The NX1 from Obsidian Control Systems has the muscle to handle medium-sized shows, the hardware components to make designers and programmers feel at ease, and the expandability to evolve.
Designed and priced to be an entry-level console, the NX1 can output eight universes and is deceivingly packed with premiere features often reserved for its higher-end counterparts. The heart of the lighting control system is a responsive 10" touchscreen, co-headlined by ten motorized faders, and a direct gigabit port for network connectivity. But it doesn't end there; with an expandable programming surface and playback wing, the NX1 scalability caters to the growing demands of professional lighting designers and programmers.
What Comes In The Box
Let's start with what arrives when you purchase the NX1. In the box is the lighting console, an IP65 locking True-Con power cable, a soft dust cover, and finally, a USB gooseneck desk light. The console is under 20lbs (or under 10kg) and feels solid. You can move it from desk to desk without feeling like you're shaking up the innards. Once plugged in, boot-up time is quick, and you're off and programming in minutes.
NX1: A Compact Standalone Lighting Console
What sets the NX1 apart from other competitively priced control options is that it is a standalone console and doesn't require a PC to connect to. The brains of the NX1 is its industrial motherboard anchored by an Intel CPU, an integrated graphics processor, 250GB of NVMe M.2 storage, and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. In other words, this thing is an entire computer. A quiet thermal design "using advanced copper heat pipe coolers" is designed to keep operation cool and quiet. The OS is rooted in Windows 10, and a full suite of ONYX control software runs natively on the desk.
ONYX Software
ONYX, which can be traced back to its roots as Martin M-PC, is like a synthesis of some of the best features of grandMA2 and Avolites, yet with its unique spin. ONYX offers a user-friendly platform and, much like Avolites, is robust enough for large-scale events but remains approachable for those smaller gigs or installations. Moreover, akin to the grandMA2 ecosystem, ONYX facilitates seamless integration with various external devices and interfaces, enhancing its versatility in complex production environments.
One of ONYX's standout features is its flexibility. The software is not tethered to any specific hardware. You can run a full suite of ONYX on a standard PC, giving you an adaptable setup for various applications, and seamlessly translate that same showfile up to the NX1, NX2, or NX4.
NX1: Screens & Encoders
The core of the NX1 surface is a vibrant 10" touch screen. This high-resolution display enables lighting designers and programmers to efficiently tap, swipe, and drag through the ONYX control software's diverse functionalities. Should you require some additional screen real estate, an HDMI port in the back accommodates an external touch screen, broadening the control purview or allowing for a visualizer.
Right below the touchscreen are four digital rotary encoders, each clickable, providing a nuanced parameter control. A unique addition, a 'Quick View' button, can be an invaluable tool for users and lives next to the encoders. The 'Quick View' is an entirely customizable view quickly recalled by flashing or toggling the 'Quick View' button. Whether you're accessing the 'Quick View' for a go-to snapshot or leaning on it for a virtual programming pad, this feature ensures a streamlined workflow.
NX1: Motorized Faders & Playback
Motorized faders stand as the pièce de résistance, propelling the NX1 to the forefront of entry-level lighting consoles. Finding such a premium feature within this price bracket is rare. These faders empower lighting designers and programmers to effortlessly navigate through multiple pages—or banks—of faders, with each fader snapping back to its precise position automatically, thus streamlining the workflow. With ONYX's support for [60] fader banks, managed with ease via the bank navigator, users gain the efficiency of handling what feels like 600 faders, extending far beyond the physical count of 10.
Accompanying each fader are four tactile buttons, which default to GO, BACK, SELECT, & FLASH, providing immediate action for cue execution and playback. These buttons can be reconfigured for various commands within the cue list options menu, tailoring to the specific needs of any show.
A dedicated Master GO section rounds out fader world, equipped with GO, PAUSE, SNAP, & RELEASE buttons. You can dedicate this playback to its own cue list or activate centralized control for multiple selected faders.
NX1: Multi-Function Buttons
Multi-function keys bridge between the programming and playback worlds, so it makes sense that they live nestled between the touchscreen and faders. By default, you may think of these 20 buttons as executors or playbacks, where you can assign cues or cue lists. They effectively expand your control surface, supplementing the primary ten faders by providing additional playbacks, numbered 11 through 20. You can see them labeled in the bottom right of the touchscreen.
