CueMaster Quickstart: Set Up, Best Practices, and Shortcuts

CueMaster: The Ultimate Tool for Seamless Stage CuesA successful live performance depends on timing. The moment a light hits a soloist, a sound cue swells, or scenery glides into place, audiences suspend disbelief — but only when every cue is executed precisely. CueMaster is designed to make that precision achievable, repeatable, and stress-free. This article explores what CueMaster is, who benefits from it, its core features, setup and workflow, best practices, common use cases, and considerations when choosing a show-control solution.

What is CueMaster?

CueMaster is a show-control and cue-management system built to streamline the creation, organization, and execution of cues in live theater, concerts, corporate events, and broadcast productions. It acts as the central hub for triggering lighting, audio, video, automation, and even messaging cues, offering both manual and automated control paradigms to fit productions of any scale.

Key fact: CueMaster integrates lighting, audio, video, and automation cues into a single timeline-based or script-driven interface.

Who uses CueMaster?

• Stage managers and production managers who need reliable cue execution.
• Lighting, sound, and video designers wanting synchronized multimedia control.
• Automation technicians controlling moving sets, rigging, and effects.
• Event technicians running corporate shows, conferences, and award ceremonies.
• Touring crews who require portable, robust show-control systems.

Core features

• Timeline & Script Modes: Build cues visually on a timeline for linear shows, or use script-driven cue lists for dialog- or action-based cues.
• Multitrack Synchronization: Sync lighting, audio, video, and automation tracks precisely to frames or milliseconds.
• Networked Device Support: Control protocols including DMX, Art-Net, sACN, MIDI, OSC, SMPTE/MTC, and industry-specific PLC/serial connections.
• Remote & Redundant Operation: Remote triggering, multiple operator stations, and failover options to ensure shows run even if one console fails.
• Previsualization & Simulation: 3D visualization and virtual stage playback for rehearsals without full rig.
• Conditional Logic & Macros: Build complex branching cues, loops, and macros to automate repetitive tasks.
• Logging & Playback Review: Detailed cue logs, time-stamped recordings, and instant replay for post-show analysis.
• Mobile App & Web Interface: Trigger or adjust cues from tablets and phones, useful for intimate venues or rehearsals.
• Integration APIs: REST, WebSocket, and plugin interfaces for custom integrations and third-party tools.

Typical setup and workflow

1. Design phase:
   • Import lighting plots, audio stems, videos, and automation parameters.
   • Create cue lists and organize them by scene or act.
   • Use the timeline to align cues to a reference track (music or video).
2. Rehearsal phase:
   • Run cues in rehearsal mode with reduced power or simulated devices.
   • Adjust timings, pre-waits, and fade curves.
   • Use the previsualizer to confirm looks and movements.
3. Tech week:
   • Switch to live device connections; use redundancy hardware.
   • Assign operator roles—cueing, safety, and backups.
   • Lock critical cues and enable authorized overrides.
4. Performance:
   • Execute cues manually, via timecode, or through automation.
   • Monitor system health and logs; use remote panels if needed.
5. Post-show:
   • Review cue timing reports, logs, and recordings.
   • Export notes and updates for the next performance.

Best practices for reliable shows

• Redundancy: Use a secondary operator station and redundant network paths for mission-critical productions.
• Version control: Keep a history of cue changes and revert points.
• Labeling & documentation: Clear cue names and notes reduce operator errors.
• Rehearsal with simulation: Test complex cues without risking equipment or performers.
• Use conditional logic sparingly: Keep branching simple to avoid unexpected behavior.
• Regular maintenance: Update device firmware and CueMaster software on a schedule.

Use cases and examples

• Theater Production: CueMaster sequences house lights, scene changes (automation), sound effects, and followspots, controlled by the stage manager.
• Concert Touring: Timecode-synced lighting looks and video playback follow the live audio; automation triggers set pieces.
• Corporate Events: Presentations use CueMaster to align slides, videos, stage lighting, and announcer mics with precise transitions.
• Broadcast: Live-to-air shows deploy CueMaster for synchronized camera tally, graphics, and audio-bed transitions.
• Installations: Permanent venue control with scheduled shows, public-address integration, and remote diagnostics.

Comparison with alternatives

Limitations and considerations

• Learning curve: Advanced features require training for operators.
• Cost: Feature-rich systems and redundancy increase budget needs.
• Compatibility: Older or proprietary gear may need interfaces or converters.
• Over-automation: Relying solely on automation can reduce flexibility in live situations.

Choosing the right CueMaster edition

CueMaster often ships in multiple editions—Lite for small venues, Pro for full productions, and Enterprise for large tours and broadcast. Choose based on:

• Number of simultaneous device connections needed.
• Necessity for redundancy and remote stations.
• Requirement for API/plugin integrations.
• Budget for hardware and training.

Final thoughts

CueMaster centralizes complex show-control tasks into a unified, timeline-aware platform that increases reliability and reduces backstage chaos. When used with sound operational practices—redundancy, labeling, rehearsal, and sensible automation—it becomes the spine that keeps productions running on time and on cue.