Junior Member
recommendations for dac
Hi all,
I'm working on constructing my first projector and wanted to know what everyones thoughts were on dacs.
i'm a novice when working with the laser software so i'd like something that has good specs ie analogue output... and
is usb compatible.
-Nick
Senior Member
Pangolin QS is the best result:
USB 2.0 compatible
Analogue 8bit color outputs (16million colour palette with suitable devices)
12bit HQ balanced scanner output up to 60kpps
and finally the software is easy to use 'coz it has been made to amateurs but it used by professionals as well.
This is my personal recommendation.
QS isnt the cheapest controller,but worth it.
Ferenc
Senior Member
There are a few USB-DAC on the market.There is the Easylase(JM-Laser) or the Riya Multibus for example.
They all support analogue modulation.
There are Ethernet-DAC,too.I would recommend the Netlase.
Best Regards
StarryEyed
Senior Member
I made a list a while ago. Feel free to copy-paste and edit this list, these are just personal impressions.
What you want will depend on your budget and application.
-There's the cheap sound card DAC's, but those require some DIY. Depending on the sound card, I guess those are about $50-150, unless you have an old 6 or 8 channel sound card lying around. Look on the Laserboy forum for more information about this. Works with Spaghetti and LSX, and with an audio program you can play back Laserboy waves.
-The Riya DAC. Lite is $145, Basic is $255 and Pro is $305. I don't know much about them, but so far I didn't hear anything bad about them. Riya Lite is really nice, it's just an USB cable with an ILDA connector at the end, but it contains a fully featured DAC. Works with Spaghetti and LSX.
-The Easylase is a really nice DAC, it's the one I currently have. I can't say anything bad about it, rock solid. But I don't hear much about it anymore, and it's quite expensive (€350). Developed by JMLaser, a German company. Again, works with Spaghetti and LSX, as well as a whole lot of freeware programs on the ftp server. A similar unit is the Netlase which works over ethernet.
-Framestreamer 2.0. I had an older version, the Framestreamer 1.1. It worked fine on my old laptop but refused to do anything on my new one so I gave up with it. But for $199, not a bad price. Developed by Norm, a Canadian hobbyist. Works with NLS (its own software) and Spaghetti.
-I don't know anything about Lumax except that they are apparently sold as Laserworld DACs.
-There's the new Lasershark DAC. Not yet supported by software but that's just a matter of time.
-The Etherdream. This DAC works over ethernet and I only hear positive stuff about it. It is manufactured by j4cbo on this forum and he knows what he's doing. Kind of expensive, but a good deal for what you get. DMX support, TTL outputs, OSC support, on board processing, ... you get a lot for that $289.
-Medialas. Originally developed to work with Mamba software, also compatible with LSX. €711.62 for the DAC + software.
-iShow. I have no experience with it but there's probably a reason everyone refers to it as iShit.
-Pangolin QS and FB3. The cheapest Pangolin product (only $600!). Quickshow is known to have a very user friendly interface and is easy to use. Downside is that it's proprietary hard- and software so you can only use the DAC with Pangolin software.
-Pangolin QM board: has a four figure price tag.
-Moncha and Fiesta from Showtacle. I have no experience with them but I guess they are good products.
(Disclaimer: prices can change and are just the result of a quick google search, this list is also very prone to errors and I'd be glad if people made some corrections)
I probably forgot a few.
In conclusion: if you're a light-jockey at a club with a big budget and want quick acces to cues or just want to give in a BPM and let the program do it's thing, go with QS. If you're a hobbyist who likes to spend some time with software and want to create nice shows and effects, go with LSX and a DAC of your choice (most people go with Riya lite because of the cost, but the Etherdream appears to have a superior price/quality ratio, but as you want an USB DAC...)
Last edited by colouredmirrorball; 02-10-2013 at 10:36.
Junior Member
i like the etherdream, i'll contact but im curious if it supports analogue modulation. also are the supported programs for the etherdream dac at all user friendly? and is there a place to find beamshows graphics etc that people have already made and uploaded for others to use?
-Nick
Senior Member
Of course it supports analog modulation, it's even 12 bit! (As opposed to 8 bit on the FB3).
No software comes with the etherdream, but it will work with LSX and spaghetti.
In my opinion, Spaghetti is a good program, but maybe a bit limited in functionability. Gary/JohnYayas is developing version 3.0 and I'm curious what new features it will have. Not a bad price and easy to figure out.
Define "easy to use"... I wouldn't call LSX easy to use, but once you get past the learning curve there are wonderful things to discover. I just made a clock that shows the time while the frame is composed of a stunning abstract. Also, I'm creating a video tutorial series about the program, check them out to get an idea about how it works, and see for yourself if it is easy enough to use.
LSX basic is bundled with an etherdream and LaserCam in this ebay auction (a little bit cheaper than buying the components separately).
As you can tell I'm a fan of LSX... take this post for what it's worth.
Junior Member
im sold on the etherdream.
does dr lava offer discounts to forum members? what about the etherdream creator?
Senior Member
i use lsx pro + etherdream combination, it was a bit more expensive than aforementioned hobbyproducts like Quickshow or Moncha but it offers professional features that you get in LD2000 or Fiesta that are even more expensive so it's a good investment to the future
lsx is not the most user friendliest tool but very powerful if you devote some time to learn and CMB here is also creating video tutorials that should give you some initial starting point
Senior Member
Hey Nick!Originally Posted by karpit90
I believe you will be happy with your decision. DrLava does not offer any PL discounts that I am aware of, but i believe you will find both of these products are bargains for what you receive for your money.
Be sure to check out the LSX tutorials thread as well as the helpful videos by colouredmirrorball referenced above.
-David
"Help, help, I'm being repressed!"
Jr. Woodchuckington Janitor III, Esq.
on my youtube channel, i have some shows and abstracts that i've created with LSX and etherdream:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVSs..._gyfQM0q6fEdle
Last edited by swamidog; 02-11-2013 at 08:59.
suppose you're thinkin' about a plate o' shrimp. Suddenly someone'll say, like, plate, or shrimp, or plate o' shrimp out of the blue, no explanation. No point in lookin' for one, either. It's all part of a cosmic unconciousness.
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