Author: Patrice.C

GDTF and MVR Explained: A Guide for Lighting Programmers

If you’ve ever patched a rig and discovered that your console’s fixture profile doesn’t match the firmware in the lights, or rebuilt a whole plot by hand because the CAD drawing couldn’t talk to your desk, GDTF and MVR are aimed squarely at you. They are two open file formats that let fixture data and complete rig layouts move between manufacturers, consoles, visualizers and CAD software. Here’s what each one does and why it matters to a lighting programmer.

MA Lighting grandMA3 light — Photo: MA Lighting

The problem they solve

Every console and every visualizer has traditionally used its own fixture library format. That means each fixture has to be described again for each platform, by the console maker, the visualizer maker or the user. Profiles lag behind new firmware, DMX modes get mixed up, and custom profiles multiply. As the GDTF specification puts it, fixture manufacturers would otherwise need to understand how every console or visualizer works and how to provide the required data.

On top of that, a lighting plot built in a CAD program usually has to be re-entered in the console: fixture types, addresses, IDs and positions. Every manual step is a chance for error. If you want the basics of addressing first, start with our explainer on what DMX512 is.

What is GDTF?

GDTF stands for General Device Type Format. It is a standardized way of describing intelligent and complex lighting devices, published as DIN SPEC 15800 (the current edition, DIN SPEC 15800:2022-02, corresponds to GDTF version 1.2). It is a DIN SPEC, not an ESTA standard. The initiative was founded by MA Lighting, Robe and Vectorworks.

What’s inside a GDTF file

A GDTF file is a zip archive with the extension .gdtf. Inside you’ll find:

description.xml, which describes the device type, all of its DMX modes and all of its firmware revisions
a wheels folder with images, such as gobos
3D models in 3DS and glTF formats, and SVG vector graphics, at different quality levels and views
optional thumbnails in PNG and SVG

The key idea is that one file holds everything a console needs to patch and control the fixture and everything a visualizer needs to draw it, so the same description can be used across platforms.

Where to find GDTF files

The central library is gdtf-share.com, run by VPLT. Manufacturers and users upload fixture files there. As with any library, check who created a file and which firmware and modes it covers before relying on it for a show.

What is MVR?

MVR stands for My Virtual Rig. It is a royalty-free, open standard that lets programs share the data and geometry of a scene, published as DIN SPEC 15801 (current edition DIN SPEC 15801:2023-12, corresponding to MVR version 1.6). If GDTF describes one fixture type, MVR describes the whole rig.

What an MVR file carries

According to the specification on gdtf.eu, an MVR file is a zip archive containing an XML scene description and can include:

Parametric objects such as fixtures, trusses, video screens and other scene objects, organized in layers
Fixture addressing: DMX addresses and network configuration
Fixture IDs used to select fixtures for programming
Position and orientation of every object, as transformation matrices
The GDTF files for the fixtures used
3D model files in 3DS or glTF/GLB format

In practice, that means a designer can draw a rig in CAD, export an MVR, and the programmer can import it into a console or visualizer with fixture types, addresses, IDs and positions already in place.

MVR-xchange: sharing over the network

The MVR specification also defines MVR-xchange, a protocol that lets applications exchange MVR files over a network without a USB stick. It has two modes: a TCP mode that works without configuration (using mDNS for discovery) but does not support routing, and a WebSocket mode that needs minimal configuration but can be routed.

GDTF vs MVR at a glance

	GDTF	MVR
Full name	General Device Type Format	My Virtual Rig
Standard	DIN SPEC 15800	DIN SPEC 15801
Describes	One fixture type (all modes, firmware revisions)	A whole scene or rig
Container	Zip archive, .gdtf	Zip archive with XML scene description
Contains	description.xml, wheel images, 3D and SVG models	Objects, addresses, fixture IDs, positions, GDTF and 3D files
Network exchange	n/a	MVR-xchange (TCP or WebSocket)

What this means for your workflow

For programmers

Fewer hand-built profiles: when a manufacturer publishes a GDTF, you start from their data rather than a guess.
Faster patching: an MVR import can bring in fixture types, addresses and IDs in one step.
Consistency between console and visualizer, because both read the same description.

For designers and production teams

One source of truth for the rig, from CAD to console to previz.
Easier revisions: re-export the MVR rather than re-typing changes.

Practical cautions

Support differs between applications and versions, so check what your console and visualizer actually import and export before building a workflow around it.
Always verify DMX modes and firmware against the real fixtures on site.
Keep a copy of the files used for each show, so the patch can be rebuilt if needed.

For a wider view of how fixture libraries, consoles and software fit together, see our guides to DMX lighting control software and to designing a stage lighting control system. If you want a free way to explore a modern console workflow, the grandMA3 onPC guide explains what the free software can do without hardware.

Key takeaways

GDTF (DIN SPEC 15800) describes a fixture type in one open, zipped file: DMX modes, firmware revisions, wheels and 3D models.
MVR (DIN SPEC 15801) describes a whole rig: objects, positions, addresses, fixture IDs, plus the GDTF and 3D files.
MVR-xchange moves MVR files between applications over the network.
gdtf-share.com, run by VPLT, is the central fixture library, and the initiative was founded by MA Lighting, Robe and Vectorworks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between GDTF and MVR?

GDTF describes a single fixture type, with its DMX modes, firmware revisions, wheels and 3D models. MVR describes a whole rig, including object positions, DMX addresses, fixture IDs and the GDTF files used.

Is GDTF an ESTA standard?

No. GDTF is published as DIN SPEC 15800, and MVR as DIN SPEC 15801.

Who created GDTF?

The GDTF initiative was founded by MA Lighting, Robe and Vectorworks. The online fixture library gdtf-share.com is run by VPLT.

What is MVR-xchange?

It is part of the MVR specification and lets applications exchange MVR files over a network without a USB stick, in a TCP mode or a routable WebSocket mode.

Sources — gdtf.eu – GDTF introduction (DIN SPEC 15800), gdtf.eu – GDTF file format definition, gdtf.eu – MVR introduction (DIN SPEC 15801), gdtf.eu – MVR file format definition, gdtf.eu – MVR-xchange.

23 October 2026

Obsidian NX1-16 Review: The Compact Onyx Console

The Obsidian NX1-16 is the compact Onyx console that replaced the original NX1. It keeps a small footprint, doubles the included universe count to 16, pairs 10 motorized faders with a Full HD touchscreen, and runs the same Onyx software as the rest of the range. This review is an analysis based on Obsidian’s published specifications and user feedback, not a hands-on test.

Obsidian and Onyx in a nutshell

Obsidian Control Systems is part of the Elation family, and Onyx is its lighting control platform. The current console line includes the NX1-16, NX2 and NX4, plus the NX W wing. The original NX1 (8 universes) and the NX Touch are now legacy products: fine on the used market if the price is right, but not what you should buy new. For a broader look at the software, read our Obsidian Onyx review.

