CONTROLLER DECISION

DJ EZ-C

New Member
I am a DJ who is beginning to do my own productions / parties. My current fixture inventory is:

(2) Chauvet Rogue RH1 Hybrids ( May add 2 more later this year)
(2) Martin Roboscan 918 Pro's ( May add 4 later this year)
(2) Martin Atomic 3000 LED (May add 2 later this year)
(4) Martin Wizard Extremes
(1) Martin Atomic 3000
(1) Martin Magnum 2000 Smoke machine.

At this point I have NO controller. What does the community recommend? I am looking for something A) Cost effective. B) Easy to learn to program. C) Has a large community of users for support and programming ideas. D) A comprehensive library of fixtures. and E) It is is not difficult to hire someone to write lighting programming for my rig.

Please be specific about what software and hardware comprises the control solution you are recommending.

Thank you in advance for your input!
 
What's your budget? There are options from $20 computer dongles to $50,000 full size consoles. Without an idea of budget it's hard to even start making recommendations.
 
With that gear list and budget in mind, I would look at buying a dedicated lighting computer with software and a hardware interface. Few that come to mind are:

Martin M-Touch http://www.fullcompass.com/prod/274640-Martin-Professional-M-Touch (Works best in conjunction with a touch screen as well)

Avolites Titan Mobile http://www.fullcompass.com/prod/284057-Avolites-Titan-Mobile (Although a little over budget when you factor in buying a computer)

ChamSys PC Wing http://www.fullcompass.com/prod/240832-ChamSys-MagicQ-PC-Wing-Compact

AS with any of these options, the software is all available to try for free online. I always suggest trying them out to make sure you like the UI before you drop money on them.
 
At the lower end of dedicated controllers there is the Elation ShowDesigner. I know of a number of small sound companies which have added lights which feel this is a good option for low budgets.
http://www.elationlighting.com/Prod...r=1287&MainId=1&Category=Intelligent Consoles
You should also take a look at the Cognito2:
http://www.pathwayconnect.com/content/view/214/29/
There is also the ETC SmartFade ML, which is being superseded by the ColorSource consoles (which might mean used SmartFades might become cheaper).
http://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Consoles/Smart-Family/SmartFade-ML/Features.aspx
I believe there are demos on Youtube for all the above possibilities which may help you figure out what is best for you, of course you would want to actually see them in action so check out local dealers.
 
I second the Martin M-Series with M-Touch or M-Play. For clubbing/party shows it really is a perfect fit with price point to match, and additional hardware options later should your rig grow.
 
I have been really impressed with the demos I've seen of the Avolites Titan products. It's amazingly powerful software. More than you need right now but would give you a lot of room to grow. The Titan Mobile is a little out of your price range or you could buy the software dongle for $250 and add your own laptop. The dongle/laptop approach offers you a chance to learn the software and decide if you like it cheap. Then maybe upgrade to the Mobile console later.
 
Depending on where you are in NYC, you could come demo one of my M touchs and the Avo.
 

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