Relackout

Relackout vs ONYX

ONYX is the Windows-based lighting platform used by Obsidian NX consoles. It combines cue-list programming with the DyLOS pixel and media engine, with free network output and hardware-based feature unlocks.

Feature comparison

FREE mode costs nothing and provides one Art-Net/sACN universe. Compatible hardware unlocks NOVA or NOVA+; USB keys provide ONYX 8, 16, 32, 64 or 128. The vendor lists paid hardware by inquiry rather than publishing retail prices. [1] [2] [3]

Feature Relackout ONYX
DMX output & fixtures
Art-Net output
Supported

Choose which universes are broadcast
Supported

Included in FREE mode

[1]
sACN (E1.31) output
Supported

Built in
Supported

Included in FREE mode

[1]
USB DMX interfaces
Supported

ENTTEC Open DMX USB and compatibles, several at once, one universe each
Supported

ONYX USB interfaces; no third-party USB-DMX support

[1]
Fixture library & custom fixtures
Supported

Open Fixture Library import plus your own fixtures
Supported

Fixture library with built-in fixture editor

[5]
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

Store looks as cues with timing

[6]
Cue lists / chases
Supported

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

Cuelists, chases and manual playback

[6] [7]
Effects engine
Supported

Effect wizard with beat-locked timing
Supported

Parameter FX and DyLOS effects

[6] [13]
Show timeline with audio
Supported

Scenes and cues programmed on the song's waveform
Add-on required

External timecode drives cues; NOVA hardware unlock or higher required

[20] [1]
3D stage preview
Supported

Live 3D stage view in a separate window
Add-on required

Separate Capture visualizer connects over Art-Net or sACN

[15]
Show & production notes
Supported

Multi-page notes per show
Partial

Per-cue comments; no multi-page notes editor established

[16]
Audio & music
Music playback & playlists
Supported

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

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Sound-reactive lighting
Supported

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

Audio-input processors drive DyLOS and beat-based chases

[8] [9]
BPM, tap tempo & MIDI clock
Supported

Tap, presets, manual entry and MIDI clock
Supported

Beat Provider supports tap and manual BPM; MIDI hardware-gated

[8] [1]
Cues & fades follow live tempo
Supported

BPM Mode scales cue timing and scene fades
Partial

Chase BPM scales percentage fades; individual timing can override

[14]
Live control
Custom touch mixer designer
Supported

Design your own faders and buttons
Supported

Configurable playback controls within user-designed views

[7] [10]
Phone/tablet remote
Supported

Any browser on the local network, PIN protected, no app to install
Add-on required

TouchOSC app plus an OSC-unlocking ONYX hardware tier

[11] [1]
MIDI control & feedback
Supported

Learnable mappings plus LED feedback
Add-on required

NOVA+ hardware or ONYX USB key required

[1] [2]
OSC control
Supported

Built-in OSC server
Add-on required

NOVA+ hardware or ONYX USB key required

[1] [2]
Guided first-show setup
Supported

Step-by-step from patch to live
Unverified

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Venues & workspaces
Separate setups per venue
Supported

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

Workspaces switch views within a show, not complete venue patches

[10]
Copy between setups
Supported

Copy wizard with patch mapping
Partial

Selective patch import and fixture matching; programming transfer unverified

[17]
Output settings per venue
Supported

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

Not verified in the reviewed documentation
Export & move a setup
Supported

Single-file workspace export/import
Partial

Save With Content bundles user media; factory content remains separate

[18] [19]
Platform & licensing
macOS
Supported

Apple Silicon and Intel
Not supported

PC software requires Windows

[4]
Windows
Supported

Windows 10/11
Supported

Windows 10/11 x64

[4]
Linux
Supported

x64 and ARM64 (AppImage, .deb)
Not supported

PC software requires Windows

[4]
Monthly, yearly or lifetime licence
Supported

All three, you choose
Not supported

Free mode with hardware-based licence upgrades

[1] [2]
Full free trial
Supported

14 days, Standard features, real DMX output
Partial

Free output plus five-minute MIDI/OSC/timecode evaluation

[1] [12]

Where Relackout leads

  • Relackout runs on macOS and Linux as well as Windows; ONYX PC is Windows-only.
  • Relackout includes MIDI mappings and OSC control without buying an ONYX hardware unlock.
  • Relackout includes browser Remote access without a TouchOSC app or OSC-unlocking ONYX tier.
  • Relackout Workspaces keep each venue patch and programming together; ONYX Workspaces organize views inside a show.
  • Relackout offers monthly, yearly or lifetime licensing and a 14-day trial; ONYX uses free mode plus hardware unlocks and a short protocol trial.

