HexCell is the result of 3 years of R&D in pursuit of a lightweight, low-cost, high-impact lighting system for use in small to medium-scale live music performances. In its current stage of development (M.k1), HexCell can be deployed as matrices of 2 to 16 panels, or used as a standalone device.
Utilizing Visual Vibes' Vivi L.E.D. Driver, the three distinct "zones" of the panel can be configured to respond to either the low, mid, or high frequencies of any music or audio provided to the driver module. The result is a highly coordinated and visually synchronized light display based on realtime input, no advanced programming required.
Before construction of the full set of panels, prototypes were filmed as single units and composited together to simulate their appearance as an array. This both informed the final stage design for the first deployment, and verified the specific layout of the panels was achieving the intended Effect. // Song: "Fuel Tank" by Joyryde
To cut costs and allow for more experimentation post-build, the HexCell Mk.1 system was built in the garage, almost entirely by hand by a dedicated team of volunteers. Panels are constructed of laser-cut MDF sheet, and use common 5V ws2812b L.E.D. "tape" from a spool as the light source. a variety of other off-the-shelf electronics components comprise the rest of the device, such as the power supplies and switches.
Testing was performed panel-to-panel as they were completed, ensuring all major functions and pixels were in working order before sealing the wiring harness and certifying the panel for use.
After Q.C. revealed several failures, the total number of panels available dropped from 16 to 12. Using C.A.D. mockups of the venue space and composite test footage of the prototype panels, a new final layout was designed and deployed for the event that used the DJ booth as the rigging structure, reducing complexity of setup in the venue space.
Original layout
New layout, original position
New layout, original position
New layout, final position
Rigging structure & booth
Deployed layout (during setup)
Finally, The HExCell Mk.1 was deployed for its first event, seeing 3 continuous days of use in june 2022 for a private Music festival featuring a variety of electronic and dance music. it would be deployed again in August of 2022, this time in an outdoor setting for Heart Expansion Festival in Duvall, WA.
[[ Video coming soon! ]]
