The Vista L5 lighting console from Jands was used by lighting designer Ben Inskip to create an impact for the performers at the iconic Reading and Leeds Festivals.

The two festivals took place simultaneously in August with British metalcore band Bring Me the Horizon performing at both events. The band’s long-time lighting designer, Ben Inskip designed a brand new lighting concept for the festival shows, which served as a launch pad for the group’s new album, That’s the Spirit, and the upcoming world tour.

Ben explained that the band was keen to make a huge impact as they were performing after a gap. To create an impressive show, he decided to integrate the house rig and their floor package to look like one design. He chose the Vista L5 console since he needed to pre-program and adapt it only a day or two before the first show. The console needed to have the ability to handle large amounts of fixture exchanges without the need for any further time-consuming alterations.

Vista utilises a generic fixture model throughout its software, which means it actually understands how each fixture works, enabling the intended programmed look to be automatically transferred in the event of a fixture change.

Providing quick, hassle-free and accurate fixture swapping proves a perfect solution when incorporating a house rig into an existing design, or when a tour picks up local production. In addition, the ability to work fast means lighting designers can focus on creating a great-looking show rather than on programming a console.

Ben built the new show on a MacBook and Jands Vista S1 control surface, which utilises the exact same software as found on the L5. During the festival performances the MacBook + S1 combination provided a full tracking backup solution.

Networking the L5 and backup S1 into the festival system took about 30 seconds, bringing all of his pre-programmed cues and effects instantly to life.

In addition to having plenty of computing power to deal with the demands of today’s largest shows, the Vista L5's sleek design is dominated by a stunning 21-inch high definition Wacom tablet that provides a crisp, detailed image of its graphical user interface.

According to Ben, Jands produces a steady stream of updates, which constantly improve Vista’s usability. He explains that the many quick tools provided to alter every attribute’s behaviour actually encourages him to experiment and programme in those finer details. He observes that the Vista console makes his shows more complex without becoming confusing to navigate.

Ben plans to take the Vista L5 with the band for their autumn shows. Noting that the L5 is great to tour with, he says the console feels really sturdy and responsive, and offers so much workspace to handle any size of lighting system.

Equally at home on tour or as a venue's house console, Jands Vista is ideal for shows and special events, arena touring, lighting companies, AV companies, venues and rental applications.