NX1-16 specifications

Licence: Onyx licence for 16 universes included
Screen: 10.1-inch Full HD multitouch, plus support for one external touch display over HDMI
Playbacks: 10 motorized 60 mm playback faders and 10 customizable playback or multi-function keys
DMX: 4 DMX/RDM universes in/out on 5-pin locking XLR
Network: 2 Gigabit RJ45 ports for Art-Net, sACN and Onyx X-Net
USB: 2 x USB 3.2 and 2 x USB 2.0
Size and weight: 636 x 298.5 x 71 mm (25 x 11.75 x 2.8 in), 8.1 kg (17.8 lb)

Pricing varies by dealer; treat it as price on request and compare quotes.

What changed from the NX1

The name says it: 16 universes instead of the NX1’s 8. That is the difference that matters most for LED-heavy rigs, where pixel bars and multi-cell fixtures eat addresses quickly. The 10 motorized faders are also a real asset on a console this size, for operators who switch pages during a show and want the physical faders to follow.

Understanding Onyx licensing

Onyx licensing is where many buyers get confused, so it’s worth being precise:

Free licence: the Onyx software runs for free, but outputs Universe 1 only, over Art-Net or sACN.
Paid licences: Essential, Premier and Elite tiers raise the ceiling, up to 128 universes.
Consoles: the NX1-16 ships with a 16-universe licence built in, so you don’t need to buy one separately to use its full capacity.

This is different from ChamSys’s approach. MagicQ PC/Mac without any ChamSys hardware already outputs 64 universes of Art-Net or sACN, with some remote and automation features locked. If you plan to run mainly from a laptop, that difference is significant; see our Onyx vs ChamSys comparison for the full picture.

NX1-16 vs ChamSys QuickQ and MQ50

In the compact console market, the NX1-16’s natural competitors come from ChamSys: the QuickQ+ range for simplicity and the MagicQ MQ50 for full MagicQ programming.

	Obsidian NX1-16	ChamSys QuickQ 30+	ChamSys MQ50
Universes	16 (licence included)	6	8
Main screen	10.1″ Full HD touch	11.6″	10.1″
Playback faders	10 motorized	See ChamSys specs	10, non-motorized
DMX ports	4 (DMX/RDM)	See ChamSys specs	4
Software	Onyx	QuickQ (shows open in MagicQ)	MagicQ
Thomann UK, 09/2026	Price on request	about £3,499	about £4,799

Versus QuickQ

The QuickQ range is built for ease of use: volunteers, schools, small venues. The QuickQ 30+ gives you 6 universes and an 11.6-inch screen, and a show built on it can later be loaded into MagicQ. The NX1-16 is a more “pro” tool: a full programming console with motorized faders and more than twice the universe count. If your operators change every week and need to get a show running quickly, a QuickQ is easier to hand over. If you have a regular programmer and a growing LED rig, the NX1-16 gives you more room. Our ChamSys QuickQ review goes deeper on that range. Note that the original QuickQ 10/20/30 (non-plus) are superseded by the “+” versions.

Versus the MagicQ MQ50

The MQ50 is the entry point into full MagicQ, with 8 universes, 10 non-motorized playbacks, a 10.1-inch screen and 4 DMX outputs. On paper the NX1-16 offers more universes and motorized faders. The MQ50’s advantage is the MagicQ ecosystem: the same software scales up to the MQ70, MQ250M and MQ500M+ Stadium, and MagicQ PC is powerful even without hardware. The Onyx ecosystem scales too, to NX2 and NX4, so the decision often comes down to which software your team already knows.

Who should buy the NX1-16?

Small and mid-size venues, clubs and houses of worship with LED-heavy rigs up to 16 universes
Production companies that want a compact, 8 kg desk for corporate and event work
Existing Onyx users moving up from the free licence or replacing a legacy NX1

If you need more than 16 universes, look at the larger NX consoles or a networked Onyx system. And if you are still weighing your first console, our guide to the best lighting console for beginners puts compact consoles like this one in a wider context.

Verdict

The Obsidian NX1-16 is a sensible, well-specified compact console: 16 universes included, 10 motorized faders, a Full HD touchscreen, four DMX/RDM ports and Gigabit networking in an 8.1 kg frame. It is a clear upgrade over the discontinued NX1 and a strong rival to ChamSys’s compact desks. Its main trade-off is licensing: free Onyx software gives you only one universe, while free MagicQ gives you 64, so factor that in if much of your work will happen on a laptop.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Obsidian NX1-16 the successor of the NX1?

Yes. The original NX1 with 8 universes is discontinued, and the NX1-16 replaces it with a 16-universe Onyx licence included.

How many universes does the free Onyx licence give?

The free Onyx licence outputs Universe 1 only, over Art-Net or sACN. Paid Essential, Premier and Elite licences go up to 128 universes.

What are the main specs of the NX1-16?

It has 10 motorized 60 mm playback faders, a 10.1 inch Full HD multitouch screen, 4 DMX/RDM ports, 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports and weighs 8.1 kg.

Is the NX1-16 better than a ChamSys QuickQ 30+?

It offers more universes (16 versus 6) and motorized faders, so it suits a regular programmer with a growing rig. The QuickQ is simpler for volunteer or rotating operators.

Sources — Obsidian Control Systems – NX1-16, Obsidian Control Systems – Onyx, ChamSys – QuickQ consoles, ChamSys – MagicQ software licensing.

20 October 2026

grandMA3 onPC Guide: Free Software, DMX Keys, Nodes and Wings

grandMA3 onPC is the cheapest way into a platform you will meet on many professional riders. The software itself costs nothing, but getting real DMX out of it requires MA hardware, and the parameter count depends on which hardware you connect. This guide explains what’s free, what you need to buy, and how the options compare.

MA Lighting grandMA3 onPC command wing — Photo: MA Lighting

What grandMA3 onPC is (and isn’t)

grandMA3 onPC is the full grandMA3 software running on your own computer. MA Lighting offers it free of charge for Windows (10/11) and macOS; at the time of writing the current software release is v2.5.1.0. It is the same software that runs on the grandMA3 consoles, so the syntax, the windows, the show files and the workflow are identical.

On its own, onPC lets you:

Learn grandMA3 at home, including with MA University’s free e-learning
Build and edit show files offline before you reach the venue
Prepare patches, presets and cue lists for a console you’ll meet on tour

What it does not do on its own is output DMX. MA states it plainly: DMX output from onPC requires grandMA3 onPC hardware connected to the computer. That hardware is what you’re really choosing.

Your options for DMX output

DMX-key starter: 1,024 parameters

The DMX-key starter is the smallest way to unlock onPC output, with 1,024 parameters. It suits small rigs, education and anyone who wants to run a modest real show from a laptop.

