(Max->DMX) or (Standalone->DMX) Lanbox LCX vs other options...
Hello all,
I am looking for a flexible DMX interface that could be used from within Max via USB or be run in standalone mode for times when the show must go on, but a computer isn't available. Looking at the Lanbox LCX makes me salivate. It looks perfect and awesome and I want to order one right now with overnight shipping. Here's the catch....
1) I found a pressrelease where it was released in 2002. Is it ready for 2010?
2) Nobody seems to be using it. One person here or there recommends it, but it doesnt seem like many people are talking about it or using it.
3) The site looks nice, but is the product well supported.
4) The worst flag of all is that it is only distributed in the US by one guy who runs "Castle Studios" (http://www.lanbox.us/), but he wont answer the phone. This isnt a good sign for such a cool looking product.
Any comments pro or con the Lanbox LCX?
Thank you!
Respectfully,
Steve French
814.584.1220.office
President, Volt Vision
www.voltvision.com
The Lanbox is well known and well-supported from Max (they have custom objects for communicating with the hardware over a LAN) so it is a good option for DMX processing from Max. Although I haven't used one myself, on paper it looks very attractive, although expensive. I support Lanbox with my DMaX project for lighting within Ableton Live (http://prodavid.wordpress.com/dmax).
Do you guys know if anything supports the 788-LD+, made by the same people as lanbox?
I use a Lanbox LCX with Max to control a bank of LED lights and a moving head spotlight. I use the LAN port and UDP rather than USB. Come to think of it, I'm not sure how you would communicate over USB from Max, I'm guessing you would be using serial or something?
Anyway, I'm incredibly pleased with it, but I guess its on the large size if that bothers you. I can't think of any problems I have had with it, though a recent post mentioned smaller and possibly cheaper DMX products so you may want to have a search.
The 788 looks like a device to just fade or switch normal lights (non DMX), but would need to receive instructions from a DMX device like the Lanbox, so you'd need an LCX and 788!