Product FAQs

The NX1 includes an embedded ONYX 8 license supporting 8 universes and has 4 physical 5-pin DMX ports plus one Gigabit Ethernet port for Art-Net/sACN output. Universe assignment is flexible within the 1–255 range. The NX1 can be expanded with accessories: connecting an NX K keypad or NX P fader wing provides additional control surfaces, though the universe count remains at 8. NX1 has been superseded by the NX1-16, which doubles the output to 16 universes.

The NX1 features a 10.1" Full HD multi-touch screen, 10 motorized playback faders, 10 Playback/Function Hybrid buttons, 4 encoders, and a Master Go section. It supports one external touch display. The NX1 is compact and portable while offering the complete ONYX programming and playback experience without compromise.

The NX1-16 is a variant of the NX1 with an ONYX 16 license (16 universes instead of 8). It uses the same compact form factor with 4 DMX ports, 10 motorized playbacks, and a 10.1" touch screen. The NX1-16 is suited for medium-sized shows that need more universe headroom than the NX1 provides without stepping up to the larger NX2 form factor.

The NX2 includes an ONYX 64 license (64 universes) and features 4 physical 5-pin DMX ports, MIDI and Timecode ports, and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for Art-Net, sACN, and X-Net. It can also be used in USB mode as a control surface connected to ONYX on PC, where it also unlocks 64 universes. The NX2 is powered by an Intel Hexa-Core processor with 16 GB DDR4 RAM and NVMe SSD, capable of processing 64 universes internally without external hardware.

Yes. The NX2 can be connected via USB to a Windows PC running ONYX, operating as a USB control surface (USB Mode) rather than
as a standalone console. In this mode, it unlocks ONYX 64 (64 universes) on the connected PC. The NX2's main screen will not function. This is the same operational capability as the NX Wing — both share the NX2 footprint and component design. When in USB mode, the PC handles all ONYX processing.

The NX4 includes an ONYX Premier license equivalent to 64 universes. It has 44 playbacks (10 motorized, 12 sub, 22 playback executors), 9 encoders, a keypad, trackball, 14 function keys, and an assistive 3.5" secondary touchscreen alongside its adjustable 15.6" Full HD main touch display. The NX4 supports two additional external 4K touch monitors, making it the most fully featured console in the NX lineup for large-scale productions.

The NX4 supports two additional external 4K touch display outputs beyond its built-in adjustable 15.6" Full HD touch screen. This gives operators up to three screens of working space for programming, playback management, and patch views — essential for complex productions with large fixture inventories.

The NX Wing connects via USB to a Windows PC running ONYX and unlocks ONYX 64, enabling 64 universes of Art-Net, sACN, and direct DMX output. It provides 4 physical DMX ports, MIDI and Timecode ports (MIDI/SMPTE kit may be optional), 10 playbacks, encoders, a keypad, and a 3.5" internal touchscreen. The NX Wing is based on the same design and components as the NX2 console.

The NX Wing's side panel includes MIDI and Timecode port connectors. If your unit is missing these ports, please fill out the form at http://support.obsidiancontrol.com/timecodeparts.

The NX W connects to ONYX on PC via USB-C and unlocks ONYX 16 (16 universes) by default. It has 4 DMX/RDM ports, a Gigabit Ethernet output for X-Net and streaming DMX, and a protected USB slot where an ONYX License Key can be installed to expand the system up to 128 universes. The NX W features motorized faders with LED illumination and two types of optical keys for playback and keypad input.

The NX K is a compact USB-powered keypad accessory that replicates the full command and keypad section of larger NX consoles, plus 4 encoders with push and LED feedback. It is designed for use alongside the NX1 console or PC-based ONYX systems that lack a full programming keypad. Connecting the NX K to ONYX on PC unlocks NOVA+ mode: up to 4 universes with full MIDI, OSC, and timecode support.

The NX P is a USB-powered motorized fader wing that mirrors the playback section of the NX1 console — 10 motorized 60mm playback faders each with 4 function-assignable buttons, plus a Master Go section. It expands playback control for NX1 users or PC-based ONYX systems. Connecting the NX P to ONYX on PC unlocks NOVA+ mode: up to 4 universes with full MIDI, OSC, and timecode support.

The NX Touch is a compact USB control surface for ONYX with 1 physical DMX output. When connected to ONYX on PC, it unlocks NOVA+ mode providing up to 4 universes with full MIDI, OSC, and timecode support. It is a portable option for smaller rigs or supplemental control where a full wing is not needed.