DMX-key: 4,096 parameters

The grandMA3 onPC DMX-key is a USB-C dongle with two DMX outputs, and it unlocks 4,096 parameters. For a freelancer or a small venue, it turns a laptop into a working grandMA3 system without any control surface.

onPC Nodes: 4,096 parameters

All grandMA3 onPC Nodes enable 4,096 parameters and handle MA-Net3, MA-Net2, sACN and Art-Net. The current range includes the 2Port, 4Port and 8Port Nodes, the 4Port Node DIN-Rail and the I/O Node. A node makes sense if your DMX needs to leave the laptop over Ethernet and come out near the rig, or if you already plan a networked system.

onPC command wing: 4,096 parameters plus a real surface

The grandMA3 onPC command wing connects to your computer by USB 2.0 and adds a genuine grandMA3 programming surface: 10+2 faders, encoders and the command keys, plus 2 DMX outputs and 1 DMX input. It unlocks 4,096 parameters and weighs 10 kg. This is the classic “laptop plus wing” setup many operators use for small and mid-size shows.

onPC command wing XT: a console without the console price

The command wing XT has 10+2 motorized faders and an integrated computer, so it does not need your laptop. It also unlocks 4,096 parameters and weighs 12 kg. Think of it as a self-contained grandMA3 desk at a lower price than a compact, with fewer parameters.

onPC fader wing

The onPC fader wing adds physical playbacks alongside your onPC setup. It is the add-on for operators who want more faders under their hands.

Price and capacity at a glance

Hardware	Parameters with onPC	DMX ports	Thomann UK, 09/2026
DMX-key starter	1,024	See MA specs	Price on request
DMX-key (USB-C)	4,096	2 out	Price on request
onPC Nodes (2/4/8Port, DIN-Rail, I/O)	4,096	Depends on model	Price on request
onPC command wing	4,096	2 out, 1 in	about £5,890
onPC command wing XT	4,096	See MA specs	about £12,590
onPC fader wing	Adds playbacks	See MA specs	about £3,699

Prices are Thomann UK street prices, checked in September 2026. US prices come from MA dealers on quote.

How onPC compares with a grandMA3 console

The key number is 4,096. The onPC hardware options above unlock at most 4,096 parameters, while the grandMA3 compact and compact XT start at 8,192 parameters, the light at 16,384 and the full-size at 20,480. All grandMA3 consoles can scale to 250,000 parameters per session with processing units M, L or XL.

Put simply: onPC with a command wing is ideal for learning, pre-programming and small to mid-size shows. When the rig grows past 4,096 parameters, you move to a console. Our comparison of the grandMA3 compact vs compact XT covers the next step up, and our guide to how many DMX universes you need helps you estimate your rig.

Recommended setups

Student or beginner: free onPC plus MA University e-learning. Add a DMX-key starter when you want to drive real fixtures.
Freelance programmer: onPC on your laptop for show prep; a DMX-key or node for small gigs.
Small venue or church: onPC command wing with a dedicated computer and one or two external monitors.
Touring backup or compact FOH: command wing XT, which needs no separate computer.

If you are new to DMX itself, start with our explainer on what DMX512 is. For the wider software landscape, including free alternatives like MagicQ and Onyx, see our overview of DMX lighting control software, and for the platform as a whole, our grandMA3 review.

Le Faisceau Rating — grandMA3 onPC setups

Rated with our Le Faisceau rating method (capacity 25% · programming and workflow 30% · ecosystem and networking 15% · value for money 20% · reliability and support 10%). Specs and prices sourced from manufacturer sites and specialist dealers.

Console	Capacity	Workflow	Ecosyst.	Value	Reliab.	Overall /5
grandMA3 onPC 💰 Best value	3.5	4.3	4.8	4.7	4.3	4.3 ★★★★½
grandMA3 command wing	3.9	4.4	4.8	4.4	4.5	4.3 ★★★★½

💰 Best value : grandMA3 onPC — best value-for-money axis (4.7/5).

Bottom line

grandMA3 onPC is free and identical to the console software, which makes it the best way to learn the platform and prepare shows. For live output, pick your hardware by need: a DMX-key starter (1,024 parameters) for small rigs, a DMX-key or node (4,096) for a laptop-based system, and a command wing or command wing XT when you want a real grandMA3 surface. Beyond 4,096 parameters, it’s time to look at a console.

Frequently asked questions

Is grandMA3 onPC free?

Yes. MA Lighting offers grandMA3 onPC free of charge for Windows and macOS. DMX output, however, requires connected grandMA3 onPC hardware.

How many parameters does a grandMA3 onPC DMX-key unlock?

The USB-C DMX-key with two DMX outputs unlocks 4,096 parameters. The DMX-key starter unlocks 1,024 parameters.

Do grandMA3 onPC Nodes support Art-Net and sACN?

Yes. All grandMA3 onPC Nodes enable 4,096 parameters and handle MA-Net3, MA-Net2, sACN and Art-Net.

What is the difference between the command wing and the command wing XT?

The command wing connects to your computer over USB and has 2 DMX outputs and 1 input. The command wing XT has 10+2 motorized faders and a built-in computer; both unlock 4,096 parameters.

Sources — MA Lighting – grandMA3 software, MA Lighting – grandMA3 onPC command wing, MA Lighting – Training and support (MA University).

16 October 2026

Avolites Diamond 9 Review: D9-215 vs D9-330

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 Diamond 9-330 — Photo: Avolites

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.

Le Faisceau Rating — Avolites Diamond 9

Console	Capacity	Workflow	Ecosyst.	Value	Reliab.	Overall /5
Avolites Diamond 9-330	4.9	4.6	4.4	3.6	4.6	4.4 ★★★★½
Avolites Diamond 9-215 🏆 Best choice	4.7	4.6	4.4	3.9	4.6	4.5 ★★★★½

🏆 Best choice : Avolites Diamond 9-215 — highest overall rating (4.5/5).

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.

Sources — Avolites – D9-330, Avolites – D9-215, Avolites – D7-330, Avolites – Titan manual, Wikipedia – Avolites.

13 October 2026

grandMA3 compact vs compact XT: Which One Should You Buy?

The grandMA3 compact and the grandMA3 compact XT are the two entry points into MA Lighting’s console hardware. They share the same software, the same 8,192 parameters and the same I/O, so the choice comes down to surface size, screens, weight and budget. Here’s how to decide, based on MA Lighting’s published specifications and Thomann’s September 2026 prices.

MA Lighting grandMA3 compact XT — Photo: MA Lighting

What the two consoles have in common

Before looking at differences, it helps to see how much is identical:

Parameters: 8,192 control parameters as standard on both (the compact drops to 4,096 when run in grandMA2 Mode2), and both scale to 250,000 parameters per session with grandMA3 processing units.
DMX and network: 6 DMX outputs, 1 DMX input and 3 etherCON ports.
Master section: 2 backlit motorized 100 mm A/B faders and 16 assignable x-keys.
External display: one DisplayPort 1.2 for one external multitouch screen.
Connectivity: MIDI in/out and linear timecode, plus 5 USB ports.
Software: the same grandMA3 software, so show files move freely between the two and up to a light or full-size.

