Basic DMX Computer-based Controller

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Phil Lewandowski

Sophomore
Jan 11, 2011
123
0
16
Cleveland, OH
Hey All,

I am working with a youth group at a church on putting together a basic lighting LED DMX lighting system. It will probably only have about 6-10 LED pars, a handful of standard Par64s, and maybe a couple of basic effect lights.

My question is what is a basic computer-based controller that those that aren't hardcore "techies" would be able to pick up fairly easy. Obviously with the youth group there will be a handful of people asked to do lighting at different times. The budget is up to about $300 for the controller. Someone suggested the ENTTEC DMX USB Pro which is compatible with many different computer interfaces, many of them free I believe. (MagicQ was one of the suggestions from a lighting friend.)


Thanks,
Phil
 
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Re: Basic DMX Computer-based Controller

Take a look at the ENTTEC DMXIS. Targeted toward bands running their own lighting, but works just as well for "normal" use. Super easy to use, comes with the USB/DMX unit and the software. Works on both Windows and Mac boxes.

I had University students setting up light shows in minutes with it...

It can also be used with other software, but the included software couldn't be much simpler to use.
 
Re: Basic DMX Computer-based Controller

Phil Lewandowski said:
Thanks for the reply Rainer. That actually looks like a fantastic option.
Click to expand...

I really like DMXIS. I'm a live sound guy, definitely not a lamprey, but I'm able to do some pretty decent stuff with it. You can also use an iPad to control it, using the software TouchOSC, and a bit of midi know how.
 
Re: Basic DMX Computer-based Controller

And there's Luminaire for iPad. You'll need a ethernet dongle, iPad or iPhone, and an Airport Express router. What I like is no laptop or pc is required.
 
Re: Basic DMX Computer-based Controller

Definitely not a lampie, not lamprey lol. Here's a video I whipped up using various fixtures. All the programming was done by me, using DMXIS.

http://youtu.be/I6aajl89834

The oscillators make programming a lot easier. This is the only software I've ever tried, so I can't compare it to anything else.
 
Re: Basic DMX Computer-based Controller

Phil, I'm late to the party, but I have been using DMXIS for quite a few years and have yet to find anything easier to use - nothing else is even close IMO. Once you set up the shows and build your presets (which is easy) it is super simple to run. I have used it on shows with as many as 30 fixtures, including movers such as Mac250's etc. No regrets, money well spent.
 
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