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View Full Version : cheap usb dmx interface?



DJ Higgumz
07-15-2012, 01:03 AM
What do you think about this one? I've heard the entec one is great, but has anyone tried this one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Interface-USB-DMX-512-/320928701238?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab8d75b36#ht_5044wt_1140

I know there's no case, but that works out great for me because I'm installing a speaker jack panel on my rack, so I could ad this to it. I have a desktop built computer that goes in my rack, and It should have enough power to run both vdj and a dmx software. I do have dual monitors too! :P but what are the limitations to these verses chauvets $300 usb-dmx cord?

also while you're at it, what is your fav software to use? I have martin cx2s and roboscans I will dmx, I will be getting led pars sooner or later!

instinct
07-15-2012, 05:14 AM
Freestyler DMX software is free, and works with quite a few DMX hardware devices.. I use the Enttec Pro USB.. You can get the regular one as well.


http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=enttec&_sacat=0&_odkw=enttec+open&_osacat=0

Synaxis
07-15-2012, 09:25 AM
Freestyler DMX software is free, and works with quite a few DMX hardware devices.. I use the Enttec Pro USB.. You can get the regular one as well.


http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=enttec&_sacat=0&_odkw=enttec+open&_osacat=0

+1 on the Freestlyer + Enttec combo. Doesn't get cheaper than that.

The Open DMX version is the least expensive at a little under $60.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ENTTEC-70303-USB-DMX-Open-512-Ch-PC-Based-Interface-for-DJ-Lighting-USA-Seller-/170876602015?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c90a069f#ht_5058wt_906

darkksyde
07-15-2012, 10:02 AM
I use the Open DMX. So far so good :). I used to use a generic one which I bought on ebay but that just gave me all sorts of problems.

sss18734
07-15-2012, 11:27 AM
I use the Enttec Pro / Freestyler combo as well... But am still learning how to use it. I've heard the regular $60 DMX interface works fine 99% of the time.

If you get it, remember to buy a 5-pin to 3-pin adapter!

CQE DJs
07-16-2012, 08:11 AM
I just purchased Chauvet Show Xpress. loving it so far. Starting to get more in depth of what you can do and I think its great. Not overly expensive and I think a little easier to use then Freestyler in my opinion.

Whines
07-16-2012, 08:57 AM
+1 on the Entech Pro. I also have the cheaper OpenDMX and it causes problems with a few fixtures, most notably (for me) my Colorstrips. Fine other than that, but I wish I'd started with the Pro.

DMX interfaces from Chauvet, ADJ, etc cost a lot more because their software is keyed to only work with them. Freestyler (which I do suggest) is free and will work with many interfaces and the Entechs are on the list.

If you want to use the Chauvet software, you'll need to get a Chauvet DMX adapter. This goes for most commerical lighting software; it's keyed to the maker's interfaces in order to sell them to you. (if you like the software, this may not be a minus)

jlcpremier
07-18-2012, 04:27 PM
I use Freestyler on 2 laptops, one specifically for my moving heads and the other for my Colorrails

I have both the ENTTEC Pro and the UltraDMX Micro from DMX King. I'd recommend either of those. The UltraDMX Micro is actually on sale right now through DMX King's website for $40 and works just as well as the ENTTEC Pro

http://dmxking.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=26&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2&vmcchk=1&Itemid=2

sss18734
07-18-2012, 04:34 PM
The UltraDMX Micro is actually on sale right now through DMX King's website for $40 and works just as well as the ENTTEC Pro

I don't have any experience with the DMX King, but it seems the UltraDMX Micro is more like the Enttec Open, not the Enttec Pro.

The ultraDMX RDM Pro looks more on par with the Enttec Pro: http://dmxking.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=18&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2

jlcpremier
07-18-2012, 05:38 PM
Well I'm just saying I have both the Ultra and the Pro and I've tested them against each other in the same setups and the Ultra performs just as well as the ENTTEC Pro. On the website it also says the Micro is fully compatible with all the ENTTEC Pro drivers. The big difference with the ENTTEC Open however is that it doesn't have an onboard processor, which puts all the work on the computer. The Micro has a built in processor. I had the open awhile back and the movements on my scanners were really choppy, once I moved to the pro, no more choppy movements. I was expecting some choppy movement on the Ultra, but so far everything is smooth as glass. I even run it on Parallels with 1/2 the CPU and 2 GB of RAM in Windows 7 and no issues at all.

sss18734
07-18-2012, 07:26 PM
Good to know!

DJ Higgumz
07-19-2012, 09:32 PM
Thanks that was some great info. That dmx king sounds good!

3owls.ca
07-21-2012, 11:07 PM
I don't have any experience with the DMX King, but it seems the UltraDMX Micro is more like the Enttec Open, not the Enttec Pro.



My understanding is the ultradmx Micro works like the Pro. It has a microprocessor built in to ensure a stable signal flow. It will also output the last signal in case your laptop crashes.