In other words, the compact XT does not give you more output. It gives you more hands-on control and more screen.

grandMA3 compact vs compact XT: the differences

	grandMA3 compact	grandMA3 compact XT
Motorized 60 mm faders	10 (+2 A/B)	15 (+2 A/B)
Playbacks	40	60
Rotary encoders	29 + 5 dual encoders	39 + 5 dual encoders
Internal touchscreens	1 foldable	2 foldable
Parameters (standard)	8,192	8,192
Width (folded)	661 mm (26″)	845 mm (33″)
Weight	16 kg / 36 lb	20 kg / 45 lb
Thomann France, 09/2026	about €25,590	about €34,390

Prices are Thomann France street prices including VAT, checked in September 2026. US dealer pricing is quoted separately, so ask your MA dealer for a quote.

Faders and playbacks

This is the biggest practical difference. Fifteen motorized faders versus ten, and 60 playbacks versus 40, changes how much of your show you can reach without paging. For a theater running a single main cue list with a few submasters, ten faders are plenty. For a band show where you busk color, intensity, effects and specials in parallel, the extra five faders and 20 playbacks of the XT are felt immediately.

Screens

The compact has one internal foldable touchscreen; the XT has two. Both accept one external multitouch screen. On the compact you will almost certainly add that external monitor on day one, because grandMA3 is a screen-hungry workflow: one screen for the fixture sheet or layout, another for the programmer, encoders and command line. The XT gets you there without extra hardware on the desk.

Size and weight

At 16 kg and 661 mm wide, the compact fits in smaller control booths and lighter flight cases. The XT, at 20 kg and 845 mm wide, is still manageable but noticeably bigger. For fly-in dates and cramped FOH positions, the compact has a real advantage.

Is 8,192 parameters enough?

For many shows, yes. But remember that both consoles have the same limit, so buying the XT will not help if you run out of parameters. The answer then is a grandMA3 processing unit, which scales the session up to 250,000 parameters, or stepping up to a grandMA3 light (16,384) or full-size (20,480). Our guide on how many DMX universes you need helps you estimate your rig before choosing.

Resale and upgrade path

Because both consoles run the same grandMA3 software as the light and full-size, your show files and your programming habits carry over whichever you choose. That makes the decision less risky than it looks: if you start on a compact and later move to a bigger desk, nothing is lost but the hardware difference. It also means a compact can live on as a backup or pre-programming desk next to a larger console. For how grandMA3 fits among other brands, our grandMA lighting console overview gives the wider context.

Which one should you buy?

Choose the grandMA3 compact if…

You mainly run programmed cue lists (theater, corporate, installations).
Space and weight matter: small booths, fly-in gigs, tight cases.
You want the grandMA3 platform at the lowest console price, and you are happy to add an external monitor.

Choose the grandMA3 compact XT if…

You busk or run live music, where extra faders and playbacks save you constant paging.
You want two built-in screens and a self-contained desk.
You want something close to a grandMA3 light surface (it shares the 15+2 fader layout) without the light’s size.

Alternatives worth considering

The free grandMA3 onPC software, paired with a command wing on your own computer or with the command wing XT and its built-in computer, is another route into the platform, with 4,096 parameters and a much lower price. Our grandMA3 onPC guide explains what you need to output DMX. For used grandMA2 consoles, remember they are discontinued; our grandMA2 vs grandMA3 article explains the transition. And for the big picture, see our grandMA3 review.

Le Faisceau Rating — grandMA3 compact vs compact XT

Console	Capacity	Workflow	Ecosyst.	Value	Reliab.	Overall /5
grandMA3 compact 💰 Best value	4.3	4.6	4.9	4.1	4.7	4.5 ★★★★½
grandMA3 compact XT	4.5	4.7	4.9	3.9	4.7	4.5 ★★★★½

💰 Best value : grandMA3 compact — best value-for-money axis (4.1/5).

Verdict

The grandMA3 compact and compact XT are the same console brain in two bodies. Pick the compact if you run cue-based shows, need to save space and weight, or want the lowest entry price into grandMA3 hardware. Pick the compact XT if you busk, want 15 faders and 60 playbacks, and prefer two built-in screens. Either way, the parameter count is identical, so plan your rig size before assuming the more expensive desk will do more.

Frequently asked questions

Does the grandMA3 compact XT have more parameters than the compact?

No. Both have 8,192 parameters as standard and both scale to 250,000 parameters per session with grandMA3 processing units.

How many faders do the grandMA3 compact and compact XT have?

The compact has 10 motorized 60 mm faders plus 2 A/B faders, while the compact XT has 15 plus 2 A/B. Playbacks go from 40 on the compact to 60 on the XT.

How much do they weigh?

According to MA Lighting, the compact weighs 16 kg and the compact XT 20 kg.

How much do the grandMA3 compact and compact XT cost?

In September 2026 Thomann France listed the compact at about 25,590 euros and the compact XT at about 34,390 euros, VAT included. US pricing is available from MA dealers on request.

Sources — MA Lighting – grandMA3 compact, MA Lighting – grandMA3 compact XT, MA Lighting – grandMA3 light.

9 October 2026

What Is DMX512? The Stage Lighting Protocol Explained

DMX512 is the protocol that tells stage lights what to do. Every professional lighting console, from a small DMX controller to a grandMA3 full-size, speaks it, and almost every intelligent fixture listens to it. If you understand how DMX512 works, you can patch a rig faster, avoid most signal problems and make better buying decisions. Here’s the protocol explained without the jargon overload.

A short history

DMX512 was created in 1986 by USITT (the United States Institute for Theatre Technology) to replace the tangle of incompatible, often analog, dimmer control systems of the time. The name stands for Digital Multiplex with 512 channels. The standard is now maintained by ESTA and was approved as ANSI E1.11 (USITT DMX512-A) in 2004. It has been revised since: the current edition listed by ESTA is ANSI E1.11-2024.

Almost four decades later, it is still the common language of stage lighting. Newer network protocols like Art-Net and sACN carry DMX data over Ethernet, but at the fixture end, the logic is still DMX512.

How DMX512 works

Universes and channels

A single DMX line is called a universe. Each universe carries 512 channels (the standard calls them slots), and each channel holds a value between 0 and 255. A simple dimmer uses one channel for intensity; an RGB LED par might use three or more; a moving head can use dozens, depending on its DMX mode.

When a fixture needs more than 256 steps of precision, for example for smooth pan and tilt, manufacturers combine two channels into a 16-bit parameter. That’s why a “fine” channel often sits next to pan and tilt in a fixture’s DMX chart.

Once a rig outgrows 512 channels, you add universes. Our guide on how many DMX universes you need shows how to count them.

