1 of 11
1. Avolites Titan / MSRP: $250 thru $39,000
2 of 11
8. MA Lighting GrandMA 2 / MSRP: $3,125-$75,500
3 of 11
9. Mega Systems Enlighten / MSRP: $699-$6,299
4 of 11
10. Pathway Connectivity Cognito / MSRP: $975-$5,900
5 of 11
4. ETC Eos / MSRP: $699-$3,19
6 of 11
11. Philips Strand Lighting Palette / MSRP: $1,522-$44,963
7 of 11
6. Jands Vista V2 Software / MSRP: $920 (128 channel dongle with USB to DMX interface) to $36,000
8 of 11
7. LSC Clarity / MSRP: $990 (128 channel license with USB to DMX interface) to $38,000
9 of 11
3. Elation Emulation Series / MSRP: $699-$3,199
10 of 11
5. High End Systems Hog 4 / MSRP: $690-$44,000
11 of 11
2. ChamSys MagicQ / MSRP: Software is free; consoles (price on request)
One of the major trends in the lighting control market involves models that include both physical hardware-based consoles as well as software-based systems using the same basic syntax or user interface.
Churches have found that using these sorts of lighting control systems—where the rooms requiring more sophisticated lighting control get the more advanced models, while rooms with less complicated lighting needs using the less expensive software-only versions—is not only cost-effective, but also aids in cross training. Once a volunteer has learned one model, the knowledge transfers easily to the other models since both operate using the same syntax or programming methods. Then you have volunteers who can step in and serve anywhere with only minimal additional training. Most of these systems allow you to add playback or programming wings to the software versions. These wings are hardware devices that give you physical controls to make programming or playback easier while still saving you money over the cost of a complete hardware-based console.
As background for this article, we asked variety of lighting control manufacturers to send us information on the control systems they have that include software-based controllers through full-sized consoles. In doing this research, we found there are a lot more options out there than many churches might realize.
THE LINE UP
1. Avolites Titan
Avolites line of Titan consoles offers a scalable solution for houses of worship. All console levels have the exact same Titan software with access to 16 universes included. They are designed to offer a quick learning curve and uniformity across the entire product line to allow growth across an entire church campus without the need to retrain staff. From the Titan One single universe dongle to the 45 motorized faders on the Sapphire Touch, Avolites can cover all of your control needs within almost any budget.
2. ChamSys MagicQ
ChamSys describes the MagicQ as a professional-grade solution at an affordable price. When using LEDs, moving lights, projectors and screens, you need to be able to control complex equipment quickly with a proven solution. ChamSys consoles, software or PC wing solutions can quickly program lighting and video and reduce operation to a simple touch-screen interface that's easy enough for any volunteer to operate. The free software works on Mac, Windows or Linux. USB to DMX adapters start at $15 (all 64 universes can be output via network). A free 3D visualizer, free eight layer HD media server and free built-in 2D/3D pixel mapping are all included.
3. Elation Emulation Series
The Emulation DMX lighting control software runs on OSX, Windows or Linux operating systems and works in combination with Elation's Midicon Pro hardware control interface. Designed to control medium to large lighting installations in live and architectural situations, it is capable of running up to 20 DMX universes. Emulation software has recently been updated (Emulation Pro) to make programming easier and more intuitive. The MidiCon Pro is a professional MIDI controller designed to be used with any MIDI-compatible lighting control software such as Emulation Pro, and boasts a host of user-friendly features like high-quality backlit buttons, aluminum wheels, motorized faders and 32 pages of playbacks.
4. ETC Eos
ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls) says the Eos software provides top-of-the-line control over cue lists, effects, pixel-mapping, media servers, moving lights, and LED color. Customizable graphic workspaces allow even novice programmers to control complicated rigs with the touch of a few buttons. The Eos Family offers consoles for nearly every venue and budget size. Eos Ti and the compact Gio boast integrated multi-touch screens and high-end control. Ion pairs ambitious functionality with a modest price point, while Element provides a simple hands-on interface. For portable programming, ETC Nomad packs up to four universes of control into a convenient Puck-PC or software key.
5. High End Systems Hog 4
The Hog 4 range of consoles is comprised of the flagship Hog 4 followed by the Full Boar 4, Road Hog 4, Rack Hog 4, HedgeHog 4 series and Nano Hog that offer customers from a wide range of markets the right hardware package for their needs. All the consoles run the same software package, meaning cross compatibility is virtually guaranteed and there are no software restrictions from the most cost-effective option to the top of the line. In addition, with Hog 4 PC, available free of charge from highend.com, your programming work can start at home. Most importantly High End says they are able meet nearly any budget without compromising features.
6. Jands Vista V2 Software
The award-winning, volunteer-friendly Jands Vista V2 software brings a whole new world of power and simplicity to the control of lighting and media technologies in the worship environment. Vista is designed to allow users of all levels, from volunteers to professionals, get the most from whatever mix of technology they have available, whether dimmers, moving lights, LED, or media. Available in a wide range of software and hardware options, Vista v2 offers both the simplicity to work fast with the power to control the finest details, so everyone can focus on creating a great looking event rather than on programming a desk.
7. LSC Clarity
Clarity was designed with the unique needs of houses of worship in mind. The common feature of most manufacturers' consoles is that they are complex to learn and use, so Clarity was developed to change this. The result, according to LSC is a console that is both simple to use and powerful in features, intuitive to learn, comfortable to use and elegant in the way it works. Clarity also runs natively on Mac and Windows that, along with the range of USB wings and integrated consoles, provides a solution for every venue.
8. MA Lighting GrandMA 2
The GrandMA2 is an industry-leading and powerful lighting controller for live shows. The advanced software and hardware features allow customization for any size show streamlining programming and playback. With integrated networking solutions you get fully synchronized multi-user environments as well as seamless backup solutions for virtually any scenario. Additionally GrandMA2 offers a free visualizer ensuring you can keep programming even when the lights are off, and if you need video in your show MA offers an integrated media server solution as well. Software is always free meaning you'll always be up to date with the latest features.
9. Mega Systems Enlighten
Enlighten is an easy-to-use lighting control software system that relies on a step-by step process to create looks and sequences. Looks can be programmed as buttons and grouped into faders, creating a visual and user-friendly method of lighting control. Mega Systems says Enlighten was designed so volunteers and beginner lighting operators can learn how to use the unit and create spectacular light shows. Enlighten software has four hardware options to meet the needs of churches including the Enlighten Dongle, Enlighten Splitter, Enlighten Wing or Enlighten One console.
10. Pathway Connectivity Cognito
The CognitoPC was designed to make programming of dimmers, moving lights and LEDs a breeze. Its Natural Language Control is intended to demystify the complexities of dealing with different color systems, color spaces, color temperatures and other advanced features like shutters, gobo indexing and rotation. It is built around the philosophy that there are only four things you do with your lights: select, control, record, and play, and its well organized assortment of tools help you get what you want quicker and allows you to concentrate on the worship service rather than the technology. CognitoPC works on Windows or Mac and supports all the standard Ethernet protocols.
11. Philips Strand Lighting Palette
The award-winning Palette lighting control consoles from Philips Strand Lighting offer your house of worship advanced theatrical control from a simple-to-use graphical interface that is easy to understand for both the amateur and professional alike. Ranging from the PalettePC to the Light Palette VL, the company has nine Palette console options so customers can find the exact amount of control needed to fit their budget. Clean, elegant and powerful, Strand says PaletteOS operating system offers intelligence and user-friendly operation to create nearly limitless designs.
