Obsidian Control Systems Releases ONYX v4.6; Announces New ONYX Keys and Partnership with AtlaBase

The next evolution of the ONYX lighting control platform introduces a vast variety of new features and improvements in the new software v4.6 for Obsidian Control Systems' NX consoles and PC systems.

ONYX 4.6 for NX consoles and PC, a new training show and CAPTURE file, plus an updated DyLOS content package with over 1000 items is available for download at obsidiancontrol.com.

Hundreds of items have been added -- some completely redesigned -- for easier navigation, better readability, or faster setup. Many features have been considerably expanded like the Art-Net and sACN configuration, which now also supports synchronization packages and priority settings. A unique virtual control overlay allows PC users instant access to playback controls when needed without leaving the existing workspace, and a new playback swop icon takes advantage of the NX4's motorized faders and playback button layout.

"Throughout the challenging environment of the last year, our R&D team has continued to set milestones in user-friendly lighting control software design," states Obsidian and Elation Professional product manager Matthias Hinrichs. "Our unique DyLOS pixel composer continues to grow its feature set and has become a major part of the design experience when programming with ONYX. We are excited to see where our users will take this and have already seen some amazing implementations that are way beyond what we imagined. We will continue to evolve ONYX and DyLOS and interact with our user base to ensure we enhance the power of the software while reducing complex processes and encouraging a more visual approach to programming of large and small lighting systems."

The compact USB Keys Essential (8 Universes), Premier (64 Universes) and Elite (128 Universes) allow PC users to process all DMX calculations, MIDI, Timecode and other I/O protocols right on their systems without the need for expensive external processing nodes, the company says. Additionally, NX USB devices and NETRON Nodes directly unlock ONYX Nova with up to four Universes of EtherDMX.

Following its introduction, the DyLOS pixel composer has expanded its functionality with precise dynamic preset mapping, allowing any parameter to be animated by images, movies, or flexible pattern and curve generators. Through its positional awareness, DyLOS now allows incredibly complex movement, beam, color, and intensity effects that are easy to create, providing a more natural visual workflow instead of abstract effects generators and tedious numerical formulas. DyLOS color mapping now also utilizes all additive fixture colors like Amber, White, or UV, and dynamic controls allow for fine-tuning for impressive subtle or colorful results.

Fixture library data is now provided by the experienced team at AtlaBase, offering over 54,000 unique profiles. The ONYX library is updated daily with the latest fixture-type data provided by all manufacturers. This proactive approach ensures that ONYX always contains the industry's most complete library, removing the need for most fixture requests. AtlaBase brings precise real-world values for many parameters, enhanced gobo images, and accurate CIE color data, which DyLOS utilizes for its color-mapping calculations.

New bidirectional communication allows ONYX to interact with CITP-supported visualizers like the popular CAPTURE software. Fixture selection, patch import and export, fixture control, and remote focus are all synchronized in real time. ONYX offers a free CAPTURE presentation for learning and training purposes.