The data stream

DMX512 is a one-way serial protocol. The console sends a continuous stream of packets at 250 kbit/s, each byte framed with one start bit, eight data bits and two stop bits. Each packet starts with a break and a mark-after-break, then a start code (slot 0), followed by up to 512 data slots.

A full 512-channel packet takes about 23 ms to send, which gives a maximum refresh rate of about 44 Hz. That is fast enough for smooth fades and chases, and it is why the console keeps resending every value, many times per second, even when nothing changes.

Addressing

Each fixture has a start address. If a fixture in a 10-channel mode is set to address 1, it uses channels 1 to 10; the next fixture starts at 11. The console’s patch links each fixture in your show to its universe and start address. A wrong address or a wrong DMX mode is one of the most common causes of “my light is doing something strange.”

The physical layer: cables, connectors and termination

Specification	DMX512 value
Electrical standard	EIA-485 (RS-485) differential signaling
Data rate	250 kbit/s
Channels per universe	512, values 0 to 255
Max refresh (512 channels)	about 44 Hz (about 23 ms per packet)
Cable impedance	120 Ω, shielded twisted pair
Termination	120 Ω resistor at the end of the line
Devices per line	up to 32 unit loads
Recommended line length	about 400 m (1,300 ft)
Official connector	5-pin XLR

Daisy chains and unit loads

DMX runs as a daisy chain: console to fixture one, fixture one to fixture two, and so on. The standard allows up to 32 unit loads on one line, which in practice means about 32 standard receivers. If you need more, or you need to branch the signal, use an opto-isolated splitter rather than a Y-cable.

Cable: why microphone cable is a bad idea

DMX needs cable with a characteristic impedance of 120 Ω. Microphone cable looks similar and uses the same XLR connectors, but it isn’t designed for this impedance, and on longer runs or larger rigs it causes reflections and flicker. Our guide to choosing DMX cables explains what to look for.

5-pin vs 3-pin XLR

The standard specifies 5-pin XLR connectors; 3-pin XLR is explicitly not allowed by the standard, even though many budget and mid-range fixtures use it. In real rigs you’ll often need 3-to-5-pin adapters. They work, but they are also a common failure point.

Termination

The last device on each line should have a 120 Ω terminator plugged into its DMX output. Without it, the signal can reflect back down the cable and cause random flickering or fixtures that react to the wrong values. A terminator costs very little and prevents many problems.

DMX512, RDM and network protocols

DMX512 is one-way: the console talks, fixtures listen. RDM (Remote Device Management, ANSI E1.20, first published in 2006 and now in its 2025 edition) adds two-way communication over the same pair of wires (pins 2 and 3), so a console can read a fixture’s status, change its address or mode remotely, and discover what’s connected.

For large rigs, consoles output Art-Net or sACN over Ethernet, and nodes convert those streams back to DMX near the fixtures. One DMX universe carried as sACN needs only about 0.23 Mbit/s, so even 64 universes stay around 15 Mbit/s, well within a standard network. Wireless systems such as CRMX and W-DMX also carry DMX; see our wireless DMX guide. And modern file formats like GDTF and MVR make patching DMX fixtures easier; our explainer on GDTF and MVR covers them.

When things go wrong

Most DMX faults come from a short list: missing termination, microphone cable, too many devices on one line, damaged connectors, wrong addresses or DMX modes, and Y-splits without a splitter. Our checklist of common DMX problems and fixes walks through each one, and if you’re just starting out, our explainer on what a DMX controller is is the natural next read.

Key takeaways

DMX512 dates from 1986 (USITT) and is standardized as ANSI E1.11 since 2004.
One universe = 512 channels, each with a value from 0 to 255, refreshed up to about 44 times per second at 250 kbit/s.
Use 120 Ω DMX cable, terminate every line with 120 Ω, stay within 32 unit loads and about 400 m.
5-pin XLR is the official connector; 3-pin is common but non-standard.

Frequently asked questions

What does DMX512 stand for?

DMX512 means Digital Multiplex with 512 channels. It was created by USITT in 1986 and is standardized as ANSI E1.11.

How fast is DMX512?

It runs at 250 kbit/s. A full 512-channel packet takes about 23 ms, which gives a maximum refresh rate of about 44 Hz.

How many fixtures can I put on one DMX line?

The standard allows up to 32 unit loads per line. Beyond that, or to branch the signal, use an opto-isolated DMX splitter.

Can I use 3-pin XLR for DMX?

The standard specifies 5-pin XLR and does not allow 3-pin, but many fixtures use 3-pin anyway. It works electrically with proper 120 ohm DMX cable, usually via adapters.

Photo credit: Neutrik

Sources — Wikipedia – DMX512, ESTA – Published standards (ANSI E1.11, E1.20).

6 October 2026

ChamSys MagicQ MQ250M Stadium Review: Specs, Rivals, Verdict

The MagicQ MQ250M Stadium sits in the middle of ChamSys’s current lineup: far more capable than the compact MQ70, far lighter and cheaper than the flagship MQ500M+ Stadium. This review is an analysis based on ChamSys’s published specifications and user feedback, aimed at helping you decide whether it’s the right desk for your work.

ChamSys MQ250M at a glance

ChamSys has belonged to Chauvet since March 2017, but MagicQ remains its own ecosystem, with one operating system running across the QuickQ range, the MQ50, MQ70, MQ250M and MQ500M+. The MQ250M is part of the Stadium family; there is no “MQ250M Compact” model, despite what some listings suggest.

Universes: 64 direct from the console, with a 128-universe upgrade option
Outputs: 4 direct DMX outputs, 4 network ports for Art-Net, sACN and Pathport
Surface: 10 fully motorized fader playbacks, 10 encoder playbacks, dual 100 mm manual crossfaders, 8 attribute encoders
Screens: 15-inch HD multitouch main display plus a dedicated 5-inch encoder display, and one DisplayPort for an external monitor
Extras: built-in media server, MIDI and timecode I/O, Wi-Fi for the remote app, built-in UPS
Weight: 13 kg (28.7 lb) without case

Who the MQ250M is for

At 13 kg, the MQ250M stays portable, yet it offers enough output for most concert and festival rigs. Sixty-four universes covers a large moving-light rig with room to spare, and the 128-universe option leaves headroom for pixel-heavy LED designs. If you’re unsure how many you need, our guide on how many DMX universes you need walks through the math.

Typical users include:

Touring LDs who want a full MagicQ surface without a 30 kg-plus desk
Production companies building rental stock around a single operating system
Venues and houses of worship that outgrew a QuickQ or MQ50
Operators who busk: 20 playbacks, dedicated crossfaders and a physical encoder screen make live playback fast

The built-in UPS is worth pointing out. On a festival stage with questionable power, a desk that keeps running through a brief dropout is a real asset.

MQ250M vs MQ70 vs MQ500M+

The obvious comparisons are the step down and the step up in the same family.

