Relackout

Relackout vs grandMA3 onPC

grandMA3 onPC provides the grandMA3 console environment on a Windows or Mac computer. It supports preprogramming, visualization and console-compatible show files; live output is unlocked by MA hardware.

Feature comparison

Software is free for programming and visualization. Live DMX output requires grandMA3 onPC hardware, including the USB-C DMX-key. MA Lighting does not publish a retail amount on the reviewed product pages; hardware pricing requires a supplier quotation. [1] [2]

Feature Relackout grandMA3 onPC
DMX output & fixtures
Art-Net output
Supported

Choose which universes are broadcast
Add-on required

MA onPC hardware required to unlock output

[1] [4]
sACN (E1.31) output
Supported

Built in
Add-on required

MA onPC hardware required to unlock output

[1] [4]
USB DMX interfaces
Supported

ENTTEC Open DMX USB and compatibles, several at once, one universe each
Add-on required

MA USB-connected output hardware, including onPC DMX-key

[2]
Fixture library & custom fixtures
Supported

Open Fixture Library import plus your own fixtures
Supported

Fixture libraries and custom fixture-type editor

[5] [6]
Smart Wi-Fi lights as fixtures
Coming soon

Tuya smart lights
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Programming
Scenes / looks
Supported

Fade in/out per scene, layered playback
Supported

Static presets and cues

[8]
Cue lists / chases
Supported

Loop, one-shot and manual GO modes with per-step fade and delay
Supported

Sequences with tracking and configurable playback

[7]
Effects engine
Supported

Effect wizard with beat-locked timing
Supported

Phasers create dynamic attribute effects

[8]
Show timeline with audio
Supported

Scenes and cues programmed on the song's waveform
Supported

Sound-pool audio can accompany timecode tracks

[9]
3D stage preview
Supported

Live 3D stage view in a separate window
Supported

Integrated 3D visualization

[1]
Show & production notes
Supported

Multi-page notes per show
Partial

Multi-line cue notes within sequence sheets

[10]
Audio & music
Music playback & playlists
Supported

Music library, playlists and master audio in the same app
Partial

Sound-pool and timecode audio; playlist workflow differs

[9]
Sound-reactive lighting
Supported

From the music playing or a mic/line-in, with presets
Supported

Audio BPM analysis drives speed masters

[11]
BPM, tap tempo & MIDI clock
Supported

Tap, presets, manual entry and MIDI clock
Supported

Speed masters with tap learning and BPM adjustment

[11]
Cues & fades follow live tempo
Supported

BPM Mode scales cue timing and scene fades
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Live control
Custom touch mixer designer
Supported

Design your own faders and buttons
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Phone/tablet remote
Supported

Any browser on the local network, PIN protected, no app to install
Supported

Built-in browser remote on the local network

[12]
MIDI control & feedback
Supported

Learnable mappings plus LED feedback
Partial

Mapped MIDI input and output; automatic feedback not verified

[15]
OSC control
Supported

Built-in OSC server
Supported

OSC input built in

[13]
Guided first-show setup
Supported

Step-by-step from patch to live
Partial

Fixture patch wizard; complete first-show walkthrough not verified

[5]
Venues & workspaces
Separate setups per venue
Supported

Workspaces: own patch, scenes, cues, mixers per venue
Partial

Complete venue setups use separate show files

[14]
Copy between setups
Supported

Copy wizard with patch mapping
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Output settings per venue
Supported

Art-Net, sACN, USB DMX, OSC, MIDI feedback and remote per workspace
Partial

DMX protocols saved separately from station-local settings

[14]
Export & move a setup
Supported

Single-file workspace export/import
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Platform & licensing
macOS
Supported

Apple Silicon and Intel
Supported

macOS Sonoma or later; Apple Silicon supported

[3]
Windows
Supported

Windows 10/11
Supported

Windows 10/11 x64; Windows ARM unsupported

[3]
Linux
Supported

x64 and ARM64 (AppImage, .deb)
Not supported

onPC distribution supports Windows and macOS

[3]
Monthly, yearly or lifetime licence
Supported

All three, you choose
Not supported

Free software with MA hardware output unlock

[1] [2]
Full free trial
Supported

14 days, Standard features, real DMX output
Not supported

Free programming; real output requires MA hardware

[1] [2]

Where Relackout leads

  • Relackout sends Art-Net and sACN without buying MA hardware to unlock output.
  • Relackout runs on Linux as well as Windows and macOS; grandMA3 onPC lists Windows and macOS.
  • Relackout provides multi-page production notes rather than relying on notes attached to cues.
  • Relackout offers monthly, yearly or lifetime licensing plus a 14-day trial with real output; grandMA3 onPC requires hardware for output.

