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Lighting Review: ChamSys Ltd. - MagicQ MQ100 Pro Lighting Console
Since many churches have only one person that runs the lights in addition to handling projection and media, it makes sense to have a lighting controller that can handle both lighting and media with relative ease. The MagicQ MQ100 Pro console from UK-based ChamSys Ltd. is just such a console. It has its own internal, basic media engine that allows fast pixel mapping to create large LED displays with relative ease, and it easily integrates with a wide variety of media servers. With a control philosophy that is familiar, it is fast and easy to learn and, I believe, is a console that you will want to get a demonstration on.
One of the nice features about the console that I like is its small footprint, which is important in a tight control area. The MagicQ MQ100 Pro measures 24.6 inches (625 mm) wide by 22.8 inches (580 mm) deep by 7 inches (180 mm) high. With a weight of 33 pounds (15 kg), you can easily move the console to where you need it. However, the small size of this console shouldn’t fool you, it is packed with powerful features and processing abilities. Features include 5,000 cues; 1,000 cue-stacks with full cue-stack control on 10 different playback faders; individual channel timing; fully configurable effects; and on-screen cue editing. The touchscreen windows enable instant access to palettes, range information, and effects for those moments when live control is required. You can have up to 202 playbacks, 3,096 palettes, and 1,000 groups.
The MQ100 Pro also features 18 DMX universes—all processed on-board without a need for external network processors. These channels have been tested to run at full speed with all channels fully patched. MQ100 also supports Art-Net, Pathport, and ShowNet protocols and is ACN ready. In addition, there are four direct DMX outputs and a built-in high-speed Ethernet switch with four separate Neutrik EtherCon locking connectors enabling easy, reliable networking. As with the rest of the console, the Ethernet switch is protected by an Uninterruptible Power Supply. The console has a universal power supply of 90-240V AC 50-60 Hz. For further network connectivity, the console supports a high-speed fiber optic option.
Inner Workings
The media engine is a key feature of the MQ100 Pro, which is designed to work with video and controls Arkaos, Catalyst, Hippotizer, MBox Extreme, Pandoras Box, RADlite, and other media servers. With eight encoders, each automatically electronically labeled, controlling multiple attribute video systems is easy. When connected to a media server the thumbnails can be displayed on the touchscreen to enable fast selection of media clips. This is an interesting feature; when you are controlling a media server the thumbnails from the media server are displayed for you to access rather than having to remember DMX addresses. You just press the picture on the screen and you get that media on the media server. The effects engine, large palette storage capability, and fast access to recorded cues and palettes enable easy playback of video effects.
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Michael S. Eddy writes about design and technology. He can be reached at mseddy2900@hotmail.com. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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