A very common situation is trying to select which professional grade console you should go with. Now, more than ever you have so many options. So how do you know which one to go with?
Between Grand MA3, Vista, Hog, Chamsys, and Onyx in some cases, I do recommend Onyx. Not because Onyx is the best console or has more features than the others. But because on a cost basis and really seems to be the best option.
In this video, I am going to go through the top professional console and help you compare the features and costs.
I am a true believer in that there is no console that fits all. But these consoles that we’re about to compare are some of the most popular consoles out on the market. Now, in this article, we will be comparing hardware versus cost comparison, not software comparison.
The consoles that we will be discussing are all very good and solid consoles. It’s not so much of can the software do your show because most of these will be able to help you create a good show.
If the software is something that you are concerned about then I do recommend checking out the software and see if it’s something you would want to work with.
Note: In the video, I used the site: https://www.blueplanetlighting.com/ because it did have the consoles listed.
How I Compare the Consoles
In this comparison, I do look at a few different things. I do look at the PC only where we will see what output you will get. Fader wing, full wing, and touring console that would be a stand-alone unit.
I would also like to note that these prices are from the web. You may want to check in with a dealer and see if you can get a better price.
Obsidian/Elation Onyx
Onyx is the software I recommend very often because I do believe you get more for your money. Onyx was previously Elation which was purchased by Obsidian.
PC Only
- Free
– 4 Outputs that you will get for free. You will need to use sACN/Art-net to use the outputs. - $240
– You can purchase the M-DMX that comes with 2 universe USB for M-PC
Fader Wing (known as M-Touch)
- $480
– 4 Universes
– 10 Faders (not real faders but you can use these in the same manner)
– 1 Universe output
Full Wing (known as NX Wing)
- $2800
– 128 Universes unlocked
– 10 Faders
– Master fader
– 4 DMX ports
Touring Console (known as NX2 Console)
- $7600
– Same as the NX Wing but has 15.6″ multi-touch screen
– 10 Faders
– Master fader
– 4 DMX ports
– Full programming section
MA Lighting Grand MA3
The MA3 recently came out and the price difference between MA2 and MA3 are very similar. The licensing is done a little differently and the company licenses per parameter.
PC Only
- $1237
– 2 Universes or 1024 parameters (licensed per parameter)
– No faders - $2475
– MA3 4 port node to get the 4 ports
Fader Wing (Command Wing)
- $5876
– 4 Universes or 2048 parameters (licensed per parameter)
– 10 Faders + cross fader
– Full programming section
Touring Console (MA3 Compact)
- $25,387
– 8 Universes or 4096 parameters (licensed per parameter)
– 10 Faders
– Full programming section
Chroma Q Vista
PC Only
- $2970
– 4 Universes (by channel)
– Does have lesser options available
– Extra universes are available for $1138
Fader Wing (known as Vista MV)
- $1159
– 5 Faders
– Master fader
– Output is extra
Full Wing (known as Vista EX)
- $2800
– 10 Faders
– Full programming section
– Output is extra
Touring Console is not yet Available
High End System Hog
Hog has become a good competition when it comes to pricing with Onyx. But still, you seem to get more out of Onyx for less. The Hog does have a pixel mapper and Onyx does not at this time.
PC Only
- $1352
– 4 Universes
– Single universe widget is an additional $690
Fader Wing (known as Mini Wing 4)
- $2855
– 10 Faders
Full Wing (known as Hoglet 4)
- $3700
– 10 Faders
– 4 Universes
– Full programming section
Touring Console (known as Road Hog 4)
- $12,000
– 10 Faders
– 8 Universes
– Full programming section
Chauvet Chamsys
Chauvet’s Chamsys is another good priced console especially with the PC only option that comes with 64 universes.
PC Only
- Free
– 64 Universes
Fader Wing (known as Mini Wing)
- $1050
– 10 Faders
– 64 Universes
– Basic programming section
Full Wing (known as PC Wing Compact)
- $2350
– 10 Faders
– 64 Universes
– Full programming section
Touring Console (known as MQ60)
- $6400
– 10 Faders
– 12 Universes
– Full programming section
Ultimately, you want to find what is best for you. Some consoles do offer some great hardware. But overall Onyx really gives you the most for a low cost which at the end of the day seems to make more financial sense.