The MagicQ MQ250M from Chamsys is almost like… well, magic!

I am not a lighting designer by profession, but after seeing the newest console release from Chamsys, I am seriously considering a career change just to get my hands on this baby. The MagicQ MQ250M Stadium Console is just about the sleekest, sexiest thing to grace the lighting booth since the automated dimmer. Not only does it feature the high-profile, high-capacity control that Chamsys is known for, but it comes in a tidy, portable package making it a breeze to travel from venue to venue. It’s a perfect cost-effective alternative to the larger MQ500M.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the MQ250M to the MQ500M:

	MQ250M	MQ500M
Universes	64 expandable to 128 (direct from the console)	200 (direct from the console (licensed above 64)
Channels	32,768 expandable to 65,536	102,400 (32,768 standard)
Playbacks	20 (10 motorized fader, 10 encoder)	30 (15 fader, 15 flash)
Max Cues	5,000	5,000
Max Cue Stacks	2,000	2,000
Max Groups	5,000	5,000
Max Palettes	4,096	4,096
Media Server Layers Supported	50 (each different content)	50 (each different content)
Numbers of Shows	Virtually unlimited	Virtually unlimited
Direct DMX ports	4	4
Network ports	4	4
USB Ports	6 (including 2 high power)	5 (including 1 on front panel for easy access)
Audio Input (1 channel, 7 band)	Yes	Yes
Inbuilt Displays	15″ HD Multi-Touch Display,  5″ Attribute/Execute display	15″ MagicVis Visualiser with full rendering of beams and gobos, 15″ MagicHD Media Player for pixel mapping onto 200 universes
RGB illumination of playbacks	Yes	Yes
Width	680mm	860mm
Depth	416mm	585mm
Height	159mm	90mm high at front, 175mm high at rear (screens stored)
Weight	13kg (28.6lbs)	28KG (61.73lbs)
Price point	$20,800	$32,200

It is clear to see from the price point comparison alone that the MQ250M is an incredible value over its predecessor. You’re not sacrificing much in the way of function and the mobility should be attractive for any designer who is constantly on the go.

Control up to 128 lighting universes directly from the console!

You won’t need any additional processing hardware. Everything is self-contained in the unit with no need for any additional processing equipment. All universes are available directly through the network ports using the industry standard lighting protocols, sACN, ArtNet and Pathport.

It’s super light!

The light, compact design is perfect for stowing in your travel carry-on for easy and safe transportation. No need to worry about how your expensive hardware is being handled by the airline crew. This is the perfect console for any touring show!

Loaded up with the most advanced lighting software

MagicQ stadium software has long been recognized for its excellent control of venues with thousands of fixtures. The MQ250M features the most up-to-date MagicQ software available providing an easy and intuitive interface. Its visualization feature allows you to view your entire rig, program plot points, and preview their output through the Plot Window. It has an inbuilt 3D palette system with functions to easily track artists and moving objects. Another exciting, new feature is the Audio Timeline Editor which makes it possible to easily sync lighting to audio cues or even timecode for a seamless show run. You can even mix your colors using the multi emitter color picker. Basically, just input your settings and the console does the rest!

It also features forward and backward file compatibility, so there’s no need to worry about software versions.

Motorized controls

The ten motorized and backlit faders provide versatility and advanced control right at your fingertips. Combine that with the 10 backlit playback encoders and you have a bevy of programming options at your disposal with quick and easy access through shortcut buttons notably the GO and BACK buttons. Combined with the dual 100mm crossfader, it provides the ultimate theater control experience. You can assign different functions to each playback encoder which in turn have full legending directly above on the digital display. These include control of intensity and FX speed, size, rate, and time.

Folding HD Multi-touch display

Say goodbye to lugging around bulky, unwieldy equipment with a touch display designed with the traveling designer in mind. Simply fold up shop and tuck away the ergonomically designed console and you’re ready to move on to your next venue.

It lights up!

I mean, come on. How cool is that? The backlit keys and fader trackers are fully customizable enabling you to color code each button and visibly configure the console to the designers’ needs.  Users can select standard functions or customize each Cue Stack individually – for example, to separate the main cues from bump cues.

Check out the video below for a closer view of the MQ250M:

If you’d like to talk to one of our knowledgeable sales staff about how the Chamysys MagicQ MQ250 might be right for your lighting needs, feel free to give us a call. We’d be happy to speak with you!