Stage Lighting

Here you will find information about lighting software, DMX interfaces, and lighting control consoles that I have used. I also include information about Midi and OSC hardware and smartphone/tablet apps which allow you to remotely control your lighting software or console.

Software

Q Light Controller+

QLC+ lighting software has PC, MAC and Linux versions and is free to use without any restrictions although you should really consider making a donation for such a great product. You will want to download version 4.12.6. (version 5 Beta is a new version they are working on that is 3D) My experience has been with the PC version of this software and I have found it to be very stable. I have posted a series of tutorial videos on YouTube which will help you. I have also created a new 90 fader template which you can download to use with the software. (see tutorial page) One of the highlights of this software is the ability to design your own virtual console to suit your needs.

QLC+ on the web

Chamsys MagicQ PC

MagicQ PC is stage lighting control software designed by the Chamsys corporation. The software is capable of outputting 64 universes of DMX with support for third party USB interfaces on Universe 1. In Demo mode the software is fully functional with some limitations including no OSC or MIDI input or output and no time clock control. Demo mode can be unlocked by purchasing various hardware and interface options offered by the company. The commands and layout of the software is very similar to the hardware lighting consoles that are manufactured by Chamsys. Learning the software will definitely help you to become familiar with the hardware options that Chamsys has to offer.

Chamsys on the web

DMX Interfaces

If you are using software, you will need to purchase either a USB or ArtNet interface to output DMX data to your rig. Although you may find less expensive interfaces I recommend those that have optical isolation to guard against surges in the DMX cable. Here are some recommendations:

ENTTEC DMX USB Pro

USB to DMX
5 pin DMX in & Out
Optical Isolation
RDM compliant
1 universe

Find it here

Chauvet DMX AN2

Art-Net/sACN Node
2 universes
Optical Isolation
Supports PoE or external power supply.
3 pin DMX

Find it here

ENTTEC ODE MK3

Art-Net/sACN Node
2 universes
Optical Isolation
Supports PoE
5 pin DMX
RDM compliant

Find it here

DMX King eDMX-1 Max

Art-Net/sACN Node
1 universe
Optical Isolation
3 or 5 pin versions
RDM compliant

Find it here

Midi and OSC

Hardware controllers and smart phone/tablet apps that are able to generate Midi and OSC data can be used to communicate with lighting software and some lighting consoles. As such you are able to remotely control a lighting console or computer running lighting software from anywhere in the performance space. For example use your smartphone to operate lighting fixtures while you are on stage focusing them. No more running back and forth to the booth. You can use a hardware midi/OSC device to provide tactile faders and buttons and so operate lighting software on a computer. Here are some that I have used:

Korg NanoControl2

USB connection
Midi Messages
Programmable
8 knobs, 8 sliders, 35 buttons
See my YouTube tutorial

Where to find

Novation Launch Control XL

USB connection
Midi Messages
Programable
Multiple pages
8 faders, 24 knobs, 24 LED backlit buttons

Where to find

Akai APC mini Mk2

USB connection
Midi messages
Programmable
8 faders, 64 RGB LED backlit buttons

Where to find

Hexler TouchOSC

Design your own Midi/OSC app to be used on your smartphone or tablet. Virtual buttons, faders, and knobs across multiple pages.
See my YouTube tutorial

Where to find

Hardware Lighting Consoles

If your community theater can afford it, here are some of my recommendations for professional lighting consoles. I always feel that you should look to purchase a console that exceeds your needs. Buying something less expensive often results in disappointment when in the future you attempt to expand your lighting rig or update with newer fixtures.

ETC Ion XE

2,048 or 12,288 Outputs
100,000 Cues
999 Cue Lists
10,000 Groups
999 Submasters
100 Fader Pages
4 x 10,000 Palettes

Find it here

Chamsys MQ80

24,576 Outputs
5,000 Cues
2,000 Cue Stacks
5,000 Groups
24,576 Fixtures
200 Fader Pages
4,096 Palettes

Find it here

Hedgehog 4X

3096 Outputs
Cues Thousands
Cue Stacks Thousands
Groups Thousands
Unlimited Fader Pages
Palettes Thousands

Find it here

Avolites Tiger Touch II

8192 Outputs
Cues Thousands
Cue Stacks Thousands
Groups Thousands
60 Fader Pages
Palettes Thousands

Find it here