Where grandMA3 onPC is strong

  • Show-file compatibility with grandMA3 consoles supports preprogramming and backup within the MA ecosystem.
  • Advanced phaser programming and tracking sequences suit complex lighting productions.

Which fits your show?

Club or bar

Relackout

Relackout provides integrated venue audio and lighting without an MA output-unlock purchase.

DJ set

Relackout

Relackout combines music playlists, Sound-to-Light and live controls for a desktop DJ setup.

Theatre

Both

grandMA3 suits tracking-heavy productions; Relackout suits small theatres needing integrated music and notes.

House of worship

Both

grandMA3 suits teams invested in MA consoles; Relackout combines venue audio and lighting in one desktop workflow.

Events venue

Both

Choose grandMA3 for MA-compatible programming; choose Relackout for integrated audio and per-venue Workspaces.

Touring / large rig

grandMA3 onPC

The grandMA3 ecosystem suits touring crews and console-compatible programming; onPC itself remains hardware and parameter limited.

Switching guide

In grandMA3 onPC In Relackout
Patch and fixture types Recreate addresses and modes in Patch & Fixture Setup; import OFL fixture definitions when available.
Presets and sequences Rebuild complete looks in Scene Designer and their running order in Cue lists.
Phasers and timecode shows Recreate effects in Effect Wizard and audio-linked events in Show Timeline.
Executors and screen layouts Build operator buttons and faders in Mixer Designer and test them in Live Control.
Show files and web remote Create a Workspace per venue, then configure the browser Remote and verify access.

What carries over

Patch lists, fixture manuals, cue descriptions, timing references and original audio assets help recreate the show.

What to rebuild

Relackout does not import grandMA3 show files, presets, phasers or executor assignments. Rebuild the show and remap controls. Fixture definition import requires Open Fixture Library format.

Frequently asked questions

Can grandMA3 onPC output DMX for free without MA hardware?

The software is free, but live DMX output requires qualifying grandMA3 onPC hardware, including the onPC DMX-key.

Can Relackout open a grandMA3 show file?

No. Use the existing patch and cue structure as references, then rebuild scenes, cue lists and effects in Relackout.

Is Relackout intended to replace a large grandMA3 touring system?

Relackout targets clubs, venues, events, houses of worship and small theatres. For MA console compatibility and complex touring workflows, grandMA3 remains the stronger fit.

Sources

Checked on September 25, 2026

  1. grandMA3 onPC solutions Checked on September 25, 2026
  2. grandMA3 onPC DMX-key Checked on September 25, 2026
  3. grandMA3 onPC system requirements Checked on September 25, 2026
  4. grandMA3 Manual: Ethernet DMX Checked on September 25, 2026
  5. grandMA3 Manual: Add Fixtures to the Show Checked on September 25, 2026
  6. grandMA3 Manual: Insert Fixture Types Checked on September 25, 2026
  7. grandMA3 Manual: Sequence Settings Checked on September 25, 2026
  8. grandMA3 Manual: Phasers Checked on September 25, 2026
  9. grandMA3 Manual: Sounds Pool Checked on September 25, 2026
  10. grandMA3 Manual: Notes in Cues Checked on September 25, 2026
  11. grandMA3 Release Notes 2.3 Checked on September 25, 2026
  12. grandMA3 Manual: Web Remote Checked on September 25, 2026
  13. grandMA3 Manual: OSC Checked on September 25, 2026
  14. grandMA3 Manual: New Show File Checked on September 25, 2026
  15. grandMA3 Manual: Remote In and Out Checked on September 25, 2026

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