13 Best Lighting Consoles

When you think Sweetwater, you probably think about guitars, microphones, amps, and maybe drums and keyboards. What you may not know is that Sweetwater carries a wide range of lighting equipment, as well — moving heads, fog machines, PARs, lasers, and, not least of all, lighting consoles.

Buying your first lighting console can feel daunting, especially when replacing a trusted unit that isn’t cutting it anymore. Luckily, Sweetwater has you covered with a wide range of excellent consoles to choose from. We also understand that applications and budgets set boundaries on the types of consoles that’ll work for you. Therefore, this list sets out consoles that range in capabilities and budgets in order to present the 13 best consoles, no matter how big or small your lighting arsenal is. DJs, churches, small bands, large touring groups, theaters, schools, and more can benefit from a lighting console that suits their needs or even grows with them as they expand. But enough chatter — let’s delve into the brains of the lighting operation.

Considerations for First-time BuyersChamsys QuickQ Compact Lighting ConsolesChamsys MagicQ Compact Lighting ConsolesChauvet DJ Obey Lighting ControllersADJ WMX1 Standalone DMX Lighting ControllerADJ DMX Operator 384 384-channel DMX Lighting ControllerBehringer LC2412 V2 512-channel 24-fader DMX ControllerObsidian Onyx Lighting Controllers

Considerations for First-time Buyers

If this is your first time buying a lighting console, then our Sweetwater lighting experts have set out a list of things to keep in mind so you can choose the best console for the job. Lighting pros scouting the scene for your next favorite console — feel free to dive into the list below for some of Sweetwater’s best units encompassing massive DMX universes and capabilities that can make large shows feel like cakewalks.

First, consider how many fixtures you’ll be connecting — as well as what capabilities those fixtures have. For example, if you have a laser, a handful of basic moving heads, and several PARs, then a 1-universe console with 512 DMX channels will outfit you with headroom to program every parameter of each fixture. For that requirement, you can easily survive with fewer than 512 DMX channels, but you should decide if you want your lighting console to grow with you as your fixture count grows.

Second, consider if you want a standalone console or one that requires the use of accompanying software on a PC or computer. Standalone units entail a simpler operation and a smaller learning curve, whereas software-accompanied consoles require a more sophisticated touch, as they can utilize more complex functions.

Third, consider the applications you’ll use it for. Will you be traveling and, therefore, require a lightweight, sturdy, compact console? How much tactile control do you want from the machine (i.e., the number of faders, encoders, and macro buttons)? Will you be the only one using the console, or will it encounter the hands of volunteers and those with less lighting experience, as well?

Chamsys QuickQ Compact Lighting Consoles

The Chamsys QuickQ system of lighting consoles offers a range of features to suit the needs of small theaters, youth room lighting setups, corporate events, and more. The QuickQ 10, QuickQ 20, and QuickQ 30 all sport the same operating software but offer different capabilities in terms of fader banks, DMX universes, playbacks, and encoders. Depending on how many fixtures you need to connect and how much tactile control you prefer, you can choose the perfect QuickQ console for your applications — from one universe to as many as four.

Pair an intuitive interface with powerful Chamsys software, and you get the recipe for console design that caters to beginners and pros alike. A favorite for small-to-medium-sized venues and church settings, QuickQ consoles offer features like a fluid workflow, a smartphone-like touchscreen interface, patching of RDM-compliant fixtures, and even an offline editor that works with Mac and Windows. What’s more, thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, QuickQ consoles can connect to your smartphones and tablets through the free QuickQ remote control app, giving you even more control to program your best lighting plot yet.

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

Chamsys MagicQ Compact Lighting Consoles

Another Chamsys line favored for its ease of use and precision capabilities, the MagicQ series takes the reins from the QuickQ system and ups the illuminative ante. MagicQ consoles don’t mess around: the MagicQ MQ50 offers eight universes, and the MagicQ MQ70 offers an impressive 24 universes of control. These consoles boast a quick, built-in Wi-Fi connection to the Chamsys MagicQ Remote Control app and an HD touchscreen display that’s easily navigated. Users can also connect an external monitor — touch or not — for more detailed viewing capacity. To top it off, you can easily fit these consoles in checked bags for no-hassle traveling.

Those looking to grab a new console for large concerts, megachurches, touring performances, and even sports stadiums will find it here in the MagicQ MQ70. On the other hand, the MagicQ MQ50 fits right in with small- and medium-sized venues like schools, clubs, churches, and more. Each console sports four DMX ports with supportive RDM that’ll have you mapping out energetic concerts, supporting the narratives of musicals and plays, or subtly backlighting worship services.

