Now MagicQ supports a number of third party PC DMX interfaces and ChamSys also produce their own hardware for outputting both DMX and Ethernet protocols. So, with a USB dongle or ArtNet node, you can download the free software and get cracking. ChamSys obviously decided that, in order to break into market dominated by a few well established players, they had to get their system used by as many people as possible. When MagicQ PC hit the scene, it was one of the first free PC versions of a professional lighting controller that wasn’t just a simulator and didn’t require expensive hardware to output DMX. And, with the aid of a laptop and cheap DMX USB dongle, you can actually use MagicQ PC to run your shows. Many features are common to all MagicQ control products, including the free MagicQ PC software. The other MagicQ desks are no less “Pro” though. The MagicQ Pro range was shown at PLASA 2007 and is aimed at the top end, professional users with complex stage lighting systems. This distribution partnership should mean that the MagicQ will become used more widely. This month UK lighting control firm Cham Sys announced an affiliation with PRG Group to distribute the new MagicQ Pro series of lighting consoles in the US, Canada and Japan. What makes MagicQ PC so great and why is it worth learning? On Stage Lighting has always liked the ChamSys MagicQ and MagicQ PC, the free PC lighting control software, is the cheapest way to get your hands on a professional console.
