Club or bar
RelackoutKeep venue programming together in Workspaces with built-in sound response and stage preview.
Relackout vs FreeStyler DMX
FreeStyler DMX is a free Windows lighting controller used by DJs and venues. It combines sequence programming, cue playback and configurable touchscreen controls with support for multiple interface brands.
Feature comparison
Free lighting-control software with no software licence fee or subscription. A compatible DMX interface is purchased separately; basic Magic 3D Easy View integration is also free. [1]
| Feature | Relackout | FreeStyler DMX |
|---|---|---|
| DMX output & fixtures | ||
| Art-Net output | Supported Choose which universes are broadcast | |
| sACN (E1.31) output | Supported Built in | |
| USB DMX interfaces | Supported ENTTEC Open DMX USB and compatibles, several at once, one universe each | |
| Fixture library & custom fixtures | Supported Open Fixture Library import plus your own fixtures | |
| Smart Wi-Fi lights as fixtures | Coming soon Tuya smart lights | Unverified |
| Programming | ||
| Scenes / looks | Supported Fade in/out per scene, layered playback | |
| Cue lists / chases | Supported Loop, one-shot and manual GO modes with per-step fade and delay | |
| Effects engine | Supported Effect wizard with beat-locked timing | |
| Show timeline with audio | Supported Scenes and cues programmed on the song's waveform | |
| 3D stage preview | Supported Live 3D stage view in a separate window | |
| Show & production notes | Supported Multi-page notes per show | Unverified |
| Audio & music | ||
| Music playback & playlists | Supported Music library, playlists and master audio in the same app | Unverified |
| Sound-reactive lighting | Supported From the music playing or a mic/line-in, with presets | |
| BPM, tap tempo & MIDI clock | Supported Tap, presets, manual entry and MIDI clock | |
| Cues & fades follow live tempo | Supported BPM Mode scales cue timing and scene fades | |
| Live control | ||
| Custom touch mixer designer | Supported Design your own faders and buttons | |
| Phone/tablet remote | Supported Any browser on the local network, PIN protected, no app to install | |
| MIDI control & feedback | Supported Learnable mappings plus LED feedback | |
| OSC control | Supported Built-in OSC server | Unverified |
| 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 | |
| Copy between setups | Supported Copy wizard with patch mapping | |
| Output settings per venue | Supported Art-Net, sACN, USB DMX, OSC, MIDI feedback and remote per workspace | Not supported Network/output settings omitted from official location-file contents specification [12] |
| Export & move a setup | Supported Single-file workspace export/import | |
| Platform & licensing | ||
| macOS | Supported Apple Silicon and Intel | |
| Windows | Supported Windows 10/11 | |
| Linux | Supported x64 and ARM64 (AppImage, .deb) | |
| Monthly, yearly or lifetime licence | Supported All three, you choose | |
| Full free trial | Supported 14 days, Standard features, real DMX output | |
Where Relackout leads
- Run natively on macOS and Linux as well as Windows, instead of relying on a Windows FreeStyler installation.
- Keep each venue's patch, looks and controls together in Workspaces; FreeStyler location files omit cues, sequences and control settings.
- Preview the rig in a built-in 3D stage view, without maintaining a separate Magic 3D Easy View application and its fixture profiles.
- Use built-in Sound-to-Light instead of running the separate Sound 2 Light companion application.
- Choose monthly, yearly or lifetime licensing with a 14-day free trial. FreeStyler remains free for ongoing use, so licensing choice is not a price advantage over it.
Where FreeStyler DMX is strong
- Free software with support for a range of USB and network interfaces.
- Sequence generation, cue playback and editable touchscreen layouts suit hands-on DJ lighting.
Which fits your show?
DJ set
BothFreeStyler offers free sequence and touchscreen operation; Relackout integrates music and lighting in one app.
Theatre
RelackoutShow Timeline, music playback and production notes suit small scripted productions.
House of worship
BothFreeStyler is viable for a budget-led Windows setup; Relackout offers a choice of desktop platforms.
Events venue
RelackoutWorkspaces preserve a more complete venue setup than FreeStyler location files.
Touring / large rig
BothNeither is the default recommendation for large touring rigs; assess console integration and production requirements separately.
Switching guide
| In FreeStyler DMX | In Relackout |
|---|---|
| Fixtures, location files and Fixture Creator | Rebuild Patch & Fixture Setup; obtain OFL definitions or create fixtures in Fixture Library. |
| Sequence Editor and cues | Recreate looks in Scene Designer, then arrange them in Cue lists. |
| FX generator and Bezier shapes | Recreate movement, color and intensity patterns in Effect Wizard. |
| Touchscreen UI2, submasters and MIDI assignments | Rebuild buttons and faders in Mixer Designer; remap controllers for Live Control. |
| Sound 2 Light and timestamped cue playback | Configure Sound-to-Light; use original music in Music Library and Show Timeline. |
| Location files and backups | Create a Workspace for each venue and verify its output connections before use. |
What carries over
Keep fixture addresses, channel-mode documents, timing notes and original audio as references. OFL-format fixture definitions can be imported.
What to rebuild
Relackout does not import FreeStyler locations, sequences, backups or FXT/PFF fixture files. Recreate looks, cue sequences, touchscreen pages, controller mappings and sound-response settings.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import FreeStyler locations or backups?
No. Rebuild the show in Relackout using your fixture addresses and cue timings as references. Only fixture definitions in Open Fixture Library format can be imported.
Does FreeStyler already support a touchscreen and MIDI feedback?
Yes. Touchscreen UI2 allows custom buttons and sliders, and the MIDI setup includes an output device for feedback. These are shared capabilities, not exclusive Relackout advantages.
Is FreeStyler's visualizer included in the app?
FreeStyler connects to the separate Magic 3D Easy View program. Basic integration is free, but its fixture definitions are separate from FreeStyler's. Relackout provides its own built-in stage preview.
Sources
Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — Free software and Magic 3D integration Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — Downloads and platform highlights Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — Version History Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — System questions and native platforms Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — Fixture Creator and separate Magic 3D setup Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — Sequence Creator / Editor Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — FX generator Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — Timecode Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — Sound to Light Interface Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — Touchscreen UserInterface 2 Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — MIDI Interface Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — Location files Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — Backup/Restore Feature Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler — About the Developer Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler TouchOSC mobile remote via MIDI Bridge Checked on September 25, 2026
- TouchOSC current mobile support and Windows MIDI Bridge availability Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler sequence playback, Tap Sync and speed scaling Checked on September 25, 2026
- FreeStyler reusing sequences at another location and channel patching Checked on September 25, 2026