[ { "id": "7thsense-delta", "name": "7thSense Delta Media Server", "vendor": "7thSense", "category": "media-server", "status": "current", "summary": "High-frame-rate uncompressed playback server built for domes, planetariums, theme parks and large-format projection, where frame-accurate multi-channel playback matters more than live compositing.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "in", "note": "Art-Net control in.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC for show sync.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi-show-control", "direction": "in", "note": "MSC for show control integration.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "out", "note": "NDI output on suitably configured systems.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack server, configuration varies by channel count", "homepage": { "url": "https://7thsense.one/", "label": "7thSense" }, "gotchas": [ "Delta is a playback engine, not a live compositor. Content is prepared and ingested; last-minute creative changes are a content pipeline job, not a knob on the server.", "Uncompressed high-frame-rate playback is storage-bandwidth bound. The disk subsystem is part of the spec, so a \"same model\" spare with different storage may not sustain the same show." ], "tags": [ "media-server", "7thsense", "dome", "themed-entertainment" ], "sources": [ { "title": "7thSense", "url": "https://7thsense.one/", "publisher": "7thSense", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "alcorn-mcbride-binloop-hd", "name": "Alcorn McBride A/V Binloop HD", "vendor": "Alcorn McBride", "category": "show-controller", "status": "current", "summary": "Multi-channel synchronised video and audio player built for attractions: several outputs that stay frame-locked to each other and to a house clock, in a box designed to be switched on and left alone for years.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Timecode master or slave.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Frame reference.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "in", "note": "Control, depending on model.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount synchronised player", "rack_units": 3, "homepage": { "url": "https://alcorn.com/", "label": "Alcorn McBride" }, "gotchas": [ "Synchronised playback is the product. Mixing it with a general-purpose player elsewhere in the same show reintroduces exactly the drift it was bought to remove." ], "tags": [ "playback", "sync", "attraction", "alcorn-mcbride" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Alcorn McBride", "url": "https://alcorn.com/", "publisher": "Alcorn McBride", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "alcorn-mcbride-v16pro", "name": "Alcorn McBride V16Pro", "aka": [ "V16Pro-S", "V16 Pro" ], "vendor": "Alcorn McBride", "category": "show-controller", "summary": "Solid-state show controller for attractions, with sixteen serial ports, sixteen opto inputs, sixteen relay outputs and SMPTE timecode read and generate. Programmed in WinScript Live and superseded by the V16X.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "SMPTE LTC in and out on XLR, 600 ohm balanced, 1-4 V peak to peak. The V16Pro reads and generates; the V4Pro does not.", "confidence": "verified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "16x DB-9M serial, individually configurable RS-232C or RS-422", "2x RJ-45 10/100 Base-T Ethernet", "1x MIDI in (5-pin DIN female) and MIDI out", "SMPTE LTC in and out on XLR", "16x opto-isolated inputs", "16x relay outputs", "1x RS-232C programmer port and USB programmer connection" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack mount, 19 x 3.5 x 10.25 in, 9.5 lbs", "rack_units": 2, "status": "superseded", "homepage": { "url": "https://alcorn.com/products/v16pro-s/", "label": "V16Pro-S" }, "docs": { "url": "https://alcorn.com/library/manuals/man_v16pro.pdf", "label": "V Series Network Controllers user's guide" }, "gotchas": [ "Discontinued. Alcorn McBride lists the V16Pro-S as legacy and points new work at the V16X, so treat this as a maintenance and spares entry rather than a specification for a new install.", "The V4Pro shares the platform but drops to four serial ports and has no SMPTE generation. Do not substitute one for the other on a timecode-driven show.", "Sixteen serial ports means sixteen device-specific cables and pinouts. Confirm RS-232 versus RS-422 per port before the loom is made, because each port is configured individually.", "Relay outputs are dry contacts, not powered. Anything being switched needs its own supply and, where the load is inductive, its own protection." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "show-control", "attractions", "timecode", "legacy" ], "sources": [ { "title": "V16Pro-S product page", "url": "https://alcorn.com/products/v16pro-s/", "publisher": "Alcorn McBride", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "V16Pro-S specification cutsheet", "url": "https://alcorn.com/library/cutsheets/lit_v16pros.pdf", "publisher": "Alcorn McBride", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "V Series Network Controllers user's guide", "url": "https://alcorn.com/library/manuals/man_v16pro.pdf", "publisher": "Alcorn McBride", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "Alcorn McBride products index", "url": "https://alcorn.com/products/", "publisher": "Alcorn McBride", "accessed": "2026-08-16" } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-16" }, { "id": "allen-heath-avantis", "name": "Allen & Heath Avantis", "vendor": "Allen & Heath", "category": "audio-console", "status": "current", "summary": "Compact dLive-engine console at a price that put a serious processing platform into venues and rental stock that would not previously have carried one. Two full-size touchscreens and card-based I/O.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via option card.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "soundgrid", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via option card.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Clock.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Console", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.allen-heath.com/", "label": "Allen & Heath" }, "gotchas": [ "I/O is entirely a question of which cards are fitted and which stage boxes are on the loop. Confirm the whole system, not the surface." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "allen-heath" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Allen & Heath", "url": "https://www.allen-heath.com/", "publisher": "Allen & Heath", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "allen-heath-dlive-s7000", "name": "Allen & Heath dLive S7000", "vendor": "Allen & Heath", "category": "audio-console", "released": 2016, "status": "current", "summary": "Large dLive surface with 36 faders and a 15-inch touchscreen, driving a separate DM MixRack engine over gigaACE. Strong in theatre, houses of worship and mid-to-large touring.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via I/O card in the MixRack or surface.", "requires_licence": true, "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via I/O card.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes50", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via card, for compatibility with AES50 stage boxes.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Word clock in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI control and scene recall.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Native OSC over TCP, widely used with QLab and show control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC input for scene firing.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "gigaACE link to MixRack", "I/O card slots (Dante, MADI, Waves)", "Word clock", "MIDI", "Ethernet control" ], "form_factor": "Control surface plus separate DM MixRack", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.allen-heath.com/", "label": "Allen & Heath" }, "gotchas": [ "The surface is a control surface. All the audio lives in the MixRack, so the surface can be swapped or lost mid-show without dropping audio, which is a genuine operational advantage worth designing around.", "gigaACE runs on Cat5e and looks like Ethernet. It is not, and it must not be patched into a general network switch.", "dLive OSC is well documented and open, which makes it one of the easier large consoles to drive from QLab or a show controller." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "allen-heath", "dlive", "osc" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Allen & Heath", "url": "https://www.allen-heath.com/", "publisher": "Allen & Heath", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "allen-heath-sq-6", "name": "Allen & Heath SQ-6", "vendor": "Allen & Heath", "category": "audio-console", "released": 2018, "status": "current", "summary": "Compact 48-channel 96 kHz console with very low latency, 24 mic inputs and an expansion slot. The desk that covers small theatre, corporate and worship work where a dLive is oversized.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via optional SLink / option card.", "requires_licence": true, "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes50", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "SLink port supports AES50-compatible expanders.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via option card.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI over DIN and USB.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI/TCP control; OSC through third-party bridges.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "24x XLR in", "12x XLR out", "SLink port", "Option card slot", "MIDI in/out", "2x USB", "Ethernet" ], "form_factor": "Console, 25 faders", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.allen-heath.com/", "label": "Allen & Heath" }, "gotchas": [ "The 96 kHz architecture buys genuinely low latency, which matters for in-ear monitor work, and it halves some channel counts on option cards. Check the card spec at 96 kHz, not at 48.", "SLink carries several protocols depending on what is plugged in. The same socket talking to a different expander is a different protocol, so label the ends." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "allen-heath", "sq", "96khz" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Allen & Heath", "url": "https://www.allen-heath.com/", "publisher": "Allen & Heath", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "analog-way-alta-4k", "name": "Analog Way Alta 4K", "vendor": "Analog Way", "category": "video-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "Mid-range multi-screen presentation processor: several independent outputs, layers across them, and a preview-then-take workflow. The machine that stands between many sources and several surfaces at a conference or an awards show.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Reference input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Depending on option.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "smpte-st-2110", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Depending on option.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount presentation processor", "rack_units": 2, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.analogway.com/", "label": "Analog Way" }, "gotchas": [ "Layer count is shared across outputs. A specification that lists a total is not promising that total on one screen." ], "tags": [ "video", "processor", "presentation", "analog-way" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Analog Way", "url": "https://www.analogway.com/", "publisher": "Analog Way", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "analog-way-aquilon-rs4", "name": "Analog Way Aquilon RS4", "vendor": "Analog Way", "category": "video-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "4K/8K-capable presentation switcher and screen management system for large corporate and live events, with mixable layers, soft edge blending and redundant power.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sdi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "12G and 3G-SDI on the input and output cards.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Reference input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "in", "note": "Third-party control over the network API.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "Modular 4K input cards", "Modular output cards", "Genlock", "Redundant PSU", "Gigabit control" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack frame", "rack_units": 4, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.analogway.com/", "label": "Analog Way" }, "gotchas": [ "Layer budget depends on the input format. Running 4K sources consumes the machine's processing far faster than HD, so a layer count quoted in HD terms is misleading for a 4K show.", "Aquilon and Picturall are both Analog Way and do different jobs. Confirm which one a rider means before speccing." ], "tags": [ "video", "switcher", "analog-way", "4k" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Analog Way", "url": "https://www.analogway.com/", "publisher": "Analog Way", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "analog-way-picturall-mk2", "name": "Analog Way Picturall Mark II", "vendor": "Analog Way", "category": "media-server", "status": "current", "summary": "Linux-based media server range aimed at reliable multi-output playback and soft-edge blending, sold from compact single-output units up to large multi-output frames.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "in", "note": "Art-Net control input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "in", "note": "sACN control input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "in", "note": "NDI input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC sync.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "in", "note": "MIDI control.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack server, size varies by model", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.analogway.com/", "label": "Analog Way" }, "gotchas": [ "Picturall is a playback and blending server rather than a generative compositor. If the brief involves real-time 3D or notch blocks, this is the wrong tool.", "Analog Way also makes presentation switchers (Aquilon, Midra). \"An Analog Way\" on a rider is ambiguous between a server and a switcher." ], "tags": [ "media-server", "analog-way", "picturall", "blending" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Analog Way", "url": "https://www.analogway.com/", "publisher": "Analog Way", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "avid-venue-s6l-32d", "name": "Avid VENUE S6L-32D", "vendor": "Avid", "category": "audio-console", "released": 2016, "status": "current", "summary": "Modular VENUE system with a 32-fader control surface, separate E6L engine and Stage 64 I/O, notable for running Pro Tools and AAX plug-ins natively inside the live mix path.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via optional engine card.", "requires_licence": true, "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via optional card.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Through Dante in AES67 mode.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Word clock in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI for snapshot and external control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC for snapshot automation.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC control via Eucon and third-party apps.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "AVB link between surface, engine and stage rack", "Optional MADI / Dante engine cards", "Word clock", "MIDI", "Redundant PSU" ], "form_factor": "Control surface plus E6L engine and Stage 64 I/O", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.avid.com/", "label": "Avid" }, "gotchas": [ "The plug-in rack is the reason to choose it and the main thing to plan for: DSP is finite, and an engine that ran the show last tour may not run this one's plug-in list.", "Surface, engine and stage rack are linked over AVB on dedicated cabling. This is not a general show network and should not be shared with one.", "AAX plug-in licences travel on iLok, not with the desk. A show file that opens without its iLok is a show file with empty inserts." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "avid", "venue", "plugins" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Avid", "url": "https://www.avid.com/", "publisher": "Avid", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "avolites-ai-q3", "name": "Avolites Ai Q3", "vendor": "Avolites", "category": "media-server", "status": "current", "summary": "Avolites media server running Ai, with the Salvation patching engine underneath — which means the machine is programmable in a dataflow environment rather than only configurable, and is unusually comfortable being driven directly from a lighting console.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control and output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control and output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "citp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Thumbnails.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Video over IP.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "Timecode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount media server", "rack_units": 3, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.avolites.com/", "label": "Avolites" }, "gotchas": [ "Salvation makes deep customisation possible, which also makes an undocumented patch somebody built at 2am a real handover risk." ], "tags": [ "media-server", "video", "avolites", "ai" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Avolites Ai", "url": "https://www.avolites.com/", "publisher": "Avolites", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "avolites-arena", "name": "Avolites Arena", "vendor": "Avolites", "category": "lighting-console", "status": "current", "summary": "Mid-to-large Titan console with a built-in touchscreen and motorised faders, aimed at touring and festival work where the console has to be quick to take over on someone else's rig.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "out", "note": "Network output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "out", "note": "Network output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "out", "note": "Direct outputs.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "citp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Media server thumbnails and control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "Timecode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Notes and MSC.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Console", "runs_software": [ "avolites-titan" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://www.avolites.com/", "label": "Avolites" }, "gotchas": [ "Titan show files move across the Avolites range; check the software version on the console matches the one the show was built on before load-in." ], "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "avolites", "titan" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Avolites", "url": "https://www.avolites.com/", "publisher": "Avolites", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "avolites-diamond-9", "name": "Avolites Diamond 9", "vendor": "Avolites", "category": "lighting-console", "released": 2018, "status": "current", "summary": "Avolites flagship running Titan, sold in 5, 7 and 9 panel widths with dual redundant PSUs and hot-swappable fader modules. The desk Titan was rebuilt around after the Sapphire generation.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "sACN output, with priority per universe.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net output and input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Direct DMX out of the rear XLRs.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "RDM discovery and patch from Titan.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "citp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "CITP/MSEX for media server thumbnails in the pixel mapper.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC control in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI and MIDI timecode over DIN.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC input for timecoded cue lists.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi-show-control", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MSC in and out.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "DMX XLR5 outputs (count varies by panel width)", "2x etherCON Gigabit", "MIDI in/out", "LTC in", "USB", "DisplayPort for external screens" ], "form_factor": "Modular console, 5 / 7 / 9 panel widths", "runs_software": [ "avolites-titan" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://www.avolites.com/products/lighting-consoles/", "label": "Avolites lighting consoles" }, "gotchas": [ "Titan show files are forward-compatible but not backward-compatible. A file saved on a newer Titan version will not open on an older one, which bites when a spare desk in the shop has not been updated.", "Avolites separates the \"Fixture\" and \"Palette\" model in a way that differs from Eos and grandMA. Cue content stored in palettes updates globally, which is powerful and is also how a whole show accidentally changes colour.", "The panel width changes fader and wheel count, not capability. A show programmed on a D9-330 fits a D9-215 but with far fewer physical playbacks, so plan the playback layout for the smallest desk on the tour." ], "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "titan", "avolites" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Avolites lighting consoles", "url": "https://www.avolites.com/products/lighting-consoles/", "publisher": "Avolites", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "avolites-tiger-touch-3", "name": "Avolites Tiger Touch III", "vendor": "Avolites", "category": "lighting-console", "released": 2021, "status": "current", "summary": "Mid-size Titan console with a single large touchscreen, twenty motorised faders and integrated wing options. The desk most Avolites rental stock is built around.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "out", "note": "sACN output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net output and input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "out", "note": "Direct DMX from the rear XLR5 outputs.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "RDM from Titan.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "citp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "CITP/MSEX thumbnails from media servers.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI over DIN.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC timecode input.