Relackout

Relackout vs ChamSys MagicQ PC

MagicQ PC brings the ChamSys console workflow to Windows, macOS and Linux. It combines cue-stack programming, effects, pixel mapping and integrated visualization, with free network output and hardware-dependent remote and automation features.

Feature comparison

Free software with Art-Net/sACN output. Core and Unlocked modes require qualifying ChamSys hardware; MagicDMX alone does not unlock them. The official licensing page lists hardware eligibility but no retail prices. [1] [2]

Feature Relackout ChamSys MagicQ PC
DMX output & fixtures
Art-Net output
Supported

Choose which universes are broadcast
Supported

Network output without ChamSys hardware

[1]
sACN (E1.31) output
Supported

Built in
Supported

Network output without ChamSys hardware

[1]
USB DMX interfaces
Supported

ENTTEC Open DMX USB and compatibles, several at once, one universe each
Supported

MagicDMX interfaces supported directly

[12]
Fixture library & custom fixtures
Supported

Open Fixture Library import plus your own fixtures
Supported

Head library and built-in Head Editor

[3]
Smart Wi-Fi lights as fixtures
Coming soon

Tuya smart lights
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Programming
Scenes / looks
Supported

Fade in/out per scene, layered playback
Supported

Single-cue stacks store and recall looks

[4]
Cue lists / chases
Supported

Loop, one-shot and manual GO modes with per-step fade and delay
Supported

Timed cue stacks, tracking and manual playback

[4]
Effects engine
Supported

Effect wizard with beat-locked timing
Supported

Movement, colour, intensity and pixel effects

[5]
Show timeline with audio
Supported

Scenes and cues programmed on the song's waveform
Supported

Audio waveform with timecoded cue events

[6]
3D stage preview
Supported

Live 3D stage view in a separate window
Supported

MagicVis integrated with MagicQ

[1]
Show & production notes
Supported

Multi-page notes per show
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Audio & music
Music playback & playlists
Supported

Music library, playlists and master audio in the same app
Partial

Audio playback through cue stacks; playlist workflow differs

[7]
Sound-reactive lighting
Supported

From the music playing or a mic/line-in, with presets
Add-on required

Qualifying ChamSys hardware unlocks PC audio input

[7] [2]
BPM, tap tempo & MIDI clock
Supported

Tap, presets, manual entry and MIDI clock
Supported

Tap tempo and shared speed masters

[5] [8]
Cues & fades follow live tempo
Supported

BPM Mode scales cue timing and scene fades
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Live control
Custom touch mixer designer
Supported

Design your own faders and buttons
Supported

Execute grids support custom buttons and faders

[8]
Phone/tablet remote
Supported

Any browser on the local network, PIN protected, no app to install
Add-on required

Core mode hardware required; iOS/Android remote app

[12] [1]
MIDI control & feedback
Supported

Learnable mappings plus LED feedback
Add-on required

Unlocked mode hardware enables third-party MIDI interfaces

[2]
OSC control
Supported

Built-in OSC server
Add-on required

Unlocked mode hardware required

[2]
Guided first-show setup
Supported

Step-by-step from patch to live
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Venues & workspaces
Separate setups per venue
Supported

Workspaces: own patch, scenes, cues, mixers per venue
Partial

Venue setups saved and loaded as show files

[9]
Copy between setups
Supported

Copy wizard with patch mapping
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Output settings per venue
Supported

Art-Net, sACN, USB DMX, OSC, MIDI feedback and remote per workspace
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Export & move a setup
Supported

Single-file workspace export/import
Partial

Show files; extras and media may need separate transfer

[9] [10]
Platform & licensing
macOS
Supported

Apple Silicon and Intel
Supported

macOS version available

[1]
Windows
Supported

Windows 10/11
Supported

Windows version available

[1]
Linux
Supported

x64 and ARM64 (AppImage, .deb)
Supported

Linux version available; ARM support not verified

[1]
Monthly, yearly or lifetime licence
Supported

All three, you choose
Not supported

Free software with hardware unlocks, not three payment options

[2]
Full free trial
Supported

14 days, Standard features, real DMX output
Partial

Free output; remote and automation features remain hardware-gated

[2]

Where Relackout leads

  • Relackout includes browser remote control without a ChamSys hardware unlock or mobile app.
  • Relackout includes MIDI mappings and OSC input without an Unlocked-mode hardware purchase.
  • Relackout Sound-to-Light uses a microphone or line input without a vendor hardware unlock.
  • Relackout offers monthly, yearly or lifetime licensing and a 14-day free trial; MagicQ uses free software plus hardware unlocks.

Where ChamSys MagicQ PC is strong

  • Free network output supports 64 universes, with integrated visualization and pixel mapping.
  • Established touring workflow with console compatibility, tracking and multi-user programming when unlocked.

Which fits your show?

Club or bar

Relackout

Relackout combines music playback, Sound-to-Light and browser control without MagicQ hardware unlocks.

DJ set

Both

MagicQ suits operators wanting console-style busking; Relackout integrates music playlists and live lighting control.

Theatre

Both

MagicQ offers tracking cue stacks; Relackout combines cue lists, audio and show notes for small productions.

House of worship

Both

MagicQ fits an established console workflow; Relackout offers integrated audio and a browser remote.

Events venue

Both

MagicQ brings free network output and console compatibility; Relackout keeps venue setups in Workspaces.

Touring / large rig

ChamSys MagicQ PC

MagicQ is the stronger match for touring console workflows, tracking and multi-user programming.

Switching guide

In ChamSys MagicQ PC In Relackout
Patch and Head Editor Recreate the patch in Patch & Fixture Setup; use Fixture Library with OFL imports or custom definitions.
Palettes, Cues and Cue Stacks Rebuild complete looks in Scene Designer and arrange timed or manual sequences in Cue lists.
FX and Audio Timeline Recreate movement in Effect Wizard and music-linked events in Show Timeline.
Execute Window Rebuild buttons and faders in Mixer Designer, then operate them in Live Control.
Show files and MagicQ Remote Create one Workspace per venue and configure Remote for browser access.

What carries over

Fixture addresses, channel modes, cue intentions and your original audio files remain useful as reference material.

What to rebuild

Relackout does not import MagicQ show files, palettes, FX or Execute grids. Rebuild programming and controls; fixture definitions can be imported only in Open Fixture Library format.

Frequently asked questions

Is MagicQ PC really free?

Yes. Network output is free; specified remote, audio-input and automation features require qualifying ChamSys hardware.

Can I keep my MagicQ show file?

Keep it as an archive and programming reference. Relackout does not import it; recreate the patch, scenes and cue lists.

Does switching mean losing timeline programming?

No. Relackout Show Timeline places lighting events against a song waveform. Recreate your MagicQ timeline rather than importing it.

Sources

Checked on September 25, 2026

  1. MagicQ Software Checked on September 25, 2026
  2. MagicQ Software Licensing Checked on September 25, 2026
  3. MagicQ Manual: Head Editor Checked on September 25, 2026
  4. MagicQ Manual: Cue Stacks Checked on September 25, 2026
  5. MagicQ Manual: FX Engine Checked on September 25, 2026
  6. MagicQ Manual: Timeline Checked on September 25, 2026
  7. MagicQ Manual: Audio Checked on September 25, 2026
  8. MagicQ Manual: Execute Window Checked on September 25, 2026
  9. MagicQ Manual: System Management Checked on September 25, 2026
  10. MagicQ Manual: Settings Checked on September 25, 2026
  11. ChamSys: Concert and Touring Checked on September 25, 2026
  12. MagicQ User Manual: PC restrictions and unlock modes Checked on September 25, 2026

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