Obsidian Control Systems has just released the newer version of its lighting control software ONYX – ONYX version 4.6, with a vast variety of new features and improvements. From software licensing to fixture libraries, many things have changed or have been re-designed. Some of the features are newly introduced in version 4.6 which may change your workflow of designing, programming and operating a lighting show with ONYX. To help you better utilise ONYX, we have summarised these changes to provide you with a quick comparison between ONYX 4.4 and 4.6.
At the time of writing, both versions are available for download from the download section of the Obsidian website. Version 4.4 can be found in the archive folder at the bottom of the page. Users who are affected by the new licensing policies can continue to use version 4.4. The trade-off for enjoying the free full function 4 universes output with Midi would be no further support from Obsidian and you will miss out on new feature updates.
You may consider supporting Obsidian by purchasing Onyx hardware. These purchases will contribute to maintaining and updating this amazing professional software platform.
| Features | ONYX 4.6 | ONYX 4.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | 6 Different License Groups: Onyx FREE (No Onyx Hardware Required): 1 universe for Art-Net and sACN output 2 DYLOS Zones 5-min trial per software start for OSC Playback, MIDI and all timecode Onyx NOVA (Activated by NX-DMX or NETRON Devices): 4 universes for ONYX USB/NX-DMX, Art-Net and sACN outputs 2 DYLOS Zones 5-min trial per software start for OSC Playback, MIDI and all timecode Onyx NOVA+ (Activated by NX Touch) Same as NOVA but with OSC Playback, MIDI and all timecode unlocked Onyx Essential (Activated by ONYX Essential Key): 8 universes for ONYX USB, Art-Net and sACN outputs 2 DYLOS Zones OSC Playback, MIDI and all timecode protocols enabled Onyx Premier (Activated by ONYX Premier key, NX Wing or NX2 in USB Mode): 64 universes for ONYX USB, Art-Net and sACN outputs 5 DYLOS Zones OSC Playback, MIDI and all timecode protocols enabled Onyx Elite (Activated by ONYX Elite Key): 128 universes for ONYX USB, Art-Net and sACN outputs 5 DYLOS Zones OSC Playback, MIDI and all timecode protocols enabled | 3 Different License Groups: Onyx FREE (Red) No Onyx Hardware Required: 4 universes for ONYX USB, Art-Net and sACN outputs 2 DYLOS Zones Unrestricted MIDI functions *Restricted OSC functions Onyx FREE (Green) Activated by ONYX USB or NX Touch Same as FREE but with unrestricted OSC functions Onyx LIVE Activated by NX Wing or NX2 in USB Mode All 128 universes unlocked 5 DYLOS Zones *OSC Playback, MIDI and all timecode protocols enabled |
| Fixture Library | New fixture library format provided by AtlaBase including over 50,000 fixture profiles. Existing fixtures will remain in the show file but can updated using “Exchange” function. User fixtures profiles and the Library Editor are not affected. | Onyx v4.4 Fixture Finder User fixture profiles can be created using Fixture Library Editor. |
| Visualisation | New CITP protocol support enabling bidirectional communication between ONYX and CITP-supported visualizers like CAPTURE. Fixture selection, patch, fixture control and remote focus are all synchronized in real time. | Visualisation software receives general Art-Net or sACN data from ONYX, without the ability to synchronise fixture selection, patch and focus in real time. |
| DYLOS | DYLOS can now apply pixel mapping for any fixture parameter between 2 and 3 presets. More DYLOS generators, effects and functionalities added. | Only color parameters can be animated through DYLOS. |
We hope you find this comparison useful and informative about all major changes between the new ONYX 4.6 and ONYX 4.4.
www.obsidiancontrol.com
Australian Distributor: Phantos www.phantos.com.au