The NX-DMX is a small USB interface that adds 2 physical 5-pin DMX outputs to any PC running ONYX. It does not hold an expanded license — it unlocks NOVA mode (up to 4 universes over Art-Net/sACN) by virtue of being an attached ONYX USB device. The NX-DMX can be configured as two outputs, two inputs, or a mix, and supports RDM on its outputs. It defaults to outputting DMX universes 1 and 2, which can be changed in ONYX's DMX Settings.

The Netron EN12 is a 12-port EtherDMX node that converts Art-Net or sACN from a lighting controller into 12 independent, optically isolated DMX/RDM outputs. It is a full-rack-width, 1U-high device designed for permanent or touring rig installations where many DMX lines are needed at a single network drop point. The EN12 supports factory and user presets, internal cue storage, and remote configuration via its web interface.

The EN12 is the standard 12-port EtherDMX node with 5-pin XLR ports. The EN12i (integrated) is a variant designed for permanent rack installation with RJ45, screw-terminal, or IDC rear-facing modules. It also features a convenient network and DMX port on the front panel. The EN12i also supports external button stations such as the BS10. Both share the same 12-port DMX output capability and internal logic.

The Netron EP4 is a compact 4-port EtherDMX node in a small desktop/portable housing. It receives Art-Net or sACN and outputs to 4 isolated DMX lines. Like other Netron nodes, connecting the EP4 to a network with ONYX on PC unlocks NOVA mode (up to 4 universes with Art-Net/sACN output). The EP4 can be configured via its web interface and supports factory Netron Presets for quick setup.

The Netron EP1 is a single-port compact EtherDMX node that converts one universe of Art-Net or sACN into a single 5-pin DMX output. It is the smallest form factor in the Netron line, designed for installations needing just one DMX run from a network point. Like all Netron nodes, it unlocks ONYX NOVA mode (up to 4 universes) when connected to a PC running ONYX. The EP1 includes factory presets, a 1.8" OLED display, and remote configuration via web interface.

ONYX Keys are available in five license levels: ONYX 8 (8 universes, 2 DyLOS zones), ONYX 16 (16 universes, 5 DyLOS zones), ONYX 32 (32 universes, 5 DyLOS zones), ONYX 64 (64 universes, 5 DyLOS zones), and ONYX 128 (128 universes, 5 DyLOS zones). All levels allow patching and programming for 255 universes; the level controls how many can be actively output at once. All key tiers include full MIDI, OSC, and timecode support. Legacy key tiers (Essential, Premier, Elite) automatically convert to equivalent current levels.

No. The ONYX Key is a hardware USB dongle that requires no internet connection, no online account, and no activation process. Plug the key into any Windows PC with ONYX installed and the appropriate license activates immediately. No deactivation is needed when moving the key to another PC.

The NX3 is a mid-to-large format ONYX console with 64 universes of embedded processing and an integrated folding 17.3" Full HD multi-touch display designed for touring applications. It runs the full ONYX software platform with no external hardware required for its rated universe count. The NX3 is designed for show-critical reliability with fast programming workflow and comfortable ergonomics for extended programming sessions.

The NETRON FS16 is a powerful rackmount network switch featuring 12 Gigabit ports, 4x fiber ports, and PoE+ support. With a total PoE power budget of 180W, the FS16 is ideally suited to distribute data and power to NETRON nodes or any other PoE+ compatible network appliance.

FREE mode (no hardware) allows 1 universe of output and 2 DyLOS zones, but no MIDI, OSC, or timecode. NOVA mode (triggered by a connected Netron node or NX-DMX) allows up to 4 universes and 2 DyLOS zones, still without MIDI/OSC/timecode. NOVA+ mode (NX-Touch, NX-K, or NX-P connected) provides 4 universes plus full MIDI, OSC, and timecode support. The numbered tiers (ONYX 8 through 128, from USB Key or embedded in consoles) provide progressively more active universes and 5 DyLOS zones, with full MIDI/OSC/timecode included. MIDI, Timecode, and OSC can be tested in a 5-minute trial from the license indicator on the ONYX toolbar regardless of your tier.

