ChamSys MagicQ Rack

Product Overview

The ChamSys MagicQ Rack is a rack-mount lighting controller built for permanent architectural and venue installations that need full MagicQ control without an operator at the console. As a 19" 1U installed lighting control system, it drives 24 DMX universes (expandable to 48) and pairs with 10Scene wall plates for end-user scene recall. It suits house of worship, theatre, museum, and commercial architectural deployments where lighting runs on schedules, OSC, or remote triggers. The same MagicQ software as the full console range means show files carry directly into existing ChamSys infrastructure.

Product Description

MagicQ Rack delivers the complete MagicQ feature set in a headless 1U chassis designed for control-room and equipment-rack integration. It is built to operate without physical front-panel programming during normal use, relying instead on scheduled events, OSC, UDP, and MIDI triggers to run lighting automatically. This makes it well suited to architectural installations, fixed venues, and unattended commercial spaces.

The unit provides 24 universes of DMX output, expandable to 48 via licence upgrade, through two RDM-enabled 5-pin DMX ports and networked output. Four 10Scene ports support connection of up to forty 10Scene wall plates, giving end users simple, reliable scene recall throughout a building. Ten front-panel buttons activate Playbacks and Executes for local override when needed. Built-in WiFi allows a programmer to configure and remotely control the system without a permanent wired operator position.

Because it runs the same software as MagicQ consoles, the Rack supports pixel mapping, multi-element fixture control, the built-in FX generator, a colour picker, and a fixture library of over 48,000 files. It mounts in a standard 19" rack with the supplied ears or sits as a desktop box, and accepts 90-250V AC through a Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 input. Show files transfer between the Rack and other MagicQ consoles for backup, expansion, or off-site programming.

Key Features

• 24 universes expandable to 48 — Provides up to 24576 channels via licence upgrade for large architectural and multi-zone installations.
• Headless installed operation — Runs lighting from scheduled events, OSC, UDP, and MIDI triggers without requiring an operator at the console.
• Four 10Scene ports — Connect up to forty 10Scene wall plates for simple end-user scene recall across an entire building.
• Two RDM-enabled DMX outputs — Allow remote fixture addressing and configuration over 5-pin XLR connections during commissioning.
• Built-in WiFi control — Enables wireless programming and remote control without a permanent wired operator position.
• Ten Playback and Execute buttons — Give technicians local manual override and activation directly from the front panel.
• Full MagicQ software — Supports pixel mapping, multi-element fixture control, the FX generator, and a 48,000-plus fixture library.
• 19" 1U or desktop form factor — Mounts in a standard rack with supplied ears or operates as a standalone desktop unit.

Typical Applications

• Architectural and building lighting installations
• House of worship lighting control
• Theatre and auditorium installs
• Museums, galleries, and visitor attractions
• Commercial meeting spaces and multi-purpose rooms
• Government and civic spaces requiring scheduled lighting

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the MagicQ Rack run lighting without an operator?

Yes. The Rack is designed for headless installed operation and triggers lighting from scheduled events, OSC, UDP, and MIDI, making it suitable for unattended architectural and venue installations.

How do 10Scene wall plates integrate with the Rack?

The Rack has four 10Scene ports supporting up to forty 10Scene wall plates, giving end users straightforward scene recall throughout a building without console access.

Is the unit rack-mountable?

Yes. It is a 19" 1U unit that mounts in a standard equipment rack using the supplied rack ears, or can be used as a desktop box in a control room.

How many DMX universes does it support and can it expand?

The Rack outputs 24 universes as standard and is expandable to 48 via a licence upgrade, supporting up to 24576 channels for large multi-zone installations.

Is it compatible with other MagicQ consoles?

Yes. It runs the same MagicQ software and show file format as the full console range, so show files transfer between the Rack and MagicQ consoles for backup or off-site programming.

What support is available for installation?

ChamSys publishes the MagicQ manual, 10Scene wiring and cable specifications, and training resources. Contact Creation Networks for warranty, integration, and commercial deployment support.