Digishow-Jam With Everything

The MIDI Association

At the MIDI Forum, there were a number of technology presentations and one of the most fascinating was from Robin Zhang about the open source software he developed called Digishow.

Robin runs a creators’ collective in a beautiful old building that used to be the home of the Lester School and Technical Institute. They get diverse people from different backgrounds (musicians, lighting, artists, designers) to work together and create unique pieces of art using Digishow.

Two images: Left, a modern building with an arched roof and lush greenery in front (Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts). Right, a 1934 black-and-white photo of a technical classroom with large electrical equipment.

DigiShow is a lightweight control software designed for live performances and immersive show spaces with music, lights, displays, robots and interactive installations. It serves as an easy-to-use console for signal controlling, also enables signal mapping between MIDI, DMX, OSC, ArtNet, Modbus, Arduino, Philips Hue and more digital interfaces.

A diagram showing DigiShow LINK at the center, connecting to devices like lights, robots, and MIDI controllers using various protocols such as WebSocket, OSC, MIDI, DMX-USB, USB, modbus tcp/rtu, and wireless Zigbee Hue.

A digital interface for controlling sound or lighting settings, featuring colorful preset buttons, sliders for various controls, and options to adjust input-output mapping, output envelope, and MIDI/DMX channel settings.

With using DigiShow LINK app, there are some scenarios assumed:

Producers: For live music or theatre performances, DJ or producers can arrange show lighting cues and stage automations on MIDI tracks alongside the music tracks in Ableton Live or other DAW. At the show, press the button on the Launchpad, the music loop and lighting effects will be instantly played in sync.

Screenshot of Ableton Live with a colorful MIDI arrangement; Chinese text boxes explain workflow tips, MIDI composition, step automation, and MIDI notes/CC control visible in the lower automation lane. — Ableton Live with tracks programmed for Digishow

A person sits at a low table with electronic equipment in a room lit by four vertical purple neon lights. The walls are covered with colorful graffiti and a large, glowing face above the person. — Picture of magnetic and MIDI demo with lightshow

Performers: When playing MIDI instruments like drums or keyboards, DigiShow can trigger dynamic lighting changes and even robotic movements by MIDI notes following the beat or the music. Sensors can also be added to acoustic or DIY instruments to automatically generate MIDI notes.

Artists and Designer: For building interactive art installations, the creators often need to make software that works with the hardware. DigiShow provides OSC, ArtNet, WebSocket pipes for inter-application communication. Designers can create their interactive content in some creative software like TouchDesigner, Unity 3D, P5.js and access the hardware easily through DigiShow. Developers can also program using Python or JavaScript to connect DigiShow and extend interaction logic.

A row of brightly lit store windows and neon signs reflecting on a wet street at night, with VIC 1719 in large yellow letters above the storefront. — Storefront Display programmed by Digishow and simulated in Touch Designer

Makers and Hobbyists: DigiShow is for all show makers as well as hobbyists with little professional skills. Make digital shows for your own party time, or just make your house into a mini ‘disneyland’.