MagicQ products get connected to many different types of equipment – lighting fixtures, dimmers, media servers, audio sources, show control systems and more enabling all sorts of advanced configurations.
The ability to pick and choose which of them are needed makes the MagicQ product family an extremely flexible and powerful choice in lighting control.
Convenience in Wiring Topology
MagicQ MQ70, MQ80, MQ250M and MQ500M consoles all have an internal Ethernet switch with three or more separate network ports on the rear panel enabling easy connection of media servers, multiple consoles, and laptops. The switch is protected by the UPS to keep your network up and running if mains power is interrupted.
Network-based Output Options
MagicQ supports output via Art-Net (1,2,3,4) in both broadcast and unicast mode. Art-Net lighting control protocol is supported by over 220 manufacturers worldwide. Two separate unicast addresses can be set up per Universe.
MagicQ supports output via sACN in multicast or unicast modes. The sACN lighting control protocol (Lightweight Streaming Protocol for Architectural Control Networks, or ANSI E1.31 standard) is also widely used.
Network-based Input Options
MagicQ can also receive in ArtNet, Pathport, sACN amd Shownet data for capture into the console or for merging operations. This allows MagicQ consoles to work side-by-side with other lighting controllers to facilitate special touring situations and festivals.
Networking Multiple MagicQ Devices
Net Sessions allow multiple MagicQ consoles to operate together on a network with one console being the Master and the others Slaves. This approach allows for the largest rigs to be broken up into manageable chunks for multiple programmers to work on at the same time, and later consolidated for operation back into a more streamlined hardware profile.
Programming can take place on any console with a choice of options for which console controls the physical outputs. Playback can be synchronised between the consoles with a range of sync modes.
For best results we recommend using multiple of the same MagicQ console type – for example, two or more MQ500Ms together, or two or more MQ250Ms together. Consoles can be mixed if required subject to the reduced capabilities of the smallest console. MagicQ PC/Mac systems with Stadium Connect or PC Wings can be part of the net session but have restrictions on playback capabilities.
MagicQ supports synchronising of show file data between consoles so that one console on the network acts as a master console with the master show file whilst slave consoles synchronise to that show data. Programming changes can be made on any of the consoles with the show file on the master being updated and then all other systems synchronised to the master.
MagicQ consoles can work together over an Ethernet network – either in master/slave operation where only one console is live at a time, or synchronised together for playback to increase the number of universes or size of show. When in master/slave operation control can be taken or released from any console.
Remote Monitoring and Control Over a Network
- Using ChamSys software/mobile applications
The MagicQ software can be used on a PC to remotely monitor and control any MagicQ console or MagicQ PC on the network – for example when used on a wireless enabled tablet PC this can be used as a very comprehensive remote control. MagicQ remote control uses a very low bandwidth protocol which enables immediate and seamless remote control of MagicQ consoles. - Using a Web Browser
MagicQ has an in-built web server which enables any device on the network with a web browser to connect to the MagicQ console or MagicQ PC system and access complete system information through web pages. The web pages include a simple remote control web page which enables remote channel level access through WIFI web browsers on pocket PC style device and mobile phones. - Writing your own programs to wrap around MagicQ
ChamSys publishes its Ethernet remote control protocol and the serial remote control protocols enabling the end user to develop their own remote control applications or integrate MagicQ into their own systems. MagicQ supports a full range of networking options for connecting multiple consoles and multiple MagicQ PC systems together. MagicQ supports remote control of MagicQ from wireless devices such as mobile phones, iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and tablet PCs.
Quick Summary
MagicQ supports many different networking features:
- Output via ArtNet (1,2,3,4), Pathport, sACN and ShowNet
- Configuration of SnakeSys products
- Configuration of ArtNet and sACN nodes
- Net Sessions – multi console control and sync
- Remote control of other MagicQ consoles/PC/Mac systems
- Remote iOS/Android app
- Grab shows over the network from other consoles
- ChamSys Remote Ethernet Protocol
- ChamSys Web Server
- Remote access to MagicQ file system via File Manager/Finder