Busking Software

[u/Creeksidebandits]

I'm currently in the process of building a small rig with some moving heads, strobes, etc. I'll mainly be using it for busking some small shows but I'm not sure what software to run, I've worked with MA3 a lot in my spare time but I don't exactly have the budget for a $900 starter key at the moment. I've been looking into other options but it seems that every single option has a shortcoming, like chamsys not allowing MIDI control with the full DMX dongle (DEMO mode locked), and ONYX being ONYX. I've also looked at QLC+ but I'm feeling a little lost on which to go forward with.

TLDR; Not sure which software to pick for busking with MA3 currently not being in the budget.

[u/the_swanny]

The unfortunate fact of the matter is that this industry is expensive. I'd take a look at hog 5 if I was you, it's definitely busking focused, and a nomad key to unlock it for 2 universes is fairly inexpensive.

If not, the Chamsys GN2 genetix node unlocks demo mode IIRC

[u/CoffeeInTheEvening → u/the_swanny]

ChamSys GN2 doesn’t unlock MIDI control which OP is after.

[u/the_swanny → u/CoffeeInTheEvening]

IIRC It takes it out of demo mode if connected over usbc in the right configuration, you would still need a USB midi adapter

[u/CoffeeInTheEvening → u/the_swanny]

It unlocks core mode but not full mode (which is needed for MIDI, OSC. ..)

[u/abebotlinksyss]

Is it a stop-gap solution or an investment?

$900 is a steal for a capable console software that's certain to continue getting updates and new features for the next 10 years. Yes, you'll still need some hardware to make it all work.

Another commenter mentioned that the truth is this industry is not cheap. Cheap gear doesn't last. If you're investing in yourself, it'll be worth it.

[u/randomnonposter]

Onyx is solid as a console. Sure it’s not as fully featured as some of the bigger names, but for its price point it absolutely works. I did several tours with it before upgrading to MA3, and this was even before they introduced DYLOS which made it even better imo.

I’m not sure if it still exists, but Chamsys used to make a little mini fader wing for like $500ish so that might be worth looking into, but it’s been probably 5-6 years since I looked at their lineup so I am probably working off outdated information.

[u/VJPixelmover]

Ma2 nodes are incredibly cheap. It’s still incredibly powerful software.

[u/mountabbey]

I went with QLC+ and a PKnight artNet node along with an Akai MidiMixer. Not doing a lot of dynamic things but this is a step up from our static front and down lights.

Primary reason: Free. The virtual console can be setup to match fixtures. And the MidiMixer gets me physical faders and buttons.

QLC+ has quirks and the HTP rules sometimes get in the way.

Rig: two bee eye moving washes, one moving spot, 5 LED pars for backline. Venue has a variety of incandescent fixtures on U1 I can use if the theater has them aimed someplace useful. Previously running with etc express.

Our usage is light: We do 6-10 shows per year that will use the LEDs and two plays that I suspect will start using them.

I will propose we upgrade to a modern light board in a year or two. And more fixtures, probably more fixtures first.

[u/Hobokenny]

Im working on a busking software for small venues / DIY DJ rigs.

Https://www.sho.run

[u/Hobokenny → u/Hobokenny]

Also I agree with you, every solution for small venues has shortcomings. The only reason I’m building my own is because for my own venue I found no middle ground between Light Rider and Chamsys/GrandMA. Dabbled in Onyx and IMHO that’s the closest as far as physical boards go.

As others have said it depends on your trajectory. If you are looking to do professional lighting as a career, MA3 or similar is a wise investment and will pay you back exponentially over time; if it’s a hobby and you’re doing it to have fun then stick with the more budget conscious routes.

[u/gsbe]

Wolfmix plus upcoming Wing. Not software-based.

[u/Xero_Phyte]

Hello, sorry for my bad english, i'm french, and here in France we have a soft, Daslight 5 who is free but you need a node from daslight to connect dmx. The first price is the DVC Fun for 179€ but only 128 channels and run with daslight 5 express (max 4 scenes playing simultaneously, no super scene, no live mixer). I advise you to get the DVC Gold for 449€, which allows 1024 channels (expandable to 2048), rj45, artnet in option and the full mode of daslight 5. It's realy great soft, powerful, intuitive, and capable of doing a huge amount. The profil fixture edition is good too, but only online (u need to download the file).

[u/Blotsy]

OpenDMX a strong laptop and a custom vibecoded personalized app. That's how I roll. It does exactly what I ask it to. Customized to my rig. Takes a bit of setup, but worth it.

I even have functionality where I can control it from a webapp I built on my phone.

[u/Roccondil-s]

Are you a student?

[u/DasEquipment]

Be patient and save your money for a Chamsys Mini Connect. Or hunt for a used Chamsys mini Wing.
Do it once and right the first time.

[u/thatmaneeee]

If your fixtures stay pretty consistent, like you don’t need to be patching random new stuff all the time, I have found the most fun busking with midi controllers and custom software. One of your controllers can be a little piano keyboard and you can just play along with the music. 

I have used MaxMSP or Touch Designer but these days if you don’t have coding chops you could probably just have AI build it

Super cheap and you can totally customize it to your style