I was new to lightshow design and I am following this topic as a professional sideline. In 2023 I started off with buying some more or less versatile effects (e.g. the PL10000) and a very simple DMX controller, just to understand the effects on the concepts behind. In order to be able to set up complex shows, I learned that, basically, there are only 2 recent options, providing enough flexibility and acessibility for my needs: ChamSys and MA Lighting.
Starting off, I found it very difficult to assess which of both is the way to go. It took me a few month to make my choice. In the end, I chose the MQ70 for the overall cost-performance ratio. I have studied both suppliers in a little detail and, from my perspective, the main difference between both can be found in "customization" and in "market availability.
While the MA consoles provide customization down to each an every button (you can asign anything to anywhere) the ChamSys has certain limits of what you can assign to where. To me, pickung up lightshow design as a new topic, this makes no remarkable difference. I can accept that there are certain "conventions" I have to follow. This might be different if you are used otherwise and you have a lot of shows, already.
The second difference (still?) may be the fact that there is a GrandMA probably right next door, no matter where you are in this world. Which may help you a lot in case of defects or breakdowns. But this, as well, is of no much importance to me. Ann in front, it does not justify the almost double price.
I found comments out there, saying that the quality of the ChamSys consoles was not so good. If this was the case, this is history for a long time. I have played around with both consoles, before purchasing, and to me - being an engineer with substantial QA background - the HID elements (buttons, wheels...) of the MQ70 seem to be ahead.
Based on my professional background, it was not very difficult for me to pick up the ChamSys concept. Especially, the macro features make it pretty straightforward to design complex shows without months of training. Also, the Chamsys tutorials and the support was excellent, so far. Asking precise questions will lead to a precise and competent answer, quickly.
So far, I am fully conviced of having made the right decision.
