Introducing MusicBeam
Light Show
MusicBeam is an open source software which enables you to use your home projector to create an entire laser show for your next party. MusicBeam is music triggered and allows you to adjust nearly every detail of the performance.
Requirements
MusicBeam is Java based and runs under every major operating system. There is no installation required. All you need is a projector plugged into a laptop, throw in a fog machine and you're ready to go!
Open Source
MusicBeam is developed with all passion by people who love dance music. That's why it's under the MIT Licence which makes is free of charge for any kind of useage. Feel invited to participate on our GitHub page and create and share your own effects..
View Demo
Features
Moonflower
Derby
Scanner
RGB-Spots
Snowstorm
Polygon
LaserBurst
Strobe
Download
MacOS X
Windows
Linux
FAQ
"MusicBeam" is damaged and can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash. (Mac OSX)
This is due to Gatekeeper, which forces developers to pay Apple $100 each year. Here is a guide how to disable Gatekeeper: HT202491
I only see a grey window (Windows)
Please make sure to plug in a Projector before you launch MusicBeam. You may also try 32-bit version. This has worked for some users in the past.
Do I need a Projector?
You can test the output on a second display but you’ll need a projector for the party.
Do I need a Fog machine?
No but I looks much nicer with a little fog just like a real laser or light show.
I can't open MusicBeam, apparently a file called "javaw.exe" is missing.
MusicBeam is based on Java, meaning that Java is required to run MusicBeam. You can download Java for free at Java.com
Keen in mind to deactivate Java in your browser.
My display turns black when I start the projector, what’s wrong?
Make sure your projector is connected and running as an extended desktop (extended to the right side), not mirror mode! You have to make sure to select the right display/projector otherwise the effect stage will be initiated on primary display. The default color is black ;)
Can I use MusicBeam professionally or commercially?
Yes, that’s the Idea about Open Source Software but we are always excited to know who uses our software and what for. Please tell us what you are doing so we can keep improving MusicBeam.
Can I use line in as audio source?
Yes, the audio source is set to system default. Just change your default audio input before starting the software and you are ready to go.
What kind of video projector do I need?
This really depends on the room size. The two important factors are (Ansi) Lumen and Contrast. The more Lumen the brighter the light, the higher the contrast the better. For a decent home party we would go with 2000 Lumen and a 1000:1 Contrast.
Where is the difference to a real laser show?
Of course a projectors light is not as bright as a laser, apart of that, there are no limitations on the effects. If you´re able to write your own effects you could even imitate the laser-effects you like.
Can I use SoundToLight effects with MusicBeam?
We know of 'beamer to light', 'sound to light' or 'beamer as light' from Klomeister. But it's aperently discontinued by Klomeister. Builds this entire software from scratch to be easy to use and available for all operating systems. Therefore ther is no compatibility with SoundToLight nor any link between both projects.
How can I contact a developer?
You can alsways use our GitHub and Facebook Page or just send us a mail to: musicbeam@johanneshoppe.com
Credits
Special thanks to:
Johannes for his passionate coding
Manu for letting the world know
Olli for his fancy graphics
Skyler for his native skills and social network
Thanks to:
@glyphicons for letting us use his grahpics
@mdo and @fat for the website inspration
Tim for his annoying presence
Fabi for his expected absence
License
Copyright (c) 2012-2015 Johannes Hoppe
Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:
The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software.
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.