Qlab or SCS (or whatever else comparable you might use) becomes your
DMX controller. You need to attach a
unit to generate the
DMX, which in the case of
Qlab I is an
artnet to
DMX node or a USB-DMX interface, in the case of SCS a USB-DMX converter (the small range of supported converters is pretty much the same for both), and then all your lights are controlled from there. If your fogger is
DMX controlled you would also control it via the
DMX controller. You program the cues to generate the
DMX values you need for the lighting states, the amount of
fog etc instead of pushing faders or buttons on a
DMX controller.
Both systems store he sound files on their local hard disk, and output via the sound card or an external sound card. This then feeds to your
mixer, streamer or amplifiers or whatever.
Both systems can
send MIDI and receive
MIDI, both to control things like synths, external
MIDI controlled devices such as full lighting consoles, and also to react to
MIDI events e.g. run a
cue when a pedal or key is pressed.
The
MIDI interface may have a
MIDI in and
thru, in which case more than one device can react to the same
midi command arriving.
Both systems are extremely powerful. They take a little while to become completely comfortable, and they are different in their approaches, but it could be worth it for you. Both have free versions you can try out before you decide to commit cash. The manuals for both are online, so you can take a look at the workflow before you even download anything.
