Featured Product: ETC ColorSource 40 Lighting Console
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Ideal for small theatres, schools, and churches
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Simple touchscreen interface with fader-based control
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Integrated colour control and cue playback
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Supports DMX and Ethernet protocols
A lighting control system is the backbone of any stage, venue, or event lighting setup. It allows lighting designers and operators to manage brightness, colour, movement, and timing across a wide range of fixtures — from a single LED wash to hundreds of intelligent moving heads.
In the simplest terms, it’s the brain that sends commands to your fixtures via DMX or network protocols like Art-Net or sACN. But not all lighting systems are created equal — and understanding their structure helps you choose the right one for your production scale.
🧩 Components of a Lighting Control System
A complete system typically includes:
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Lighting Console or Controller — the physical or software interface used to program and operate shows.
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DMX Distribution — cabling or nodes that send control data to fixtures.
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Lighting Fixtures — devices receiving DMX or network signals.
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Power & Data Management — power distros, splitters, and network switches that keep everything stable.
💡 Types of Lighting Control Systems
🎛 Networked vs. Standalone Systems
Modern systems often use Ethernet-based communication (Art-Net or sACN) to manage multiple DMX universes and simplify cabling. Standalone systems, while simpler, may be limited to a single DMX output.
For example, a small community theatre might run an ETC ColorSource console directly over DMX, while a touring festival rig uses an MA Lighting system distributing Art-Net through multiple switches and nodes.
🏟 Use Cases by Venue Size
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Small Venues / Houses of Worship: ETC ColorSource, Chamsys QuickQ, or ADJ MyDMX 3.0
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Mid-Level Theatres / Clubs: Chamsys MagicQ, Hog 4PC, or Onyx NX2
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Touring & Broadcast: MA Lighting grandMA3, High End Systems Hog 4, or ETC Eos
