Control/Dimming - Looking for a Good Show Control Program

[RichardAMouat]

Hello Everyone!

This is my first post on here so I will try and keep to the point.

I've been looking around for Show Control programs but I'm not sure what I should get and What to use.

Here's what I need/want to do

I want to be able to use my Laptop with a show control program (Simple one) and I know I need will a USB --> DMX

Now the thing is i see some programs for $300 then some for $50

So here's what i need: A show control program and a USB --> DMX I don't have a lot of money so the cheaper the better

Thank you to anyone for the help!!

[xander]

It would be helpful if you described what it is you are trying to control. Show control and lighting control software are two different things. From the "USB --> DMX" part I assume you want lighting control?

-Tim

[RichardAMouat]

that would be right I am looking for lighting control

-Richard

[soundlight]

For inexpensive lighting control, Chamsys MagicQ PC is a good program. If you don't need more than 512 channels of control you can get their little MagicDMX Full which has one universe of DMX and is about $100/£60.

[Cadmium6855]

If you have access to a PC Freestyler DMX is free to use, and you can get a DMX to USB Dongle from Enttec for cheap ENTTEC- Lighting Control,RDM,DMX USB PRO. MagicQ PC is a good program, once you get the hang of it. If I were you I would get the dongle from Enttec because most of the programs you can get for free from the manufacturers website. I know you can get Chauvet ShowXpress, MagicQ PC, and possibly CueLux for free. Another solution you may want to look into is the LXseries pro LXSeries. LX series comes with a plot creator, that includes all paperwork, and also comes with a neat console program, you can create a plot in the beams program, and transfer all the circuit, dimmer, channel, etc. Data into the console program using the Enttec USB Pro, out to the dimmers/ fixtures.

I have never actually used LXconsole, but I do use LXbeams. If I had to choose a favorite from these it would probably be Freestyler or ShowXpress. In my opinion MagicQ PC is very geared toward a PC wing or touch screen computer, if you have access or money to get one of those MagicQ is probably one of the best options.

[sl1200mk2]

D::Light is also free to use and work pretty well