Aputure has released the latest version of its Sidus Link Pro professional lighting control app for the iPad. Sidus Link Pro 2.2 introduces a powerful new visual control mode called Layout View. Aputure says that Layout View represents a significant evolution in Sidus Link Pro’s workflow by shifting from traditional list-based control to a visual, spatial interface.
Layout View
With Layout View, you can arrange your lights within a 100 x 100 grid to reflect their physical placement on set. This makes it easier to identify and control the correct light without needing to remember naming conventions or fixture lists. It also means that you can work faster and are less likely to select the wrong light. As a result, you will be more confident when working with complex lighting setups when you use Sidus Link Pro 2.2.
“Sidus Link Pro 2.2 fundamentally changes how users interact with their lighting setups,” explained Ben Dynice, Aputure Director of Product (UI/UX). “With Layout View, we’re giving filmmakers and lighting technicians a way to see their rig the way they experience it on set. Instead of searching through lists, you can simply look, select, and control. It’s a faster, more intuitive workflow that becomes even more powerful when combined with cueing and pixel control in our Pro and MAX plans.”
Subscription plans
All Sidus Link Pro users can use Layout View to control Sidus Bluetooth-enabled Aputure and amaran fixtures. With the Free plan, you can use spatial grid to organize your lights and get instant visual feedback of light output directly within the layout. There are also Pro and MAX subscription tiers aimed at users working with more advanced setups. With these options, you can use DMX and CRMX-controlled fixtures with Layout View. Additionally, you get pixel-level control for compatible lighting products. Pro and MAX subscriptions deliver real-time visual feedback during cue playback and light status indicators as well. These show whether lights are being controlled manually or via cues.
Other features
In addition to Layout View, Sidus Link Pro 2.2 introduces several workflow enhancements and expanded capabilities. You can now take advantage of INFINIBAR Auto-Patch and Auto-Configure. This delivers for faster setup of INFINIBAR fixtures when updated to Firmware V2.1. All DMX-related controls are also now centralized within the Connections Management Menu for more efficient navigation and control.
Plus, Sidus Link Pro 2.2 has expanded 16-bit DMX precision, for smoother adjustments and wider compatibility across Variable, Strobe, Constant and Control channels.
What we think
When Aputure released Sidus Link Pro 2.0 last year, it was already a powerful way to control your lighting setup. However, Layout view makes operating your lights much more intuitive. Being able to see a visual representation of where your lights are on set is a great way to work. Also, the free version of Sidus Link Pro means that you can experiment to see if it meets your needs before committing to a more advanced subscription. The only downside is that Sidus Link Pro 2.2 is for the iPad only, so Android users miss out. But if you have an iPad and use Aputure or amaran lights, Sidus Link Pro 2.2 is an ideal way to work on set.
Price and availability
Sidus Link Pro 2.2 for the iPad is now available to download from the Apple App store.