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "4x XLR5F DMX out", "2x etherCON Gigabit", "MIDI in/out", "LTC in", "USB", "DisplayPort" ], "form_factor": "Console with integrated 15-inch touchscreen", "runs_software": [ "avolites-titan" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://www.avolites.com/products/lighting-consoles/", "label": "Avolites lighting consoles" }, "gotchas": [ "Same Titan software as the Diamond 9, so the same forward-only show file rule applies.", "The onboard DMX outputs are a small fraction of the licensed universe count. Anything past the rear XLRs needs nodes on the network, which is a different failure mode to plan for." ], "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "titan", "avolites" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Avolites lighting consoles", "url": "https://www.avolites.com/products/lighting-consoles/", "publisher": "Avolites", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "barco-e2", "name": "Barco Event Master E2", "vendor": "Barco", "category": "video-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "Large-format presentation switcher and screen management system for corporate and arena work: multiple mixable layers across several outputs, with soft-edge blending and native backup pathways.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sdi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "3G-SDI inputs and outputs on the standard cards.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Genlock reference input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "in", "note": "Control via third-party systems over the network API.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "Modular input cards (SDI, HDMI, DisplayPort)", "Modular output cards", "Genlock in/loop", "Gigabit control" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack frame", "rack_units": 4, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.barco.com/", "label": "Barco" }, "gotchas": [ "E2 systems are configured as a whole show: inputs, backgrounds, layers and destinations. A \"spare E2\" is only a spare if the show file and the same card population go with it.", "Layer count is a resource shared across destinations, not a per-screen number. Adding a screen late can silently cost you layers on the main screen." ], "tags": [ "video", "switcher", "barco", "corporate" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Barco", "url": "https://www.barco.com/", "publisher": "Barco", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "beckhoff-cx5140", "name": "Beckhoff CX5140 Embedded PC", "vendor": "Beckhoff Automation", "category": "motion-control", "status": "current", "summary": "DIN-rail embedded PC running TwinCAT with EtherCAT terminals clipped directly onto it. The physical form the determinism argument takes: a hard real-time control task on reserved cores, with Windows and the rest of the world alongside it rather than in the way.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "ethercat", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Native fieldbus to drives and I/O.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "opc-ua", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Exposing state upward to show systems.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "modbus-tcp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Supplementary.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "profinet", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "With the relevant supplement.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "DIN-rail embedded PC", "runs_software": [ "twincat" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://www.beckhoff.com/", "label": "Beckhoff Automation" }, "gotchas": [ "Functional safety is TwinSAFE — a separate rated channel. It is not where control code goes, and it must remain valid when the control program is wrong.", "The show network may give an automation system timing. It must never give it permission." ], "tags": [ "plc", "automation", "ethercat", "beckhoff", "machinery" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Beckhoff", "url": "https://www.beckhoff.com/", "publisher": "Beckhoff Automation", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "behringer-x32", "name": "Behringer X32", "vendor": "Behringer", "category": "audio-console", "released": 2012, "status": "current", "summary": "32-channel digital console that reset the price of digital mixing, with 40 input channels, motorised faders, AES50 stage box support and a large ecosystem of remote-control apps. Ubiquitous in schools, clubs, houses of worship and small touring.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "aes50", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Two AES50 ports for S16 / S32 stage boxes.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via optional expansion card.", "requires_licence": true, "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via optional expansion card.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "in", "note": "Word clock input.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI in and out over DIN.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Undocumented-but-stable OSC protocol that a whole generation of third-party apps and QLab workflows is built on.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "32x XLR in", "16x XLR out", "2x AES50", "Expansion card slot", "MIDI in/out", "AES3 out", "USB", "Ethernet" ], "form_factor": "Console, 25 motorised faders", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.behringer.com/", "label": "Behringer" }, "gotchas": [ "The X32 OSC implementation is the reason it appears in so many show-control rigs, and it is not formally published by the vendor. Community documentation is what everyone actually uses, so treat behaviour as reported, not guaranteed.", "X32 and M32 are near-identical hardware with different preamps and branding. Show files largely interchange, which is convenient and occasionally surprising.", "AES50 needs shielded Cat5e and a direct run. The single most common X32 fault call is an unshielded cable to the stage box." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "behringer", "x32", "osc", "budget" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Behringer", "url": "https://www.behringer.com/", "publisher": "Behringer", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "biamp-tesira-forte", "name": "Biamp TesiraFORTÉ", "vendor": "Biamp", "category": "audio-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "Fixed-I/O networked DSP for meeting rooms, lecture theatres and small venues, with AEC variants for conferencing and Dante on most models. The box behind a very large share of corporate and hotel AV audio.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Dante on the network-equipped variants.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "AES67 mode on supported firmware.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "bacnet", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control integration with building systems.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "Analogue mic/line in", "Analogue out", "Dante etherCON", "Control Ethernet", "GPIO", "USB audio on some variants" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack DSP", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.biamp.com/", "label": "Biamp" }, "gotchas": [ "Acoustic echo cancellation is a model feature, not a setting. A non-AEC TesiraFORTE cannot be turned into a conferencing DSP in software.", "Tesira systems are designed and compiled in Tesira software and pushed to the device. Live tweaking is limited by design, which is deliberate for installs and frustrating in a rehearsal." ], "tags": [ "audio", "dsp", "biamp", "install", "conferencing" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Biamp", "url": "https://www.biamp.com/", "publisher": "Biamp", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "blackmagic-atem-4me-constellation-hd", "name": "Blackmagic ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD", "vendor": "Blackmagic Design", "category": "video-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "Four mix/effects live production switcher with forty SDI inputs, built-in multiview, chroma key and streaming. The switcher that made multi-M/E production affordable for small crews.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sdi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "3G-SDI in and out across all ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Blackburst / tri-level reference input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "out", "note": "NDI via separate Blackmagic conversion, not native.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "40x 3G-SDI in", "24x 3G-SDI out", "Reference in", "2x Ethernet", "USB-C webcam out", "Analogue audio in" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack switcher", "rack_units": 2, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/atem", "label": "Blackmagic ATEM" }, "gotchas": [ "ATEM control is a software panel or a hardware panel over IP; the switcher has almost no front-panel control of its own. Losing the control network means losing the ability to cut.", "ATEM Software Control version must match the switcher firmware. A laptop that has auto-updated will refuse to talk to a switcher that has not.", "The audio mixer inside is capable but easy to overlook, and an embedded-audio problem often turns out to be a Fairlight setting rather than a source." ], "tags": [ "video", "switcher", "blackmagic", "atem", "broadcast" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Blackmagic ATEM", "url": "https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/atem", "publisher": "Blackmagic Design", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "blackmagic-smart-videohub-40x40", "name": "Blackmagic Smart Videohub 40x40", "vendor": "Blackmagic Design", "category": "video-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "40 in, 40 out 12G-SDI routing matrix with a front-panel control and network control. The unglamorous box that decides which source reaches which destination on a large video rack.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sdi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "12G-SDI routing across all ports.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "40x 12G-SDI in", "40x 12G-SDI out", "Reference in", "Ethernet", "USB" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack router", "rack_units": 4, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/smartvideohub", "label": "Blackmagic Videohub" }, "gotchas": [ "Router labels are the whole usability story. An unlabelled Videohub in a dark rack at 2am is functionally a random number generator; export the label set with the show file.", "Routing changes are instant and global. A crosspoint changed to check a source will also change it for anyone else using that destination, including the record." ], "tags": [ "video", "router", "blackmagic", "sdi" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Blackmagic Videohub", "url": "https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/smartvideohub", "publisher": "Blackmagic Design", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "blacktrax-system", "name": "BlackTrax", "aka": [ "BlackTrax tracking system" ], "vendor": "CAST Group", "category": "tracking-system", "summary": "Infrared beacon tracking system of BTSensor cameras and a server that outputs live position data to lighting, audio and media systems. Used to make followspots, spatial audio and mapped video chase a performer automatically.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "rttrpm", "direction": "out", "note": "RTTrP is CAST's open real-time tracking protocol, with RTTrPM and RTTrPL variants for third-party systems.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "Ethernet between BTSensors and the BlackTrax server" ], "form_factor": "System of IP66-rated BTSensor cameras, IR beacons and a rack-mounted server", "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://cast-soft.com/blacktrax/", "label": "BlackTrax" }, "docs": { "url": "https://rttrp.github.io/RTTrP-Wiki/BlackTrax.html", "label": "Real-Time Tracking Protocol wiki" }, "gotchas": [ "Server tier sets the hard ceilings. BT-1 covers 900 m2 with 8 sensors and 20 unique IDs, BT-3 covers 1200 m2 with 12 sensors and 40 IDs, and BT-U goes to 54,000 m2 with 50+ sensors and 255 IDs. Adding beacons to an undersized server is not an option on the day.", "Every tracked object needs a beacon with a battery and a line of sight to enough sensors. Costume, scenery and crowd positions all block IR, so the sensor plot is a design job, not a rigging afterthought.", "The system delivers position data, nothing more. Every consumer of that data needs its own configuration to turn coordinates into a fixture position, a sound object or a mapped surface." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "tracking", "followspot", "rttrp", "spatial-audio" ], "sources": [ { "title": "BlackTrax — CAST Software", "url": "https://cast-soft.com/blacktrax/", "publisher": "CAST Group", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "Real-Time Tracking Protocol wiki — BlackTrax", "url": "https://rttrp.github.io/RTTrP-Wiki/BlackTrax.html", "publisher": "RTTrP project", "accessed": "2026-08-16" } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-16" }, { "id": "brainstorm-dxd-8", "name": "Brainstorm DXD-8 Distripalyzer", "vendor": "Brainstorm Electronics", "category": "timecode-generator", "status": "current", "summary": "Timecode distribution amplifier, analyser and generator in one: reads LTC, shows what it actually is, regenerates it clean, and feeds eight outputs. The diagnostic box for when timecode \"is not working\".", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Reads, analyses, regenerates and distributes LTC.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "mtc", "direction": "out", "note": "MIDI timecode output.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "LTC in (XLR)", "8x LTC out (XLR)", "MIDI out", "Video reference in" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack unit", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.brainstormtime.com/", "label": "Brainstorm Electronics" }, "gotchas": [ "Most \"timecode problems\" are level, frame rate or drop-frame mismatches rather than a dead cable. A box that displays the incoming rate and flags drop-frame settles the argument in seconds.", "Daisy-chaining timecode through device thru ports degrades it. A distribution amplifier that regenerates rather than buffers is the difference between eight good feeds and eight progressively worse ones." ], "tags": [ "timecode", "ltc", "distribution", "diagnostics", "brainstorm" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Brainstorm Electronics", "url": "https://www.brainstormtime.com/", "publisher": "Brainstorm Electronics", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "brompton-tessera-s8", "name": "Brompton Tessera S8", "vendor": "Brompton Technology", "category": "video-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "Brompton's mid-size LED processor, with the same feature set and calibration tools as the larger units at a lower pixel capacity. The tools — Dynamic Calibration, Frame Remapping, Extended Bit Depth — are why panels behave on camera.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Frame reference.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "smpte-st-2110", "direction": "in", "note": "IP video with the relevant option.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "in", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount LED processor", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.bromptontech.com/", "label": "Brompton Technology" }, "gotchas": [ "Calibration data lives with the panels. Moving a wall between processors without carrying the calibration loses the thing you bought the processor for." ], "tags": [ "led", "processor", "video", "brompton" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Brompton Technology", "url": "https://www.bromptontech.com/", "publisher": "Brompton Technology", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "brompton-tessera-sx40", "name": "Brompton Tessera SX40", "vendor": "Brompton Technology", "category": "video-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "4K LED processor and the de facto standard for high-end LED walls, especially virtual production. Drives up to four 10G outputs and carries Brompton features like Dynamic Calibration, ThermaCal and frame remapping.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "in", "note": "Art-Net control of processor parameters.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "sdi", "direction": "in", "note": "12G / quad 3G-SDI input depending on configuration.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "smpte-st-2110", "direction": "in", "note": "ST 2110 input on suitably licensed systems.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Genlock reference input for camera-synchronous operation.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "12G-SDI and quad 3G-SDI inputs", "HDMI 2.0 input", "4x 10G fibre outputs to Tessera receiver cards", "Genlock in/out", "Gigabit Ethernet control" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack processor", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.bromptontech.com/", "label": "Brompton Technology" }, "gotchas": [ "Brompton processors only drive panels fitted with Tessera receiver cards. A panel is \"Brompton compatible\" or it is not, and that is a hardware fact about the panel, not a setting.", "Frame rate, genlock and shutter angle are one problem on a camera shoot. The processor can be locked and still beat against a camera if the shutter is wrong, which reads as a processor fault and is not one.", "Dynamic Calibration and extended dynamic range features require calibration data loaded for the specific panel batch. Mixing calibrated and uncalibrated tiles in one wall shows up instantly on camera." ], "tags": [ "led", "processor", "brompton", "virtual-production" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Brompton Technology", "url": "https://www.bromptontech.com/", "publisher": "Brompton Technology", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "bss-blu-806", "name": "BSS Soundweb London BLU-806", "vendor": "BSS Audio", "category": "audio-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "Networked DSP with a configurable processing engine, BLU link digital audio bus and Dante, aimed at fixed installs: conference centres, stadiums, hotels and multi-zone venues.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Dante card fitted on the 806 variant.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via Dante AES67 mode.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "bacnet", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Integration with building management systems.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "BLU link ring", "2x Dante etherCON", "Analogue in/out cards", "Control ports", "GPIO" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack DSP", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://bssaudio.com/", "label": "BSS Audio" }, "gotchas": [ "BLU link and Dante are two separate digital audio networks in the same box. The BLU link ring is for BSS devices; Dante is for everything else, and they are bridged inside the DSP, not automatically.", "The whole configuration lives in a single Audio Architect file. There is no useful front panel: without the design file, an installed system is very hard to modify on site." ], "tags": [ "audio", "dsp", "bss", "install", "harman" ], "sources": [ { "title": "BSS Audio", "url": "https://bssaudio.com/", "publisher": "BSS Audio", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "chainmaster-d8-plus", "name": "ChainMaster D8 Plus chain hoist", "vendor": "ChainMaster", "category": "motion-control", "status": "current", "summary": "Electric chain hoist built to the D8 Plus classification: a second, independent brake so that a single brake failure does not drop the load. That permits a static load to be suspended above people — and does not permit it to be moved while they are there.", "physical_ports": [ "Power and control multipin", "Chain" ], "form_factor": "Electric chain hoist", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.chainmaster.de/", "label": "ChainMaster" }, "gotchas": [ "D8 Plus is about holding, not moving. Suspending a static load over people is permitted; moving it with people underneath is not.", "The classification is a property of the whole system — hoist, controller and the way it is rigged — not a sticker on the motor.", "Inspection intervals and the qualification of the person doing them are part of the classification, not an optional extra." ], "tags": [ "hoist", "rigging", "d8-plus", "machinery", "chainmaster" ], "sources": [ { "title": "ChainMaster", "url": "https://www.chainmaster.de/", "publisher": "ChainMaster", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "chamsys-magicq-mq80", "name": "ChamSys MagicQ MQ80", "vendor": "ChamSys", "category": "lighting-console", "status": "current", "summary": "Compact console running the full MagicQ software, with the same show files as the rest of the range. The usual argument for it is that the software is free on a laptop, so a designer can program anywhere and land on the console with a show that already works.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "out", "note": "Multiple universes over network.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "out", "note": "Multiple universes over network.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "out", "note": "Direct DMX outputs.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Through supported nodes and outputs.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "Timecode for playback.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "mtc", "direction": "in", "note": "MIDI timecode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Remote control and feedback.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Compact console", "homepage": { "url": "https://chamsyslighting.com/", "label": "ChamSys" }, "gotchas": [ "Universe counts on the physical outputs and over the network are different numbers. Check both against the rig before quoting.", "The free PC software is the same application, which makes offline programming genuinely equivalent — and makes it easy to build a show that outgrows the console it is going onto." ], "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "chamsys" ], "sources": [ { "title": "ChamSys", "url": "https://chamsyslighting.com/", "publisher": "ChamSys", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "chamsys-mq500m-stadium", "name": "ChamSys MagicQ MQ500M Stadium", "vendor": "ChamSys", "category": "lighting-console", "released": 2019, "status": "current", "summary": "Ten-universe-plus flagship MagicQ console with a 15.6 inch touchscreen, ten motorised faders and dual gigabit network. The Stadium variant adds redundant PSUs and the higher output licence count.