FREE mode requires no hardware. NOVA mode is unlocked by connecting a Netron EtherDMX node (EN4, EN12, EP4, EP1, etc.) or an NX-DMX interface. NOVA+ is unlocked by an NX-Touch, NX-K, or NX-P. The NX Wing (or NX2 in USB mode) unlocks ONYX 64 (64 universes). The NX W unlocks ONYX 16 (expandable to 128 with an ONYX Key). ONYX USB Keys (sold separately) unlock 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 universes directly. NX consoles (NX1, NX1-16, NX2, NX3, NX4) include their own embedded licenses and do not require separate keys.

Obsidian recommends a Windows 10 or 11 PC with a recent multi-core processor, 8 GB RAM minimum (16 GB or more for DyLOS use), an SSD, and a dedicated GPU for DyLOS pixel content. For basic console operation without DyLOS, most modern mid-range laptops are sufficient. The full PC minimum specs are listed at support.obsidiancontrol.com under License Information / PC Minimum Specs. ONYX requires a 64-bit version of Windows; 32-bit is not supported.

X-Net is Obsidian's proprietary high-speed networking protocol used to link multiple ONYX systems together or to connect NX consoles and PC systems on the same show. X-Net enables multi-console setups, remote workstation access, and fast device synchronization over Gigabit Ethernet. It is available alongside standard Art-Net and sACN output in all NX consoles and in ONYX on PC.

Yes. ONYX supports RDM (Remote Device Management) for discovering and configuring fixtures that have RDM capability. RDM functionality is available through the local DMX ports on NX consoles and through Netron EtherDMX nodes, which include RDM over their DMX ports. ONYX also includes an RDM scheduling feature to run periodic RDM scans; note that RDM scans temporarily interrupt DMX output, so they should be scheduled outside show times.

Yes. ONYX show files are fully portable across the platform — a show saved on an NX1 can be loaded on an NX4, an NX Wing with a PC, or ONYX running on a laptop. The show file contains all cues, presets, patch, groups, and DyLOS content. Hardware-specific assignments (local DMX port mappings, MIDI bindings) may need to be remapped when moving to a different hardware setup. Show files from versions prior to ONYX 4.6 may need a patch exchange step before import if fixture library versions don't match.

Netron nodes can be configured via the front-panel OLED display with rotary knob, or through the built-in web interface (accessed by entering the node's IP address in a browser). For a standard Art-Net setup with ONYX, use the front-panel Preset menu to select a 'Netron Preset' such as 'ArtNet 2.x' and specify the start universe number. Set the node's IP to match the same range as your ONYX system (e.g., 2.x.x.x for Art-Net). ONYX will automatically detect the node on the network once they share the same IP range. The Netron CLU software can also manage and configure multiple nodes from a single PC interface.

The NX Wing is a full-featured USB control surface based on the NX2 console footprint, with 4 DMX ports, MIDI, Timecode connectivity, and a 3.5" internal touchscreen. When connected to ONYX on PC it unlocks 64 universes. The NX W is a newer wing with USB-C connection, 4 DMX/RDM ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and a protected USB slot for an ONYX Key; it unlocks 16 universes by default (expandable to 128 with a Key). The NX Touch is a compact USB control surface with 1 DMX output primarily for smaller rigs, unlocking NOVA+ mode (4 universes with full MIDI/OSC/timecode). All three wings require a PC running ONYX.

Yes. The ONYX Key is a hardware dongle and requires no online account or activation. Simply unplug it from one PC and plug it into another — ONYX on the second PC will immediately recognize the key and activate the corresponding license. No deactivation step is needed on the first PC. When multiple keys or licenses are connected to a single system, ONYX automatically uses the highest available license.

The NX K is a compact USB-powered keypad accessory for ONYX. It replicates the full keypad and command section found on larger NX consoles, including 4 encoders with push and LED feedback. It is the ideal companion for the NX1 console or a PC system where the keyboard command section is not large enough. Connecting the NX K to a PC running ONYX unlocks NOVA+ mode: up to 4 universes with full MIDI, OSC, and timecode support.

The Netron NS8 and NS8 IP are Gigabit managed network switches optimized for entertainment data-intensive applications. They support entertainment protocols including X-Net, HogNet, MA-Net, ETC Net3, Art-Net, and sACN. The NS8 is a half-rack unit for standard use, while the NS8 IP is rated for outdoor or harsh environments with additional protection. Both feature factory and user presets for plug-and-play setups and can be remotely configured via a built-in web interface.