A DMX controller is essential for managing and synchronizing multiple lighting fixtures during events. Whether you’re a DJ, event planner, or lighting technician, a DMX controller gives you the power to control everything from spotlights to LED effects. The right DMX controller can handle all the lighting needs of your gig, from basic color changes to complex light shows synced to your music.
Here’s a detailed guide to the best DMX controllers on the market, catering to different needs and levels of expertise, from beginners to professionals.
1. Chauvet DJ Obey 70 DMX Controller
Best for Medium to Large Events
The Chauvet DJ Obey 70 is one of the best mid-range DMX controllers, providing extensive control over a large number of lighting fixtures. It’s perfect for DJs, event planners, or lighting techs who need to control complex lighting rigs at medium to large events.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
- Extensive Control: With 384 DMX channels and the ability to control up to 12 fixtures, each with 32 channels, it’s ideal for medium to large lighting setups.
- Fader Controls: The 14 faders and 6 chase banks allow for smooth control over your lights, giving you precision for both static and dynamic effects.
- Multiple Scene Storage: You can store up to 240 scenes and access chases and fade time for dynamic, music-synced light shows.
Key Features:
- 384 DMX channels
- Controls up to 12 fixtures with 32 channels each
- 14 faders for smooth control
- 240 scene storage
- 6 chase banks and 128 total chases
- MIDI compatible for music synchronization
Best For: Medium to large venues, professional DJs, and events requiring precise control over multiple lighting fixtures.
2. ADJ myDMX GO
Best for Mobile DJs and Beginners
The ADJ myDMX GO is a wireless DMX control system designed for DJs and event organizers who want simple yet powerful lighting control through their mobile devices. It’s user-friendly and perfect for those who need instant control over their lighting without complicated setups.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Wireless Control: It’s a tablet-based DMX controller that allows you to control your lights through an app on iOS or Android devices. No need for physical faders or complicated settings.
- Simple Interface: The app provides an intuitive interface that lets you control effects, colors, and light shows with simple touch gestures, making it perfect for those new to DMX.
- Customizable Scenes and Effects: You can choose from pre-programmed light scenes or create custom lighting effects quickly and easily.
Key Features:
- Wireless DMX control via mobile app
- Compatible with iOS and Android
- Control up to 512 DMX channels
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Pre-programmed and customizable effects
Best For: Mobile DJs, event organizers, and beginners looking for simple, wireless DMX control through a mobile app.
3. Elation Professional DMX Operator 192
Best Budget-Friendly Controller
The Elation DMX Operator 192 is a reliable, budget-friendly DMX controller that offers robust control over your lighting rig without the high price tag. It’s ideal for small to medium-sized setups, making it a great choice for those looking for cost-effective DMX control.
Why It’s a Budget Favorite:
- 192 DMX Channels: It provides up to 192 channels, perfect for controlling multiple fixtures without complexity.
- Fixture Control: You can manage up to 12 individual fixtures, each with 16 DMX channels, allowing for solid control over a wide range of lights.
- Scene Storage: The DMX Operator 192 lets you store up to 240 scenes, making it easy to access your preset light shows or custom setups quickly.
Key Features:
- 192 DMX channels
- Controls 12 fixtures with 16 channels each
- 240 scene memory
- 6 chases with up to 240 steps
- MIDI input for syncing with music
Best For: DJs, small venues, or budget-conscious event organizers who need reliable DMX control without breaking the bank.
4. ADJ Scene Setter 24 DMX Controller
Best for Theatrical Lighting
The ADJ Scene Setter 24 is a versatile DMX controller designed for theatrical lighting or large events that require precise control over a wide variety of lighting effects. It’s perfect for stage productions, theater setups, and large events where complex scene setups are required.
Why It’s Great for Theaters:
- 24 Faders: The 24 faders allow you to control up to 24 DMX channels directly, making it easy to manage complex lighting setups for theater productions or live events.
- Scene Storage: You can store up to 4200 scenes, allowing for detailed scene changes and transitions.
- Multi-Scene Capability: It’s designed to handle 48 channels with multiple banks, giving you total control over all your lights with smooth transitions and fades.
Key Features:
- 24 faders for direct DMX channel control
- Controls 48 DMX channels across multiple banks
- Store up to 4200 scenes
- Programmable fade and chase times
- MIDI capability for sound and light synchronization
Best For: Theaters, stage productions, and event organizers who need precise control over complex lighting setups.
5. Chauvet DJ Obey 40 DMX Controller
Best Compact Controller for Small to Medium Events
The Chauvet DJ Obey 40 is a compact DMX controller that offers powerful control over your lighting setup without taking up much space. It’s perfect for small to medium events, mobile DJs, or those who need something portable yet functional.
