Members djr Posted August 24, 2012 Members Share Posted August 24, 2012 thinking about going computer light controller ,should I go My dmx2.0 from ADJ or get a dongle and go freestyler , what are the pros and cons of each and which is easier to use please Thanks Danny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Chickentown Posted August 24, 2012 Members Share Posted August 24, 2012 I can't compare because I only use Freestyler. My advice is to focus your energy on learning the hell outta' whichever one you choose and keep practicing moving creative ideas from your head to software to stage. Freestyler doesn't cost anything, but it's pretty deep. So regardless of which software/USB>DMX combo you pick, the learning curve for controlling lights with computer is still there and it's no small thing. Choosing the software is a little bit like finding the narrowest part of the creek to jump over on you way to swimming across the ocean. BTW - when I realized I wanted a *dedicated* laptop that did nothing but run my lights, I put out a Facebook post asking my friends if they had free/cheap old XP laptops. I got offered seven free laptops in about two hours! The one I got was wiped with a fresh XP install. I connected to internet and updated Windows, installed Freestyler, then shut off wireless. With this and the Enttec Pro, my setup has been rock-solid for over a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bigjd Posted August 24, 2012 Members Share Posted August 24, 2012 I use Freestyler. Been looking at DMXis,but some of the functions I like in FS aren't there.My DMX is pretty easy from what I understand.There's lots of options out there,choosing one is tough. As Chicken said above they all have a learning curve. Pick and choose the features you want and learn it.I use FS because it's free,tons of support,the interface is very affordable,and I've got a way to run it on a Mac. Been using it on a dedicated laptop for 7yrs now without any problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Mutha Goose Posted August 24, 2012 Members Share Posted August 24, 2012 The unfortunate thing about any of the SW solutions is that you will not find their true limitations until after you've spent considerable time trying to transpose your ideas into reality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Johnny Lightboy Posted August 24, 2012 Members Share Posted August 24, 2012 The unfortunate thing about any of the SW solutions is that you will not find their true limitations until after you've spent considerable time trying to transpose your ideas into reality. ^^^^ this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stangconv Posted August 24, 2012 Members Share Posted August 24, 2012 Is there a decent dongle for either that's not too much coin? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bigjd Posted August 24, 2012 Members Share Posted August 24, 2012 Most interfaces only work with the software intended for them. Thats why I used FS,its an freeware that can use alot of different interfaces.The Enntec open interface is about 60.00.Goose nailed it too, you dont know what ya got till you get all the way through it, for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members djr Posted August 24, 2012 Author Members Share Posted August 24, 2012 where can i find a enntec dongle for $60? all the ones i've seen are about $150 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bigjd Posted August 25, 2012 Members Share Posted August 25, 2012 where can i find a enntec dongle for $60? all the ones i've seen are about $150 Sleazebay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Chickentown Posted August 25, 2012 Members Share Posted August 25, 2012 http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showthread.php?1888695-Enttec-Open-DMX-Versus-Pro-DMX You are seeing the Enttec Pro prices. The Enttec Open is very inexpensive, but the Pro version is a huge upgrade that I've never regretted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stangconv Posted September 2, 2012 Members Share Posted September 2, 2012 Is there anyways to run dmx lights from an iPad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members soundlight Posted September 2, 2012 Members Share Posted September 2, 2012 Yes, there are several ways to run lighting from an iPad. One of the most popular is Luminair, which will output Art-Net and requires an interface like the Enttec ODE. You can also use Chauvet ShowXpress which has an iPad app. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Mutha Goose Posted September 2, 2012 Members Share Posted September 2, 2012 I use my iPad as a light controller using DMXis as a plug-in in Ableton Live. Using TouchOsc on the iPad, I can create custom interfaces to busk the show. Here is an example of someone else doing this:http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2281193842630 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kmart Posted September 3, 2012 Members Share Posted September 3, 2012 I use my iPad as a light controller using DMXis as a plug-in in Ableton Live. Using TouchOsc on the iPad, I can create custom interfaces to busk the show. Here is an example of someone else doing this:http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2281193842630 FYI... Ironically, the video n this post cannot be viewed on an iPad as it requires Flash... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members firehousemusic Posted April 16, 2013 Members Share Posted April 16, 2013 I am a lighting installer. I have found the Enttec dongles to be the most trouble free. If you only are playing around with it then the open source DMX dongle is fine (less than $100) If it is in a production environment spend the extra money (costs around $200 or less) and get the "Pro" USB to DMX dongle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members firehousemusic Posted April 16, 2013 Members Share Posted April 16, 2013 I'm afraid they raised their prices recently, but the open source dongle should be less than $150. The PRO will be closer to $175-$200 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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