Where ONYX is strong

  • DyLOS integrates media-driven pixel mapping, effects and audio input processing into the console workflow.
  • The NX hardware range and ONYX keys support systems up to 128 output universes on a capable PC.

Which fits your show?

Club or bar

Both

ONYX suits pixel-heavy installations; Relackout integrates playlists and lighting with browser control.

DJ set

Relackout

Relackout combines music playlists and lighting with MIDI control without an ONYX hardware unlock.

Theatre

Both

ONYX supports console-style cue programming; Relackout combines small-theatre cue lists, audio and notes.

House of worship

Both

ONYX fits NX-equipped production teams; Relackout offers cross-platform venue control and browser access.

Events venue

Both

ONYX suits NX and DyLOS installations; Relackout keeps multiple venue setups in separate Workspaces.

Touring / large rig

ONYX

ONYX offers dedicated NX control surfaces and substantial network-output capacity for larger productions.

Switching guide

In ONYX In Relackout
Patch and Fixture Library Editor Recreate fixture addresses and modes in Patch & Fixture Setup; import OFL definitions in Fixture Library.
Presets and cuelists Rebuild complete looks in Scene Designer, then sequence them with Cue lists.
Parameter FX and DyLOS looks Recreate suitable fixture effects in Effect Wizard; DyLOS media compositions need redesign.
Playback controls and Workspaces Rebuild operator surfaces in Mixer Designer, and use Relackout Workspaces for separate venues.
Beat input processors and OSC remote Configure Sound-to-Light, test live tempo control, then enable the browser Remote.

What carries over

Fixture addresses, channel modes, cue timing references and operator-control intentions can guide the rebuild.

What to rebuild

Relackout does not import ONYX show files, DyLOS compositions or control layouts. Recreate programming and MIDI/OSC mappings. Fixture definition imports must use Open Fixture Library format.

Frequently asked questions

What does ONYX FREE include?

It provides real Art-Net/sACN output on one universe. Permanent MIDI, OSC and timecode access requires a qualifying higher hardware tier.

Are ONYX Workspaces equivalent to Relackout Workspaces?

No. ONYX Workspaces organize views and control assignments within a show. Relackout Workspaces hold separate venue patches, scenes, cues and mixers.

Will my DyLOS show transfer to Relackout?

No. ONYX show files and DyLOS compositions do not import into Relackout. Recreate fixture effects and lighting cues; retain ONYX if its media pixel-mapping workflow is central to the production.

Sources

Checked on September 25, 2026

  1. ONYX PC Modes Checked on September 25, 2026
  2. ONYX KEY Checked on September 25, 2026
  3. Obsidian Control Systems: Brand FAQs Checked on September 25, 2026
  4. ONYX 4.32 Downloads and Release Notes Checked on September 25, 2026
  5. ONYX Manual: Show Settings Checked on September 25, 2026
  6. ONYX: General Concepts Checked on September 25, 2026
  7. ONYX Manual: Playback Controls Checked on September 25, 2026
  8. ONYX Manual: Beat Provider Input Processor Checked on September 25, 2026
  9. ONYX Manual: Using an Input Processor with DyLOS Checked on September 25, 2026
  10. ONYX Manual: Workspaces Checked on September 25, 2026
  11. ONYX Manual: OSC Checked on September 25, 2026
  12. ONYX: MIDI, Timecode and OSC Playback Trial Checked on September 25, 2026
  13. ONYX Manual: DyLOS Quickstart Checked on September 25, 2026
  14. ONYX chase BPM and percentage fades Checked on September 25, 2026
  15. ONYX connection to separate Capture visualizer Checked on September 25, 2026
  16. ONYX cue comments Checked on September 25, 2026
  17. ONYX selective XML patch import and fixture matching Checked on September 25, 2026
  18. ONYX show backup with optional content Checked on September 25, 2026
  19. ONYX factory media stored separately from shows Checked on September 25, 2026
  20. ONYX external timecode configuration Checked on September 25, 2026

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