Software DMX lighting controller

[bradneal]

First, I'm the A/V tech at our church, and my background is more that of a musician and sound guy. However, recently we have been adding to our stage lighting, and I've been learning the "trial-by-fire" method of how to do lighting.

Our lights now consist of 16 traditional par 64's on DMX dimmers, 4 movers, 16 Par 64 LED's, a DMX follow spot, and a Haze/fogger. My current controller is an ElationDMX Operator Pro (you can see the specs here: (http://www.elationlighting.com/Produ...0American%20DJ).

But I am really finding it hard to get the control that I need with only 8 Par dimmers. And even if I move up to one with bunches of faders, I think the best control, and something that provides the best options for expansion, is going to come from a software based solution - at least with my limited budget. I am also considering keeping the Operator Pro and using it along with midi to trigger chasses, dimmers, start show, etc. I've seen the hardware that the big-boys are using, and they are way out of our budgeted resources.

Anyway, I picked up a MyDMX package last year, and it's ok, but it's really been crippled in order to provide incentive to move up to their upper-end line of software.

So, my question is, in the under $2000 range, what's the package of choice for you lighting pro's out there? Or am I headed down the wrong track, and should stay with hardware based stuff?

Thanks,
Brad

[daver2]

Hi Brad,

I currently use freestyler but I am in the process of moving over to MagicQ. Both of these packages are available for download for 'free' but I have experienced 'unintentional features' with both.

Our DMX512 hardware is an Enttec Pro and it came with a trial version of LightFactory. I like this product - but it costs money so it is unlikely that the Church finances will stretch to purchase after the trial has expired for the time being. A quick look at the LightFactory website indicates that the single universe professional license (no software or hardware) appears to be $499 so it is well within your stated budget. An Enttec Pro and you should be good to go.

Their website is http://www.lifact.com/

Dave

[bradneal]

Thanks, Dave. I'll check them out. Anyone else care to chime in on this topic?

Thanks,
Brad

[STEALMYBUCKS]

I currently use the Daslight system. It has been rock solid for us and is relatively easy to set up and train others on. We are only running 4 Chauvet Tri Tours, 4 Chauvet LED Splash Jr. and 1 ColorStrip Mini along with our 24 channel ETC Smart Pack. So we don't use any movers, so I can't chime in on Daslights ease of use with movers. Another church uses the ADJ Neo Madrix Pro, and they use everything you have, and even did a video wall for the 4th of July with it.

[Esoteric]

Chamsys is the absolute most robust system out there. Is it free software but works with a ENTTEC DMX Pro box.

Another plus is that it teaches you the most common moving light console syntax out there and moving light console concepts like palettes and other things like that.

The only drawback is that it does have a steep learning curve.