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QLab VS Open Stage Control

Compare QLab VS Open Stage Control and see what are their differences

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Contents:
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  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

QLab logo QLab

QLab, Live show control for Mac OS X.

Open Stage Control logo Open Stage Control

Libre and modular OSC / MIDI controller
  • QLab Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-03
  • Open Stage Control Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-12

QLab features and specs

  • Flexibility
    QLab supports a wide range of media types, including audio, video, and MIDI, providing a flexible solution for various production needs.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.
  • Reliability
    QLab is known for its stability and reliability during live performances, minimizing the risk of technical issues.
  • Powerful Scripting
    Advanced users can take advantage of QLab's scripting capabilities to automate complex sequences and tasks.
  • Comprehensive Support
    The software comes with extensive documentation, tutorials, and customer support, easing the learning curve.

Possible disadvantages of QLab

  • Cost
    QLab can be expensive, especially for higher-tier licenses, which might be prohibitive for smaller productions or individual users.
  • Mac-Only
    The software is only available for macOS, limiting its accessibility for Windows and Linux users.
  • Hardware Dependent
    Optimal performance often requires high-end hardware, which could add to the overall production costs.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic features are user-friendly, mastering the more advanced functionalities can take time and effort.
  • Limited Collaborative Features
    QLab lacks some advanced collaborative tools found in other production software, which could be a drawback for larger teams.

Open Stage Control features and specs

  • Customizability
    Open Stage Control allows for highly customizable interfaces with widgets and scripting, letting users tailor controls to their specific needs.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, Open Stage Control is free to use and modify, fostering a community of developers who can contribute to its improvement and expansion.
  • Cross-Platform
    It is compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility in terms of the devices that can be used.
  • MIDI and OSC Support
    It supports both MIDI and OSC protocols, allowing it to interface with a wide range of audio and visual software and hardware.
  • Web-Based Interface
    The application runs in a web browser, removing the need for client software installations and facilitating remote control over a network.

Possible disadvantages of Open Stage Control

  • Complexity
    The flexibility and customizability come with a learning curve, requiring users to invest time to fully leverage the tool’s capabilities.
  • Limited Out-of-the-Box Functionality
    Unlike some other control surfaces, users need to manually set up and create the interfaces, which might not be suitable for someone seeking immediate out-of-the-box functionality.
  • Dependence on Web Browser
    Since it is web-based, its performance and reliability can be affected by the web browser and network conditions.
  • Lack of Advanced Support
    As an open-source tool, professional support might be limited, relying more on community forums and documentation for troubleshooting.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Although widely compatible, there can be specific instances where compatibility with certain devices or software is not seamless, requiring additional adjustments.

Analysis of QLab

Overall verdict

  • Yes, QLab is considered a very good software solution for live show production and management. Its combination of features, user-friendly design, and dependability make it a top choice for professionals.

Why this product is good

  • QLab, developed by Figure 53, is highly regarded for its robust capabilities in managing live show elements, such as audio, video, and lighting controls. It is known for its intuitive interface, flexibility, and reliability, making it an industry standard for theater, live events, and other performance settings. Users appreciate its powerful scripting features and seamless integration with other production tools.

Recommended for

    QLab is ideal for theater technicians, sound designers, lighting designers, video professionals, and anyone involved in live event production who needs a comprehensive tool for cue management across various media types.

QLab videos

+ Add

QLab V5 Announcement 2022

More videos:

  • Review - #35 - QLab 4 is here!! First-look at the updates.
  • Review - X32 with QLab - MIDI Cue Based Shows
  • Review - Yamaha Audioversity Webinar #6 CL/QL/TF Remote Control from QLab/Python

Open Stage Control videos

+ Add

OPEN STAGE CONTROL TUTORIAL

More videos:

  • Review - Use Open Stage Control to control your DAW

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to QLab and Open Stage Control)

QLab

Open Stage Control

3D
81 81%
3D
19% 19
Interactive Presentations
77 77%
Interactive Presentations
23% 23
Audio & Music
82 82%
Audio & Music
18% 18
Tool
100 100%
Tool
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare QLab and Open Stage Control

QLab Reviews

Exploring the top 10 World of LCD Projector Mapping Softwares
While primarily known as a professional audio, lighting and video playback software, QLab also offers effective projection mapping capabilities. Ideal for theater productions, live events, and installations, QLab allows users to synchronize video content with lighting, audio cues, and other production elements. With its intuitive interface and timeline-based workflow, QLab...
Source: www.sam-inspire.com
Top 7 Alternatives to MadMapper – Amplify Your Projection Mapping Projects!
QLab is a multimedia playback software originally designed for live theatrical performances but also offers projection mapping capabilities. It allows you to control and coordinate various media elements, including video, audio, lighting, and more. QLab is highly versatile and widely adopted in the field of live events and installations.
Source: www.uubyte.com

Open Stage Control Reviews

We have no reviews of Open Stage Control yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Open Stage Control seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 9 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

QLab mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of QLab yet. Tracking of QLab recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Open Stage Control mentions (9)

  • Show HN: Automate your studio – mute a mixer channel to turn your PTZ camera
    Yeah really is a cool protocol. I use it with my Behringer X Touch Compact to control the grandMA3 onPC software to get physical playbacks. X Touch MIDI goes into a piece of software called open stage control https://openstagecontrol.ammd.net/ which runs https://github.com/xxpasixx/pam-osc which then translates the MIDI messages to the correct OSC commands to send... - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Advice on triggering content
    Run Open Stage Control on the computer as well. Create a basic interface with buttons for each of the products (you can do a lot of customisation in OSC, including adding images and all sorts), for each button set the OSC address to trigger the button in companion that corresponds to the video you want to play. Launch the server, and on the tablet connect to the server through a web client. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Help using MIDI OUT from M32
    First thought that popped into my head was to write a custom module in Open Stage Control that watched for that MIDI value and issued the commands you want. Source: about 2 years ago
  • TouchOSC Bitwig Performance Controller (Work In Progress)
    Obligatory shout-out to Open Stage Control, which is open source and works on any browser. Source: about 2 years ago
  • R-KONTROL - Bitwig controller app for iOS
    Not only Android, but everything that has a browser: https://openstagecontrol.ammd.net/. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing QLab and Open Stage Control, you can also consider the following products

Resolume - Resolume is an application for live video performances.

TouchOSC - Modular OSC and MIDI control surface for iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad / Android

MadMapper - The Mapping Software

Lemur - Lemur, the professional MIDI and OSC controller app that doesn't cut corners, has evolved.

VPT - VPT 8 by HC Gilje, released may 2018. Video Projection Tool (VPT) is a free multipurpose realtime projection software tool for Mac and Windows. VPT 7 was downloaded over 100000 times, so in spite o…

LIVKONTROL - LK is a touchscreen Ableton Live and MIDI controller app for iOS and Android tablet and mobile devices.

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