Adjacent to their labels, you'll find the clever 'S' button, a simple yet powerful feature that flips your fader banks, swapping faders 1-10 with 11-20, giving you nuanced control beyond just on and off. This is perfect for hazers, architectural elements, and other "set it and forget it" cues.
The multi-function keys offer different modes for enhanced versatility: consider the left side ideal for playback and the right for programming. To switch between these modes, a long press toggles between the left and right sides, while a short press cycles through the respective top and bottom functions of each side.
F-Keys are wild cards. You can assign almost anything here, from live time presets to views and lamp-off commands. In programming mode, the 'Base' and 'EFX' modes transform the keys into page options for comprehensive parameter control. 'Base' mode controls the essential parameters of any selected fixtures, allowing for adjustments in intensity, color, pan/tilt, and beam attributes. 'EFX' mode delves into the effects engine, offering command over form, size, spread, and other dynamic attributes when building effects.
NX1: Ports & Connectivity
The back of the NX1 hosts an array of ports and connections. Four onboard 5-pin DMX outputs, complete with locking mechanisms for secure connections and feedback indicators for at-a-glance status checks, highlight the console's output. Networking connects with a Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet port supporting Art-Net, sACN, and ONYX X-Net.
Four USB ports live on the back for various connections, and another is on the front, ideal for quickly accessing show files. A sixth USB port on the front is designated for a gooseneck desk light, providing flexible lighting for the console's workspace. However, we like plugging the desk lamp in on the back if possible, so you can keep the light installed when covering the console and walking away.
Audio out and mic in ports, each with a standard 3.5mm jack, facilitate any audio needs. Advanced ONYX programming lets you get into the nitty-gritty, analyze incoming audio, and have fixtures respond live. Lastly, an HDMI port supports another external touchscreen for advanced programming needs or a 3D visualizer.
NX1: Scalability w/ NXK & NXP
If you're looking into the NX1, you should also pay attention to the NXK. The NXK is a USB programming interface for ONYX.
If you are doing a bit of programming, you'll find that this simple addition will save you loads of time, eliminating the need to navigate through menus onscreen. A magnetic alignment system makes attaching the NXK a breeze, and you can pop it in on either the left or right side. Then, when programming is done, you can store it away when it isn't needed for playback. Obsidian Control System's also offers an NXP, a USB motorized playback wing equipped with ten additional motorized faders and ten multi-function keys.
From Us
The NX1 impresses with its features-to-price ratio, but it does have a notable limitation: it can only manage eight universes. Due to this being a hardware constraint, there's no option to upgrade the NX1 with an advanced ONYX license. However, you can sidestep this restriction by networking an ONYX-equipped PC with a Premier or Elite license alongside Netron nodes for output. The NX1 can join the network and function as a remote in this setup. But for those requiring more direct control, investing in the NX2 or NX4 may be the more straightforward solution.
To accommodate the functionality the NX1 offers, its frame is somewhat larger than truly portable control solutions like the Avolites T3 or the Chamsys MQ50. This makes the NX1 less ideal for on-the-move lighting designers and programmers. That said, for a venue or stationary setup, the NX1 eclipses its more compact rivals by offering a suite of high-end features like motorized faders and an onboard touchscreen.
Lastly is ONYX. Diving into a new lighting control ecosystem can feel like a gamble, but with ONYX, the odds are increasingly in your favor. ONYX's presence in the industry is not just growing; it's thriving and flourishing with enhanced support networks and training opportunities that demystify the platform. So, our fiery perspective? Trusting in ONYX's expanding ecosystem is less a leap of faith and more a step into a community eager to empower your lighting finesse with knowledge and support.
NX1 Price
The Obsidian Control Systems NX1 lighting console is available for just $3,990. This competitively priced console brings professional lighting control within reach for venues, events, and designers looking to maximize their investment. Its affordability, paired with high-end functionality, makes it a standout choice for those seeking a balance between cost and performance in the lighting industry. The NXK expansion wing, priced at an accessible $390, presents remarkable value for the price. The NXP comes in at $1990.
Wrap Up
To wrap it up, the NX1 from Obsidian Control Systems provides a versatile, scalable control system that's hard to overlook. The flexibility, scalability, and premiere features position it as a front-runner stacked up to others in a similar price range. Also, the growing community and support behind ONYX is exciting (and we haven't even talked about DYLOS... yet 😉). If you're looking for a new lighting console, it's time to give Obsidian Controls some serious attention.