Le Faisceau (French for “the beam”) is the rating grid we apply to every lighting console and DMX controller reviewed on Lighting Console Expert. It produces a score out of 5 that is comparable from one console to the next, computed from five weighted axes. Specs come from manufacturer sites and specialist dealers; workflow and reliability scores draw on our own time at the desk and on feedback from working lighting operators.
The five axes
- Capacity (25%): universes and parameters, number of faders and executors, screens, expansion options (wings, network processors).
- Programming and workflow (30%): programming speed, surface ergonomics, theatre (cue list) and busking modes, learning curve, software quality.
- Ecosystem and networking (15%): Art-Net, sACN, RDM, timecode, MIDI/OSC, fixture library (GDTF), built-in visualiser, onPC version, community and training.
- Value for money (20%): new and used prices relative to capacity and workflow, cost of options, resale value.
- Reliability and support (10%): touring robustness, firmware maturity, service network and parts availability.
Reading the score
4.5 and above: the reference in its class. 4.0 to 4.4: an excellent choice with a few compromises. 3.5 to 3.9: a good product for a specific use. Below 3.5: only for a very tight budget or use case. In a comparison, the best choice is the console with the highest overall score and best value the one leading the price axis; we award nothing in case of a tie.
Independence
Scores do not depend on our commercial partnerships. Some links are affiliate links (Thomann, Amazon): the price is the same for you and the commission funds our tests. All scores are gathered on the Le Faisceau ratings page.