showstack / software / chamsys-magicq
ChamSys MagicQ
ChamSys's lighting control software: free to download for Windows, macOS and Linux, and the operating software on MagicQ consoles. Demo mode outputs 64 universes of Art-Net/sACN with no dongle at all, which makes it the default free real-world lighting controller.
Protocols it speaks
| Protocol | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| art-net | bidirectional | Art-Net 1, 2, 3 and 4 in broadcast or unicast mode for output; Art-Net is also received for capture into the console or for merging. 64 universes of output are enabled in the free demo mode. |
| sacn | bidirectional | sACN out in multicast or unicast, and received for capture or merging. |
| pathport | bidirectional | Pathport output, and received for capture or merging. Unusual for a non-Pathway console. |
| dmx512 | out | Direct DMX via a MagicDMX interface, a MagicQ wing/interface, or console XLR outputs. MagicDMX is one universe, out or in. |
| rdm | bidirectional | RDM is listed among the features available in demo mode, so it does not need a wing or dongle. |
| citp | bidirectional | CITP with the Capture visualiser carries both lighting control and transfer of the show patch between MagicQ and Capture in either direction. |
| osc | bidirectional needs licence |
OSC requires Unlocked mode, activated by a MagicQ wing, Connect interface or rack-mount dongle. The manual documents both receiving and sending messages. |
| ltc | in needs licence |
Timecode receive (Art-Net, MIDI, LTC) is an Unlocked-mode feature; demo and Core mode will not chase timecode. |
| mtc | in needs licence |
MIDI timecode receive is part of the same Unlocked-mode timecode feature set. |
| midi | in needs licence |
MIDI notes and CC from third-party USB or virtual interfaces require Unlocked mode. |
| midi-show-control | in needs licence |
Listed as Show control alongside MIDI notes and CC in the Unlocked-mode feature list. |
What to watch for
MagicDMX Basic and Full do not unlock anything. With only a MagicDMX attached the software stays in demo mode, and MagicDMX Basic is additionally limited to 5-hour sessions.
Timecode, MIDI and OSC are all Unlocked-mode features. Free MagicQ will run 64 universes of Art-Net all day but will not chase LTC.
There are three tiers, not two: Demo, Core and Unlocked. Core (GeNetix GN2, SnakeSys, audio interface) buys scheduled events, the remote app and the web server, but not timecode or OSC.
The tier follows the connected device, so losing the wing or dongle mid-run silently drops the rig to demo-mode features.
Linux builds are limited to current Ubuntu LTS releases on 64-bit x86. There is no ARM build.
The tier structure was reworked from v1.9.5.0 onwards, so older forum advice about what a given dongle unlocks may no longer match.
Typical use
- Free full-function lighting control for schools, churches and small venues
- Touring and festival control on MagicQ consoles
- Offline programming and previs against Capture over CITP
- Merging or capturing incoming Art-Net/sACN/Pathport from another desk
Sources
- MagicQ Software Licensing — ChamSys primary
- Installing MagicQ Software & Drivers — ChamSys primary
- Networking - ChamSys — ChamSys primary
- MagicDMX Basic — ChamSys primary
- MagicQ Manual (complete PDF export) — ChamSys primary
- Using MagicQ with the Capture visualiser — Capture Visualisation
Understand the mechanism
Something wrong, or missing?
Every entry here is maintained by people who run shows.
Edit this entry on GitHub — one file, editable in your browser, and your handle goes on it permanently.
Work at ChamSys? Confirm or correct this entry — it is free, it stays free, and nothing about it is for sale.