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Output and input; sACN priority and merging handled in the console patch.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net 4 output, and input for remote or backup desks.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Direct DMX from the rear XLR5 ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Discovery and parameter setting from the console.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Two-way OSC for external control surfaces and show control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI notes and MSC over the DIN ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi-show-control", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MSC in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "Linear timecode input for timecoded playbacks.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "citp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "CITP/MSEX for media server thumbnails and visualiser feeds.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "4x XLR5F DMX out", "1x XLR5M DMX in", "2x etherCON Gigabit", "MIDI in/out/thru", "LTC in (XLR)", "2x USB", "DVI out" ], "form_factor": "Console, built-in 15.6-inch touchscreen", "rack_units": 0, "runs_software": [ "chamsys-magicq" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://secure.chamsys.co.uk/products/consoles", "label": "ChamSys consoles" }, "docs": { "url": "https://secure.chamsys.co.uk/help/", "label": "MagicQ documentation" }, "gotchas": [ "MagicQ output universes are licensed. The free PC version outputs a limited number of universes without a dongle or console, which is why a show file that runs on the desk may not output fully from a laptop.", "The Stadium designation is about redundancy and universe count, not a different feature set. Show files move between MagicQ consoles freely, but the patch may exceed a smaller desk's licensed output.", "MagicQ has both \"Execute\" and \"Playback\" windows and a deeply modal interface. A visiting operator who knows Eos or grandMA will need a briefing, not just a channel list." ], "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "magicq", "chamsys" ], "sources": [ { "title": "ChamSys consoles", "url": "https://secure.chamsys.co.uk/products/consoles", "publisher": "ChamSys", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true }, { "title": "MagicQ documentation", "url": "https://secure.chamsys.co.uk/help/", "publisher": "ChamSys", "accessed": "2026-08-26" } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "christie-pandoras-box", "name": "Christie Pandoras Box", "vendor": "Christie", "category": "media-server", "status": "current", "summary": "Long-running media server and show control platform, originally coolux, covering projection mapping, LED and multi-display playback with its own Widget Designer companion for control logic.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net in for console control, out from Widget Designer.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "sACN in for console control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC in and out, heavily used via Widget Designer.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "DMX via interfaces.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC timeline sync.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "NDI in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "in", "note": "PosiStageNet tracking input.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "citp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "CITP/MSEX thumbnails to consoles.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Rack server, plus Widget Designer software", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.christiedigital.com/", "label": "Christie" }, "gotchas": [ "Pandoras Box and Widget Designer are two products that are almost always deployed together. Ask which one a workflow depends on: the show logic often lives in Widget Designer, not in the server.", "The coolux heritage means a lot of field knowledge, forum threads and show files predate the Christie branding. Version numbers matter more than the badge on the box." ], "tags": [ "media-server", "pandoras-box", "christie", "coolux" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Christie", "url": "https://www.christiedigital.com/", "publisher": "Christie", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "cisco-catalyst-9200", "name": "Cisco Catalyst 9200 Series", "vendor": "Cisco", "category": "network-switch", "status": "current", "summary": "Enterprise access switch commonly specified for permanent show networks in venues, where the IT department owns the estate and wants a switch their tooling already manages.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported. IGMP snooping and querier configuration are what make sACN behave here.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported. Art-Net broadcast on older nodes is what floods a badly configured VLAN.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported. Requires QoS DSCP trust and correct queue mapping.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported, with the same QoS requirements as Dante.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ptp-1588", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transparent or boundary clock support varies sharply by model and licence.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "snmp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "SNMP agent and traps, the usual way a venue monitors its switches.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "24 or 48 Gigabit access ports", "Uplink module (1G/10G/25G SFP)", "PoE+ / PoE++ on PoE models", "Console port" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack switch", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.cisco.com/", "label": "Cisco" }, "gotchas": [ "Out of the box this is not a media switch. Multicast will flood without an IGMP querier somewhere on the VLAN, and audio will glitch without DSCP trust configured on the access ports.", "The IT department owns it. Getting a VLAN, a querier and QoS configured for a show is a scheduling problem weeks ahead, not something to raise at load-in.", "Energy-efficient Ethernet and some power-saving features interact badly with PTP and low-latency audio. Turn them off on media ports." ], "tags": [ "networking", "switch", "cisco", "install", "igmp" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Cisco", "url": "https://www.cisco.com/", "publisher": "Cisco", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "cisco-catalyst-9300", "name": "Cisco Catalyst 9300", "vendor": "Cisco", "category": "network-switch", "status": "current", "summary": "Enterprise stackable switch that turns up as venue and broadcast infrastructure rather than as touring kit. Powerful, well supported, and configured in a language that assumes a network engineer — which is why an entertainment-focused switch is often the better answer on a truck.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "ptp-1588", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Depending on licence and configuration.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "snmp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Monitoring.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported when configured correctly.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported; IGMP snooping and a querier must be configured.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount stackable switch", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.cisco.com/", "label": "Cisco" }, "gotchas": [ "IGMP snooping without a querier is worse than no snooping. On a venue switch this is the single most common cause of a lighting network that dies when audio is added.", "Feature availability is licensed. Confirm the licence tier before designing around PTP or advanced QoS." ], "tags": [ "networking", "switch", "cisco", "enterprise" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Cisco Catalyst 9300", "url": "https://www.cisco.com/", "publisher": "Cisco", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "city-theatrical-multiverse", "name": "City Theatrical Multiverse Transmitter", "vendor": "City Theatrical", "category": "wireless-dmx", "status": "current", "summary": "Wireless DMX transmitter that carries multiple universes on one radio and can operate in the 900 MHz band as well as 2.4 GHz — which matters at a festival where 2.4 GHz is already full of everything else.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "in", "note": "Network input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "in", "note": "Network input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Wired input and output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Wireless RDM.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Wireless DMX transmitter", "homepage": { "url": "https://citytheatrical.com/", "label": "City Theatrical" }, "gotchas": [ "Band availability is a regulatory question and differs by country. Confirm the 900 MHz band is legal where the show is before specifying it.", "Wireless DMX systems from different manufacturers do not interoperate. The transmitter and the receivers have to be the same family." ], "tags": [ "wireless", "dmx", "rdm", "city-theatrical" ], "sources": [ { "title": "City Theatrical", "url": "https://citytheatrical.com/", "publisher": "City Theatrical", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "clear-com-freespeak-ii", "name": "Clear-Com FreeSpeak II", "vendor": "Clear-Com", "category": "io-interface", "status": "current", "summary": "Wireless intercom system built on DECT in the 1.9 GHz band, with beltpacks roaming between distributed antennas. The 1.9 GHz choice is the point: it is not competing with the venue's Wi-Fi, which is why DECT displaced 2.4 GHz systems on show sites.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dect", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "The radio link to the beltpacks.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Networked audio to the base station, depending on configuration.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Where enabled.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "Antenna transceiver connections", "Partyline and 4-wire interfaces", "Ethernet" ], "form_factor": "Base station, antennas and beltpacks", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.clearcom.com/", "label": "Clear-Com" }, "gotchas": [ "Antenna coverage is a survey problem, and handover between antennas is where a system shows whether it was designed or hoped.", "Band allocation for DECT differs by region, so packs are not always portable between countries.", "Every wireless hop adds latency the wired partyline did not have." ], "tags": [ "intercom", "comms", "wireless", "dect", "clear-com" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Clear-Com", "url": "https://www.clearcom.com/", "publisher": "Clear-Com", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "crestron-cp4n", "name": "Crestron CP4N Control System", "vendor": "Crestron", "category": "show-controller", "status": "current", "summary": "Building and AV control processor: the box behind the touch panel in a boardroom, a lecture theatre or a venue's front of house. Where a show controller thinks in cues and timecode, this thinks in rooms, sources and schedules.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Through modules.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Through modules.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "bacnet", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Building systems integration.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "snmp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Monitoring.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "visca-over-ip", "direction": "out", "note": "Camera control.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount control processor", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.crestron.com/", "label": "Crestron" }, "gotchas": [ "Programming it is a specialism with its own toolchain and certification. Budget for the programmer, not just the processor.", "It is often the boundary between production systems and the building. Agree who owns that boundary before commissioning." ], "tags": [ "av-control", "installation", "crestron", "building" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Crestron", "url": "https://www.crestron.com/", "publisher": "Crestron", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "dataton-watchpax-60", "name": "Dataton WATCHPAX 60", "vendor": "Dataton", "category": "media-server", "status": "current", "summary": "Small, silent, solid-state display server for WATCHOUT. Designed for installations where a machine has to sit in a ceiling void or a plinth and start reliably every morning for years.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "Timecode for synchronised playback.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "in", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Compact solid-state server", "runs_software": [ "watchout" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://www.dataton.com/", "label": "Dataton" }, "gotchas": [ "A WATCHOUT system is a cluster: production computer plus display computers on one network. Sizing one box tells you very little about the system you actually need." ], "tags": [ "media-server", "installation", "watchout", "dataton" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Dataton", "url": "https://www.dataton.com/", "publisher": "Dataton", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "db-40d", "name": "d&b audiotechnik 40D installation amplifier", "vendor": "d&b audiotechnik", "category": "amplifier", "status": "current", "summary": "Four-channel installation amplifier with the same DSP and loudspeaker library as the touring range, in a form intended to be racked once and left. Networked control and monitoring are the reason it belongs in an install rather than a plain power amp.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Digital audio input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Where enabled.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "aes70-oca", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control and monitoring.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount four-channel amplifier", "rack_units": 2, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.dbaudio.com/", "label": "d&b audiotechnik" }, "gotchas": [ "The loudspeaker setup selected in the amplifier is part of the system design, not a preference. Changing it changes the protection and the response." ], "tags": [ "audio", "amplifier", "install", "d&b" ], "sources": [ { "title": "d&b audiotechnik", "url": "https://www.dbaudio.com/", "publisher": "d&b audiotechnik", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "db-d80", "name": "d&b audiotechnik D80", "vendor": "d&b audiotechnik", "category": "amplifier", "summary": "Four-channel touring amplifier with the d&b loudspeaker preset library and array processing on board: the standard drive unit behind GSL, KSL and V-Series rigs, remote-managed from R1.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "aes70-oca", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "R1 remote control speaks OCA (AES70) to the amplifier over Ethernet.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "4x amplified outputs (EP5/NL4 variants)", "4x analog and 2x AES3 inputs", "2x etherCON remote network (OCA)" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack mount", "rack_units": 2, "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.dbaudio.com/global/en/products/electronics/amplifiers/d80/", "label": "D80 product page" }, "gotchas": [ "The D80 itself takes analog or AES3 audio: networked audio into a d&b rig arrives through a DS10 or DS20 Dante bridge in front of the amps, so the Dante domain ends at the bridge, not at the amplifier." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "audio", "amplifier", "pa", "oca" ], "sources": [ { "title": "D80 product page", "url": "https://www.dbaudio.com/global/en/products/electronics/amplifiers/d80/", "publisher": "d&b audiotechnik", "accessed": "2026-08-22", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-22" }, { "id": "db-ds100", "name": "d&b audiotechnik DS100 Signal Engine", "vendor": "d&b audiotechnik", "category": "audio-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "64x64 matrix processor and the engine behind d&b Soundscape. Takes positional data for sources and renders them across a loudspeaker system, which is why it turns up wherever object-based audio and performer tracking meet.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "64 in / 64 out over Dante.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "AES67 mode.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC is the control surface for object positions, used by tracking systems and show control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rttrpm", "direction": "in", "note": "Positional data from BlackTrax and other RTTrPM sources, usually via a bridge.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "in", "note": "PosiStageNet positions, usually via a bridge.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "2x etherCON Dante (primary/secondary)", "Ethernet control", "Redundant PSU" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack processor", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.dbaudio.com/", "label": "d&b audiotechnik" }, "gotchas": [ "Soundscape is an approach, not a plug-in. The DS100 renders objects across a specific speaker layout that has to be designed for it, so retrofitting Soundscape onto an existing left-right PA does not work.", "Object positions arrive by OSC. Whatever generates them - a tracking system, a console plug-in, a show controller - is a live dependency of the audio, which is a different reliability conversation than a normal matrix." ], "tags": [ "audio", "processor", "soundscape", "object-audio", "tracking" ], "sources": [ { "title": "d&b audiotechnik", "url": "https://www.dbaudio.com/", "publisher": "d&b audiotechnik", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "digico-quantum-338", "name": "DiGiCo Quantum 338", "vendor": "DiGiCo", "category": "audio-console", "released": 2020, "status": "current", "summary": "FPGA-based touring console with 122 input channels, 3 x 17-inch touchscreens and Quantum processing including Mustard and Spice Rack channel strips. The desk a very large share of international touring riders name.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Native MADI on the rear, the DiGiCo optical and coax stage-rack backbone.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via optional DMI card.", "requires_licence": true, "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via DMI Dante card in AES67 mode.", "requires_licence": true, "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Word clock in and out for the digital rack.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI for snapshot triggering and external control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC control of the desk.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC for snapshot firing against timecode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "mtc", "direction": "in", "note": "MIDI timecode in.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "Optical and coax MADI", "2x DMI card slots", "Word clock in/out", "MIDI in/out", "LTC in", "Redundant PSU", "Gigabit control" ], "form_factor": "Touring console, 3 x 17-inch touchscreens", "homepage": { "url": "https://digico.biz/", "label": "DiGiCo" }, "gotchas": [ "Channel count is not fixed: it depends on how the FPGA resources are allocated between channels, buses and processing. A session that opens is not proof it will run at the sample rate you want.", "DMI slots are the entire connectivity story beyond MADI. A Dante rider on a Quantum needs a DMI Dante card physically fitted, and rental stock is not consistently populated.", "Session files are version-locked to console software. Carry the exact version, or a session from the previous city may not load." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "digico", "touring" ], "sources": [ { "title": "DiGiCo", "url": "https://digico.biz/", "publisher": "DiGiCo", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "digico-sd12", "name": "DiGiCo SD12", "vendor": "DiGiCo", "category": "audio-console", "status": "current", "summary": "Compact SD-range console that has become a rental-stock standard: enough channels for most touring work in a frame two people can carry, on the same show-file ecosystem as the larger desks.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Optical and coaxial MADI.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via optional card.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes50", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Depending on fitted option.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Clock in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via the external control protocol.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Console", "homepage": { "url": "https://digico.biz/", "label": "DiGiCo" }, "gotchas": [ "I/O capability is a function of the fitted option cards and the racks, not of the surface. Two identical-looking SD12s can be very different systems.", "Agree the clock master before the first line check. A console and a stage rack disagreeing about clock is the most common cause of intermittent digital noise." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "digico" ], "sources": [ { "title": "DiGiCo", "url": "https://digico.biz/", "publisher": "DiGiCo", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "directout-prodigy-mp", "name": "DirectOut PRODIGY.MP", "vendor": "DirectOut", "category": "io-interface", "status": "current", "summary": "Modular audio processing and format-conversion platform: the box that sits between networks and formats that do not otherwise talk, with redundancy and monitoring designed in rather than bolted on.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Core format.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via module.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ravenna", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via module.