DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame - Multiverse® Wireless DMX & Eluxtra™ Lighting
As the primary presenter of artistic programming, DPAC has hosted renowned artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry, Third Coast Percussion, MOMIX, Alvin Ailey, Diavolo Dance Company, Pilobolus, the Walnut Street Theater, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Dance Theater of Harlem.
The lighting project was undertaken as part of the center’s Strategic Framework, directly supporting the Facilities & Technology goal to “invest in the center’s facilities and technology, prioritizing inclusive design and accessibility, to create an exciting hub for the arts.”
The initiative focused on transforming an outdated, unreliable house lighting system into a modern, energy-efficient solution that would both enhance the visual experience and support sustainable operations. The existing Xenon-based system was not only beginning to fail but also fell short in brightness, flexibility, and energy efficiency.
The objectives were:
- Replace the aging Xenon bulbs with brighter, long-lasting LED technology that maintained the warm 2700K color temperature of the original lighting.
- Introduce advanced color-changing capabilities to create dynamic, dramatic effects that enrich performances and elevate the audience experience.
Through this upgrade, the center aimed to deliver a lighting environment that is not only functional and sustainable, but also inspiring—reflecting the vibrancy, inclusivity, and innovation at the heart of the arts.
The Big Challenge... Access
Any entertainment venue lighting presents challenges, and this project was no different. Twenty-eight primary light fixtures were built into the balcony's ceiling and marquee. Their locations presented many challenges for the project team, the largest being access and figuring out how to run data cables to them. There was an opportunity to do a lot more with color-changing lighting, but also an enormous potential for creating extra work with needed cabling, drywall work, and labor hours. Luckily, we had the perfect solution for them.
Multiverse wireless DMX to the rescue!
The Multiverse system was the perfect solution for the project because it simplified installations and provided an ideal interface with their lighting controls.
"We chose the QolorFlex Multiverse packs because they allowed us to transmit DMX wirelessly to areas where we could not land hardline DMX. We chose the Eluxtra™ tape because of its bright output, dynamic colors, and it's easy to integrate with City Theatrical products," said Jason Swift, Associate Lighting & Production Manager, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. "The Multiverse Transmitter was the icing on the cake, as it gave us the functionality of multiple universes, multiple transmission options, and increased coverage in the venue for other Multiverse Show Babys."
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Multiverse enabled the team to save time and budget by transmitting DMX wirelessly while also having the main device act as the DMX gateway. The wireless DMX setup eliminated the need to hardline DMX at each of the 28 fixture boxes. No new cables needed to be run; all the control instructions would be transmitted wirelessly! Eluxtra™ 5-in-1 LED Strip Light for color-changing and tunable white lighting The 28 light fixtures were equipped with Eluxtra 5-in-1 RGB + 2400K + 6500K LED Strip lights. This high-performance LED strip light enabled dynamic color mixing and the ability to use only white light when needed.
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Lighting Products Used:
Special Thanks To:
- Fantasee Integration
- Electrical Contractor: Navarre Services
- Notre Dame Electrical Engineering team
- Venue Technicians: Nicholas Hinkley, Jacob Claassen
Need Help with an Entertainment Lighting Project of Your Own?
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Give us a call, and let’s work together to integrate our innovative lighting products into your next project.
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