If you want serious lighting control without a flagship budget, two names dominate the value conversation: ChamSys MagicQ and Obsidian Onyx. Both offer powerful, genuinely free software plus affordable hardware. So which should you learn? Here’s an honest head-to-head of what operators report.
Where this comparison comes from
A synthesis of recurring opinions across English-speaking communities (r/lightingdesign, ControlBooth) and operators who’ve used both. See our ChamSys MagicQ review and Obsidian Onyx review.
What they share
Both are the free-software value champions: full-featured software you can download and learn for free, free DMX output up to a number of universes, affordable consoles (ChamSys MQ; Obsidian NX), and capable live/busking workflows. Either one lets you learn lighting control at home for nothing.
Where ChamSys MagicQ leads
- Bigger community and more online tutorials/knowledge.
- Very deep, busking-focused feature set that rivals far pricier desks.
- A broader hardware range, from compact MQ consoles to Stadium.
Where Obsidian Onyx leads
- A workflow many find approachable coming in fresh.
- Backing from Elation/Obsidian and tidy NX hardware.
- A clean, modern feel some prefer to MagicQ’s denser UI.
The honest differences
The biggest practical gap is community size: ChamSys has the larger user base and knowledge pool, which matters when you’re stuck. Beyond that, it comes down to UI preference, fixture handling and which hardware fits your budget. Since both are free, the best move is simply to try each.
My honest take
Both are outstanding value and a brilliant way to learn. ChamSys edges it on community and busking depth; Onyx appeals if you prefer its workflow and hardware. Download both, run a small rig in each, and pick the one that clicks. See our DMX software guide.
FAQ
Are ChamSys and Onyx both free?
Yes — both offer full-featured free software with free DMX output up to a number of universes. Ideal for learning.
Which has the bigger community?
ChamSys MagicQ has the larger user base and more online resources, which helps when troubleshooting.
Onyx or ChamSys for busking live?
Both are capable; ChamSys has a deep busking feature set, while many find Onyx more approachable. Try both — they’re free.
Which should a beginner choose?
Either. Download both, learn a small rig in each, and keep the one whose workflow you prefer.
Image: ChamSys PC-Wing by Titanic97, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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