	MQ70	MQ250M Stadium	MQ500M+ Stadium
Direct universes	24 (expandable to 48)	64 (expandable to 128)	400
Playbacks	10	10 motorized + 10 encoder	15 motorized faders
Built-in screens	10.1″	15″ + 5″	2 x 15″ touch
Weight	7 kg	13 kg	32 kg
Thomann France (09/2026)	about €8,999	about €19,379	about €35,099

Prices are Thomann France street prices including VAT, checked in September 2026; US dealer pricing differs, so ask for a quote.

Versus the MQ70

The MQ70 is a very capable compact desk: 24 universes (48 with an upgrade), a single 10.1-inch screen, four DMX ports and Wi-Fi for MagicQ Remote, all in 7 kg. What it lacks is the dedicated encoder screen, the bigger main display, the encoder playbacks and the MQ250M’s output headroom. If you mostly run pre-programmed shows in one venue, the MQ70 is enough. If you busk, change pages constantly, or need more than 48 universes, the MQ250M earns its price difference. Our ChamSys MagicQ review covers the software that all these desks share.

Versus the MQ500M+

The MQ500M+ Stadium replaced the MQ500M as ChamSys’s flagship. It jumps to 400 direct universes, 15 motorized faders, two 15-inch touchscreens and an integrated four-port network switch. It also weighs 32 kg and costs about 80% more at Thomann France. It makes sense for large tours and TV studios; for most mid-size productions the MQ250M delivers the same programming experience with fewer faders. The original MQ500M is now legacy and should only be considered on the used market.

The free MagicQ PC advantage

One of ChamSys’s strongest arguments is that MagicQ PC/Mac is free and, even without ChamSys hardware, runs full programming and playback with 64 universes of Art-Net or sACN output. Some remote and automation features are locked in that mode, but you can build your entire show at home, then load the file on an MQ250M at the venue. Shows from QuickQ consoles also load into MagicQ, which gives smaller venues a clear upgrade path.

That free-software model is also why ChamSys is often compared to Obsidian Onyx; see Onyx vs ChamSys for that match-up.

Things to consider

Screen space: one 15-inch touch plus the 5-inch encoder display is fine for most shows, but many operators add an external monitor via the DisplayPort.
Fader count: 10 motorized faders plus 10 encoder playbacks is generous, but if you want 15 physical faders you’ll need the MQ500M+ or a wing.
Rider acceptance: ChamSys is common on riders, but on the largest international tours grandMA3 remains the default request. Our grandMA2 vs grandMA3 guide explains that ecosystem.

Le Faisceau Rating — ChamSys MagicQ MQ250M

Console	Capacity	Workflow	Ecosyst.	Value	Reliab.	Overall /5
MagicQ MQ250M	4.4	4.5	4.6	4.1	4.5	4.4 ★★★★½

Overall rating: 4.4/5 ★★★★½ — weighted synthesis of our five evaluation axes.

Verdict

The ChamSys MQ250M Stadium is the sweet spot in the MagicQ range: 64 universes out of the box, 128 as an option, motorized faders, dual screens, a UPS and a 13 kg footprint, for a little over half the price of the flagship. Choose the MQ70 if budget and weight come first, the MQ500M+ if you need hundreds of universes. For everyone in between, the MQ250M is the ChamSys to shortlist, and the free MagicQ PC lets you learn it before you spend a cent.

Frequently asked questions

How many universes does the ChamSys MQ250M have?

It outputs 64 universes directly from the console, with an upgrade option to 128 universes. It also has 4 direct DMX outputs and 4 network ports for Art-Net, sACN and Pathport.

Is there an MQ250M Compact?

No. The MQ250M belongs to ChamSys’s Stadium family, and no Compact version is listed on the ChamSys website.

What is the difference between the MQ250M and the MQ500M+?

The MQ500M+ Stadium is the flagship with 400 direct universes, 15 motorized faders and two 15 inch touchscreens at 32 kg. The MQ250M offers 64 universes, 10 motorized faders and a 15 inch plus 5 inch screen at 13 kg.

Can I program an MQ250M show on a laptop?

Yes. MagicQ PC and Mac are free, and without ChamSys hardware they allow full programming and playback with 64 universes of Art-Net or sACN output, with some remote features locked.

Sources — ChamSys – MagicQ MQ250M Stadium Console, ChamSys – MagicQ MQ500M+ Stadium Console, ChamSys – MagicQ MQ70 Compact Console, ChamSys – MagicQ PC manual, Thomann France – ChamSys MagicQ MQ250M.

2 October 2026

Hog Lighting Consoles in 2026: Tour Hog, Stage Hog and Flex Hog

If you last looked at Hog consoles when a Road Hog 4 or a Full Boar 4 was the default rental choice, the range has moved on. The entire Hog 4 family is now legacy, and ETC sells a new lineup built around three consoles, two wings and a rack processor. This guide walks through the current Hog range, what each model is for, and where the free Hog PC software fits in. It is based on ETC’s published specifications and on user feedback, not on a hands-on test.

A quick history: from High End Systems to ETC

Hog consoles were developed under the High End Systems name. Barco bought High End Systems in 2008, and ETC acquired the company from Barco in April 2017. Today the old highend.com address redirects to etcconnect.com, and Hog sits in ETC’s console catalog next to Eos and ColorSource.

That matters for buyers in two ways. First, support, training and dealer networks now run through ETC. Second, the product names changed: the numbered “Hog 4” branding is gone from the current catalog, replaced by Tour Hog, Stage Hog, Flex Hog, Gig Hog, Tour Wing and HPU+.

The current Hog range at a glance

All three consoles share the same core: Hog OS, 64 universes, four 5-pin DMX outputs and ten pageable, motorized, RGB-backlit master playbacks. What changes is the screen real estate and the size of the surface.

Model	Type	Universes	Displays	DMX outputs	Weight
Tour Hog	Flagship console	64	23.8″ articulating multitouch + 2 x 12.5″ dashboard	4	35.0 kg / 77 lb
Stage Hog	Mid-size console	64	2 x 12.5″ dashboard + 6 function key displays	4	21.0 kg / 46 lb
Flex Hog	Compact console	64	6 function key displays (external monitors)	4	12.3 kg / 27 lb
Gig Hog	Programming wing for Hog PC	12 with Hog PC	External monitors	2	5.4 kg / 12 lb
Tour Wing	Playback wing	12 with Hog PC	n/a	4	9.6 kg / 21 lb
HPU+	Rackmount processor	64 (32,768 parameters)	8″ multitouch	8	6.8 kg / 15 lb

Pricing for the Hog range varies by dealer and region, so treat all of these as price on request.

Tour Hog

The Tour Hog is the one to look at for arena and festival work, and it’s the model people usually mean when they search for “tour hog”. Its signature feature is the built-in 23.8-inch articulating multitouch display, flanked by two 12.5-inch dashboard displays. At 35 kg it is a true front-of-house desk, not something you carry to a club gig. If you are used to a Full Boar 4 on a touring rider, the Tour Hog is its natural successor in the current catalog.

