Relackout

Best EMU alternatives in 2026

Explore alternatives to EMU, starting with Relackout, and compare their strengths.

  1. Our first choice

    1. Relackout

    • Build song lighting and play audio in Relackout without a separate DAW.
    • Use Relackout's built-in 3D stage preview rather than a 2D mapping canvas.
    • Use built-in MIDI mapping and feedback without a Premium MIDI upgrade.
    • Run Relackout on Linux as well as macOS and Windows.
    Relackout vs EMU

  2. 2. Daslight 4

    Scene-based DMX software with custom controls and DVC standalone playback.

    sACN (E1.31) output
    Not supported

    Not listed in the manual's DMX/output device specifications

    [4]
    Show timeline with audio
    Not supported

    Not listed in the official Daslight 4 programming feature list

    [1]
    OSC control
    Not supported

    Not listed among the manual's live-control input options

    [4]
    Compare with Daslight 4

  3. 3. FreeStyler DMX

    A free Windows controller for DJ and venue lighting, with sequences and customizable touchscreen operation.

    Output settings per venue
    Not supported

    Network/output settings omitted from official location-file contents specification

    [12]
    3D stage preview
    Add-on required

    Separate Magic 3D Easy View application; basic integration is free

    [1] [5]
    Sound-reactive lighting
    Add-on required

    Separate free Sound 2 Light application, bundled with FreeStyler

    [9]
    Compare with FreeStyler DMX

  4. 4. Lightkey

    Mac-native lighting control with editable effects, custom Live Pages, Hue support and Ableton integration.

    Show timeline with audio
    Add-on required

    Live Triggers use the separate Ableton Live timeline

    [1] [2]
    Phone/tablet remote
    Add-on required

    Third-party TouchOSC or tablet display app required

    [3]
    3D stage preview
    Partial

    2D stage preview with simulated light beams

    [1] [2]
    Compare with Lightkey

  5. 5. MADRIX 5

    Windows-based generative LED control for specialist pixel and voxel installations.

    Art-Net output
    Add-on required

    Requires MADRIX KEY with an output license

    [1] [2]
    sACN (E1.31) output
    Add-on required

    Requires MADRIX KEY with an output license

    [1] [2]
    USB DMX interfaces
    Add-on required

    MADRIX USB ONE, NEO, LUNA and others; licensed KEY required

    [2] [12]
    Compare with MADRIX 5

  6. 6. ShowXpress

    Desktop lighting control with multimedia timelines and CHAUVET DJ interfaces.

    sACN (E1.31) output
    Not supported

    Not listed in V_II manual's complete output configuration

    [5]
    OSC control
    Not supported

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

    [5]
    Art-Net output
    Add-on required

    Unlocked by compatible Xpress hardware, including Xpress 1024W

    [4]
    Compare with ShowXpress

Try Relackout with your own rig

Download and try free