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via module.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "soundgrid", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via module.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Clock.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ptp-1588", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "For AES67 and RAVENNA.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount modular converter", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.directout.eu/", "label": "DirectOut" }, "gotchas": [ "A converter in the middle of a system becomes the clock question. Decide what is master before adding it, not after." ], "tags": [ "audio", "conversion", "madi", "dante", "ravenna" ], "sources": [ { "title": "DirectOut", "url": "https://www.directout.eu/", "publisher": "DirectOut", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "disguise-gx-3", "name": "disguise gx 3", "aka": [ "GX 3" ], "vendor": "disguise", "category": "media-server", "summary": "4U media server from disguise built for real-time generative and notch-heavy content, with 96 GB of RAM, VFC-based 4K outputs and 100 Gb networking. Runs disguise Designer on Windows 11 Enterprise.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via Designer's DMX device drivers.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via Designer's DMX device drivers.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "Via Designer's timecode sources.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "mtc", "direction": "in", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi-show-control", "direction": "bidirectional", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "in", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rttrpm", "direction": "in", "note": "BlackTrax position data.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "3x 4K video out via VFC cards", "1x DisplayPort 1.4", "3x 12G HD-BNC video in, or 12x 3G HD-BNC", "1x 1Gb Ethernet", "2x 10Gb Ethernet", "2x 100Gb QSFP28", "1x management Ethernet", "1x BNC genlock" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack mount server", "rack_units": 4, "status": "current", "runs_software": [ "disguise-designer" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://www.disguise.one/en/products/gx-3", "label": "disguise GX 3" }, "docs": { "url": "https://help.disguise.one/hardware/gx-range/gx3/gx3-specs", "label": "GX 3 specification" }, "gotchas": [ "Video output count depends on which VFC cards are fitted. The chassis specification alone does not tell you how many outputs a specific unit has, so confirm the fitted cards before you commit a screen layout.", "Running a show on disguise server hardware needs a Pro licence on the server or on an editing machine in the session. A free Starter instance cannot join.", "4U and mains-hungry. Budget rack space, cooling and power for it as a workstation, not as a playback appliance." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "media-server", "disguise", "xr", "generative" ], "sources": [ { "title": "GX 3 Specification", "url": "https://help.disguise.one/hardware/gx-range/gx3/gx3-specs", "publisher": "disguise", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "GX 3 product page", "url": "https://www.disguise.one/en/products/gx-3", "publisher": "disguise", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "Designer Licensing FAQs", "url": "https://www.disguise.one/en/designer-licensing-faqs", "publisher": "disguise", "accessed": "2026-08-16" } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-16" }, { "id": "disguise-vx-4", "name": "disguise vx 4", "vendor": "disguise", "category": "media-server", "summary": "Flagship-generation disguise playback server: four 4K60 outputs driven by the Designer software, built for tours and broadcast where the pre-vis file and the show file are the same thing.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "NDI capture and output are part of the Designer feature set.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC control of Designer cues and parameters.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "in", "note": "PosiStageNet tracking input for automation-following content.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "DMX-over-Ethernet in and out of Designer for lighting integration.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC timecode input for show sync.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Reference input for output phase lock.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "4x DisplayPort 1.2 (VFC-backed outputs)", "2x 25GbE SFP28 media network", "1GbE management", "LTC in, genlock reference in" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack mount", "rack_units": 4, "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.disguise.one/en/products/vx-range", "label": "disguise vx range" }, "docs": { "url": "https://help.disguise.one/hardware/legacy/vx4/vx4-specs", "label": "vx 4 specifications" }, "gotchas": [ "Outputs go through VFC cards, so the connector on the back is whatever VFC is fitted, and a spare server is only a spare if its VFC loadout matches." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "media-server", "video" ], "sources": [ { "title": "vx 4 specifications", "url": "https://help.disguise.one/hardware/legacy/vx4/vx4-specs", "publisher": "disguise", "accessed": "2026-08-22", "primary": true }, { "title": "disguise vx range", "url": "https://www.disguise.one/en/products/vx-range", "publisher": "disguise", "accessed": "2026-08-22", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-22" }, { "id": "elc-dmxlan-node8", "name": "ELC dmXLAN node8", "vendor": "ELC Lighting", "category": "dmx-node", "status": "current", "summary": "Eight-port ethernet-to-DMX node with per-port configuration and merging, long established in touring racks. Configured through ELC's own tooling, which is worth having on the show laptop before load-in rather than after.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Per port.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Per port.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Eight ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Depending on model and firmware.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "8x DMX (XLR5)", "Ethernet" ], "form_factor": "Rackmount node", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.elclighting.com/", "label": "ELC Lighting" }, "gotchas": [ "Merging behaviour is per port and is exactly the setting that causes a \"console has no output\" call. Check it before re-patching anything." ], "tags": [ "dmx", "node", "gateway", "elc" ], "sources": [ { "title": "ELC Lighting", "url": "https://www.elclighting.com/", "publisher": "ELC Lighting", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "enttec-din-ethergate-mk2", "name": "ENTTEC DIN Ethergate MK2", "vendor": "ENTTEC", "category": "dmx-node", "status": "current", "summary": "DIN-rail ethernet-to-DMX gateway for installed work, where the node belongs in a distribution board rather than in a rack. Two universes, configured over a web interface.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Both ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Both ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Two universes.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Depending on firmware.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "2x DMX (terminals)", "Ethernet" ], "form_factor": "DIN rail module", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.enttec.com/", "label": "ENTTEC" }, "gotchas": [ "DIN-rail devices end up behind locked panels. Record the IP address somewhere that is not only on the device." ], "tags": [ "dmx", "node", "din-rail", "install", "enttec" ], "sources": [ { "title": "ENTTEC", "url": "https://www.enttec.com/", "publisher": "ENTTEC", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "enttec-dmx-usb-pro", "name": "ENTTEC DMX USB Pro", "aka": [ "70304" ], "vendor": "ENTTEC", "category": "io-interface", "status": "current", "summary": "Single-universe USB interface for sending or receiving DMX512 from a computer, with buffered timing handled by the device and optional RDM firmware.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "One 512-channel universe; the linked input and output ports are used in one direction at a time.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Requires the DMX/RDM firmware; ENTTEC also supplies separate DMX-only firmware.", "confidence": "verified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "1x USB Type-B", "1x XLR5F DMX output", "1x XLR5M DMX input" ], "form_factor": "Compact USB interface, 112 x 73 x 45 mm, 0.25 kg", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.enttec.com/product/dmx-usb-interfaces/dmx-usb-pro-professional-1u-usb-to-dmx512-converter/", "label": "DMX USB Pro" }, "docs": { "url": "https://cdn.enttec.com/pdf/assets/70304/70304_DMX_USB_PRO_USER_MANUAL.pdf", "label": "DMX USB Pro user manual" }, "gotchas": [ "Only one application can use an ENTTEC USB DMX interface at a time. Close EMU and other lighting software before trying to connect from the show application.", "The DMX input and output connectors share the same internal DMX port. Treat the unit as input or output, because simultaneous use can degrade the stream and flicker.", "ENTTEC offers DMX-only and DMX/RDM firmware. Some software only connects with the DMX-only image, while enabling RDM can upset older fixtures that do not support it." ], "confidence": "verified", "tags": [ "dmx", "rdm", "usb", "interface", "enttec" ], "sources": [ { "title": "DMX USB Pro product page", "url": "https://www.enttec.com/product/dmx-usb-interfaces/dmx-usb-pro-professional-1u-usb-to-dmx512-converter/", "publisher": "ENTTEC", "accessed": "2026-09-10", "primary": true }, { "title": "DMX USB Pro user manual", "url": "https://cdn.enttec.com/pdf/assets/70304/70304_DMX_USB_PRO_USER_MANUAL.pdf", "publisher": "ENTTEC", "accessed": "2026-09-10", "primary": true }, { "title": "USB to DMX interfaces: input and output", "url": "https://support.enttec.com/dmx/usbdmx/usbdmx-input-output", "publisher": "ENTTEC", "accessed": "2026-09-10", "primary": true }, { "title": "DMX USB Pro: RDM", "url": "https://support.enttec.com/dmx/usbdmx-dmx-usb-pro-70304/dmx-usb-pro-rdm", "publisher": "ENTTEC", "accessed": "2026-09-10", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [ "iibaranov-IG" ], "updated": "2026-09-10" }, { "id": "enttec-ode-mk3", "name": "ENTTEC ODE Mk3", "aka": [ "Open DMX Ethernet Mk3", "ODE MK3", "70407" ], "vendor": "ENTTEC", "category": "dmx-node", "summary": "Two-universe DMX and RDM gateway powered over Ethernet and configured from a web browser. The small cheap node people hang above a truss position and forget about.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Includes Art-RDM.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "USITT DMX512-A on two 5-pin XLR ports, each settable as input or output.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "ANSI E1.20 RDM.", "confidence": "verified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "2x XLR5F bidirectional DMX512-A / RDM", "1x RJ45 Ethernet 10/100 with PoE (IEEE 802.3af)", "1x DC 12-24 V input" ], "form_factor": "Compact ABS-bodied node, 129 x 58 x 40 mm, 0.10 kg, IP20", "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.enttec.com/product/dmx-ethernet/ode-mk3-dmx-ethernet-converter/", "label": "ODE MK3" }, "docs": { "url": "https://cdn.enttec.com/pdf/assets/70407/70407_ODE_MK3_USER_MANUAL.pdf", "label": "ODE MK3 user manual" }, "gotchas": [ "IP20. This is an indoor, dry-location device. Outdoor and wet-location positions need it in an enclosure.", "Both XLR ports are female and each can be configured as an input or an output in the web interface. A port set the wrong way looks physically correct and passes nothing.", "Powered either by 802.3af PoE or by a 12-24 V DC supply. A non-PoE switch means a local power supply and another thing to lose in the pack.", "Configuration lives on the device and is reached over the network. Note the IP addressing scheme before it goes up in the air." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "dmx", "node", "gateway", "poe" ], "sources": [ { "title": "ODE MK3 (70407) datasheet", "url": "https://cdn.enttec.com/pdf/assets/70407/70407_ODE_MK3_DATASHEET.pdf", "publisher": "ENTTEC", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "ODE MK3 product page", "url": "https://www.enttec.com/product/dmx-ethernet/ode-mk3-dmx-ethernet-converter/", "publisher": "ENTTEC", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "ODE MK3 user manual", "url": "https://cdn.enttec.com/pdf/assets/70407/70407_ODE_MK3_USER_MANUAL.pdf", "publisher": "ENTTEC", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-16" }, { "id": "eos-apex-5", "name": "Eos Apex 5", "aka": [ "Apex 5" ], "vendor": "ETC", "category": "lighting-console", "summary": "The smallest console in ETC's Eos Apex range, with 24,576 outputs, five motorised faders and a single 23.8-inch 4K touchscreen. All output leaves over the network because the desk carries no DMX ports.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "The primary output protocol for Eos, and also usable as a show control input.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Carries DMX and RDM data and coexists with sACN on the same network.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "RDM data is carried over Art-Net and over ETC Net3.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Over UDP or TCP. Needs no gateway.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "midi-show-control", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Available on the console's own MIDI ports or through a Gateway.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "mtc", "direction": "in", "note": "Receive only, from local MIDI or a Gateway.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "SMPTE timecode is receive only and needs a Response show control gateway.", "confidence": "verified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "4x etherCON Gigabit Ethernet, individually configurable, PoE++ (802.3bt)", "2x 10-Gigabit SFP+, individually configurable", "MIDI In and Out", "8x USB-A, 6x USB-C, plus 2x 5V 2A charging ports" ], "form_factor": "Console with one articulating 23.8-inch 4K touchscreen", "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/Apex/", "label": "Eos Apex" }, "gotchas": [ "There are no DMX ports on the console. Local DMX needs an I/O Garage with Gadget II modules, so a job that expects five-pin out of the desk needs extra kit ordered.", "SMPTE and analogue inputs are receive-only and generally need a Response gateway. Only MIDI and OSC are available directly from the console.", "Eos software v3.2.0 and later dropped ETCNet2. An older Net2 node in a house rig will not be picked up by a current Apex.", "Apex 5, 10 and 20 differ in fader count and screens, not in output capacity. Specify by playback layout, not by channel count." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "eos", "theatre" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Eos Apex Tech Specs", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Consoles/Eos-Consoles/Apex/Tech-Specs.aspx", "publisher": "ETC", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "Eos Family online help — Control Protocols", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/WebDocs/Controls/EosFamilyOnlineHelp/en/Content/03_Eos_System_Requirements_and_Setup/Eos_Networking_Overview/Network_Protocols/Control_Protocols.htm", "publisher": "ETC", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "Eos Family online help — About Eos Family Show Control", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/WebDocs/Controls/EosFamilyOnlineHelp/en/Content/23_Show_Control/About_Eos_Show_Control.htm", "publisher": "ETC", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-16" }, { "id": "etc-eos-apex-10", "name": "ETC Eos Apex 10", "vendor": "ETC", "category": "lighting-console", "status": "current", "summary": "The larger Apex: the same Eos software family as every other ETC console, with more faders, more screens and the motorised encoder layout the range introduced. Show files move across the whole family, which is the reason theatres standardise on it.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Primary network output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Network output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "etcnet3", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "ETC networking.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "out", "note": "Direct outputs.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Through Net3 gateways.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "Timecode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi-show-control", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MSC.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Remote control and feedback.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Console", "runs_software": [ "eos-family" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/", "label": "ETC" }, "gotchas": [ "Output count is licensed. A console with the ports is not necessarily a console with the outputs.", "Show files move down the family as well as up, but features used on a larger desk may have nowhere to live on a smaller one." ], "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "etc", "eos" ], "sources": [ { "title": "ETC", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/", "publisher": "ETC", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "etc-ion-xe-20", "name": "ETC Ion Xe 20", "vendor": "ETC", "category": "lighting-console", "released": 2017, "status": "current", "summary": "Compact Eos-family console with twenty motorised faders and a single external monitor, running the same Eos software as an Apex. The workhorse of regional theatre and mid-size touring.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "sACN output, the Eos default.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "etcnet3", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "ETCNet3 for ETC gateways, Net3 and Sensor racks.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "out", "note": "Local DMX out via the rear ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "RDM through Net3 gateways.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC in and out, widely used with QLab.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI notes and MSC.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi-show-control", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MSC in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC timecode in.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "mtc", "direction": "in", "note": "MIDI timecode in.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "2x XLR5F DMX / RDM", "2x etherCON", "MIDI in/out", "LTC in", "USB", "DisplayPort" ], "form_factor": "Console, 20 motorised faders", "runs_software": [ "eos-family" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Consoles/", "label": "ETC consoles" }, "gotchas": [ "Eos show files move between every console in the family, but output capacity does not. An Ion Xe is licensed to a lower parameter count than an Apex, so a file that plays back on the big desk may exceed it.", "Eos speaks sACN, Art-Net and ETCNet3 at once and will happily output all three. Two consoles quietly outputting the same universe on different protocols is a merge problem that looks like a fixture fault." ], "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "eos", "etc" ], "sources": [ { "title": "ETC consoles", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Consoles/", "publisher": "ETC", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "etc-response-mk2-gateway", "name": "ETC Response Mk2 DMX/RDM Gateway", "vendor": "ETC", "category": "dmx-node", "status": "current", "summary": "One, two, four or eight port DMX/RDM gateway for Net3 systems, configured from the console or from Concert. The standard way an Eos rig reaches copper DMX in an installed venue.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "sACN in, DMX out, and DMX in to sACN.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net supported alongside sACN.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "etcnet3", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Net3 device discovery and configuration.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "DMX out and in on the physical ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "RDM proxy for discovery and configuration from the console.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "1-8x XLR5F DMX/RDM", "1x etherCON or RJ45", "PoE on supported models" ], "form_factor": "Wall, rack or portable variants", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/", "label": "ETC" }, "gotchas": [ "A gateway set to output and a console outputting the same universe over a second protocol is the classic double-drive fault. Decide sACN or Art-Net per universe and stick to it.", "RDM through a gateway only works if every device in that DMX chain passes RDM. One non-RDM splitter in the line makes everything past it invisible.", "Gateways hold configuration locally. A swapped spare comes up in its previous show's configuration unless it was reset, which is worse than a factory default because it looks configured." ], "tags": [ "dmx", "node", "gateway", "etc", "rdm" ], "sources": [ { "title": "ETC", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/", "publisher": "ETC", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "etc-sensor3-rack", "name": "ETC Sensor3 Dimmer Rack", "vendor": "ETC", "category": "dimmer-distro", "status": "current", "summary": "Installed dimmer and constant-power rack with per-module electronics, network feedback and the CEM3 control module that reports load, breaker state and rack temperature back to the console.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "in", "note": "sACN input from the console.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "in", "note": "Art-Net input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "etcnet3", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Net3 for control, feedback and configuration.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "in", "note": "DMX input as a backup or primary path.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "RDM for module reporting on supported configurations.