If you work in theatre, one name dominates: ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls) and its Eos family of consoles. From education desks to flagship rigs, the whole range runs the same Eos software. This guide walks through the family and where each model fits. For the wider landscape, see our guide to professional DMX lighting controllers.
The Eos family at a glance
- Eos Apex (5 / 10 / 20) — the flagship; the Apex 20 drives 24,576 outputs.
- Gio @5 — 4,096–24,576 outputs, five motorized faders, an 18.5″ touchscreen.
- Ion Xe / Ion Xe 20 — 2,048–12,288 outputs; the Xe 20 adds 20 faders.
- Element 2 — 1,024–6,144 outputs; the entry into the Eos family.
- ETCnomad — the Eos software on PC/Mac (see our control software guide).
Specs: etcconnect.com. Prices via a specialist dealer.
Why theatre chooses ETC
Eos is built around cue-based (tracking) operation — write a show once, play it back identically every night — which is exactly what theatre, opera and dance need. Add proven reliability in institutional venues and a coherent ecosystem (Source Four fixtures, dimmers, networking), and you have a platform people learn once and use everywhere.
ColorSource is not Eos
ETC also makes the ColorSource line — a separate, simpler platform that does not run Eos software. For the professional Eos environment, the Element 2 is the entry point, not the ColorSource.
FAQ
Which Eos console for a mid-sized venue?
The Ion Xe is the classic workhorse for mid-sized rigs; step up to a Gio @5 for more outputs and a built-in touchscreen.
Is there a free way to learn Eos?
Yes — ETCnomad runs the Eos software on a computer.
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