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Guide

Getting started with Halo

From download to your first spoken cue in about ten minutes.

  1. InstallOpen the BDM Halo disk image and drag Halo into the Applications folder. Eject the disk.
  2. Open it the first timeFollow Open Halo the first time below. You only do this once.
  3. Import the HaloSync pluginCopy HaloSync.xml and HaloSync.lua from the disk's MA3 Plugin folder into your grandMA3 plugins folder (onPC on a Mac: ~/MALightingTechnology/gma3_library/datapools/plugins; console: /grandMA3/gma3_library/datapools/plugins on a USB stick). In grandMA3, edit an empty Plugins pool slot, tap Import and choose HaloSync.xml. HaloSync is read-only and never edits your show.
  4. Connect grandMA3 (OSC)In grandMA3 open Menu > In & Out > OSC, turn on Enable Input and add a line: UDP, port 8000, Receive and Receive Command on, destination the Halo Mac (127.0.0.1 when onPC runs on the same Mac). Console on another computer: add a second line that sends to the Halo Mac on port 8001 and start the plugin with Plugin "HaloSync" "osc=8001".
  5. Set up HaloOpen Settings (gear). Pick your microphone or audio interface and channel under Voice, and set the console IP and port 8000 under Console.
  6. First syncType Plugin "HaloSync" in grandMA3, then press Sync now in Halo. Your cue names appear, ready to call.
  7. Call the showHalo starts in Dry run, so nothing is sent yet. Turn Dry run off when you are ready. Click Listen (or press Space) and say "stand by Static blue" ... "go", or "go cue 5".

Open Halo the first time

Halo is not notarized by Apple yet, so the first time you open it macOS shows a warning such as "Apple could not verify Halo is free of malware" or "Halo can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software." This is a one-time step. Do not move Halo to the Trash. Pick the route for your macOS version (Apple menu > About This Mac).

macOS 15 Sequoia or later

  1. Try to openDouble-click Halo in Applications. When macOS warns you, click Done.
  2. Open Privacy & SecurityApple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll down to Security.
  3. Open AnywayNext to the message about Halo, click Open Anyway. Enter your Mac password if asked, then click Open Anyway again.

On Sequoia the right-click route no longer works. Use Settings.

macOS 14 Sonoma or earlier

  1. Control-clickIn Applications, Control-click (or right-click) Halo and choose Open.
  2. ConfirmIn the dialog, click Open.
  3. If you only see CancelClose the dialog and use the System Settings route (Open Anyway) instead. It works on every version.

Then allow the Microphone when Halo asks (audio stays on your Mac), and allow Local Network if grandMA3 runs on another computer. After that, Halo opens normally.

Tips

  • Use a wired micAirPods and Bluetooth headsets can drop out. A wired or interface mic is most reliable.
  • Show caller's feedPick an audio interface, Dante Virtual Soundcard or SoundGrid input and the exact channel of the caller's iso feed in Settings > Voice.
  • Phone remoteTurn on Phone remote in Settings and scan the QR code. Local network only, protected by a PIN.
  • Export a cue sheetSettings > Cues > Export PDF or Export CSV saves to Documents/Halo Exports.

More answers in the FAQ. Need help? Contact support.