Stage Hog

The Stage Hog keeps the same 64-universe engine and the same ten motorized playbacks, but drops the big central touchscreen. You get the two dashboard displays plus six full-color function key displays, and you add external monitors for your programming views. At 21 kg it suits theaters, houses of worship, corporate staging and one-off concerts where a full-size touring desk would be overkill.

Flex Hog

The Flex Hog is the smallest console in the lineup at 12.3 kg. It has no built-in main screen, only the six function key displays, so plan on bringing external monitors. It still offers the full 64 universes, which makes it an interesting option for fly-in gigs, festival guest desks and rental stock where you want the same show file capacity in a lighter case.

Wings, HPU+ and Hog PC

Hog PC is free

Hog PC is ETC’s free software version of Hog OS. On its own it is ideal for learning the syntax, prepping show files offline and running a visualizer session before load-in. For live DMX output from a laptop, you pair it with Hog hardware. ETC also notes that the paid ETCnomad USB key unlocks Hog PC, which is handy if your venue already runs Eos software. If you are weighing Hog against other free-software ecosystems, our overview of DMX lighting control software puts it in context.

Gig Hog and Tour Wing

The Gig Hog is a programming wing: plug it into a computer running Hog PC and you get 12 universes (6,144 addresses) and two DMX outputs in a 5.4 kg package. It is the budget entry point into the Hog workflow and a sensible backup or pre-programming surface for owners of the bigger consoles.

The Tour Wing is a playback wing. With Hog PC it also delivers 12 universes and has four DMX outputs; next to a console it adds more physical playbacks for busking-heavy shows.

HPU+

The HPU+ is a rackmounted console and DMX processor with a built-in 8-inch multitouch display, eight 5-pin DMX outputs and 32,768 parameters (64 universes). Use it as a processing and output hub at the dimmer world, as a tracking backup, or as a compact standalone system in a rack.

What about the Hog 4 family?

The Hog 4-18, Full Boar 4, Road Hog 4, HedgeHog 4, Hoglet 4, Hog 4 PC, the original HPU and the widgets are all legacy products. You will still find them on the used market and on older riders, and they remain capable desks. But they are not a new purchase recommendation in 2026: parts and long-term support are the key questions to ask any seller. Our Hog 4 review covers that generation in detail.

Which Hog should you choose?

Touring LD or large FOH position: Tour Hog, optionally with a Tour Wing for extra playbacks.
Theater, church or corporate venue: Stage Hog, with external monitors sized to your booth.
Rental stock, fly-in dates, small footprint: Flex Hog.
Students, freelancers, pre-programming: free Hog PC first, then a Gig Hog when you need real faders and DMX.
Rack systems and backup: HPU+.

Hog’s reputation has always rested on fast, playback-oriented busking. If your work leans toward cue-heavy theater, compare it carefully with Eos in our ETC vs Hog comparison. For a broader view of the brand, see our main Hog lighting console page, and if you are still deciding between manufacturers, start with how to choose a DMX lighting console.

Bottom line

The current Hog range is simpler than it looks: one operating system, one 64-universe engine, and three console sizes from 12.3 kg to 35 kg. Pick the Tour Hog for big shows, the Stage Hog for fixed venues, the Flex Hog for portability, and use the free Hog PC to learn and prepare shows before you commit to hardware.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Hog 4 still in production?

No. The whole Hog 4 family, including Road Hog 4, Full Boar 4 and HedgeHog 4, is listed as legacy by ETC. The current range is Tour Hog, Stage Hog, Flex Hog, Gig Hog, Tour Wing and HPU+.

How many universes does a Tour Hog handle?

ETC specifies 64 universes for the Tour Hog, and the same 64 universes for the Stage Hog and Flex Hog. The difference between them is the surface and the screens, not the output capacity.

Is Hog PC free?

Yes, Hog PC is a free download from ETC. For live DMX output you connect Hog hardware such as the Gig Hog wing, which gives 12 universes with Hog PC.

Who makes Hog consoles today?

ETC. It acquired High End Systems from Barco in April 2017, and highend.com now redirects to etcconnect.com.

Sources — ETC – Hog family tech specs, ETC – Hog product family, Wikipedia – High End Systems, ETC – ETCnomad features.

29 September 2026

Stage Lighting Control System: How It Works and How to Design One (Theater, Concert, Church)

A stage lighting control system is everything between the operator’s hands and the light on stage: the console, the control protocol, the network that carries it, the devices that distribute it and the fixtures or dimmers that act on it. Most buying mistakes happen because people choose a console first and discover the network, the nodes and the fixture modes afterwards. This guide takes the system as a whole, from a school theater to a concert stage, and links to our rated console reviews where a specific model matters.

The five layers of a lighting control system

The controller: a lighting console (ETC Eos, grandMA3, ChamSys MagicQ, Avolites, Hog, Zero 88 FLX) or control software on a computer with a wing or a USB node. See our professional DMX controller guide and control software guide.
The protocol: DMX512 on 5-pin XLR for the last meters, and Art-Net or sACN over Ethernet for the backbone. sACN (E1.31) is the professional choice for multi-universe systems because it multicasts per universe and handles priorities.
Distribution: Ethernet switches, DMX nodes (network to DMX), splitters and boosters (opto-isolated), and wireless links (CRMX, W-DMX) where cable is impossible. Our guide on how many DMX universes you need explains the sizing.
Power and dimming: dimmer racks for conventional fixtures, relay or constant-power modules for LED and moving lights, all addressed on the same universes.
Fixtures: LED washes, profiles, moving heads and effects, each consuming a DMX footprint that depends on its mode. Sixteen-bit modes use two channels per parameter (coarse and fine), raising resolution from 256 to 65,536 steps at the cost of a larger footprint.

Sizing the system: universes, nodes and headroom

Start from the fixture list, not from the console. Add the channel count of every fixture in the mode you will actually use, divide by 512 and round up to the next universe. Then add 30 percent headroom for guest rigs and future purchases. A 200-seat theater with 24 LED profiles, 16 washes and a few effects usually lands at two to three universes; a festival stage with 60 moving heads and LED video elements needs eight or more. Every universe must reach the stage physically: plan one node port per universe, plus a spare, and keep DMX lines under 32 devices and roughly 300 meters with a terminator at the end. For the failure cases you will meet, read common DMX problems and how to fix them.

Theater, concert, church: three typical systems

Theater and performing arts center

Cue-list workflow, long shows, fixed network. The reference is the ETC Eos family (Element 2 for a school, Ion Xe for a regional theater, Gio or Apex for a large house) with sACN nodes in the grid and dimmer or relay racks. Zero 88 FLX S48 is the budget alternative. Our guides: theatre lighting consoles and ETC Eos consoles compared.