At the top of the Chamsys MagicQ line, with a whopping 64 universes of controllable power, is one of the most advanced lighting consoles that Sweetwater sells: the MQ250M. Professional touring acts and stadium rigs will revel in the ease of use and powerful capabilities of this portable unit.

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

Chauvet DJ Obey Lighting Controllers

Now, here’s something for the budget-conscious yet demanding beginners. Chauvet DJ, a trusted name here at Sweetwater, offers compact controllers with their Obey line. Choose from the 192 channels of the Obey 40 or the 384 of the Obey 70, depending on the size and channel demands of your current fixtures. This controller is an excellent choice for those wanting portable, powerful lighting for small band concerts, school events, and small churches. Program a wealth of scenes and stunning chases and even connect fog machines and other DMX-controllable fixtures. Those looking to better understand the ins and outs of DMX control and lighting terminology will find a staunch teaching companion with this controller.

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

ADJ WMX1 Standalone DMX Lighting Controller

DJs, we have the DMX controller for you. Not only will the ADJ WMX1 stealthily mold itself to the aesthetic realm of your other equipment, but it will also handle immensely intricate shows with robust control due to its responsive pads, easily navigatable menus, and super-powerful onboard software. It all happens within the confines of the device — no external PC or hardware required. But you can connect it to the WTOOLS app for companion features like upgrades and auto-recovery of active projects. Four DMX outs on the back of the device set you up for diverse control for both 3- and 4-pin connections while letting you assign any universe to any output. Whether you want to pick the perfect color or program the most energetic shows, the ADJ WMX1 will follow you there.

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

ADJ DMX Operator 384 384-channel DMX Lighting Controller

Those wanting to remain focused on their smaller-size productions will revel in the capabilities and small form factor that the ADJ DMX Operator 384 supplies. 384 DMX channels are at your disposal for programming intelligent lights, dimmer packs, and even special-effects machines. Thirty memory banks set you up for diverse control over 240 programmable scenes and 12 programmable chases. A great first controller, the ADJ DMX Operator 384 sports DMX as well as MIDI outputs for scene, chase, and blackout triggers. A USB connection also means you can hook up this controller to a laptop or computer and run your favorite MIDI software. Make your lights dance around with the assignable joystick, which can control the pan and tilt of moving-head lights.

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

Behringer LC2412 V2 512-channel 24-fader DMX Controller

Fader junkies, get a load of the Behringer LC2412 V2. If you’re an all-hardware, no-frills kind of person, then this 512-channel, 24-fader board can get you using chases, fades, stored scenes, groups, and more. Also, thanks to two multifunctional channels, you can run special-effects equipment like fog machines and color changers. Each of the LC2412 V2’s channel faders can take assignment of up to three channels on a single fader — controlling up to 78 channels at once. Don’t be skeptical about using this Behringer board in dark environments; Behringer designed it to have illuminated controls, and users also have a socket for BNC lamp connection. For the price and channel count, intermediate users and even those with less DMX knowledge will take to this controller with ease after learning its ins and outs.

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

Obsidian Onyx Lighting Controllers

From small shows to massive touring productions, Obsidian’s supremely powerful Onyx software packs a radiant punch for those wanting to craft their best productions yet. Two fantastic Obsidian Onyx controllers, the NX Touch and NX Wing, both take advantage of this excellent software — just pair them with a laptop or PC.

Five hundred and twelve channels of DMX at your fingertips, 14 touch faders, and 20 velocity-sensitive pads — it’s easy to see how stellar the Obsidian NX Touch fits with existing DJ setups, but it also serves as a great controller for stage-production pros. This DMX output can even expand to as many as 128 universes for professional shows that demand serious reliability for high-tech moving heads and pixel-mappable fixtures.

If faders, buttons, and encoders suit your programming style better, then the Obsidian NX Wing is right up your alley. Plug in and play via USB to any PC running the Onyx platform — no additional setup or installation required. A total of four DMX ports connect you to your system, while MIDI and time-code ports stand ready for use, as well. Get ready for 64 universes of control when connected to Onyx software on a PC.

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

Add to cartLearn MoreAdd to list

Sweetwater Has the Best Lighting Console for You!

Today, you’ll find a massive array of lighting consoles and controllers ready to take your production world to the next level. Sweetwater is here to help you do your research and get the best console for your applications and particular modes of operation. If you keep these points in mind and reach out to the knowledgeable folks at Sweetwater, then we can help you choose the perfect lighting console for your needs and budget. And if you have any questions about lighting consoles or fixtures, then make sure to call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700. We look forward to seeing the remarkable productions — large and small — you will create with your new lighting console!

Stage Lighting 101, Part 1: Understanding the Basics

Basic Lighting Terms for Musicians

The post 13 Best Lighting Consoles appeared first on inSync.