Skip to content
BLBlender

Alva Sequencer

by Alva Theaters·Workflow

Images © Alva Theaters. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Alva Sequencer earns its place in the superhive library as a niche bridge between Blender's video editor and ETC Eos consoles, aimed squarely at timecode sequencing for theatrical lighting.

What is Alva Sequencer?

Alva Sequencer connects Blender to ETC Eos family lighting consoles, giving theatrical lighting designers a way to sequence lighting for timecode the same way they edit video. It communicates with Eos using OSC and is built specifically for timecode work.

The add-on is designed to sit alongside your existing console rather than replace it. You keep the professional console and as much of your existing workflow as you want, using the Alva software only as needed. When you're ready, the data transfers onto the console for the run, so the Alva software doesn't need to be running during the show.

Only very limited knowledge of basic Blender is required to get started, and Blender itself is open-source, free 3D animation software. Sequencer currently runs on an older version of Blender, since the developer found newer versions of the video editor more cluttered. Documentation is provided, and a demo video is available for a closer look.

Who is Alva Sequencer best for?

Alva Sequencer is best for theatrical lighting designers sequencing timecode for ETC Eos family consoles who want to work inside Blender's video editing environment.

How much does Alva Sequencer cost?

Alva Sequencer is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Sequences lighting for timecode using Blender's video editing and animation tools
  • Communicates with ETC Eos family consoles using OSC
  • Built specifically for timecode work
  • Transfers sequenced data onto the console for the run
  • Works alongside your existing console and is used only as needed
  • Runs on an older version of Blender
  • Documentation provided

Tags

#Blender#ETC Eos#Theatrical Lighting#Timecode#OSC#Lighting Console#Video Editor#Sequencing

Frequently asked questions

Does Alva Sequencer work with ETC Eos consoles?

Alva Sequencer talks to ETC Eos family consoles using OSC, so it is built specifically for that console line rather than as a general lighting tool. It lets theatrical lighting designers sequence lighting for timecode using Blender's video editing and animation tools, then transfer the resulting data onto the console. If you work on an Eos console and want to approach timecode the way you would edit a video, this add-on is designed for that exact setup. Check the developer's page for full details on supported console configurations.

Do I need to know Blender to use Alva Sequencer?

Alva Sequencer requires only very limited knowledge of very basic aspects of Blender, so you do not need to be an experienced 3D artist to use it. Blender itself is open-source, free 3D animation software, and the add-on focuses on its video editing side for sequencing lighting. The developer points newcomers toward general Blender video-editor tutorials to cover the fundamentals, and documentation is provided for the add-on itself. That keeps the learning curve centered on timecode work rather than the wider Blender toolset.

Does Alva Sequencer run during the live show?

Alva Sequencer is designed to be used only as needed rather than during the live performance. You sequence your lighting in Blender, keep as much of your existing console workflow as you want, and then transfer the data onto the console for the run. That means the Alva software does not have to be running during the show itself. This approach lets you keep the professional console while using Blender's tools for the sequencing stage of the work.

What Blender version does Alva Sequencer use?

Alva Sequencer currently runs on an older version of Blender. The developer chose this because newer versions of Blender's video editor are more cluttered, and the add-on relies on that video editing environment. If you plan to install it, you'll want to match the Blender version the add-on targets rather than the latest release. Details and documentation are available on the developer's page, which is the best place to confirm the exact supported version before you set things up.

Is Alva Sequencer free to use?

Alva Sequencer is listed here as free. Pricing and licensing can change over time, so the developer's page is the best place to confirm current terms before you download. The listing also points to support options, including phone, text, and email contacts for help, along with provided documentation. If you're evaluating whether it fits your setup, the demo video and documentation give you a way to look at what the add-on covers before committing.

Similar plugins