FREE SOFTWARE AND A CHEAP USB ADAPTER REPLACE A LIGHTING DESK THAT COSTS AS MUCH AS A CAR
Free software and a USB adapter replace a lighting console that costs as much as a car.
AudioAutomation
- difficulty
- ●●●○○
- time
- an evening
- license
- Apache-2.0
- repo
- repo ACTIVE1,494 stars
●●●○○ · an evening · Apache-2.0 · 1,494 stars · repo ACTIVE
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COMPAREE VERDICT
QLC+ is the practical answer if you need to control DMX lighting without spending thousands on a physical console. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, or a Raspberry Pi, speaks the same DMX512 protocol that every professional moving head, wash light and dimmer already understands, and comes with fixture definitions for thousands of real lights. The software itself is free and Apache-licensed. The only extra cost is a USB to DMX adapter, which you can buy from half a dozen suppliers for roughly the price of a decent cable. The interface is a virtual console you lay out yourself, plus a timeline for programming whole shows cue by cue. The single thing most likely to go wrong is that this does not make lighting easy — it removes the cost barrier, but you still need to learn DMX addressing, fixture patching, and cue programming. If you have never run a lighting desk before, expect a learning curve steeper than the software install. If you already know what a gobo wheel is and you just need software that does not cost a month's rent, this is the project.
IN THE REPO
NOT IN THE REPO
- —This is software, not a hardware build. The repository contains the full application source, fixture definitions, and user documentation.
- —Licensed under Apache 2.0, which permits commercial use.
- —The only hardware needed is a USB to DMX adapter, which is not included and costs a few tens of euros from third-party suppliers.
- —1494 stars, actively developed as of August 2026.
- —No bill of materials — this is a software install plus one off-the-shelf adapter.
- —Fixture library covers thousands of professional lights, but you need to own or have access to actual DMX fixtures to control.
Can I build this?
Build at your own risk. Projects involve tools, electronics and sometimes mains voltage — follow the creator’s safety notes.
Partner · KickstarterBluHub reads and burns Blu-ray/DVD/CD, adds USB-C, USB-A, SD/TF and 10 Gbps data — plug and play, grand-piano finish.
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Start here
Navigation into the creator’s own docs — we don’t rewrite the guide, we route you to the source.
- 1.Download QLC+ for your platform from the repository releases or official site(Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi)
- 2.Buy a USB to DMX adapter compatible with QLC+(Check the hardware compatibility page in the docs; common adapters from Enttec, DMXking, and others are supported)
- 3.Install the software and connect the adapter(The software will detect the adapter if drivers are correct)
- 4.Add your fixtures using the fixture library(The library contains thousands of definitions; if yours is missing, you can create a custom fixture profile)
- 5.Build a virtual console and program your first scene(The user manual in the repository walks through patching, scene creation, and cue programming)
KNOWN ISSUES
- The software is free, but you still need a USB to DMX adapter — budget a few tens of euros and check compatibility before buying.
- QLC+ assumes you understand DMX addressing and fixture modes. If you have never patched a light before, read the manual first or you will spend hours wondering why nothing moves.
- Not all cheap USB adapters work reliably. Stick to known brands listed in the compatibility docs.
- The fixture library is huge, but if your light is not in it, you will need to write a fixture definition yourself — this is possible but fiddly.
- Running on a Raspberry Pi is possible but not instant — expect to spend time on driver setup and performance tuning if you go that route.
- This replaces the console hardware, not the lights. You still need access to actual DMX fixtures to control.
Can I use this with my existing DMX fixtures?
Yes, as long as they speak DMX512, which is the industry standard. Check the fixture library to see if your model is already defined.
Do I need a special computer?
No. QLC+ runs on an ordinary laptop, and you can even run it on a Raspberry Pi if you are comfortable with Linux setup.
Is the USB adapter included?
No. You need to buy one separately from a supplier like Enttec or DMXking. Check the hardware compatibility page before buying.
Can I use this for a live show?
Yes. The timeline and cue features are designed for programming whole shows. Many users run it live in theatres, clubs, and events.
What if my fixture is not in the library?
You can create a custom fixture definition. The manual explains the process, but it requires knowing your fixture's DMX channel map.
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Discussion1
FROM THE COMPAREE TEAM
1494 stars and it runs on a Raspberry Pi. What would you control first — a couple of PARs in a home studio, or a full moving-head rig?
QLC+ development team
QLC+ is maintained by an active open-source team led by Massimo Callegari. It grew out of the earlier Q Light Controller project and has been under active development for over a decade, with thousands of users in live events, theatre, and installation work.
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DISCLAIMER
- Comparee is not the author of the projects featured here. All rights to each project belong to its creator — every page links to the original source, and we never host creators’ files.
- Information is provided without warranty and may become outdated as projects evolve. Prices are indicative bands only — always check the creator’s parts list for current costs.
- Building and operating any project is at your own responsibility. Protective equipment, safe workshop practice and compliance with local regulations are the builder’s responsibility.
CompareeTEAM14d agoedited
Practical notes from our verification: this is pure software, so there is nothing to print or solder, but the USB to DMX adapter is a required purchase and not all cheap ones work reliably — the compatibility page in the docs lists known-good models. The fixture library genuinely covers thousands of lights, but if yours is not listed, writing a custom definition means reading your fixture's manual and mapping DMX channels yourself, which is possible but not quick. The footage we used is from Wikimedia Commons and explicitly states it was controlled by QLC+ v4.14.1 via USB to DMX512, which is why it serves as proof. The club photos on the project website are Unsplash stock and were deliberately not used.