Choosing between physical license media hardware keys for DMX lighting usually comes down to two questions: how many channels will your show need, and do you want to leave the laptop behind after programming? The Chroma-Q CQ678-1024 Vista 3 dongle and the ADJ MYDMX-RM answer those questions in very different ways.
Quick verdict
If you are programming a larger rig and want room to build complex cues, the Chroma-Q Vista 3 has the higher channel ceiling and a deeper set of editing tools. If you want a dongle that can store a show and play it back later, the ADJ myDMX-RM offers the more direct workflow.
At a glance
| Product | Listed Price | Channel capacity | Key workflow note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chroma-Q CQ678-1024 Vista 3 1024 Channel Dongle | USD 1,615.50 | Up to 1024 channels | Software designed for separately sold Vista MV and Vista EX control surfaces |
| ADJ MYDMX-RM Multi Platform DMX Software/Hardware Lighting Controller System | USD 349.99 | 512 live + 512 stand-alone channels | Mac/Windows-compatible rack-mount dongle |
Where each product wins
- Chroma-Q Vista 3 wins for larger shows and ongoing programming work: the 1024-channel ceiling, smart FX masters, showfile merging, new color engine, and expanded command line give you more room to shape a complex rig.
- ADJ myDMX-RM wins for venues that want a simple path to playback: once you upload your myDMX 3.0 show, the dongle can run in stand-alone mode without a laptop.
Product notes
Chroma-Q CQ678-1024 Vista 3 DMX Control Software 1024 Channel Dongle
The Vista 3 dongle controls up to 1024 channels, which makes it the option with real headroom for a bigger rig. The software also brings tools that speed up complex programming: smart FX masters, the ability to merge multiple showfiles, a new color engine, improved fixture visualizations, and a vastly expanded command line interface. It is designed to run on the separately sold Vista MV and Vista EX control surfaces, so the dongle is part of a larger console ecosystem rather than a self-contained unit. If you already work in that ecosystem or plan to move toward it, the 1024-channel capacity gives you room to build shows without hitting a ceiling. The main thing to keep in mind is that the dongle alone does not include the control surface.
ADJ MYDMX-RM Multi Platform DMX Software/Hardware Lighting Controller System
The myDMX-RM is a multi-platform system that works on Windows and OSX Mac, so it fits into either laptop setup. The hardware side is a robust 19-inch rack-mount dongle, which is useful for keeping the controller in a rack. You program the show with myDMX 3.0 software, upload the data to the dongle, and then play it back in stand-alone mode without a computer. That is a practical workflow for clubs, bars, schools, and event venues where you want the simplest possible operation. It gives you 512 live DMX channels and 512 stand-alone DMX channels. The trade-off is in the included software mode: out of the package it runs in Express Mode, and the 3D visualizer, Easy Remote, and MIDI features are not included.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Chroma-Q CQ678-1024 Vista 3 dongle when your show needs more channel headroom and you plan to grow into a more involved programming workflow. Choose the ADJ MYDMX-RM when you want a hardware dongle to carry the show after you finish programming.