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "DMX in (XLR5)", "2x Ethernet", "Dimmer / relay / constant-power modules", "Feeder lugs" ], "form_factor": "Floor-standing dimmer rack", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/", "label": "ETC" }, "gotchas": [ "A dimmer module and a constant-power (ThruPower or relay) module are physically interchangeable and electrically very different. Putting an LED fixture on a dimmer module is how expensive things get damaged.", "CEM3 feedback only reaches the console if the rack is on the control network. Many installs wire DMX only, and then nobody sees the breaker trip.", "Rack load and feeder size are a building electrical matter. Adding a moving-light rig to a house dimmer rack is a load calculation, not a patching exercise." ], "tags": [ "dimmer", "power", "etc", "install", "sensor3" ], "sources": [ { "title": "ETC", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/", "publisher": "ETC", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "etc-thrupower-rack", "name": "ETC ThruPower Rack", "vendor": "ETC", "category": "dimmer-distro", "status": "current", "summary": "Rack whose modules can be configured per circuit as dimmed, switched relay or constant power, so a venue can move between tungsten and LED without rewiring. The answer to a building that has both and will have both for years.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "in", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "in", "note": "Network control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "in", "note": "Network control.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Configuration and feedback.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "etcnet3", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "ETC networking.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Floor-standing dimmer and power rack", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/", "label": "ETC" }, "gotchas": [ "A circuit set to constant power will happily deliver mains to a fixture somebody expected to be dark. Label the configuration at the socket, not only in the rack.", "Configuration lives in the rack. Record it, because the next person will assume the default." ], "tags": [ "power", "dimmer", "install", "etc" ], "sources": [ { "title": "ETC", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/", "publisher": "ETC", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "evertz-5601msc", "name": "Evertz 5601MSC Master Sync and Clock", "vendor": "Evertz", "category": "timecode-generator", "status": "current", "summary": "Broadcast master sync generator: house video reference, word clock, LTC and PTP from one disciplined source, optionally locked to GNSS. The single box that decides what time it is for an entire facility.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "out", "note": "Blackburst and tri-level reference.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Timecode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "out", "note": "Audio reference.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ptp-1588", "direction": "out", "note": "PTP grandmaster, depending on option.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "nmea-0183", "direction": "in", "note": "GNSS discipline.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "ntp", "direction": "out", "note": "Time of day for the facility.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "snmp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Monitoring.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount master sync and clock", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://evertz.com/", "label": "Evertz" }, "gotchas": [ "One master clock is the point. A second reference added \"just for the video rack\" recreates the problem the first one solved.", "Video reference, word clock, LTC, PTP and NTP are five different things that all get called \"sync\". Be explicit about which one a device needs." ], "tags": [ "sync", "clock", "ptp", "ltc", "broadcast" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Evertz", "url": "https://evertz.com/", "publisher": "Evertz", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "ferrofish-a32-dante", "name": "Ferrofish A32 Dante", "vendor": "Ferrofish", "category": "io-interface", "status": "current", "summary": "32 in, 32 out analogue interface with both MADI and Dante, commonly used as the bridge between a MADI-based console world and a Dante-based system world.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "32 channels to and from Dante.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Optical and coaxial MADI.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via Dante AES67 mode.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Word clock in and out.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "32x analogue in (DB25)", "32x analogue out (DB25)", "MADI optical and coax", "2x Dante etherCON", "Word clock in/out" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack interface", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.ferrofish.com/", "label": "Ferrofish" }, "gotchas": [ "MADI channel count halves at 96 kHz. A 64-channel MADI plan silently becomes 32 channels when someone changes sample rate for the broadcast feed.", "It is a clock decision point as much as a format converter. Decide whether MADI or Dante is the clock source and configure it deliberately, or you get intermittent ticks nobody can locate." ], "tags": [ "audio", "io", "madi", "dante", "ferrofish", "bridge" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Ferrofish", "url": "https://www.ferrofish.com/", "publisher": "Ferrofish", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "focusrite-rednet-a16r-mk2", "name": "Focusrite RedNet A16R MkII", "vendor": "Focusrite", "category": "io-interface", "status": "current", "summary": "16 in, 16 out analogue-to-Dante interface with redundant network and PSU, used to get analogue sources and destinations onto a Dante network in a rack.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "16x16 analogue to Dante, primary and secondary ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "AES67 mode.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Word clock in and out.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "16x analogue in (DB25)", "16x analogue out (DB25)", "2x etherCON Dante", "Word clock in/out", "Redundant PSU" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack interface", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://focusrite.com/", "label": "Focusrite" }, "gotchas": [ "Dante device naming is the patch. Two identically named RedNet units on the same network is an immediate identity clash.", "Redundant Dante means two physically separate networks, not two cables into the same switch. Wiring both ports to one switch provides no redundancy at all." ], "tags": [ "audio", "io", "dante", "focusrite", "rednet" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Focusrite", "url": "https://focusrite.com/", "publisher": "Focusrite", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "follow-me-3d", "name": "Follow-Me 3D", "vendor": "Follow-Me", "category": "tracking-system", "status": "current", "summary": "Remote followspot system: an operator tracks a performer on a video image and the system drives moving lights to that point, so one operator can run several fixtures from front of house instead of several operators sitting in trusses.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Fixture control and merge with the console.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Fixture control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Position exchange.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Operator console and processing system", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.follow-me.systems/", "label": "Follow-Me" }, "gotchas": [ "It merges with the lighting console's output. Agree the merge and priority model before the first cue session, or a busk will fight the follow.", "Fixture positions must be measured accurately. The system can only be as correct as the rig survey it was given." ], "tags": [ "tracking", "followspot", "lighting" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Follow-Me", "url": "https://www.follow-me.systems/", "publisher": "Follow-Me", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "grandma2-full-size", "name": "grandMA2 full-size", "vendor": "MA Lighting", "category": "lighting-console", "released": 2010, "status": "superseded", "superseded_by": "grandma3-full-size", "summary": "The console that defined large-scale lighting control for a decade: 4096 parameters per unit, three internal screens plus externals, and the MA-Net2 session model that lets several desks and NPUs act as one system.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "sACN in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ma-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MA-Net2 for sessions with other grandMA2 devices and NPUs.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Direct DMX from the rear XLR5 ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "RDM on the local DMX ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "citp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "CITP/MSEX for media server thumbnails.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI notes, MIDI timecode and MSC.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC input for timecode-driven sequences.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "in", "note": "PosiStageNet input for tracking-driven follow.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "8x XLR5F DMX", "2x etherCON", "MIDI in/out", "LTC in", "DVI outputs for external screens", "Audio in" ], "form_factor": "Console, three internal displays", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.malighting.com/", "label": "MA Lighting" }, "gotchas": [ "MA-Net2 and MA-Net3 are different and do not interoperate. A grandMA2 and a grandMA3 cannot share a session; the grandMA3 runs a grandMA2 compatibility mode instead, on separate hardware or a separate boot.", "Still everywhere in rental stock and on riders long after being superseded, so a \"grandMA\" request needs pinning down to a generation before the truck is loaded.", "Sessions are the whole point and the whole risk: an accidental second session master on the same network is one of the classic ways a rig goes dark mid-show." ], "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "grandma", "ma-lighting", "historical" ], "sources": [ { "title": "MA Lighting", "url": "https://www.malighting.com/", "publisher": "MA Lighting", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "grandma3-full-size", "name": "grandMA3 full-size", "aka": [ "MA3 full-size" ], "vendor": "MA Lighting", "category": "lighting-console", "summary": "The largest grandMA3 control surface, rated at 20,480 parameters with six DMX outputs and three network ports on the back. The desk most large touring and arena rigs are built around.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "out", "note": "Six DMX512-A outputs on 5-pin XLR female.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "in", "note": "One DMX512-A input on 5-pin XLR male.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "One of the two Ethernet DMX protocols grandMA3 supports for sending and receiving.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net revision 1.4db. Sent as unicast until more than five receivers subscribe to a universe.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "in", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "bidirectional", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "6x XLR5F DMX512-A out", "1x XLR5M DMX512-A in", "3x etherCON/RJ45 Ethernet", "2x DisplayPort 1.2 for external displays" ], "form_factor": "Console with integrated displays and built-in UPS", "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.malighting.com/product/grandma3-full-size-4010500/", "label": "grandMA3 full-size" }, "docs": { "url": "https://help.malighting.com/grandMA3/", "label": "grandMA3 online manuals" }, "gotchas": [ "44 kg and 1256 mm wide before you add monitors. Check the FOH riser and the door it has to go through, not just the truck pack.", "Only sACN and Art-Net are available for network DMX. A venue standardised on Pathport or ShowNet needs a gateway in the path.", "Art-Net is unicast by default until more than five receivers want the same universe. A node that appears late in the patch can silently change the traffic pattern on the network.", "Six physical DMX outputs is nowhere near 20,480 parameters. Anything past a handful of universes leaves the desk over the network, so the switch is part of the control system." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "grandma3", "touring" ], "sources": [ { "title": "grandMA3 User Manual — Technical Data (consoles)", "url": "https://help.malighting.com/grandMA3/2.3/HTML/key_consoles_technical_data.html", "publisher": "MA Lighting", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "grandMA3 full-size product page", "url": "https://www.malighting.com/product/grandma3-full-size-4010500/", "publisher": "MA Lighting", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "grandMA3 User Manual — Ethernet DMX", "url": "https://help.malighting.com/grandMA3/2.0/HTML/dmx_ethernet.html", "publisher": "MA Lighting", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "grandMA3 User Manual — Protocol Details", "url": "https://help.malighting.com/grandMA3/2.2/HTML/network_design_protocols.html", "publisher": "MA Lighting", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-16" }, { "id": "grandma3-light", "name": "MA Lighting grandMA3 light", "vendor": "MA Lighting", "category": "lighting-console", "status": "current", "summary": "The smaller grandMA3 console: same software, same show files and same network model as the full size, with fewer physical faders and executors. Where a full size is a workspace, this is the one that travels.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Primary network output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Network output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ma-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Session networking between MA devices.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "out", "note": "Direct outputs.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Fixture discovery and configuration.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "Timecode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "mtc", "direction": "in", "note": "MIDI timecode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Remote control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "in", "note": "Position data for tracking-driven fixtures.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Console", "runs_software": [ "grandma3-onpc" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://www.malighting.com/", "label": "MA Lighting" }, "gotchas": [ "Parameter count is licensed and is the number that actually constrains a rig, not the number of DMX ports.", "Plugins are written in Lua, which makes small automations approachable — and makes it worth version-controlling them like any other code." ], "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "ma", "grandma3" ], "sources": [ { "title": "MA Lighting", "url": "https://www.malighting.com/", "publisher": "MA Lighting", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "green-go-beltpack", "name": "Green-GO Digital Intercom", "vendor": "Green-GO (ELC)", "category": "io-interface", "status": "current", "summary": "Fully networked intercom in which every device is an equal peer on a standard ethernet network with no central matrix at all — the configuration lives in the devices. Powered over ethernet, and priced so a small venue can own a real intercom system.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Depending on model and firmware.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "On specific interface models.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "etherCON or RJ45 with PoE", "Headset connector" ], "form_factor": "Beltpacks, wall panels and rack interfaces", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.greengodigital.com/", "label": "Green-GO" }, "gotchas": [ "It is a real network load. Give it a properly configured switch with PoE budget, not a desk hub.", "Peer-to-peer configuration means the settings are distributed. Back up the configuration file before a show, not after." ], "tags": [ "intercom", "comms", "network", "poe", "green-go" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Green-GO Digital", "url": "https://www.greengodigital.com/", "publisher": "Green-GO", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "green-hippo-karst-plus", "name": "Green Hippo Hippotizer Karst+ MK2", "vendor": "Green Hippo", "category": "media-server", "status": "current", "summary": "Mid-range Hippotizer: the same software and toolset as the larger machines, sized for shows that need real playback and mapping without a flagship's output count.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control and pixel output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control and pixel output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "citp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Thumbnails to consoles.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Video over IP.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "Timecode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount media server", "rack_units": 2, "runs_software": [ "hippotizer" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://www.green-hippo.com/", "label": "Green Hippo" }, "gotchas": [ "Output count and Notch capability are the two things that separate the models. Confirm both against the design rather than the range name." ], "tags": [ "media-server", "video", "hippotizer" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Green Hippo", "url": "https://www.green-hippo.com/", "publisher": "Green Hippo", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "hippotizer-boreal-plus-mk2", "name": "Hippotizer Boreal+ MK2", "vendor": "Green Hippo", "category": "media-server", "summary": "Mid-size touring media server in the Hippotizer V4 family: four outputs with the full Hippotizer toolset of layers, mixes and pixel mapping, sitting between the Amba and the Taiga in the range.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "NDI input and output are part of Hippotizer V4.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "DMX personality control in, pixel-mapper output out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Alternative DMX-over-Ethernet path to Art-Net.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "citp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Thumbnail and media exchange with lighting consoles.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "in", "note": "Remote control of engine parameters.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rttrpm", "direction": "in", "note": "BlackTrax tracking input via RTTrPM.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "mtc", "direction": "in", "note": "Timecode-driven playback.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack mount", "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.green-hippo.com/boreal-mk2/", "label": "Hippotizer Boreal+ MK2" }, "docs": { "url": "https://www.manula.com/manuals/green-hippo/hippotizer-v4/4.6.4/en/topic/boreal-mk2", "label": "Hippotizer V4 manual, Boreal+ MK2" }, "gotchas": [ "Hippotizer licensing lives on the machine, and the software toolset is the product: two servers of different generations running different V4 builds will not back each other up cleanly mid-tour." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "media-server", "video" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Hippotizer Boreal+ MK2 product page", "url": "https://www.green-hippo.com/boreal-mk2/", "publisher": "Green Hippo", "accessed": "2026-08-22", "primary": true }, { "title": "Hippotizer V4 manual, Boreal+ MK2", "url": "https://www.manula.com/manuals/green-hippo/hippotizer-v4/4.6.4/en/topic/boreal-mk2", "publisher": "Green Hippo", "accessed": "2026-08-22", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-22" }, { "id": "hog-4", "name": "Hog 4", "aka": [ "Hog 4-18", "Hog4" ], "vendor": "High End Systems", "category": "lighting-console", "summary": "Flagship Hog console with ten motorised master playbacks, dual 18.5-inch touchscreens and eight DMX outputs on the back. Long-standing choice for concert touring and festival lighting.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "out", "note": "Eight Neutrik XLR-5 outputs, 8,192 output channels onboard.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "out", "note": "Over the dedicated gigabit Ethernet port. Universe count expands with networked DP8000 processors.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "out", "note": "Over the dedicated gigabit Ethernet port. Universe count expands with networked DP8000 processors.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "midi-show-control", "direction": "bidirectional", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "mtc", "direction": "in", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "Linear timecode input on 3-pin XLR.", "confidence": "verified" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "8x XLR5 DMX out (Neutrik)", "2x etherCON for HogNet and FixtureNet", "1x Gigabit Ethernet for Art-Net and sACN", "MIDI In, Out and Thru", "1x XLR3 LTC/SMPTE in", "3x DisplayPort for external monitors" ], "form_factor": "Console with dual 18.5-inch tilt-adjustable touchscreens", "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/High-End-Systems/Hog-4-Consoles/Hog-4-18/Features.aspx", "label": "Hog 4-18 features" }, "docs": { "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/webdocs/Controls/HOG/HTML/en/index.htm", "label": "Hog 4 Lighting Control System manual" }, "gotchas": [ "Onboard processing stops at 8,192 channels and eight physical outputs. Past that you are buying DP8000 processors, which means rack space, power and network at the other end of the run.", "HogNet and FixtureNet are separate networks on separate etherCON ports, and Art-Net or sACN leaves on a third port. Patching all three into one flat switch is a good way to lose a show.", "The product is now sold and supported under ETC after High End Systems was acquired. Documentation and downloads live on etcconnect.com, not on the old highend.com paths." