Affordable Dmx Ipad Control

Hello all!

I'm starting to build a light show and would really like to control it with my iPad. So far I've found the Luminair app and the Enttec Ode (and a router), but that's a fairly expensive setup.

Anyone know of a more affordable solution than the Enttec Ode?

Thanks!

Freestyler has an app to control lighting. Freestyler is free and the app is like $5

Take a look at the Air DMX....it is a great option to consider: http://www.germanlightproducts.com/products/airdmx/

What's the price on that?

djsarge said:

What's the price on that?

Click to expand...

List price is $549 (not including the iPad of your choice)

rusanderson said:

I'm starting to build a light show and would really like to control it with my iPad. So far I've found the Luminair app and the Enttec Ode (and a router), but that's a fairly expensive setup.
Anyone know of a more affordable solution than the Enttec Ode?

Click to expand...

I think your need to use an ipad is where things are getting expensive..
A wireless DMX receiver/transmitter can be found cheaper then that Entec ODE..
but they use a USB connection (and the drivers are only good for a PC or Mac)..

Myself? I would instead purchase a touchscreen notebook (which can be had for under $400 new) then use a wireless transmitter/reciever over USB.. (and a regular cheap 'USB to DMX dongle' for backup)

The notebook means you would have more options on software (from pro to free) and more options on expansion (sound 2 light direct connect, joystick for controlling a moving head, etc etc)

You don't need the newest iPad to run Luminair, and you can even use a mini. With Black Friday sales, you can get the previous model mini for $200.

I personally love Luminair. There's a wow factor at bridal shows when I push a button on my iPad and the entire room changes. You can also charge more for lighting when controlled with Luminair since it enhances the lighting for the event. So you can recoup your costs in a handful of events.

Luminair won't be the cheapest solution, but it is a very good option for controlling simply with your iPad, and without the need for a laptop. Here's a wedding where I controlled the lighting using Luminair:

I personally like it when you are able to make the uplighting around the dance floor 'come alive' but find it irritating when the whole room is included in the effect. That wouldn't fly in my area.

Thanks for the reply's everyone.

I already have an iPad, so would be able to save there rather than buy a new laptop. I'm doing this for the band I'm in so it sits nice in the clip on my mic stand, too.

I think my biggest hangup is the DMX interface. I have an iPad and I'm not opposed to the price of Luminair (though it's kind of expensive), but there must be a reasonable alternative to the Enttec. I've found the DMXKing products, which are a little more reasonable.

Air DMX was a big hit at LDI....lots of interest.