Why It’s a Compact Powerhouse:
- 192 DMX Channels: The Obey 40 offers 192 channels of DMX control, enough to handle multiple fixtures and basic light shows.
- 8 Faders: It includes 8 faders for direct control over channels, allowing you to adjust brightness, color, and effects on the fly.
- Scene Storage: With the ability to store up to 240 scenes, the Obey 40 provides plenty of space for programming custom shows for different events.
- MIDI Compatibility: MIDI compatibility allows you to sync the controller with other gear, making it ideal for DJs who want to integrate lighting control with their music setup.
Key Features:
- 192 DMX channels
- 8 faders for channel control
- Controls up to 12 fixtures
- Stores 240 scenes
- 6 chases for dynamic effects
Best For: Small to medium venues, mobile DJs, and event planners who need a portable, easy-to-use DMX controller.
6. Enttec DMX USB Pro Mk2
Best for Computer-Based Control
If you prefer to control your lighting setup through a computer, the Enttec DMX USB Pro Mk2 is the ideal solution. It’s a high-quality DMX interface that allows you to run advanced lighting software, giving you ultimate flexibility and control over your lighting.
Why It’s Ideal for Advanced Users:
- Computer-Based Control: The DMX USB Pro Mk2 connects to your computer via USB, allowing you to control your lights using professional lighting software like Lightjams, QLC+, or Enttec’s own software.
- Dual Universe Control: It supports up to two DMX universes (1024 channels), providing plenty of control for large, complex lighting setups.
- Reliable Performance: It offers ultra-reliable signal output, ensuring that your light show runs smoothly, even in complex setups.
Key Features:
- Dual DMX universe support (1024 channels)
- Compatible with a wide range of lighting software
- USB connectivity for computer-based control
- Fully isolated DMX output for reliable performance
- Supports RDM (Remote Device Management)
Best For: Advanced users, lighting designers, and event planners needing computer-based lighting control with full flexibility.
7. Jands Stage CL DMX Console
Best for LED Lighting Control
The Jands Stage CL is a professional-grade DMX controller specifically designed for LED fixtures. It offers simple, intuitive control over LED lights, making it perfect for DJs, bands, and event planners who work with a lot of LED-based lighting setups.
Why It’s Best for LEDs:
- Tailored for LEDs: The controller is designed to make controlling RGB, RGBW, and RGBA LED fixtures easy, with dedicated color controls that simplify color mixing and effects.
- 8 Faders with Master Control: The 8 faders offer direct control over your fixtures, while the master fader lets you control the intensity of all your lights at once.
- Scene and Effect Storage: It comes with scene storage for pre-programming your light shows, as well as built-in effects for quick, creative lighting options.
Key Features:
- Tailored for LED control (RGB, RGBW, RGBA)
- 8 faders with master intensity control
- Built-in effects and scene storage
- Intuitive color control interface
- Compact and portable design
Best For: DJs, bands, and event planners working with LED lighting setups, needing precise color control and ease of use.
What to Look for in a DMX Controller: Key Considerations
1. Number of DMX Channels
- Choose a controller with enough DMX channels to cover all your fixtures. For small setups, 192 channels may be enough, while large or complex setups might need 384+ channels or multiple universes.
2. Fixture Control
- Look for how many fixtures the controller can handle and whether it supports multiple channels per fixture. More fixtures mean more lighting control and customization for your events.
3. Scene and Chase Storage
- Scene and chase storage allows you to pre-program your light shows for easy access during events. Controllers with more memory can store a wider variety of scenes, giving you flexibility across different setups.
4. Control Interface
- Consider the control interface: Do you prefer physical faders, buttons, or software-based control? Choose what feels intuitive for you based on your experience level and the type of control you need.
5. Portability
- If you’re a mobile DJ or frequently move between gigs, a compact, lightweight controller will be more convenient than a larger console-based system.
6. DMX Software Integration
- Some controllers, like the Enttec DMX USB Pro Mk2, allow for computer-based control via DMX software, giving you more control over complex lighting rigs with the flexibility of advanced programming.
Final Thoughts: Best DMX Controller for You
- Best Overall: The Chauvet DJ Obey 70 is a powerful and versatile option for medium to large events, offering extensive control over multiple fixtures and lots of scene storage.
- Best for Beginners: The ADJ myDMX GO is a user-friendly, wireless DMX controller, perfect for those who want app-based control over their lighting without complicated setups.
- Best Budget Option: The Elation DMX Operator 192 is ideal for those on a budget, offering reliable performance and plenty of control for small to medium-sized setups.
Selecting the right DMX controller depends on the size of your lighting rig, your control needs, and your level of experience. From wireless options for DJs to professional-grade controllers for large events, these DMX controllers will help you take full control of your lighting system.