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "hog", "touring" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Hog 4-18 Features", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/High-End-Systems/Hog-4-Consoles/Hog-4-18/Features.aspx", "publisher": "ETC / High End Systems", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "Hog 4 Lighting Control System manual", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/webdocs/Controls/HOG/HTML/en/index.htm", "publisher": "ETC / High End Systems", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "Hog 4 manual — MIDI Show Control", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/webdocs/Controls/HOG/HTML/en/sect-midi_show_control.htm", "publisher": "ETC / High End Systems", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "Hog 4 manual — MIDI Timecode", "url": "https://www.etcconnect.com/webdocs/Controls/HOG/HTML/en/sect-midi_timecode.htm", "publisher": "ETC / High End Systems", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-16" }, { "id": "kinesys-elevation-1-plus", "name": "Kinesys Elevation 1+", "vendor": "Kinesys", "category": "motion-control", "status": "current", "summary": "Motor control system for chain hoists in entertainment rigging, driving hoists with position feedback and monitored safety functions, operated from Vector or K2 control software.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "out", "note": "PosiStageNet output of axis positions to lighting and media systems.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Integration with show control systems.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "Motor output connectors", "Position feedback inputs", "Control network", "E-stop circuit" ], "form_factor": "Rack or road-case motor control system", "homepage": { "url": "https://kinesys.com/", "label": "Kinesys" }, "gotchas": [ "Position feedback and monitored safety are what separate this from a basic hoist controller. A rig running variable-speed positional moves over an audience is a different safety category to a dead-hang motor, governed by documents like DIN 56950-5 and EN 17206.", "The e-stop circuit is hardwired and is not a software function. It must reach every position where a person could be hurt, which is a cabling design decision made at the plot stage.", "Axis positions can be published to lighting and media so that followspots and projection track moving scenery. That makes the motion system a live dependency of the visual departments." ], "tags": [ "automation", "rigging", "motion-control", "kinesys", "safety" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Kinesys", "url": "https://kinesys.com/", "publisher": "Kinesys", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "kinesys-libra", "name": "Kinesys Libra", "vendor": "Kinesys", "category": "motion-control", "status": "current", "summary": "Load-cell monitoring system for hoists and rigging points: it measures what each point is actually carrying, live, and alarms on limits. The measurement that tells you whether the calculation was right.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "snmp", "direction": "out", "note": "Monitoring, depending on configuration.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Load cells with monitoring and display system", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.kinesys.com/", "label": "Kinesys" }, "gotchas": [ "Monitoring is not a substitute for a load calculation and a competent rigger. It is the check on both.", "Calibration matters and has a date on it. An uncalibrated load reading is a number, not a measurement." ], "tags": [ "rigging", "load", "monitoring", "kinesys" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Kinesys", "url": "https://www.kinesys.com/", "publisher": "Kinesys", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "l-acoustics-la12x", "name": "L-Acoustics LA12X", "vendor": "L-Acoustics", "category": "amplifier", "summary": "Four-channel amplified controller that drives and processes L-Acoustics loudspeakers: DSP, preset library and amplification in one 2U box, the standard engine behind K-series line arrays.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "avb-milan", "direction": "in", "note": "AVB network audio input; L-Acoustics is a founding Milan proponent.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "4x amplified outputs (speakON)", "AES/EBU and analog inputs with fallback", "2x etherCON for network audio and L-Net remote control" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack mount", "rack_units": 2, "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.l-acoustics.com/products/la12x/", "label": "LA12X product page" }, "gotchas": [ "Remote control and monitoring run over L-Net in LA Network Manager, which is its own management layer on the same Ethernet ports as the AVB audio: plan the network for both, not just the streams." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "audio", "amplifier", "pa", "milan" ], "sources": [ { "title": "LA12X product page", "url": "https://www.l-acoustics.com/products/la12x/", "publisher": "L-Acoustics", "accessed": "2026-08-22", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-22" }, { "id": "l-acoustics-la4x", "name": "L-Acoustics LA4X", "vendor": "L-Acoustics", "category": "amplifier", "status": "current", "summary": "Four-channel amplified controller for smaller L-Acoustics systems, with the same LA Network Manager control and preset model as the LA12X but at lower power.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "in", "note": "AES67 input on current firmware.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "in", "note": "Not native; AVB and AES67 are the network audio paths.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "4x amplifier output", "AES3 in", "Analogue in", "2x etherCON control network" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack amplified controller", "rack_units": 2, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.l-acoustics.com/", "label": "L-Acoustics" }, "gotchas": [ "Presets are matched to specific L-Acoustics cabinets and are not optional. The amplified controller and the box are one system.", "LA4X and LA12X share the control software but not the power or channel capability. A system designed in Soundvision around LA12X will not simply drop onto LA4X." ], "tags": [ "audio", "amplifier", "l-acoustics" ], "sources": [ { "title": "L-Acoustics", "url": "https://www.l-acoustics.com/", "publisher": "L-Acoustics", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "l-acoustics-la7-16i", "name": "L-Acoustics LA7.16i", "vendor": "L-Acoustics", "category": "amplifier", "status": "current", "summary": "Sixteen-channel installation amplified controller, aimed at fixed systems with many small loudspeakers — immersive rooms, theatres and venues where channel count matters more than raw power per channel.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "avb-milan", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Networked audio.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Where enabled.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "aes70-oca", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control and monitoring.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount sixteen-channel amplified controller", "rack_units": 2, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.l-acoustics.com/", "label": "L-Acoustics" }, "gotchas": [ "Milan is an AVB profile and needs an AVB-capable switch. It is not something a general-purpose switch will simply carry." ], "tags": [ "audio", "amplifier", "install", "l-acoustics", "milan" ], "sources": [ { "title": "L-Acoustics", "url": "https://www.l-acoustics.com/", "publisher": "L-Acoustics", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "l-acoustics-p1", "name": "L-Acoustics P1", "vendor": "L-Acoustics", "category": "audio-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "Processor and measurement platform combined: AVB bridging, system processing, and a built-in measurement engine so alignment happens in the same device that applies it rather than in a separate laptop workflow.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "avb-milan", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Networked audio.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Where enabled.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Depending on configuration.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount processor", "rack_units": 2, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.l-acoustics.com/", "label": "L-Acoustics" }, "gotchas": [ "Measurement built into the signal path is convenient and still needs a disciplined method. The tool does not choose the microphone position." ], "tags": [ "audio", "processor", "measurement", "l-acoustics" ], "sources": [ { "title": "L-Acoustics", "url": "https://www.l-acoustics.com/", "publisher": "L-Acoustics", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "lab-gruppen-plm-20k44", "name": "Lab.gruppen PLM 20K44", "vendor": "Lab.gruppen", "category": "amplifier", "status": "current", "summary": "Four-channel 20 kW touring amplifier with Lake processing built in, Dante and AES3 input, and per-output load verification. A standard in large-format PA racks.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "in", "note": "Dante input, primary and secondary.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "in", "note": "Via Dante AES67 mode.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "in", "note": "Clock follows the Dante or AES3 source.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "4x amplifier output", "2x etherCON Dante", "AES3 in", "Analogue in", "Ethernet control" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack amplifier", "rack_units": 2, "homepage": { "url": "https://labgruppen.com/", "label": "Lab.gruppen" }, "gotchas": [ "The Lake processing inside is the system tuning. Swapping an amplifier without moving its Lake module configuration replaces the tuning as well as the amplifier.", "Load verification will flag a driver fault before it is audible, which is only useful if someone is actually watching the monitoring during the show." ], "tags": [ "audio", "amplifier", "lab-gruppen", "lake", "dante" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Lab.gruppen", "url": "https://labgruppen.com/", "publisher": "Lab.gruppen", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "lake-lm44", "name": "Lab.gruppen Lake LM44", "vendor": "Lab.gruppen", "category": "audio-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "Four-in, four-out loudspeaker processor running Lake processing, with the Mesa EQ and linear-phase crossovers that made the platform a system-tech standard. Where a system's alignment and limiting actually live.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Networked audio.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Where enabled.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Clock.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount loudspeaker processor", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.labgruppen.com/", "label": "Lab.gruppen" }, "gotchas": [ "The processor holds the system design. Back up the file, and know which version is in the rack before anybody adjusts anything." ], "tags": [ "audio", "processor", "lake", "system" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Lab.gruppen", "url": "https://www.labgruppen.com/", "publisher": "Lab.gruppen", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "lumenradio-crmx-nova-tx2", "name": "LumenRadio CRMX Nova TX2", "vendor": "LumenRadio", "category": "wireless-dmx", "status": "current", "summary": "Two-universe CRMX transmitter with RDM support, the wireless DMX system built into a very large share of modern fixtures. Frequency-hopping in 2.4 GHz with automatic clear-channel selection.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "DMX in on the XLR, DMX out wirelessly to CRMX receivers.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Bidirectional RDM over the wireless link.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "in", "note": "Art-Net input on network-equipped models.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "in", "note": "sACN input on network-equipped models.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "2x XLR5 DMX in", "Antenna connectors", "Ethernet on network models", "PowerCON" ], "form_factor": "Half-rack transmitter", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://lumenradio.com/", "label": "LumenRadio" }, "gotchas": [ "CRMX and W-DMX are different, incompatible systems. A fixture with a built-in CRMX receiver will not pair with a W-DMX transmitter, and both are commonly called just \"wireless DMX\" on a rider.", "Receivers stay linked to the last transmitter they were paired with, stored in the fixture. A fixture that arrives from another job will ignore your transmitter until it is unlinked.", "2.4 GHz is shared with Wi-Fi, comms and everything else. CRMX hops and copes well, but a dense festival site is still a spectrum planning problem, not a plug-and-play one." ], "tags": [ "dmx", "wireless", "crmx", "lumenradio", "rdm" ], "sources": [ { "title": "LumenRadio", "url": "https://lumenradio.com/", "publisher": "LumenRadio", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "luminex-gigacore-10", "name": "Luminex GigaCore 10", "vendor": "Luminex Network Intelligence", "category": "network-switch", "status": "current", "summary": "Compact eight-port managed gigabit switch with the same Groups model and profile system as the larger GigaCores, sized for a single rack, a stage box or a small touring rig.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported, with protocol-aware handling.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported. IGMP snooping is the reason to use it over an unmanaged switch.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "avb-milan", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "AVB support depending on model and firmware.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "8x etherCON Gigabit", "2x SFP cage on some variants", "PoE on PoE models" ], "form_factor": "Half-rack managed switch", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.luminex.be/", "label": "Luminex Network Intelligence" }, "gotchas": [ "Same Groups abstraction as the bigger GigaCores, so profiles port across the range. Export and carry the profile: a swapped spare boots to defaults.", "Eight ports goes fast once consoles, nodes, media servers and a laptop are on it. Plan the port count with the spare laptop and the visiting engineer included." ], "tags": [ "networking", "switch", "luminex", "touring" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Luminex Network Intelligence", "url": "https://www.luminex.be/", "publisher": "Luminex Network Intelligence", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "luminex-gigacore-16xt", "name": "Luminex GigaCore 16Xt", "aka": [ "GigaCore 16XT" ], "vendor": "Luminex Network Intelligence", "category": "network-switch", "summary": "1U managed gigabit switch built for show networks, with twelve etherCON ports, four SFP cages and an optional 160 W PoE budget. Configured with named Groups rather than raw VLAN numbers.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported, not originated. The switch is protocol-aware for QoS and multicast handling.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported, not originated. IGMP snooping is the reason to use a managed switch here.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported. The manual claims low-jitter handling for Dante traffic.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "avb-milan", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "The manual states full AVB and AVB Milan support.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported, listed alongside RAVENNA.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ravenna", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported, listed alongside AES67.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "snmp", "direction": "out", "note": "SNMP monitoring of switch state.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "10x etherCON 10/100/1000 (front)", "2x etherCON 10/100/1000 (rear)", "4x SFP cages for mini-GBIC transceivers (rear)" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack mount, 482 x 204.3 x 44 mm", "rack_units": 1, "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.luminex.be/products/gigacore/gigacore-16xt-2/", "label": "GigaCore 16Xt" }, "docs": { "url": "https://www.luminex.be/wp-content/uploads/doccenter/GigaCore_16XT_User_Manual-rev-2.8.5.pdf", "label": "GigaCore 16Xt user manual" }, "gotchas": [ "PoE is optional and budgeted. The PoE model shares 160 W across the ten front etherCON ports at a maximum of 30 W per port, so a rack of PoE++ devices will exceed it.", "Groups are Luminex's VLAN abstraction. Group 0 is reserved for inter-switch links and Group 1 for management, leaving 19 generic groups, and a port left in the wrong group looks exactly like a bad cable.", "Link aggregation via MultiLinkX only applies to inter-switch link ports. You cannot bond arbitrary edge ports to a device.", "Ten stored profiles per switch and export/import between switches. Save and export the profile before the truck leaves, because a swapped spare comes out of the box in the default configuration." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "networking", "switch", "poe", "avb" ], "sources": [ { "title": "GigaCore 16Xt user manual", "url": "https://www.luminex.be/wp-content/uploads/doccenter/GigaCore_16XT_User_Manual-rev-2.8.5.pdf", "publisher": "Luminex Network Intelligence", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true }, { "title": "GigaCore 16Xt quick start guide", "url": "https://www.luminex.be/wp-content/uploads/doccenter/lu_01_00048_qsg_rev5.pdf", "publisher": "Luminex Network Intelligence", "accessed": "2026-08-16", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-16" }, { "id": "luminex-gigacore-26i", "name": "Luminex GigaCore 26i", "vendor": "Luminex Network Intelligence", "category": "network-switch", "status": "current", "summary": "Larger managed switch in the GigaCore range, with fibre cages and the same Groups model as the rest — so a profile built on a small system ports onto the big one. Sized for a full production network rather than a single rack.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported, with IGMP snooping.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ptp-1588", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Clock distribution.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "snmp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Monitoring.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount managed switch", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.luminex.be/", "label": "Luminex" }, "gotchas": [ "Export and carry the profile. A spare switch boots to defaults, and a defaulted switch on a multicast-heavy network floods everything.", "Fibre needs the right optic for the right fibre type. Carry spares of both." ], "tags": [ "networking", "switch", "luminex", "fibre" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Luminex", "url": "https://www.luminex.be/", "publisher": "Luminex Network Intelligence", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "luminex-luminode-12", "name": "Luminex LumiNode 12", "vendor": "Luminex Network Intelligence", "category": "dmx-node", "status": "current", "summary": "Twelve-port Ethernet-to-DMX node with per-port protocol selection, merging, and the LumiNode processing model that lets each port do conversion, merge or filter independently.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "sACN in and out per port.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net in and out per port.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "DMX out and in on the XLR ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "RDM discovery and proxy.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "kinet", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "KiNET output for Color Kinetics fixtures.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "12x XLR5 DMX/RDM", "2x etherCON Gigabit", "PoE input on supported models" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack node", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.luminex.be/", "label": "Luminex Network Intelligence" }, "gotchas": [ "Every port is independently configured, which is the strength and the trap: twelve ports can be twelve different protocol and universe settings, and none of that is visible from the front of the rack.", "Merging happens in the node. Two consoles merged HTP at a node behaves differently from two consoles merged by priority at the fixture, and the difference only shows during a handover." ], "tags": [ "dmx", "node", "luminex", "rdm" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Luminex Network Intelligence", "url": "https://www.luminex.be/", "publisher": "Luminex Network Intelligence", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "medialon-showmaster-pro", "name": "Medialon Showmaster Pro", "vendor": "Medialon (Barco)", "category": "show-controller", "status": "current", "summary": "Dedicated solid-state show controller for permanent installations: no operating system to update behind your back, no desktop to be clicked on, and enough protocol support to be the thing that starts and coordinates everything else in an attraction every morning.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi-show-control", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MSC.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Timecode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Through interfaces.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Network lighting control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "snmp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Monitoring.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount show controller", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.medialon.com/", "label": "Medialon" }, "gotchas": [ "A dedicated controller earns its place by not being a PC. Resist the temptation to run the show from something that also has a browser on it.", "Document the logic. A show controller that works and that nobody understands is a maintenance liability from the day it is commissioned." ], "tags": [ "show-control", "installation", "medialon", "attraction" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Medialon", "url": "https://www.medialon.com/", "publisher": "Medialon", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "megapixel-helios", "name": "Megapixel HELIOS LED Processing Platform", "vendor": "Megapixel VR", "category": "video-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "LED processor built for camera work: high frame rates, high bit depth and the scan behaviour that decides whether a wall photographs cleanly. On a virtual production stage the processor is a colour and timing device, not a cable adaptor.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "smpte-st-2110", "direction": "in", "note": "IP video input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "in", "note": "Video over IP.