No matter your skill level as a programmer, you must understand the basics of patching on your console. Without proper patching, you will fail to get control of your fixtures. Take the time to learn all that your console allows in its patch screen, and be sure you understand the various protocols and options. Prepare for the future by reading up on RDMnet and GDTF. Don’t be scared to patch, but do take the task very seriously. Remember also that once your rig is patched and working, you should not have to revisit the patch until your next show.
-Brad Schiller, from “Feeding the Machines,” PLSN, March 2020, page 73
