Cue Player Premium Plus: Ultimate Setup and User Guide Cue Player Premium Plus is a premier theater automation software designed for sound designers, stage managers, and theater technicians. It provides precise control over audio playback, fade durations, speaker routing, and digital effects. This comprehensive guide walks you through system requirements, installation, configuration, and advanced operation. System Requirements
Ensure your hardware meets these standards before running the software.
Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit recommended). Processor: Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or higher.
Memory: Minimum 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended for complex soundscapes).
Storage: SSD with at least 500 MB free space for the application, plus extra space for audio files.
Audio Hardware: ASIO-compatible multi-channel sound card or USB audio interface. Installation and Initial Setup Follow these steps to complete a clean installation. Step 1: Install the Software
Download the latest installer from the official Burl Audio / Cue Player website.
Right-click the installer executable and select Run as Administrator.
Follow the on-screen prompts and select your preferred installation directory.
Restart your computer to initialize background audio drivers. Step 2: Configure Audio Routing Launch Cue Player Premium Plus. Navigate to Options > Audio Setup from the top menu.
Select your preferred driver type (ASIO is highly recommended for low latency).
Choose your primary audio interface from the device dropdown list.
Map your physical outputs to the software’s internal master channels (e.g., Output 1 to Left, Output 2 to Right, Outputs 3-8 for surround positions). Understanding the Interface
The interface is optimized for high-stress live performance environments.
Cue Sheet (Main Window): Displays the running order of your sound cues, including cue numbers, descriptions, fade times, and current playback status.
Playback Controls: Located at the top or bottom of the screen, featuring prominent GO, Stop, Fade, and Pause buttons.
Cue Properties Panel: A contextual sidebar that appears when a cue is selected. It allows editing of file paths, volume offsets, loops, and target speaker assignments.
Status Bar: Displays system performance metrics, elapsed/remaining time for the active cue, and MIDI connection status. Creating and Managing Cues
Efficient cue creation forms the backbone of a successful technical rehearsal. Adding Audio Files
Drag-and-Drop Method: Drag audio files (WAV, MP3, or FLAC) directly from Windows Explorer into the Cue Sheet.
Manual Method: Click Insert Cue (or press the Insert key), select Audio, and browse to find your source file. Setting Fades and Timing
Fade-In: In the Cue Properties panel, enter a duration in seconds under the Fade-In field to avoid abrupt audio starts.
Fade-Out: Enter a value in the Fade-Out field to smoothly transition out of a cue when the next cue triggers.
Pre-Wait: Delays the start of the audio file by a specified duration after the GO button is pressed.
Post-Wait: Creates a timed delay after the cue completes before allowing or triggering subsequent automation actions. Advanced Cue Types
Fade Cues: Created to target an already running audio cue to alter its volume, pan, or speaker routing dynamically mid-scene.
Stop Cues: Specifically programmed to halt a single running cue or all background ambient loops instantly.
MIDI/OSC Cues: Send command strings to external lighting consoles, digital mixers, or video servers to sync multiple departments. Show Execution and Best Practices
Live execution requires strict adherence to operating protocols.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize the Spacebar for the GO command and the Escape key for Emergency Stop. Memorize these to keep your eyes on the stage action.
File Organization: Keep all audio files in a single, dedicated project folder. Do not link to files stored on external thumb drives or network locations.
Backup Systems: Run a tracking backup computer in tandem with your primary system. Use a hardware switcher to mirror audio outputs if the main machine fails.
Lock Mode: Engage Show Mode or Lock Settings prior to curtain time to prevent accidental mouse clicks from editing fade times or deleting tracks during a performance. If you want to tailor this guide further, let me know: What specific audio interface model you are connecting? Are you integrating external MIDI controllers? Do you need assistance mapping surround sound zones?
I can provide custom step-by-step instructions for your specific venue configuration.
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