The Diamond 9 is Avolites’ flagship console family, and it comes in two sizes: the D9-215 and the D9-330. Both run Titan, both share the same hardware language, and both are built for large shows. The question most buyers face is simple: do you need the big one? This review is an analysis based on Avolites’ published specifications and user feedback, not a hands-on test.
Avolites in 2026: a quick context
Avolites was founded in London in 1976, went through a management buyout in 1991 and is based in Park Royal. In June 2023 the company was acquired outright by Robe. The Diamond 9 range launched in 2021, before that acquisition, and it remains at the top of the catalog, above the newer Diamond 7 (launched 2024), Arena, Tiger Touch II, Sapphire Touch and the compact D3 series.
Note that there is no “Diamond 9-110” or “D9-260”: the family is the D9-215 and the D9-330, nothing else.
D9-215 vs D9-330: the specs side by side
| D9-215 | D9-330 | |
|---|---|---|
| Motorized faders | 15 + 2 Penny & Giles, touch-sensitive | 30 + 2 Penny & Giles, touch-sensitive |
| Playback encoders | 40 optical, touch-sensitive, push | 70 optical, touch-sensitive, push |
| Main touchscreens | 2 x 15.6″ (1920 x 1080) | 3 x 15.6″ |
| Preview touchscreens | 3 x 4.3″ | 3 x 4.3″ |
| External touchscreens | 2 x HDMI 1920 x 1080 | 2 x HDMI 1920 x 1080 |
| Width | 995 mm (39.2″) | 1,380 mm (54.3″) |
| Weight (console) | 54 kg / 120 lb | 68 kg / 150 lb |
| Weight in flight case | 88.5 kg / 195 lb | 105.5 kg / 233 lb |
| Price | On request | On request |
Both desks have a full backlit QWERTY keyboard in a drawer, a T-bar with a color status screen, RGB level indicators next to every fader and encoder, and support for Titan Net Processors to expand DMX capacity. Both are “Synergy-ready”, meaning they integrate with Avolites Ai media servers for video control.
What the Diamond 9 does well
Playbacks everywhere
Avolites has always been the busker’s brand, and the D9 takes that to an extreme. The D9-330 puts 30 motorized faders and 70 playback encoders under your hands; the D9-215 still gives you 15 faders and 40 encoders. For operators who run shows live, reacting to the band, that density of physical playbacks is the whole point of the console. If you want to understand why this matters, our comparison of Avolites vs grandMA explains the busking-versus-programming divide.
Titan continuity
Titan is the same software across the Avolites range, from Titan Mobile to Tiger Touch II to the D9. The current online manual documents Titan version 19.0. That means a show built on an Arena or a Tiger Touch II can move up to a D9, and an operator trained on a smaller Avolites is productive on a D9 on day one. Our broader Avolites review covers Titan’s strengths and quirks.
Video integration
With Synergy and the Ai media server line, a D9 can control video content from the lighting desk. The three 4.3-inch preview screens are designed for media previews or workspaces, which makes the console a strong fit for shows where lighting and video are run from one position.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the D9-215 if…
- You want the D9 workflow but your FOH position is tight: at 995 mm wide it is almost 40 cm narrower than the 330.
- 15 motorized faders plus 40 encoders covers your show, possibly with extra pages.
- Freight weight matters: the cased D9-215 is 17 kg lighter than the cased D9-330.
Choose the D9-330 if…
- You busk large festival or arena shows and want as many physical playbacks as possible.
- You need a third main touchscreen on the desk itself.
- The console is a flagship statement for rental stock or a large permanent venue.
D9 vs Diamond 7
The Diamond 7, launched in 2024, is a current product, not an older generation. The D7-330 offers 30 motorized faders and three 14-inch screens at 24.5 kg, well under half the D9-330’s 68 kg. If you like the 330 layout but need a much lighter frame, the D7 is the logical alternative. The D9 remains the choice when you want the largest screens, the encoder count and the full premium build. For a wider view of the market, see our guide to professional DMX lighting controllers.
Things to keep in mind
- Weight: 54 to 68 kg for the console alone. These are not fly-in desks.
- Riders: Avolites is well known in live music, but check what your touring rider or venue specifies before committing.
- Pricing: Avolites flagships are sold through dealers on quote; get a written quote including case and spares.
- Screens: both models accept two additional HDMI touchscreens, so budget for them if you like a wide programming view.
- Stepping down: if a D9 is more console than you need, the Tiger Touch II and Arena run the same Titan software in far smaller frames; see our lighting desk guide for how the classes compare.
Verdict
The Diamond 9 is Avolites at full scale: Penny & Giles motorized faders, dozens of playback encoders, 15.6-inch touchscreens and Titan throughout. The D9-215 is the more practical buy for most productions, offering the same software and feel in a narrower, lighter frame. The D9-330 is for operators who want every playback within reach and have the space and budget to match. If weight is the deciding factor, look at the Diamond 7 before settling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the D9-215 and the D9-330?
The D9-330 has 30+2 motorized Penny and Giles faders, 70 playback encoders and three 15.6 inch touchscreens at 68 kg. The D9-215 has 15+2 faders, 40 encoders and two 15.6 inch touchscreens at 54 kg.
What software does the Diamond 9 run?
It runs Titan, the same software used across the Avolites range. The current online Titan manual documents version 19.0.
Who owns Avolites?
Robe acquired Avolites outright in June 2023. Avolites was founded in London in 1976 and is based in Park Royal.
Is the Diamond 7 an older version of the Diamond 9?
No. The Diamond 7 launched in 2024 and is a current, lighter range; the D7-330 has 30 motorized faders and three 14 inch screens at 24.5 kg.
Where to buy : Avolites Diamond 9-215
| Retailer | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Gear4music | Competitive price, European stock, fast delivery | See lighting consoles at Gear4music → |
| Amazon | Fast shipping, used and renewed units | See on Amazon → |
Affiliate links: the price is the same for you, the commission funds our tests. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Sources — Avolites – D9-330, Avolites – D9-215, Avolites – D7-330, Avolites – Titan manual, Wikipedia – Avolites.
💡 Essential accessories for your lighting console
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- DMX cable, 5-pin, 5 m : Stairville PDC5CC 5,0 m
- DMX terminator, 5-pin : Stairville DMX Terminator XLR 5-Pol
- DMX splitter, 2 outputs (3/5-pin) : Enttec D-Split (XLR 3 et 5 broches)
- USB gooseneck lamp : Adam Hall SLED 1 Ultra USB