Relackout

Relackout vs ShowXpress

ShowXpress is desktop lighting control with multimedia timelines and chauvet dj interfaces.

Feature comparison

Software download is free. Live DMX requires a compatible CHAUVET DJ interface; hardware is dealer-priced, with no public price shown on the official pages read. [1]

Feature Relackout ShowXpress
DMX output & fixtures
Art-Net output
Supported

Choose which universes are broadcast
Add-on required

Unlocked by compatible Xpress hardware, including Xpress 1024W

[4]
sACN (E1.31) output
Supported

Built in
Not supported

Not listed in V_II manual's complete output configuration

[5]
USB DMX interfaces
Supported

ENTTEC Open DMX USB and compatibles, several at once, one universe each
Add-on required

Requires compatible CHAUVET DJ Xpress interface

[1]
Fixture library & custom fixtures
Supported

Open Fixture Library import plus your own fixtures
Supported

Library and custom profiles

[2]
Smart Wi-Fi lights as fixtures
Coming soon

Tuya smart lights
Not supported

Not listed in V_II manual's fixture/output specifications

[5]
Programming
Scenes / looks
Supported

Fade in/out per scene, layered playback
Supported

Stored looks and simultaneous playback

[2]
Cue lists / chases
Supported

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

Steps with individual fade and hold times

[2]
Effects engine
Supported

Effect wizard with beat-locked timing
Supported

Generator movement and colour effects

[2]
Show timeline with audio
Supported

Scenes and cues programmed on the song's waveform
Supported

V9 multimedia timeline; V_II lighting and audio tracks

[6] [5]
3D stage preview
Supported

Live 3D stage view in a separate window
Supported

Integrated 3D View

[1]
Show & production notes
Supported

Multi-page notes per show
Partial

V9 timeline comments; multi-page production notebook not documented

[6]
Audio & music
Music playback & playlists
Supported

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

V_II timeline plays audio files; playlist workflow not documented

[5]
Sound-reactive lighting
Supported

From the music playing or a mic/line-in, with presets
Supported

Sound-triggered scenes

[2]
BPM, tap tempo & MIDI clock
Supported

Tap, presets, manual entry and MIDI clock
Supported

Manual BPM triggering

[2]
Cues & fades follow live tempo
Supported

BPM Mode scales cue timing and scene fades
Partial

V_II Beat/BPM advances scene points; fade scaling not verified

[5]
Live control
Custom touch mixer designer
Supported

Design your own faders and buttons
Supported

V_II Boards: custom buttons, dimmer/speed faders, labels and backgrounds

[5]
Phone/tablet remote
Supported

Any browser on the local network, PIN protected, no app to install
Supported

Free Live_Mobile app; version compatibility matters

[3]
MIDI control & feedback
Supported

Learnable mappings plus LED feedback
Supported

V_II MIDI Learn and configurable on/off feedback messages

[5]
OSC control
Supported

Built-in OSC server
Not supported

Not listed in V_II manual's complete external-control configuration

[5]
Guided first-show setup
Supported

Step-by-step from patch to live
Unverified
Venues & workspaces
Separate setups per venue
Supported

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

V_II Manage Lightshows lists and switches stored complete setups

[5]
Copy between setups
Supported

Copy wizard with patch mapping
Unverified
Output settings per venue
Supported

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

Per-show fixture universes and Art-Net targets; broader settings portability unverified

[5]
Export & move a setup
Supported

Single-file workspace export/import
Partial

V_II exports lightshow folders, rather than a single setup file

[5]
Platform & licensing
macOS
Supported

Apple Silicon and Intel
Supported

V_II lists Intel and Apple Silicon

[3]
Windows
Supported

Windows 10/11
Supported

V_II lists Windows 10 and 11

[3]
Linux
Supported

x64 and ARM64 (AppImage, .deb)
Supported

V_II Linux and separate Raspberry Pi builds

[7]
Monthly, yearly or lifetime licence
Supported

All three, you choose
Partial

Free software with purchased interface; no software plan choice

[1]
Full free trial
Supported

14 days, Standard features, real DMX output
Not supported

Free download requires purchased interface for real output

[1]

Where Relackout leads

  • 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.

Where ShowXpress is strong

  • V9 combines lighting, audio and video on a multimedia timeline; V_II documents lighting and audio tracks.
  • Xpress hardware supports standalone playback configurations.

Which fits your show?

Club or bar

Both

Both cover venue scenes; ShowXpress adds multimedia timeline playback.

DJ set

Both

Both support effects and live triggering; existing Xpress hardware may favor ShowXpress.

Theatre

Both

Both offer timed sequences and stage preview for small productions.

House of worship

Both

Compare operator controls and existing output hardware with a real service rehearsal.

Events venue

Both

Both keep separate venue setups; compare Relackout Workspaces with V_II Manage Lightshows.

Touring / large rig

Both

For major touring rigs, evaluate a dedicated console ecosystem beyond either desktop workflow.

Switching guide

In ShowXpress In Relackout
Fixture patch Recreate addresses and modes in Patch & Fixture Setup; use OFL definitions in Fixture Library.
Looks Rebuild static lighting in Scene Designer.
Sequences Rebuild timing and manual GO operation in Cue lists.
Live controls Lay out buttons and faders in Mixer Designer; test in Live Control.
Show files Create a Workspace for each venue and test its outputs.

What carries over

Use your fixture addresses, channel modes, cue order and design notes as references for manual setup.

What to rebuild

Relackout does not import ShowXpress show files. Rebuild looks, timing and controls; only fixture definitions in Open Fixture Library format can be imported.

Frequently asked questions

Can I reuse an Xpress USB interface with Relackout?

Do not assume it. Relackout's stated direct USB support is ENTTEC Open DMX USB and compatibles; verify a supported output route first.

Does Relackout replace ShowXpress video playback?

No equivalent video timeline is claimed. Relackout's Show Timeline places lighting against audio.

Which ShowXpress generation does this comparison cover?

The official product feature set and current download page. CHAUVET warns that V9 scenes must be reprogrammed for V_II; check version-specific behavior before migrating.

Sources

Checked on September 25, 2026

  1. ShowXpress product and free software Checked on September 25, 2026
  2. ShowXpress feature sheet Checked on September 25, 2026
  3. ShowXpress downloads and version compatibility Checked on September 25, 2026
  4. Xpress 1024W output unlock Checked on September 25, 2026
  5. The Lighting Controller / ShowXpress V_II complete user guide Checked on September 25, 2026
  6. The Lighting Controller / ShowXpress V9 user manual Checked on September 25, 2026
  7. Official V_II downloads: Windows, macOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi Checked on September 25, 2026

Other comparisons

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