A DMX lighting console is the professional instrument that programs and plays back a lighting show. This guide focuses specifically on choosing a console — for the broader landscape of controllers and software, start with our professional DMX lighting controllers guide.
Console vs basic controller
The word “console” implies a serious programming and playback instrument — not the entry-level boxes also sold as “DMX controllers.” A real console gives you deep programming, effects, networking and reliability.
The main console families
- ETC Eos — the theatre standard.
- grandMA — the touring standard.
- ChamSys MagicQ — value and accessibility.
- Avolites — events and touring, on Titan.
- Hog — live events, especially in the US.
How to choose
Start from your use case — theatre, touring, events or install — then weigh reliability and redundancy, the operator ecosystem, network scale, software/onPC and total cost of ownership. Our buyer’s guide covers each criterion in depth.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a console and a desk?
None, really — “desk” is the British term for a console. See our lighting desks guide.
What’s the most affordable console route?
Running a platform’s software (onPC) with a hardware interface. See our software guide.
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