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Frame reference — the whole point on a camera stage.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "in", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "in", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount LED processor", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://megapixelvr.com/", "label": "Megapixel VR" }, "gotchas": [ "An LED wall does not display a frame all at once; it refreshes in a scan. A camera shutter out of step with that scan photographs banding no grade will remove.", "Processor capacity is measured in pixels and in frame rate together. A pixel count that fits at 30p may not fit at 60p." ], "tags": [ "led", "processor", "video", "virtual-production" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Megapixel VR", "url": "https://megapixelvr.com/", "publisher": "Megapixel VR", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "meyer-galaxy-816", "name": "Meyer Sound Galileo GALAXY 816", "vendor": "Meyer Sound", "category": "audio-processor", "summary": "Loudspeaker system processor with 8 inputs and 16 outputs: the alignment and drive brain in front of a Meyer PA, handling delay, EQ and array processing under Compass control.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "avb-milan", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "AVB network audio streams alongside analog and AES3 I/O; Milan-certified firmware exists for GALAXY.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "8x analog/AES3 inputs", "16x analog outputs", "AVB network ports (etherCON)" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack mount", "rack_units": 1, "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://docs.meyersound.com/products/en/datasheet---galileo-galaxy-816.html", "label": "GALAXY 816 datasheet" }, "docs": { "url": "https://docs.meyersound.com/products/en/user-guide---galileo-galaxy.html", "label": "Galileo GALAXY user guide" }, "gotchas": [ "An AVB path into a GALAXY needs AVB-capable switches end to end; it will not cross an ordinary gigabit core, which is the practical difference from the DSCP-marked transports it shares racks with." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "audio", "pa", "processor", "milan" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Galileo GALAXY 816 datasheet", "url": "https://docs.meyersound.com/products/en/datasheet---galileo-galaxy-816.html", "publisher": "Meyer Sound", "accessed": "2026-08-22", "primary": true }, { "title": "Galileo GALAXY user guide", "url": "https://docs.meyersound.com/products/en/user-guide---galileo-galaxy.html", "publisher": "Meyer Sound", "accessed": "2026-08-22", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-22" }, { "id": "midas-hd96-24", "name": "Midas HD96-24", "vendor": "Midas", "category": "audio-console", "released": 2019, "status": "current", "summary": "Midas flagship with 144 input channels, a 24-fader surface and three touchscreens, using AES50 to its DL series stage boxes and carrying the Midas preamp lineage.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "aes50", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "AES50 to DL stage boxes, the Midas and Klark Teknik backbone.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via expansion card.", "requires_licence": true, "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via expansion card.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Word clock in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC control.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC input.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "AES50 ports", "Expansion card slots", "Word clock", "MIDI", "AES3 in/out", "Redundant PSU" ], "form_factor": "Touring console, 24 faders, 3 touchscreens", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.midasconsoles.com/", "label": "Midas" }, "gotchas": [ "AES50 runs on shielded Cat5e and is latency-critical. Unshielded cable or a patch through a switch will not work, no matter how short the run.", "The Midas, Klark Teknik and Behringer AES50 ecosystems overlap. A DL stage box may well work with an X32, which is useful and also a way to end up with unexpected gear on a rider." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "midas", "aes50" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Midas", "url": "https://www.midasconsoles.com/", "publisher": "Midas", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "mo-sys-startracker", "name": "Mo-Sys StarTracker", "vendor": "Mo-Sys Engineering", "category": "tracking-system", "status": "current", "summary": "Camera tracking that works by looking upward at retro-reflective markers on the ceiling and computing where the camera is from what it sees. Robust because the reference is fixed to the building rather than to encoders on a moving rig.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "freed", "direction": "out", "note": "Camera position and lens data.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Frame reference so tracking data lines up with the picture.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Camera-mounted sensor plus processing unit", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.mo-sys.com/", "label": "Mo-Sys Engineering" }, "gotchas": [ "Lens calibration is as important as position. An AR graphic that slides when the camera moves is usually a lens data problem, not a tracking one.", "It needs a ceiling it can see. Rigging, drapes and moving trusses all take markers out of view." ], "tags": [ "tracking", "camera", "freed", "virtual-production" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Mo-Sys", "url": "https://www.mo-sys.com/", "publisher": "Mo-Sys Engineering", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "modulo-kinetic", "name": "Modulo Kinetic", "vendor": "Modulo Pi", "category": "media-server", "status": "current", "summary": "French media server platform built around a real-time 3D engine, used for projection mapping, LED and immersive installs. Splits into a Designer workstation for authoring and V-Node playback machines driven from it.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net in for console control, out for fixture and pixel control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "sACN in for console control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC in and out for show control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "NDI input and output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC for timeline sync.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "in", "note": "PosiStageNet for tracked objects and moving scenery.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rttrpm", "direction": "in", "note": "RTTrPM tracking input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "smpte-st-2110", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "ST 2110 on suitably equipped nodes.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rack workstation plus V-Node playback servers", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.modulo-pi.com/", "label": "Modulo Pi" }, "gotchas": [ "Designer and V-Node are separate machines with separate roles. The show is authored on Designer and played by the nodes, so a rider asking for \"a Kinetic\" needs to say how many of each.", "The 3D scene is the master. Warping and blending live in the scene rather than in per-output correction, which is powerful and means the on-site alignment workflow is not the same as a warp-per-projector server." ], "tags": [ "media-server", "projection-mapping", "3d", "modulo-pi" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Modulo Pi", "url": "https://www.modulo-pi.com/", "publisher": "Modulo Pi", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "netgear-m4250", "name": "NETGEAR M4250 (AV Line)", "vendor": "NETGEAR", "category": "network-switch", "summary": "Managed switch family designed for AV-over-IP, with an AV-mode interface that applies preconfigured profiles (QoS, IGMP, VLANs) per protocol instead of leaving DSCP tables to hand configuration.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported, with a shipped AV profile that sets Dante's QoS and multicast handling.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported, AV profile available.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported, AV profile available for NDI's bursty streams.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported; IGMP snooping with querier is the point of using a managed switch here.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Transported.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "avb-milan", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "AVB licence available on M4250, making it one of the few mainstream switches that can carry Milan.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "snmp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "SNMP monitoring.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "Model-dependent GbE/PoE+ copper plus SFP/SFP+ uplinks" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack mount, 1U", "rack_units": 1, "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.netgear.com/business/wired/switches/av-line-m4250/", "label": "M4250 AV Line" }, "docs": { "url": "https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/M4250/M4250_AV_UM_EN.pdf", "label": "M4250 AV user manual" }, "gotchas": [ "The AV profiles only help on the ports you actually apply them to: a port left in the default profile still forwards traffic, just without the QoS and IGMP behaviour the rest of the network assumes." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "networking", "switch", "av-over-ip" ], "sources": [ { "title": "M4250 AV user manual", "url": "https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/M4250/M4250_AV_UM_EN.pdf", "publisher": "NETGEAR", "accessed": "2026-08-22", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-22" }, { "id": "novastar-mx40-pro", "name": "NovaStar MX40 Pro", "vendor": "NovaStar", "category": "video-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "All-in-one 4K LED controller with sending-card capability built in, widely deployed on rental LED because it pairs with the enormous installed base of NovaStar receiving cards.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sdi", "direction": "in", "note": "3G-SDI input.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "in", "note": "Art-Net brightness and control on some firmware.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Genlock reference for camera work.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "HDMI 2.0 in", "3G-SDI in", "DisplayPort 1.2 in", "20x Gigabit Ethernet outputs", "4x 10G fibre", "Genlock", "Gigabit control" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack controller", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.novastar.tech/", "label": "NovaStar" }, "gotchas": [ "NovaStar receiving cards, sending cards and firmware versions have to match. A wall assembled from two hire stocks with different receiving card generations may simply not map.", "Screen configuration files travel with the wall, not the processor. Losing the file means rebuilding the map panel by panel on site." ], "tags": [ "led", "processor", "novastar", "rental" ], "sources": [ { "title": "NovaStar", "url": "https://www.novastar.tech/", "publisher": "NovaStar", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "obsidian-nx4", "name": "Obsidian Control Systems NX4", "vendor": "Obsidian Control Systems", "category": "lighting-console", "released": 2019, "status": "current", "summary": "ONYX console with four internal DMX ports, dual touchscreens and motorised faders. ONYX is the successor to the M-Series and Martin M-PC line, and the software runs free on a PC with output limited by hardware key.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "out", "note": "sACN output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "out", "note": "Four DMX ports on the console itself.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "RDM discovery on the local ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "citp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "CITP/MSEX for media server integration.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI and MSC.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC timecode in.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "4x XLR5F DMX", "2x Gigabit Ethernet", "MIDI in/out", "LTC in", "USB" ], "form_factor": "Console with dual integrated touchscreens", "runs_software": [ "onyx" ], "homepage": { "url": "https://obsidiancontrol.com/", "label": "Obsidian Control Systems" }, "gotchas": [ "ONYX output beyond the console's own ports is unlocked by hardware: a console, a NET dongle or an NX wing. A PC alone runs the software fully but outputs only a limited universe count.", "ONYX inherited the M-Series show file lineage. Older M-PC files import, but not everything survives, so budget time rather than assuming a clean conversion." ], "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "onyx", "obsidian" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Obsidian Control Systems", "url": "https://obsidiancontrol.com/", "publisher": "Obsidian Control Systems", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "pathway-pathport-octo", "name": "Pathway Connectivity Pathport OCTO", "vendor": "Pathway Connectivity", "category": "dmx-node", "status": "current", "summary": "Eight-port DMX and RDM gateway with per-port protocol and direction selection. The workhorse node in a lot of installed theatre infrastructure, and the one most likely to already be in the venue's wall.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Per port.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Per port.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "pathport", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Pathway's own protocol.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Eight ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Discovery and configuration.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "8x DMX/RDM (XLR5)", "Ethernet" ], "form_factor": "Rackmount or wall-mount gateway", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.pathwayconnect.com/", "label": "Pathway Connectivity" }, "gotchas": [ "Ports are individually configurable for protocol and direction. A node that appears dead is very often a port set to input.", "Export the configuration. A swapped spare boots to defaults and will not tell you what the old one was doing." ], "tags": [ "dmx", "node", "gateway", "rdm", "pathway" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Pathway Connectivity", "url": "https://www.pathwayconnect.com/", "publisher": "Pathway Connectivity", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "pilz-pnoz-safety-relay", "name": "Pilz PNOZ safety relay", "vendor": "Pilz", "category": "motion-control", "status": "current", "summary": "The monitored safety relay that made two-channel emergency stop circuits ordinary. It watches both channels of the button, detects a discrepancy or a cross-fault between them, reads back the mirror contacts of the downstream contactors, and refuses to reset if any of it disagrees — which is the difference between a stop button and a safety function.", "physical_ports": [ "Dual-channel input terminals", "Positively guided output contacts", "Feedback loop" ], "form_factor": "DIN-rail safety relay", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.pilz.com/", "label": "Pilz" }, "gotchas": [ "A safety relay is not a rating on its own. The Performance Level belongs to the whole function — button, wiring, logic, contactors and the mechanics they switch.", "The feedback loop is not optional wiring. Without it a welded contactor is invisible and the redundancy is theatre.", "A monitored reset needs a rising and a falling edge, which is why a taped-down reset button cannot arm the system." ], "tags": [ "safety-relay", "e-stop", "functional-safety", "machinery", "pilz" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Pilz", "url": "https://www.pilz.com/", "publisher": "Pilz", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "pixera-one", "name": "AV Stumpfl PIXERA one", "vendor": "AV Stumpfl", "category": "media-server", "status": "current", "summary": "Single-box PIXERA server for mid-size projection and LED work, running the same PIXERA software as the larger two and four output machines. Real-time 3D compositing with node-based content flow.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net in for console control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "sACN in for console control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ndi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "NDI send and receive.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC timeline sync.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "in", "note": "PosiStageNet input for tracked objects.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "citp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "CITP/MSEX thumbnails to lighting consoles.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack server", "rack_units": 2, "homepage": { "url": "https://pixera.one/", "label": "PIXERA" }, "gotchas": [ "PIXERA licences by output count and feature set. A machine that plays the show in the shop may not have the licence tier the venue rig needs, and licences are tied to hardware.", "The timeline and the node graph are two different mental models running at once. Content that behaves in the node graph can still be sequenced wrongly on the timeline, and vice versa." ], "tags": [ "media-server", "pixera", "av-stumpfl", "projection" ], "sources": [ { "title": "PIXERA", "url": "https://pixera.one/", "publisher": "AV Stumpfl", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "powersoft-x8", "name": "Powersoft X8", "vendor": "Powersoft", "category": "amplifier", "status": "current", "summary": "Eight-channel touring amplifier platform with onboard DSP, Dante and AES67 input and per-channel load monitoring. Notable for its very high power density in 2U.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "in", "note": "Dante audio input with redundancy.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "in", "note": "AES67 input mode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes50", "direction": "in", "note": "Not supported; listed here only to prevent confusion.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "8x amplifier output (speakON / Phoenix depending on variant)", "2x etherCON Dante", "Analogue and AES3 inputs", "Ethernet control" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack amplifier", "rack_units": 2, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.powersoft.com/", "label": "Powersoft" }, "gotchas": [ "Mains inrush and total draw on a rack of high-density amplifiers is the real constraint, not the audio. Size the distro on the amplifier's worst case, not its idle draw.", "Presets are tied to specific loudspeaker models. Loading the wrong preset can damage drivers, so preset management is a safety matter, not a convenience." ], "tags": [ "audio", "amplifier", "powersoft", "dante" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Powersoft", "url": "https://www.powersoft.com/", "publisher": "Powersoft", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "qsys-core-510i", "name": "Q-SYS Core 510i", "vendor": "QSC (Q-SYS)", "category": "audio-processor", "summary": "Card-based Q-SYS processing core for installed AV: audio DSP, control scripting and video features in one engine, with eight I/O card slots and Q-LAN as its native transport.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "q-lan", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Native transport to Q-SYS peripherals, cameras and other Cores.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "requires_licence": true, "note": "Via Q-SYS Dante license or CDN64 card options.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Software AES67 streams for interop with other AoIP systems.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "External control of named controls in the design.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "8x I/O card slots (analog, AES3, Dante, telephony options)", "4x GbE (LAN A/B, AUX)" ], "form_factor": "19-inch rack mount", "rack_units": 2, "status": "current", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.qsys.com/products-solutions/q-sys/processing/core-510i/", "label": "Core 510i product page" }, "docs": { "url": "https://help.qsys.com/q-sys_8.1/Content/Hardware/Cores/Core_510i.htm", "label": "Core 510i help entry" }, "gotchas": [ "Q-LAN clocking is PTPv2 at DSCP 46 while any Dante card in the same chassis marks its audio DSCP 46: running both fabrics through one switch without VLAN separation or remapping is the classic self-inflicted QoS collision." ], "confidence": "reported", "tags": [ "audio", "dsp", "qsys" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Core 510i product page", "url": "https://www.qsys.com/products-solutions/q-sys/processing/core-510i/", "publisher": "QSC", "accessed": "2026-08-22", "primary": true }, { "title": "Q-SYS Core 510i specifications", "url": "https://www.qscaudio.com/resource-files/productresources/dn/dsp_cores/core_510i/q_qsys_core_510i_specs.pdf", "publisher": "QSC", "accessed": "2026-08-22", "primary": true } ], "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-22" }, { "id": "riedel-bolero", "name": "Riedel Bolero", "vendor": "Riedel Communications", "category": "io-interface", "status": "current", "summary": "Wireless intercom on DECT with antennas fed over a standard network, and beltpacks that can be used as walkie-talkies away from the antenna coverage. Integrates into Riedel's matrix rather than standing alone.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dect", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Radio link to beltpacks.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Networked audio.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Depending on configuration.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Antennas, beltpacks and matrix integration", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.riedel.net/", "label": "Riedel Communications" }, "gotchas": [ "It is designed around a matrix. Deploying it standalone gives up most of the reason to buy it.", "Antenna count and placement decide coverage; adding packs later can mean adding antennas." ], "tags": [ "intercom", "comms", "wireless", "dect", "riedel" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Riedel Communications", "url": "https://www.riedel.net/", "publisher": "Riedel Communications", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "rme-digiface-dante", "name": "RME Digiface Dante", "vendor": "RME", "category": "io-interface", "status": "current", "summary": "Bus-powered USB interface that puts a laptop on a Dante network with a large channel count and RME's driver stability. The device that makes a measurement rig, a virtual soundcheck or a playback machine a network participant rather than a cabling problem.