Enttec DMX Dongles: Ethernet vs. USB
- Thread starterStofa
- Start date
jglodeklights
Well-Known Member
It depends on your set up and purpose. The DMX Pro is really meant for operating one or two universes from a computer with a simple set up or integrating into an existing DMX system easily. The ODE can do that, but is better if you are operating 2 or more universes, with a backbone based on ethernet architecture and placing them locally to fixtures and accessories with a switch moving the signal to each ODE.
douglasheriot
Member
It also depends on what software you'll be using. As an example, my Mac app, DMX Assistant, only works with Art-Net, which requires a device that communicates via the Art-Net protocol over a network (like the Enttec ODE).
Other software may only work with the Enttec USB DMX Pro, or only their own other proprietary interfaces, so you should start with checking what your software will support.
Other software may only work with the Enttec USB DMX Pro, or only their own other proprietary interfaces, so you should start with checking what your software will support.
douglasheriot
Member
Well, there's a few different options around.
The popular one many people recommend is MagicQ – it's free, very powerful (with many features of the likes of Hogs and grandMAs). However, if you're just getting started, it's very confusing with a terrible user interface. It will work with either Enttec USB DMX Pros, Enttec ODEs, and many other interfaces.
If you just want something to start playing around with DMX, you can try out my DMX Assistant. It's not designed to be a full lighting console for complicated shows with lots of cues or anything, but instead to just be really clear and simple, for when you're getting started or teaching others about DMX. As I said earlier, it only works with Art-Net protocol (Enttec ODE, etc.), but I'm looking to add support for more interfaces in the future too.
The popular one many people recommend is MagicQ – it's free, very powerful (with many features of the likes of Hogs and grandMAs). However, if you're just getting started, it's very confusing with a terrible user interface. It will work with either Enttec USB DMX Pros, Enttec ODEs, and many other interfaces.
If you just want something to start playing around with DMX, you can try out my DMX Assistant. It's not designed to be a full lighting console for complicated shows with lots of cues or anything, but instead to just be really clear and simple, for when you're getting started or teaching others about DMX. As I said earlier, it only works with Art-Net protocol (Enttec ODE, etc.), but I'm looking to add support for more interfaces in the future too.
esmphoto
Member
Chamsys's MagicQ is excellent and I'm actually making a video series of tutorials on it right now, you could even grab MagicQ (free) and a Chamsys MagicDMX USB interface for as low as $16 (5 hour show limit) or $100 (unlimited show length) That seems best suited for your application.
Magic DMX interfaces available through paypal from Chamsys (not affiliated, just a big fan)
http://chamsys.co.uk/magicdmx
Magic DMX interfaces available through paypal from Chamsys (not affiliated, just a big fan)
http://chamsys.co.uk/magicdmx
esmphoto
Member
haha, Probably not as soon as you'd like, I'm through scripting an introduction and a basics vid on patching, groups cues and faders. Was hoping to be finished with those first two in two or three weeks.
joeyfergie
Member
I just ordered myself an Enttec DMX USB Pro, and I found that there is a bunch of free software for Mac. It doesn't give you as much as the paid versions do, but they are still good.
Lightning DMX works with Enttec's DMX USB (Not Pro ATM), and it looks good. The developer is currently working on it making it better. There is another thread here that has stuff about it.
Lightning DmxControl for Mac/OSX
I have also tried out MiniStageConsole. Does pretty much the same as Lightning. This has the ability to have cues as well.
DMX lighting control software for Mac and Windows
These are the only free ones I have found, that support Enttec's devices. They are both easy to use, and also support MIDI interfaces.
Lightning DMX works with Enttec's DMX USB (Not Pro ATM), and it looks good. The developer is currently working on it making it better. There is another thread here that has stuff about it.
Lightning DmxControl for Mac/OSX
I have also tried out MiniStageConsole. Does pretty much the same as Lightning. This has the ability to have cues as well.
DMX lighting control software for Mac and Windows
These are the only free ones I have found, that support Enttec's devices. They are both easy to use, and also support MIDI interfaces.
I just watched the videos and there great!!!!
It really did help me understand a little bit more about the software! Though more in-depth tutorials would be great as well.
Some other Magic-Cue questions; What does it take to get the software to send MIDI or MSC? Some sort of interface? does purchasing a MagicDMX work? and also does anybody know where I could rent a magic-cue wing or board in the Seattle/PNW area???
As to my knowledge Hollywood lights (one of the local shops) doesn't rent them and I know PNTA doesn't.
Also any word on pricing or release date for the MQ60??? Looks like a super cool board.
It really did help me understand a little bit more about the software! Though more in-depth tutorials would be great as well.
Some other Magic-Cue questions; What does it take to get the software to send MIDI or MSC? Some sort of interface? does purchasing a MagicDMX work? and also does anybody know where I could rent a magic-cue wing or board in the Seattle/PNW area???
As to my knowledge Hollywood lights (one of the local shops) doesn't rent them and I know PNTA doesn't.
Also any word on pricing or release date for the MQ60??? Looks like a super cool board.
MagicQ won't talk MIDI or MSC unless you have one of their interfaces or wings other than the MagicDMX units. At a minimum you would need the MagicQ Two Universe DMX interface but I would sooner just buy a wing since the price difference isn't enormous.
Contact Esteban Caracciolo at PRG Distribution (esteban@prg.com). He is the Chamsys specialist there so he will be able to tell you who has purchased wings for a rental inventory since they would have had to go through him to make the purchase.
The MQ60 probably won't be out until next Winter if not later. Definitely not before next Fall. Going off what the MQ100 Pro costs and what the MQ50 Expert cost before it was discontinued, I would guess the MQ60 will be priced in the low to mid teens but it could be a little lower than that.
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