| Mode | Max Parameters | Output Type | Cost | |------|---------------|-------------|------| | Demo (unlocked) | 64 DMX universes (32,768 parameters) | No physical output (visualizer only) | Free | | 1 Universe | 1 universe (512 parameters) | Art-Net, sACN, USB-DMX | Free (via software) | | 64 Universes | 64 universes (32,768 params) | Fully open output | Requires hardware key (e.g., MagicQ Dongle ~$500+) |
Official MagicQ software has a straightforward licensing model:
| Method | Parameters | Cost (approx.) | |--------|------------|----------------| | MagicQ DMX Dongle (1U) | 1 universe | $150 (used) / $250 new | | MagicQ DMX Dongle (64U) | 64 universes | $500 | | Used MQ40/MQ50 console | 64 universes | $1,000–2,000 | | MagicQ PC Wing Compact | 64 universes (plus faders) | $1,500 | | Full MQ500M console | 64 universes + hardware | $5,000+ |
Compared to GrandMA (where a 2K parameter node costs $1,000+), ChamSys offers an incredibly affordable entry point.
Wait – read that again: You can program massive shows, use the 3D renderer, and learn the software entirely for free. The only limitation is that without a paid dongle or console, no DMX data leaves your computer.
So what does a crack actually add? Malware.
