4 Most Common Lighting Consoles

Lighting consoles are the heart of any professional lighting setup, giving designers and technicians the power to craft stunning visual experiences. Whether it’s a theater production, a live concert, or a corporate event, these devices control everything from brightness and color to complex effects and movements. With so many options out there, it helps to know which ones are the most used in the industry. In this blog post, we’ll explore the four most common lighting consoles, along with some other options that might better suit your needs.

1. grandMA3 (MA Lighting)

The grandMA3 is arguably the most powerful and versatile lighting console available. Favored by large-scale events, concerts, and theater productions, the grandMA3 provides robust networking capabilities, intuitive programming workflows, and exceptional reliability. Its expansive feature set includes seamless integration with video and media servers, making it a top choice for complex, multimedia-driven productions.

The grandMA3 is highly customizable, offering multiple ways to accomplish the same task so you can build a workflow that suits you. It gives you extensive control over every parameter—an incredibly powerful console, though it does come with a steep learning curve.

It’s extremely expensive and overkill for the vast majority of users!

2. ETC EOS Series

The EOS family from ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls) is the go-to lighting console for theater. Renowned for its user-friendly interface, precise cue timing, and incredible color control, the EOS series excels in environments demanding meticulous cueing and nuanced lighting design. Its robust hardware and software integration ensures dependable performance night after night.

The EOS Series includes several models, each tailored to specific production needs and budgets, ensuring versatility across different venues. The high-end EOS Ti, with its impressive processing power and multiple touchscreens, is ideal for large theaters and touring shows. The Gio, a more compact yet capable option, suits mid-sized venues perfectly, while the Ion Xe offers a smaller, flexible solution for compact theaters or as a backup console. For simpler setups, the Element provides streamlined functionality without complexity. What ties these models together is the consistent EOS software platform, allowing users to switch between consoles seamlessly—a huge perk for freelancers working across various gigs. Beyond hardware, ETC supports its users with extensive training options, including online tutorials, in-person classes, and an active user forum, making the EOS Series accessible to beginners and experts alike.

ETC has a strong hold on the theatrical lighting market in the U.S., making it the go-to choice for most American theatre lighting designers. If you need a lighting console that professionals in theatre are already familiar with, ETC is the clear choice.

3. ChamSys MagicQ

ChamSys MagicQ lighting consoles provide an ideal balance of performance, flexibility, and affordability. Widely used in live music venues, touring shows, and medium-sized events, MagicQ stands out for its approachable interface and strong visualizer integration. Its powerful yet budget-friendly nature makes ChamSys an excellent choice for professionals and novices alike, especially those transitioning into larger productions.

We’re big fans of MagicQ—its software is both powerful and intuitive, and the pricing is hard to beat. It’s our go-to pro lighting console at Springtree, and the one we confidently recommend. Best of all, you can download the software for free to explore the workflow and see if it’s the right fit before investing in a console. MagicQ is a great fit for concerts, medium to large churches, theatres, and film productions.

4. Obsidian Control Systems ONYX

ONYX, originally developed by Martin Professional and now under the stewardship of Obsidian Control Systems (a division of Elation Lighting), has quickly gained popularity thanks to its intuitive workflow, extensive hardware options, and robust feature set at competitive pricing. Ideal for touring bands, clubs, and churches, ONYX lighhting consoles offer seamless control of large-scale lighting setups, impressive networking capabilities, and dependable hardware that withstands the rigors of regular transportation. For touring bands, the platform’s robust networking capabilities and durable hardware make it a trusted companion, effortlessly managing complex lighting rigs while enduring the demands of constant travel and setup changes. Clubs and churches, often operating with limited budgets or volunteer staff, benefit from ONYX’s intuitive workflow, which simplifies operation without sacrificing power or flexibility. The competitive pricing further sweetens the deal.

Lighting Board Honorable Mentions:

While the lighting consoles above are industry standards, a few other notable options include:

• High End Systems Hog 4 – Renowned for its reliability and powerful programming capabilities in concert touring and event production. It’s a solid choice, though it does come with a steep learning curve.
• Avolites Titan – Praised for its intuitive software and user-friendly interface, especially in music festivals and touring environments. Often referred to as a visual designer’s console, Avolites excels in integrating lighting and media control.

Better Lighting Console For Beginners

For those just starting out in lighting design, the LightShark console by Work Pro is an excellent entry point that combines simplicity with professional-grade functionality. Designed with beginners in mind, LightShark offers an intuitive, web-based interface that can be accessed from any device with a browser, such as a tablet or laptop, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated hardware. Its straightforward layout makes programming cues and controlling fixtures approachable, even for users with minimal experience. Despite its beginner-friendly design, LightShark supports DMX universes and integrates seamlessly with modern lighting setups, making it a versatile choice for small venues, schools, or community theaters. The affordability of LightShark, paired with its robust feature set, ensures that novices can learn the ropes of lighting control without feeling overwhelmed or breaking the bank.

Similarly, the Chamsys QuickQ series is a fantastic option for beginners looking to dip their toes into professional lighting control. QuickQ consoles are specifically engineered for ease of use, featuring a clean, touch-screen interface and pre-built effects that simplify the programming process. Ideal for small to medium-sized productions like school plays, church services, or local gigs, QuickQ provides just enough power to handle diverse lighting setups while keeping operations straightforward. The console’s guided workflows and built-in tutorials help new users quickly grasp essential concepts like cue creation and fixture patching. Plus, QuickQ’s compatibility with the broader ChamSys ecosystem means beginners can transition to more advanced MagicQ systems as their skills grow, making it a smart, future-proof investment for aspiring lighting designers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lighting console is crucial for creating unforgettable visual experiences, whether you’re illuminating a Broadway stage, a rock concert, or a local community event. The grandMA3, ETC EOS Series, ChamSys MagicQ, and Obsidian ONYX stand out as industry leaders, each offering unique strengths tailored to different production scales and creative needs. For those just starting out, beginner-friendly options like LightShark and ChamSys QuickQ provide accessible entry points without sacrificing professional-grade functionality. By understanding your production requirements, budget, and skill level, you can select a console that not only meets your current needs but also grows with your ambitions. With the right console at your fingertips, the possibilities for crafting stunning lighting designs are limitless.

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