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 Buyers
- Chamsys QuickQ Compact Lighting Consoles
- Chamsys MagicQ Compact Lighting Consoles
- Chauvet DJ Obey Lighting Controllers
- ADJ WMX2 Standalone DMX Lighting Controller
- ADJ DMX FX512 DMX Controller
- Obsidian 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.
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.
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.
ADJ WMX1 Mk2 Standalone DMX Lighting Controller
DJs, we have the DMX controller for you. Not only will the ADJ WMX1 Mk2 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, including upgrades, 3-D visualization, adding additional universes, 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 5-pin connections while letting you assign any universe to any output. With MIDI triggering and an upgraded USB-A socket that accepts MIDI controllers and memory sticks, you’ll have the power to craft dazzling light shows at your fingertips. Whether you want to pick the perfect color or program the most energetic shows, the ADJ WMX1 Mk2 will follow you there.
ADJ DMX FX512 DMX Controller
If you’re looking for lots of DMX/RMD control with a small footprint, look no further. The ADJ DMX FX512 DMX Controller is only 19 inches wide and is designed to fit in a 3RU slot in a rack. What it lacks in physical size, it more than makes up for in control, offering hassle-free control of up to 512 DMX channels, the ability to manage up to 32 intelligent fixtures with 18 channels each, and the power to program mesmerizing light shows comprising 32 scenes of 100 steps each (with up to five simultaneous runnable scenes) and blend in 16 integrated effects generators. ADJ has managed to fit 16 control faders, dedicated Pan/Tilt wheels,16 Effects/Fixture buttons, and buttons for Black Out, Run Mode, and more into this compact controller.
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 NX1-16 and NX Wing, both take advantage of this excellent software — just pair them with a laptop or PC.
With 512 channels of DMX at your fingertips, a 10.1-inch HD multi-touchscreen, 10 motorized playback faders, 4 rotary encoders, and 10 programmable multifunction keys — it’s easy to see how the stellar, travel-ready Obsidian NX1-16 fits with existing DJ setups, but it also serves as a great controller for stage-production pros. This DMX output can now expand to as many as 16 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.
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!
