Relackout

Best ShowXpress alternatives in 2026

Explore alternatives to ShowXpress, starting with Relackout, and compare their strengths.

  1. Our first choice

    1. Relackout

    • Send Art-Net directly from Relackout without an Xpress hardware unlock.
    • Try real DMX output in Relackout's 14-day trial before committing to output-unlocking hardware.
    • Move a Relackout Workspace as one file; ShowXpress V_II exports a lightshow folder.
    • Choose monthly, yearly or lifetime licensing in Relackout, with a 14-day free trial.
    Relackout vs ShowXpress

  2. 2. Daslight 4

    Scene-based DMX software with custom controls and DVC standalone playback.

    sACN (E1.31) output
    Not supported

    Not listed in the manual's DMX/output device specifications

    [4]
    Show timeline with audio
    Not supported

    Not listed in the official Daslight 4 programming feature list

    [1]
    OSC control
    Not supported

    Not listed among the manual's live-control input options

    [4]
    Compare with Daslight 4

  3. 3. EMU

    Desktop lighting software with audio-reactive effects and DAW plug-in control.

    sACN (E1.31) output
    Not supported

    Not listed in official output specifications: Art-Net and USB DMX

    [1] [2]
    OSC control
    Not supported

    Not listed in official control specifications: audio, MIDI and VST3

    [1] [2] [5]
    Show timeline with audio
    Add-on required

    Separate DAW hosts the plug-in timeline

    [1] [2]
    Compare with EMU

  4. 4. FreeStyler DMX

    A free Windows controller for DJ and venue lighting, with sequences and customizable touchscreen operation.

    Output settings per venue
    Not supported

    Network/output settings omitted from official location-file contents specification

    [12]
    3D stage preview
    Add-on required

    Separate Magic 3D Easy View application; basic integration is free

    [1] [5]
    Sound-reactive lighting
    Add-on required

    Separate free Sound 2 Light application, bundled with FreeStyler

    [9]
    Compare with FreeStyler DMX

  5. 5. Lightkey

    Mac-native lighting control with editable effects, custom Live Pages, Hue support and Ableton integration.

    Show timeline with audio
    Add-on required

    Live Triggers use the separate Ableton Live timeline

    [1] [2]
    Phone/tablet remote
    Add-on required

    Third-party TouchOSC or tablet display app required

    [3]
    3D stage preview
    Partial

    2D stage preview with simulated light beams

    [1] [2]
    Compare with Lightkey

  6. 6. MADRIX 5

    Windows-based generative LED control for specialist pixel and voxel installations.

    Art-Net output
    Add-on required

    Requires MADRIX KEY with an output license

    [1] [2]
    sACN (E1.31) output
    Add-on required

    Requires MADRIX KEY with an output license

    [1] [2]
    USB DMX interfaces
    Add-on required

    MADRIX USB ONE, NEO, LUNA and others; licensed KEY required

    [2] [12]
    Compare with MADRIX 5

Try Relackout with your own rig

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