ChamSys MagicQ MQ500M+ Stadium Console

Product Overview

The ChamSys MagicQ MQ500M+ Stadium Console is a flagship lighting control console built for the largest-scale productions, driving 400 universes direct from the console without external processing. This stadium lighting console is engineered for concert and touring rigs, broadcast studios, and large house of worship deployments where channel count and reliability are non-negotiable. With dual 15-inch multi-touch displays, motorised fader playbacks, and an inbuilt MagicVis 3D visualiser, it gives programmers a complete offline-to-onsite workflow. It is an all-in-one solution for any commercial AV integration that demands high-density DMX lighting control.

Product Description

The MQ500M+ is the top of the MagicQ Stadium Series, designed for venues and production environments that run thousands of fixtures across hundreds of universes. All 400 universes are output directly through the console's network ports over the industry-standard sACN, Art-Net, and Pathport protocols, removing the need for additional processing nodes in the lighting network. The console carries 15 fully motorised fader playbacks, 15 encoder playbacks with RGB indicators, and 12 multi-purpose Macro/Execute/Playback keys, for a total of 42 onboard playbacks expandable across multiple banks.

Two inbuilt full-HD multi-touch displays with adjustable viewing angles support multi-touch gesture control, and two DisplayPort++ external monitor ports plus four network-connected touchscreens allow up to eight displays for monitoring complex shows. An inbuilt UPS, inbuilt Wi-Fi for the Remote Focus application, and a 4-port Gigabit network switch make this a self-contained control surface. Dual motorised 100mm crossfaders with large GO and BACK buttons deliver dedicated theatre control. Show files are forward and backward compatible across all ChamSys consoles, simplifying deployment and crew transitions. The MagicVis visualiser renders beams and gobos in 3D so designers can pre-program offline and reduce onsite time.

Key Features

• 400 Universes Direct — The console outputs 400 DMX universes directly over sACN, Art-Net, and Pathport, eliminating the need for external processing nodes in the lighting network.
• 42 Onboard Playbacks — Fifteen motorised faders, fifteen RGB-illuminated encoder playbacks, and twelve multi-purpose keys give programmers extensive direct access to cues and masters.
• Dual 15-inch Multi-Touch Displays — Two full-HD touchscreens with adjustable viewing angles and gesture support provide an intuitive programming surface for live operation.
• Up to Eight Displays — Two internal screens, two DisplayPort++ external monitors, and four network-connected touchscreens allow flexible monitoring layouts for complex shows.
• Inbuilt MagicVis 3D Visualiser — High-quality beam and gobo rendering lets designers pre-program and verify shows offline before arriving onsite.
• Inbuilt UPS and Wi-Fi — The integrated UPS protects against power interruptions while built-in Wi-Fi connects the Remote Focus application for floor-level focusing.
• 4-Port Gigabit Network Switch — An onboard Gigabit switch simplifies network distribution for nodes, media servers, and remote displays in a single rack-adjacent location.
• Dual Motorised Crossfaders — Two motorised 100mm crossfaders with prominent GO and BACK buttons deliver dedicated theatre-style cue control.
• Cross-Console Show Compatibility — Show files are forward and backward compatible across MQ500M+, MQ500M, MQ500, and all other ChamSys consoles for easy crew and equipment transitions.

Typical Applications

• Concert and touring production
• Broadcast studio and television lighting
• House of worship
• Auditorium and large theatre
• Live events and multi-purpose performance venues

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How many DMX universes can the MQ500M+ output without external processing?

The console outputs 400 universes directly over sACN, Art-Net, and Pathport through its onboard network ports, so no external processing nodes are required for most large-scale rigs.

What lighting network protocols does the console support?

It supports the industry-standard sACN, Art-Net, and Pathport protocols, plus four direct DMX outputs, allowing it to integrate with most existing lighting distribution and node infrastructure.

Can I expand the control surface for larger shows?

Yes. Connecting a MagicQ MQ500M Stadium Wing doubles the number of fader and encoder playbacks and adds a third full-HD touchscreen, and up to eight total displays can be configured across internal, external, and network monitors.

Are show files compatible with other ChamSys consoles?

Show files are both forward and backward compatible across the MQ500M+, MQ500M, MQ500, and all other ChamSys consoles, which simplifies moving a production between control surfaces.

How does the inbuilt UPS support reliable operation?

The integrated UPS uses a 12V lead-acid battery to keep the console running through brief power interruptions, supporting reliable operation in touring and installed environments.

Does the console include accessories for installation?

It ships with two dual-colour desk lights, a dust cover, a Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 power cable, a monitor arm with VESA mount, and a USB keyboard and mouse.

What support and warranty resources are available?

ChamSys provides documentation, spec sheets, training resources, and a bug tracker through its support channels; warranty coverage and service should be confirmed with Creation Networks at the time of purchase.