Concert stage and touring

Busking workflow, fast programming, redundancy. grandMA3 (light or full-size) is the rider standard, ChamSys MagicQ MQ500M the value leader, Avolites and Hog the operator favorites. Networks use redundant Ethernet lines to stage racks holding the nodes, with a backup console or onPC session running the same show file. See stage lighting controllers and grandMA consoles.

Church and house of worship

Volunteer operators, weekly services, occasional concerts. ETC ColorSource 40, ChamSys QuickQ 30 or Obsidian Onyx with an NX Touch cover most rooms, with a simple sACN network and a handful of LED fixtures in 8-bit modes to keep programming easy. Our dedicated church stage lighting guide goes into the details.

What a lighting control system costs

System	Console	Network and distribution	Typical total (excl. fixtures)
School or church, 1–2 universes	QuickQ 20/30, ColorSource 20/40, FLX S24: 1,500–4,000 USD	2-port node, splitter, cabling: 500–1,200 USD	2,000–5,000 USD
Regional theater, 2–4 universes	Ion Xe, FLX S48, MagicQ MQ70: 5,000–12,000 USD	4-port nodes, switches, backup PC: 2,000–5,000 USD	7,000–17,000 USD
Concert stage / tour, 8+ universes	grandMA3 light, MQ500M, Diamond 9: from around 25,000 USD to well over 60,000 USD depending on model	Network processors, 8-port nodes, redundant lines: 6,000–15,000 USD	from around 30,000 USD, often much more

Prices are indicative street-price ranges and vary widely by region, dealer and configuration, so check current quotes; nodes, switches, cabling and a backup add significantly to the console budget.

Choosing the controller last

Once the system is sized, the console choice becomes simple: match the workflow (cue list versus busking), the universe count with 30 percent headroom, the network protocol your nodes and fixtures speak, and the operators’ skills. Our beginner console guide, under-1,000 USD guide and DMX control system guide cover the three most common budgets.

Le Faisceau Rating — consoles for each type of system

Console	Capacity	Workflow	Ecosyst.	Value	Reliab.	Overall /5
Eos Ion Xe	4.3	4.6	4.6	4.3	4.9	4.5 ★★★★½
MagicQ MQ70 💰 Best value	4.2	4.4	4.6	4.7	4.4	4.4 ★★★★½
grandMA3 light 🏆 Best choice	4.8	4.8	4.9	3.5	4.8	4.6 ★★★★½
ETC ColorSource 40	3.5	4.3	4.3	4.5	4.7	4.2 ★★★★☆
ChamSys QuickQ 30	3.6	4.4	4.0	4.6	4.3	4.2 ★★★★☆

🏆 Best choice : grandMA3 light — highest overall rating (4.6/5).

💰 Best value : MagicQ MQ70 — best value-for-money axis (4.7/5).

FAQ

What is a stage lighting control system?

It is the chain that turns an operator’s decisions into light on stage: a lighting console or software, a DMX or network signal path (Art-Net, sACN), distribution devices (nodes, splitters) and the fixtures or dimmers that receive the data.

How many DMX universes does a stage need?

Count the DMX channels of every fixture in its chosen mode and divide by 512. A small theater with 40 LED fixtures in 16-channel modes needs about two universes; a mid-size concert stage with moving heads typically needs four to eight.

Do I need a console or is software enough?

Software (grandMA3 onPC, MagicQ PC, Onyx, Eos Nomad) with a USB node or wing is enough for fixed installs, small venues and programming. For live busking and touring, a hardware console with faders and executors is faster and more reliable.

Is a theater lighting control system different from a concert one?

The components are the same. Theater favors cue-list consoles (ETC Eos, Zero 88 FLX) and fixed networks; concerts favor busking consoles (grandMA3, MagicQ, Avolites) and portable racks with redundant lines.

2 September 2026

ETC vs High End Hog: Theatre Standard vs Concert Busker

ETC or High End Hog? Two flagship platforms, two very different worlds. ETC Eos owns theatre; the Hog has long been a concert and touring favourite. Here’s an honest head-to-head of what operators report — useful now that both brands live under one roof (ETC acquired High End in 2017).

Where this comparison comes from

A synthesis of recurring opinions across English-speaking communities (r/lightingdesign, ControlBooth) and operators who’ve run both. See our ETC Eos review and High End Hog 4 review.

ETC Eos: the theatre standard

Eos is built around a command-line, cue-based workflow ideal for scripted theatre, opera and education. It dominates US theatre, support and training are excellent, and the Eos software is free to download for offline learning (live output needs a paid ETCnomad USB key). If your world is plotted, cue-stack productions, Eos is the reference.

High End Hog: the concert busker

The Hog (the Hog 4-era Road Hog and Full Boar, now succeeded by the Tour Hog, Stage Hog and Flex Hog running Hog OS) grew up in concert and live touring — fast busking, a strong effects engine and a workflow operators describe as quick and musical. It has a loyal following in live music, especially in the US, though it’s less common than grandMA on the very biggest riders.

Where each one wins

Choose ETC Eos if…

You work in theatre, opera, education or cue-heavy productions.
You want the US theatre standard and its job market.
You prefer a precise command-line, cue-stack workflow.

Choose the Hog if…

You busk concerts and live music and want a fast, musical workflow.
You like its effects engine and hands-on programming feel.
You’re in a scene where Hogs are already on the riders.

The honest difference

It’s the classic theatre vs concert split: Eos for plotted, cue-based shows; Hog for live, busked music. Both are deep, pro platforms with free learning software (the offline Eos software and Hog PC). On the very biggest touring riders you’ll more often meet grandMA than a Hog — see our ETC vs grandMA and Avolites vs grandMA comparisons.

My honest take

There’s no winner here, just sectors: theatre leans ETC Eos, live concert busking leans Hog. Pick by the shows you want to do, learn it deeply (both have free PC/Mac software to start with), and remember grandMA is the third name in this conversation for the biggest tours. See our pro DMX controller guide.

Le Faisceau Rating — ETC vs Hog

Console	Capacity	Workflow	Ecosyst.	Value	Reliab.	Overall /5
Eos Gio @5	4.7	4.7	4.6	3.8	4.9	4.5 ★★★★½
Hog 4 (discontinued — current range: Tour Hog, Stage Hog, Flex Hog)	4.7	4.6	4.3	3.7	4.5	4.4 ★★★★½

FAQ

ETC or Hog for theatre?

ETC Eos — it’s the theatre standard, built for cue-based work and dominant in US theatre and education.

ETC or Hog for concerts?

The Hog is a strong concert busking desk; for the very biggest touring riders, grandMA is more commonly specified.

Are ETC and High End the same company now?

Yes — ETC acquired High End Systems in 2017, so both the Eos and Hog platforms sit under ETC.

Can I learn both for free?

Yes — the Eos software and Hog PC are both free to download and learn on a computer; live output needs hardware, and a paid ETCnomad USB key unlocks both.

Photo credit: Photos: Masonvanmeurs (ETC Ion, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons) & High End Systems / ETC

31 July 2026