Creamsource has announced Slyyd, which they are touting to be a groundbreaking and free lighting control iOS app that changes the way professionals manage and control DMX-based lighting systems.
Slyyd was designed for simplicity, speed, and precision. It features a streamlined interface and a host of features that are said to eliminate the frustrations commonly associated with overly complex and cluttered lighting control systems. If a job requires something quick and easy to use, or if you require accurate color across multiple fixture brands, Slyyd would be a good choice.
Slyyd is built to offer value and be accessible to any type or technical level of lighting professional. It is especially for those users who need a reliable and approachable solution to lighting control, but have not found a control app that they like, find existing control solutions too complicated, or anyone who does not have lighting console training or experience, but needs a reliable and approachable solution to lighting control. It is app-first and does not merely clone a console onto a display, so it is instantly more familiar to a wider audience.
Slyyd allows users to achieve color matching and intelligent color communication (e.g., RGB, xy, CCT), all backed by industry-proven science and the same rock-solid technology that has made Creamsource lighting revered in the industry. Slyyd features user-friendly features like drag-and-drop patching and smart auto-configuration, which optimizes your setup quickly. There is also a convenient undo button, so any mistakes can be corrected straight away.
Slyyd was developed with input from professionals in the field, and it has been specifically engineered for the demanding environments of film productions, live broadcasts, and media production. Unlike other lighting control systems that often have unnecessary features and complexity, Slyyd focuses on efficiency, reliability, and creative freedom. The whole concept behind it is to simplify lighting control, while still offering the features and functionality a lot of users require.
How many fixtures can you control?
With Slyyd Go, you can control 3 fixtures. With Slyyd Plus, you can control as many fixtures as you can fit in two universes of DMX data. So at the very most, that’s 1024 simple single channel dimmers. Or 128 Vortex fixtures in mode 8, for example.
Can you control non-Creamsource Fixtures?
Yes. Slyyd supports a wide range of fixtures from many manufacturers, and most of them have been tested. By downloading Slyyd and updating the profile library, you can see the list of all fixtures Slyyd currently has profiles for when you try patching a fixture. If you don’t see a profile that you need, you can join the Slyyd Discord to make a request, or request one at this email address: profiles@slyyd.io.
If you’re using a Creamsource Vortex, you can go Bluetooth to a Vortex and CRMX out to anything with CRMX connectivity, or run a physical DMX cable to other fixtures. For a more robust wireless setup, you’ll want a Wifi/DMX bridge such as the Skycast, AKS or Stardust.
Slyyd is ideal for cinematographers, gaffers, lighting designers, broadcasters, content creators, and film school training programs.
Creamsource will introduce advanced FX Modes and Cues to Slyyd, ensuring users have access to fully functional, top-tier tools in future updates. These updates will be released when they are ready.
“Why Slyyd? Because other lighting control apps – how do I put this nicely – suck. Slyyd gets out of your way so you can get on with your job. You don’t need 400 buttons on one screen, you only want what you need when you need it – with a setup that won’t make you want to scream, Slyyd handles mistakes without you having to panic. Made a mistake? Tap undo and pretend it never even happened.”
Creamsource CEO Tama Berkeljon
This product is a great value add to Creamsource fixtures. Lighting professionals of any skill level can quickly and easily connect to and take advantage of Creamsource fixtures, all while not being limited to only Creamsource. This type of plug-and-play eco system looks to be a good offering to corporate studios, owner-operator DoPs, podcasters, ENG/OB crews, etc.
Why is Slyyd iOS/iPad only?
Developing for one platform is faster, more cost-effective, and results in a measurably more capable and reliable product. Creamsource chose Apple platforms because they offer the best features for their customers and they can develop for iPhone, iPad, and eventually macOS, etc all at once, while taking advantage of each tool’s special features. Developing for Android concurrently would limit the feature output and dilute the quality and performance of the app while increasing development cost.
Availability
Slyyd is available now as a free download from the Apple Store (https://apps.apple.com/app/id6502217462).
There will always be a free Slyyd Go version that supports a few fixtures for smaller projects. The limit at the present time is 3 fixtures. A subscription of $19.99 USD /month unlocks Slyyd Plus for control of many more fixtures, two connections (universes), and the ability to combine multiple saved looks simultaneously.
