Networked Mode
There are various scenarios in which you may want to run Beam on another machine than Ableton Live. Perhaps you tour with a technician who needs to monitor video equipment during the performance, or your Live Set is too heavy on the audio side to add video on the same machine as well.
In these cases you can use Networked Mode. This way, Ableton Live runs on one machine and Beam and/or Videosync on another, connected via ethernet.
Step by step guides
For each option below, the first machine listed runs Beam, and the second machine runs Ableton Live.
Tips for networked live performances
- We recommend always using a cable to connect both machines. Connecting machines via WIFI instead of a cable works, but the connection will be less stable, especially on large stages with a lot of electromagnetic interference from audio and lighting systems.
- During networked performances, we prefer having the machine running Beam and/or Videosync at the side of stage, rather than in the front of house or VJ booth. In our experience, arranging a dedicated network cable between the stage and front of house is not an easy request for venues and festivals, whereas making a HDMI or DVI connection available side of stage is more common. Also, having a laptop side of stage means it is closer to the performer.
For more background information about working with networks, see Network Terminology in the Handbook.
Connecting multiple Beam machines
In some cases, you may want to work with multiple machines handling DMX output from a single machine running Live. This is easily done by following the steps above for more than one machine. In each instance of Beam you enter the IP address of the Ableton Live machine.
We support connecting two remote machines with Beam to a single Live Set simultaneously. If you need to connect more, please let us know.