High End Systems' HedgeHog 4 is a compact, lightweight lighting control console. Unlike other lower-cost consoles, this one has an on-board computer.
I had the pleasure of writing a review of the High End Systems (HES) HedgeHog 4 lighting control console, distributed by Elation Lighting, in mid 2014. Just before Christmas, HES announced an expansion of the console lineup, added three versions of the HedgeHog 4 all based on the same physical console chassis.
The HedgeHog 4, HedgeHog 4N, HedgeHog 4S, and HedgeHog 4X all use the exact same hardware, but additional features are unlocked through software purchase codes based on either the specific model ordered, or through upgrade software code. In other words, the base console model has the physical hardware already in it to support all versions, but those who don't need the extra features don't pay for them, and access to them is disabled. However, users can purchase the upgrade code for these features later as the need arises without having to change hardware.
The base model (MSRP $6,400) provides for two on-board universes of DMX and four universes of DMX via ArtNet and sACN Ethernet-based protocols; an onboard multi-touch display; the Light Converse Visualizer; ten playback faders; the traditional Hog 4 programming control surface; up to eight Hog 3 or Hog 4 Playback wings; up to two Hog 3 or Hog 4 Master wings; and support for two single DMX widgets.
The HedgeHog 4N (MSRP $7,800) adds Hog Net lighting protocol support, and support for the Hog DMX Processor 8000 (which adds 16 universes of DMX).
The HedgeHog 4S (MSRP $7,800) adds support for an external touch-screen monitor.
The HedgeHog 4X (MSRP $9,995) adds two more universes of ArtNet/sACN universes, increasing its capacity to six; Hog Net support; external touch-screen monitor support; and support for the DMX Processor 8000.
It's nice to see an option for not paying for features you don't need, and being able to unlock them through simply buying an upgrade code without the need for changing hardware. This provides a simpler upgrade path without the hassle of transferring show files or potentially losing your custom configurations like you might when upgrading to a new piece of hardware.
There are plenty of churches out there whose initial lighting capacity is small but with hopes of growing their system over time, and this looks like a convenient way of achieving that.
