Obsidian Onyx Review: Free Software, Real Value

Obsidian Control Systems’ Onyx platform — the NX-series consoles paired with the free Onyx software descended from Martin’s M-Series and M-PC — is one of the great value stories in lighting control. Free, genuinely capable software plus affordable hardware make it a real alternative to ChamSys for budget and live work, and that pairing is what keeps operators recommending it. Here is an honest round-up of what operators actually report, framed as community synthesis rather than a hands-on test.

Where these takes come from

A synthesis of recurring opinions across English-speaking communities (r/lightingdesign, ControlBooth) and Onyx operators. See also our DMX software guide. The consistent framing here is “what operators report,” not a first-hand bench review.

What operators love

Free, capable software

The headline everywhere: Onyx is free and genuinely full-featured, with free DMX output up to a number of universes before you pay for anything. Like ChamSys, that makes it a superb way to learn the platform and run real shows without a software bill. Operators repeatedly frame it as removing the biggest barrier to entry — you can sit down with the whole environment at home and only spend money when you need more output.

Good for live and busking

Operators rate Onyx highly for fast, live operation. The workflow is described as approachable and quick to busk once you know it, which is why it shows up on budget and mid-level live gigs where hands-on, on-the-fly control matters more than deep pre-programming.

Affordable NX hardware

The NX1 and NX2 consoles and the NX wings bring real console control — physical faders, encoders and a proper surface — at prices operators consider accessible, backed by Elation/Obsidian. For anyone who has learned on the free software, stepping up to matching hardware is a natural, affordable move.

Solid fixture support

A good fixture library and regular updates keep the platform current, and operators note that new fixtures are generally well covered. Steady development is part of why the community trusts it for working shows rather than treating it as a hobby tool.

What operators flag

1. A smaller community than the big names

The most common caveat: the user base and the pool of online knowledge are smaller than grandMA, ETC or ChamSys. When you get stuck, there are fewer forum threads and YouTube tutorials to lean on, so you rely more on official resources. It is manageable, but it shapes the learning experience.

2. Less of a rider standard

For the biggest shows, grandMA and ETC remain the expected desks. Onyx is far more common on budget and mid-level gigs than on top-tier tours, so if rider ubiquity is part of your career plan, that is a genuine consideration.

3. Build of the cheapest units

At the entry level the hardware is described as functional rather than tour-tank rugged. It does the job, but operators temper expectations about the cheapest units surviving years of brutal touring the way flagship metal does.

4. A learning curve

Capable software means there is real depth to master. As with any serious platform, expect to put in time before you are fast — the free download lowers the cost of that learning, but it does not remove the effort.

Onyx vs ChamSys

This is the comparison operators reach for most, because the two free-software value champions go head-to-head. Both offer powerful, free software and affordable hardware, so the decision rarely comes down to raw capability. Instead it usually turns on UI preference, how each handles fixtures, and which community you click with. The common advice is to try both, since the software is free, and let your own workflow instincts decide. See our ChamSys MagicQ review.

My honest take

Pulling the threads together, Onyx reads as a strong free-software value pick — capable, live-friendly and backed by affordable NX hardware. The trade-off, by consensus, is a smaller community and less top-tier ubiquity than the big three. For budget and live work it is well worth a serious look alongside ChamSys, and the fact that the software costs nothing to evaluate makes there little reason not to. See our pro DMX controller guide.

FAQ

Is Onyx software really free?

Yes — Onyx is free and full-featured, with free DMX output up to a number of universes, which makes it a genuine option for learning and for running budget shows without a software cost.

Onyx or ChamSys MagicQ?

Both are free-software value leaders, so choose by UI preference, fixture handling and community fit. Because both are free to download, the practical advice is to try each and see which workflow suits you.

Is the NX hardware good?

The NX consoles offer solid value and real console control; the caveat operators raise is that the cheapest units are functional rather than heavy-touring rugged.

Is Onyx widely used?

It has a growing base, but a smaller community and less rider ubiquity than grandMA, ETC or ChamSys — something to weigh if you want maximum online support or top-tier gig portability.

Photo credit: Photo: Obsidian Control Systems (obsidiancontrol.com)

See lighting consoles on Thomann →

This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.