what about when things don't go as planned?
Like, ever hear of a story wherethese things kind of saved the
day? Oh definitely.
There was this concert where thevenue lights malfunctioned right
before the show. They had a few fuse units in the
rig and they ended up redesigning the lighting on the
fly using just those. No one in the audience even
(07:48):
noticed something was off. That's what I'm talking about.
Life saving versatility. Wow, it's like they're not just
tools, they're kind of like creative partners.
Is that fair to say? Exactly.
They're not just functional, they enhance what's possible.
You're not fighting the gear, you're partnering with it to
elevate the experience. All right, I'm sold.
(08:08):
The Fuse series sounds like it'sgot everything Power, precision,
flexibility, and it just makes life easier.
What's not to love? Couldn't have said it better
myself. And honestly, this is where
lighting tech is headed. It's all about supporting
creativity while meeting the demands of modern production.
The Fuse series, it's leading that charge.
(08:29):
Well, Chris, I've learned so much today, but I think that's
all the time we've got for this episode.
Yeah, this was a blast. And hey, for everyone out there
passionate about shows and the gear they use or just curious
about the magic behind the scenes, stay tuned.
There's always more to uncover. Thanks for listening.
And on that note, we'll see you next time on Geezers of Gear
Future Tech Bye. Music to your ears.
(09:09):
Hey, hey, hey. Let's go.
New gear vibes, new tech jive gearheads unite.
We keep it live.
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