Let’s take an in-depth look at the Chamsys MQ80 lighting console. In this article, we’ll run through a list of the MQ80’s features and highlight how we like to use it.
Quick Answer: The Chamsys MQ80 is a versatile lighting console, supporting 48 universes direct from the unit, with 4 DMX ports supporting RDM. The 12” high-resolution display gives easy access to MagicQ features, while the built-in battery buys you some time in the event of power loss.
Chamsys MQ80 Lighting Console Interface
The Chamsys MQ80 is a flexible lighting console with a good mix of physical and menu-based controls.
- Grand-master
- Sub-master
- Crossfade
- 10 x Playbacks with fader and 3 x buttons
– Select button
– Go button
– Pause button - 12” touchscreen
- Encoders with toggle buttons to interact with the touchscreen
- Keypad for values and encoding
- Layout preset keys
Chamsys MQ80 Sub-Master & Crossfade Custom Setup
One of the things we like most about the MQ80 is that you can pretty much customize the controls to work best for you and your event. This is how we like to use the Sub-Master and Crossfade faders.
- Sub-Master
We usually swap this out with conventional intensity, controlling our Leko stage washes. - Crossfade
We like to set this as a busking rate master, using the go button for tap tempo.
Chamsys MQ80 Lighting Console Connections
You’ll find a host of connection ports and various connection types on the MQ80. Here’s a breakdown:
- MIDI in & out
- Time code in & out
- 4 x USB slots rear / 1 x USB slot on top
- 1 x USB slot for the Chamsys Extra Wing expansion
- 4 x Ethernet ports (48 universes of sACN or Art-Net)
- 4 x 5-pin DMX with RDM support
- Ethernet switch battery backup via built-in 12 V battery
How We Like To Use The Chamsys MQ80 Lighting Console
As we mentioned earlier, you can configure the 10 playbacks to do pretty much whatever you want. Here’s how we like to set things up:
- 1 – 4: Sub-masters
1. Moving spot
2. Moving wash
3. LED Par
4. Special - 5 – 7: Size & rate masters
5. Moving head speed master
6. Moving head size master
7. Color speed master - 8 – 10: Stacked positions/effects
8. Stacked positions
9. Stacked movement effects
10. Stacked color effects with soft color pallets on the execute page
