When you're choosing between physical license media hardware keys for DMX lighting control, the decision usually comes down to one question: should the show live in your laptop or in the dongle on the lighting desk? Both of these controllers are hardware keys that unlock software-based show control, but each answers that question differently.
Quick verdict
The Chroma-Q is the better pick for programmers who already build cues in Vista and want a dedicated dongle for that software. The ADJ is the better pick for spaces that want a hardware dongle that can play a programmed show without a laptop.
At a glance
| Product | Listed Price | Relative Price | Channel Capacity | Playback Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chroma-Q CQ678-1256 Vista 3 DMX Control Software 256 Channel Dongle | USD 526.50 | Up to 256 channels | Vista 3 software with a visual interface | |
| ADJ MYDMX-RM Multi Platform DMX Software/Hardware Lighting Controller System | USD 349.99 | 512 Live + 512 Stand Alone channels | Multi-platform myDMX 3.0 with stand-alone playback |
Where each product wins
Chroma-Q wins on programming depth: its timeline-based interface, smart FX masters, show-file merging, new color engine, improved fixture visualizations, and expanded command line make it easier to build and refine layered cues. ADJ wins on simplicity: the 19-inch rack-mount dongle turns a myDMX 3.0 show file into a self-contained playback device, so the lighting desk doesn't need a computer running all night.
Product notes
Chroma-Q CQ678-1256 Vista 3 DMX Control Software 256 Channel Dongle
The Chroma-Q dongle is the more focused software license of the pair. It unlocks up to 256 channels in the free Chroma-Q Vista software, which pairs a timeline-oriented interface with a new color engine, improved fixture visualizations, smart FX masters, and an expanded command line. It also supports merging multiple show files, which helps when you combine cues from different programmers. The tradeoff is that this is a laptop-centric key: the dongle requires the free Vista software download to operate, and it is designed around the Vista MV and Vista EX control surfaces. At USD 526.50 it is the higher-priced entry point, and its 256-channel ceiling is lower than the ADJ's 512 live channels. Pick it when your show is already built around the Vista workflow and you want a single hardware key for that environment.
ADJ MYDMX-RM Multi Platform DMX Software/Hardware Lighting Controller System
The ADJ myDMX-RM keeps the show running after the computer is packed away. Upload a program created in myDMX 3.0 to the 19-inch rack-mount dongle, and it plays back in stand-alone mode without a laptop - ideal for clubs, bars, schools, and event spaces. It is multi-platform, so Windows and OSX Mac users can both use it, and it delivers 512 Live plus 512 Stand Alone DMX channels. The main limitation is the out-of-package experience: myDMX 3.0 launches in Express Mode, and that mode does not include the 3D visualizer, Easy Remote, or MIDI features. At USD 349.99, it is the less expensive option, leaving a $176.51 gap before you reach the Chroma-Q price. Choose it for a venue that wants simple, computer-free playback.
Final choice by use case
- If your cues are already built inside Vista and you want a single hardware key for that workflow, the Chroma-Q dongle is the right fit.
- If you want to upload a show and let the controller run on its own in a venue, the ADJ myDMX-RM is the straightforward choice.