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "64 channels each way at base rates.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Clock.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "2x etherCON or RJ45 Dante", "USB", "Word clock" ], "form_factor": "Compact USB interface", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.rme-audio.de/", "label": "RME" }, "gotchas": [ "A laptop on a show audio network is a laptop on a show audio network. Give it its own port and think about what else that machine does." ], "tags": [ "audio", "interface", "dante", "rme", "measurement" ], "sources": [ { "title": "RME", "url": "https://www.rme-audio.de/", "publisher": "RME", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "rosendahl-nanosyncs-hd", "name": "Rosendahl nanosyncs HD", "vendor": "Rosendahl Studiotechnik", "category": "timecode-generator", "status": "current", "summary": "Compact master clock and sync generator producing word clock, video reference and LTC from one stable source. The small box that stops a rack from having three different opinions about time.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "LTC generate and read.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "out", "note": "Word clock distribution outputs.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "out", "note": "Blackburst and tri-level video reference.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "mtc", "direction": "out", "note": "MIDI timecode output.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "Word clock outputs (BNC)", "Video reference outputs (BNC)", "LTC in/out (XLR)", "MIDI out" ], "form_factor": "Half-rack sync generator", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.rosendahl-studiotechnik.com/", "label": "Rosendahl Studiotechnik" }, "gotchas": [ "One master clock is the point. Adding a second \"just for the video rack\" recreates exactly the problem this box exists to solve.", "LTC, word clock and video reference are three different things that all get called \"sync\". Be explicit about which one a device needs before wiring the rack." ], "tags": [ "timecode", "sync", "clock", "ltc", "rosendahl" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Rosendahl Studiotechnik", "url": "https://www.rosendahl-studiotechnik.com/", "publisher": "Rosendahl Studiotechnik", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "rts-adam", "name": "RTS ADAM Intercom Matrix", "vendor": "RTS (Bosch)", "category": "io-interface", "status": "current", "summary": "Large-format intercom matrix: a central router where every panel gets its own configurable set of keys, so a position hears the departments it needs and nothing else. The broadcast standard for big-facility comms.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Networked audio via cards.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Where enabled.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via cards.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "snmp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Monitoring.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount intercom matrix frame", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.rtsintercoms.com/", "label": "RTS Intercoms" }, "gotchas": [ "A matrix is programmed, and the programming is a design job with opinions in it. Budget the configuration, not just the frame.", "RTS and Clear-Com partyline conventions differ; interfacing them takes deliberate work rather than a cable." ], "tags": [ "intercom", "comms", "matrix", "broadcast", "rts" ], "sources": [ { "title": "RTS Intercoms", "url": "https://www.rtsintercoms.com/", "publisher": "RTS", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "ssl-live-l550", "name": "SSL Live L550", "vendor": "Solid State Logic", "category": "audio-console", "status": "current", "summary": "Solid State Logic's large-format live console, with the processing architecture and the stem-based workflow that come from the company's studio history — which is why it turns up on theatre and broadcast-adjacent work as often as on tours.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Primary I/O transport.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via option card.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Clock.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Console", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.solidstatelogic.com/", "label": "Solid State Logic" }, "gotchas": [ "The signal-path model is not the same as the channel-strip model most live desks use. Budget familiarisation time for a visiting engineer." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "ssl" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Solid State Logic", "url": "https://www.solidstatelogic.com/", "publisher": "Solid State Logic", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "stype-redspy", "name": "stYpe RedSpy", "vendor": "stYpe", "category": "tracking-system", "status": "current", "summary": "Camera tracking sensor for broadcast augmented reality and virtual studios, outputting camera position and lens data to a render engine over FreeD.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "freed", "direction": "out", "note": "Camera position and lens data.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "genlock", "direction": "in", "note": "Frame reference.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "form_factor": "Camera-mounted tracking sensor", "homepage": { "url": "https://stype.tv/", "label": "stYpe" }, "gotchas": [ "Registration between the virtual and the real set is a coordinate-system agreement, and it is surveyed once and then protected." ], "tags": [ "tracking", "camera", "broadcast", "ar" ], "sources": [ { "title": "stYpe", "url": "https://stype.tv/", "publisher": "stYpe", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "symetrix-radius-nx-12x8", "name": "Symetrix Radius NX 12x8", "vendor": "Symetrix", "category": "audio-processor", "status": "current", "summary": "Open-architecture DSP for installed audio: the processing is drawn in software rather than chosen from presets, which makes it the box behind conference centres, houses of worship and multi-zone venues.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Networked audio.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Where enabled.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "snmp", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Monitoring.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Rackmount DSP", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.symetrix.co/", "label": "Symetrix" }, "gotchas": [ "An open-architecture DSP is a program. Treat the design file like source code: version it, comment it, and hand it over with the system." ], "tags": [ "audio", "dsp", "install", "symetrix" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Symetrix", "url": "https://www.symetrix.co/", "publisher": "Symetrix", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "tait-navigator", "name": "TAIT Navigator", "vendor": "TAIT", "category": "motion-control", "status": "current", "summary": "Automation control platform for large-scale stage machinery: multi-axis motion, 3D visualisation of the moving set, cue sequencing and the safety architecture around performer flying and heavy scenery.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "out", "note": "PosiStageNet output of axis and object positions.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Show control integration.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "Timecode-driven automation sequences.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Operator console plus distributed drive and safety hardware", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.taittowers.com/", "label": "TAIT" }, "gotchas": [ "Automation is the department with the shortest tolerance for improvisation. A cue change is a re-commissioning question, not a keystroke, and the schedule has to reflect that.", "Publishing axis positions to lighting and video is now routine, which means the automation network is load-bearing for departments that do not own it. Agree who is allowed to touch it." ], "tags": [ "automation", "motion-control", "tait", "stage-machinery" ], "sources": [ { "title": "TAIT", "url": "https://www.taittowers.com/", "publisher": "TAIT", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "tta-stagetracker-ii", "name": "TTA StageTracker II", "vendor": "TTA — Track The Artist", "category": "tracking-system", "status": "current", "summary": "Performer tracking system built around small worn tags and fixed receivers, outputting position for both lighting and object audio. Designed so one measurement feeds several departments rather than each buying its own.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "rttrpm", "direction": "out", "note": "Position output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "out", "note": "Position output.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control and data.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Tag, receiver and processing system", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.tta.eu/", "label": "TTA" }, "gotchas": [ "Coverage is a survey problem. Receiver placement decides where tracking works, and a steel venue reflects.", "Position arrives in a coordinate system somebody has to define. Agree the origin with lighting, audio and video before the survey, not after." ], "tags": [ "tracking", "performer", "rttrpm", "psn" ], "sources": [ { "title": "TTA", "url": "https://www.tta.eu/", "publisher": "TTA", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "verlinde-stagemaker-sr", "name": "Verlinde Stagemaker SR", "vendor": "Verlinde", "category": "motion-control", "status": "current", "summary": "Long-established electric chain hoist for entertainment rigging, available in variants for the different European classifications. The workhorse of a very large number of touring rigs.", "physical_ports": [ "Power and control multipin", "Chain" ], "form_factor": "Electric chain hoist", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.verlinde.com/", "label": "Verlinde" }, "gotchas": [ "Which variant you have decides what it may be used for. The model name alone does not tell you whether it may hold a load over people.", "Chain bag, limit switches and the control system are all part of the assembly being classified." ], "tags": [ "hoist", "rigging", "machinery", "verlinde" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Verlinde", "url": "https://www.verlinde.com/", "publisher": "Verlinde", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "wireless-solution-blackbox-f2", "name": "Wireless Solution W-DMX BlackBox F-2 G6", "vendor": "Wireless Solution", "category": "wireless-dmx", "status": "current", "summary": "Two-universe W-DMX transceiver operating in 2.4 and 5 GHz, with RDM support and the option to act as transmitter or receiver. The main alternative ecosystem to CRMX.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "DMX in or out on the XLR ports depending on mode.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "RDM over the wireless link.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Art-Net on Ethernet-equipped variants.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "sACN on Ethernet-equipped variants.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "XLR5 DMX in/out", "Antenna connectors", "Ethernet on network variants" ], "form_factor": "Half-rack transceiver", "rack_units": 1, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.wirelessdmx.com/", "label": "Wireless Solution" }, "gotchas": [ "Not compatible with CRMX. Confirm which system the fixtures have built in before hiring transmitters.", "Dual-band operation helps enormously on a congested site, but only if the receivers also support 5 GHz. A mixed-generation receiver stock pins you to 2.4 GHz." ], "tags": [ "dmx", "wireless", "w-dmx", "rdm" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Wireless Solution", "url": "https://www.wirelessdmx.com/", "publisher": "Wireless Solution", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "yamaha-cl5", "name": "Yamaha CL5", "vendor": "Yamaha", "category": "audio-console", "released": 2012, "status": "current", "summary": "72-channel Dante-native console that made Dante the default in installed and mid-size touring audio. Still one of the most widely installed large-format desks in theatres and houses of worship.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Dante is native, with primary and secondary ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via Dante AES67 mode on supported firmware.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via Mini-YGDAI card.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Word clock in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI control and scene recall.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Limited OSC via third-party bridges rather than natively.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "2x Dante etherCON (primary/secondary)", "Mini-YGDAI card slots", "Word clock in/out", "MIDI in/out", "AES3", "Redundant PSU" ], "form_factor": "Console, 5 fader banks", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.yamahaproaudio.com/", "label": "Yamaha Professional Audio" }, "gotchas": [ "Dante device names and channel labels are the whole patch. A CL5 dropped into a house system with clashing Dante names will fight the existing devices for identity.", "CL and QL series share much of the workflow but not the channel counts. A CL5 file does not simply open on a QL1.", "The console can be the Dante clock master or a follower. Two Yamaha desks both configured as preferred master on one network is a classic install fault." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "yamaha", "dante", "install" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Yamaha Professional Audio", "url": "https://www.yamahaproaudio.com/", "publisher": "Yamaha", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "yamaha-dm7", "name": "Yamaha DM7", "vendor": "Yamaha", "category": "audio-console", "status": "current", "summary": "Yamaha's compact digital console aimed at broadcast, installation and corporate work as much as at live music, with a heavy emphasis on Dante-based I/O rather than local connectors.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Primary I/O path.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Clock in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Through Dante interoperability.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "form_factor": "Console", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.yamaha.com/proaudio/", "label": "Yamaha Professional Audio" }, "gotchas": [ "A Dante-centric console makes the network a show-critical path. Design the switch, the clock and the redundancy accordingly." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "yamaha", "dante" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Yamaha Professional Audio", "url": "https://www.yamaha.com/proaudio/", "publisher": "Yamaha", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "yamaha-rio3224-d2", "name": "Yamaha Rio3224-D2", "vendor": "Yamaha", "category": "io-interface", "status": "current", "summary": "Dante stage box with remote-controlled preamps, and the standard I/O behind a great many Yamaha live systems. The head amps are controlled from the console over the same network that carries the audio.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Primary transport, with redundancy.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Through Dante interoperability where enabled.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Clock.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "Analogue inputs (XLR)", "Analogue outputs (XLR)", "AES/EBU", "2x etherCON Dante (primary/secondary)" ], "form_factor": "Rackmount stage box", "rack_units": 3, "homepage": { "url": "https://www.yamaha.com/proaudio/", "label": "Yamaha Professional Audio" }, "gotchas": [ "Gain sharing is the classic multi-console problem: two consoles controlling the same head amp will fight unless one is following the other.", "Redundant Dante needs two physically separate networks to mean anything. Two cables into one switch is not redundancy." ], "tags": [ "audio", "stage-box", "dante", "yamaha" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Yamaha Professional Audio", "url": "https://www.yamaha.com/proaudio/", "publisher": "Yamaha", "accessed": "2026-08-29", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-29" }, { "id": "yamaha-rivage-pm7", "name": "Yamaha RIVAGE PM7", "vendor": "Yamaha", "category": "audio-console", "released": 2017, "status": "current", "summary": "Yamaha flagship digital mixing system: a CS-R10 style control surface with the DSP-RX engine, TWINLANe fibre ring to the RPio stage boxes, and a large complement of onboard Rupert Neve and Yamaha modelling.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "dante", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Dante is native on the RPio boxes and the engine.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "aes67", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via Dante AES67 mode.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "madi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Via HY card.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "word-clock", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "Word clock in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI control and scene recall.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC via the console API.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC input for scene automation.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "TWINLANe fibre ring", "HY card slots (Dante, MADI)", "Word clock in/out", "MIDI", "Redundant PSU" ], "form_factor": "Control surface plus separate DSP engine and RPio I/O", "homepage": { "url": "https://www.yamahaproaudio.com/", "label": "Yamaha Professional Audio" }, "gotchas": [ "TWINLANe and Dante are two different networks on the same system and they are not interchangeable. TWINLANe carries the high channel-count ring between engine and RPio; Dante is how everything else gets in.", "RIVAGE is a system, not a console. The surface without its DSP engine does nothing, which changes what a \"spare desk\" means on a tour.", "PM7 and PM10 differ in DSP capability and I/O, and share files only within limits. Confirm the model, not just \"a RIVAGE\"." ], "tags": [ "audio", "console", "yamaha", "rivage", "dante" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Yamaha Professional Audio", "url": "https://www.yamahaproaudio.com/", "publisher": "Yamaha", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "zactrack-pro", "name": "zactrack PRO", "vendor": "zactrack", "category": "tracking-system", "status": "current", "summary": "UWB radio-based performer tracking system that drives automated followspots, moving lights and audio object positions without needing line of sight to cameras.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "psn", "direction": "out", "note": "PosiStageNet output of tracked positions.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "out", "note": "Direct fixture control output for tracked followspot behaviour.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "out", "note": "sACN output for tracked fixture control.", "confidence": "unverified" }, { "protocol": "osc", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "OSC for integration with audio and show control.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rttrpm", "direction": "out", "note": "RTTrPM output for audio object positions.", "confidence": "unverified" } ], "physical_ports": [ "UWB anchors over network", "Performer tags", "Ethernet control" ], "form_factor": "Server plus distributed UWB anchors and worn tags", "homepage": { "url": "https://zactrack.com/", "label": "zactrack" }, "gotchas": [ "UWB does not need line of sight the way optical tracking does, which is its main advantage over camera systems in a busy set. Anchor placement is still the whole accuracy story.", "Tags are worn by performers, so wardrobe, battery life and quick changes are part of the system design, not an afterthought.", "Tracking output usually drives lighting and audio at once. Whoever owns the tracking system has become a dependency of two departments; agree the failure plan before the show, not during." ], "tags": [ "tracking", "uwb", "followspot", "psn", "zactrack" ], "sources": [ { "title": "zactrack", "url": "https://zactrack.com/", "publisher": "zactrack", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" }, { "id": "zero88-flx-s48", "name": "Zero 88 FLX S48", "vendor": "Zero 88", "category": "lighting-console", "released": 2016, "status": "current", "summary": "Compact 48-fader console aimed at schools, small venues and touring band rigs, with a simple two-mode workflow and modest universe count. The desk that turns up when the budget did not stretch to an Eos.", "speaks": [ { "protocol": "sacn", "direction": "out", "note": "sACN output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "art-net", "direction": "out", "note": "Art-Net output.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "dmx512", "direction": "out", "note": "Two DMX outputs on the rear.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "rdm", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "RDM on the local DMX ports.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "midi", "direction": "bidirectional", "note": "MIDI in and out.", "confidence": "reported" }, { "protocol": "ltc", "direction": "in", "note": "LTC input for timecode playback.", "confidence": "reported" } ], "physical_ports": [ "2x XLR5F DMX", "1x Ethernet", "MIDI in/out", "USB", "LTC in" ], "form_factor": "Console, 48 faders", "homepage": { "url": "https://zero88.com/", "label": "Zero 88" }, "gotchas": [ "Universe count is low compared with a touring desk. Fine for a house rig, tight once a visiting LED wall or a pixel-mapped set arrives.", "FLX and FLX S are different products with different fader counts and capabilities; a rider that just says \"FLX\" needs clarifying." ], "tags": [ "lighting", "console", "zero88", "education" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Zero 88", "url": "https://zero88.com/", "publisher": "Zero 88", "accessed": "2026-08-26", "primary": true } ], "confidence": "reported", "contributed_by": [], "updated": "2026-08-26" } ]