Black Coffee’s Dynamic Pixel Fixture. One of our favourite projects took us to Drumsheds, London for Grammy Award nominated DJ and music producer Black Coffee’s event on 20th November 2021. Where we had the opportunity to build and install a unique pixel fixture ‘The Jewel’. What began as a simple brief quickly evolved into an exciting challenge, showcasing our expertise in crafting and installing bespoke lighting systems. Collaborating with the lighting team, we ensured our contributions blended seamlessly with the overall production vision. Here’s a closer look at how we brought this vision to life.
Designing the Perfect Pixel Solution for Black Coffee
Initially, we were tasked with constructing a 3-meter-tall by 4-meter-wide freestanding fixture. The design created by Eran Klein, featured a dramatic 11-meter circular truss filled with Portman P2 Hexalines supplied by Siyan Ltd. However, we soon learned it needed to be horizontally flown with a laser aperture at the front. This unexpected change pushed us to quickly adapt, showcasing our expertise in delivering tailored LED solutions for unique production needs. It was an exciting opportunity to demonstrate our ability to bring creative visions to life!
With a tight timescale of four days to achieve the build, and no time to outsource, we quickly adapted. Instead of relying on external fabrication, we grabbed our ring rollers and contacted our local aluminium supplier to get started. Though not the most advanced tool in our collection, the ring rollers were essential for shaping the structure precisely.
We built the structure using aluminium flat bar rings, which we rolled and joined with square aluminium profiles. We also preconfigured our rental MADRIX laptop for optimal performance, providing the lighting team with an intuitive, powerful tool. This preparation enabled them to execute their creative ideas in real time. As a result, the transition from workshop to venue was seamless.
Adapting The Design
As we prepared to disassemble, having painted and aligned the structure, we learned that it needed to be hollow. ER Productions planned to fire a laser through it, turning it into a massive pixel cannon. This revelation required us to quickly adjust our approach, ensuring the design met the specifications. In the workshop, out came the angle grinder, mirrored perspex, and laser cutter to craft a custom bracket and aperture.
The complexity of the build was matched by the logistical challenge of transporting the fixture from our Darwen workshop to Drumsheds in North London. To make transportation easier, we designed the rig to break down, allowing us to fit it into one of our Transit Custom vans instead of hiring a large truck.
Despite its intricate design and 162 meters of aluminium extrusion, the entire rig weighed just 35kg. This lightweight nature made transportation much more manageable, allowing us to move everything safely and efficiently.
Bringing It All Together at Drumsheds
Installation at Drumsheds was where design and prefabrication met their moment. Our team worked closely with the production crew to assemble and position the central rig. We also collaborated with the lighting team, providing technical support for the MADRIX system. Enabling them to translate their vision into a dazzling display.
Our engineer configured 18 universes of lighting for the pixel fixture, which, while relatively small, gave us the flexibility to manage it with ease. Naor Bonomo, the Laser Programmer and Operator, then took full control over all 18 universes from the MA Lighting grandMA3 desk, using just 16 DMX channels. By offloading mapping and processing, we treated the entire installation like a single fixture, simplifying control and boosting efficiency.
While this project was truly unique, the workflow and technology mirrored our usual process. As with most projects, we integrated a control system, power distribution, a strong structure, and plenty of LED components to bring the design to life. Collaborating with Tech LED and Ox Event House—partners with whom we have a great relationship—was a highlight. Seeing the rig come to life during Black Coffee’s set was a proud moment for our team, showcasing the power of collaboration and thoughtful design.
You can read more about Black Coffee’s Dynamic Pixel Fixture in issue 236 of TPI magazine.
Check out some of our other projects here.
Photo credits to the photo and video team Here and Now Creative, Khris Cowley & Lindsay Cave.
