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Forum: General Discussion

Topic: I found a really nice SoundSwitch alternative: DMX Desktop
Thought I would share this with the community as I never really clicked with SoundSwitch (too strobey and random + not stable enough on my computers for wedding use). I then tried out Freestyler and QLC+, but they do take a good amount of time and learning to get up and running and are not the fastest to adapt to different room/light layouts (which a mobile DJ like me must have).

Enter DMX Desktop (which happened to come up in my Facebook feed one day). At this point of testing over the last week, it's seems to be a better version of SoundSwitch with full MIDI, OS2L and other nice features. It's VERY quick to get a good looking show up and running and really easy to adapt to different rooms and layouts.

The free version allows 128 channels over 1 universe. I had great interactions with Mike (head programmer of the software) who was kind enough to help me get up and running over the last week. He also showed me an AWESOME OS2L + VDJ feature that is incoming late spring.

https://www.dmxdesktop.com/
 
Posted Tue 15 Apr 25 @ 8:54 pm
Meh — subscription only.. 😐
 
Niels (cph) wrote :
Meh — subscription only.. 😐


It actually does have a free version that's 128 channels in 1 universe.

I think it makes you unlock it via the Upgrade tab if I remember right.

 
Yes there is a free version - and they make it quite clear on their site that they reserve the right to stop offering it free at any point, so it's uncertain how long the free version will stay free.
 
Personally, I don’t care much for free versions with limited functionality.

I much prefer a business model with a 14 or 30 days free trial with full functionality, and the possibility of buying the full version for a one time fee.

Just like, say, VDJ and SoundSwitch are doing it.
 
SoundSwitch don't really sell a permanent license though. It only allows you to use it until a new version comes out. Right now it says "the lifetime of the 2.0 software" - and they're on version 2.9

As soon as that bumps to 3.0 they'll be charging everyone again.
 
Version 3 of SoundSwitch is imminent and they are doing away with the horrendous ilok authentication program too. About time.
 
groovindj wrote :
SoundSwitch don't really sell a permanent license though. It only allows you to use it until a new version comes out. Right now it says "the lifetime of the 2.0 software" - and they're on version 2.9

As soon as that bumps to 3.0 they'll be charging everyone again.


True. But you can keep using the last 2.x version perpetually — or as long as it works on your OS. But in theory you can keep using it “perpetually” if you don’t upgrade your OS.

With pure subscription/renting you lose access to the product if you stop paying, or the company goes out of business.

And a side note: SS is at 2.9 now, but there is no law that says that 3.0 is the next version. There could 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, etc. 😊
 
kradcliffe wrote :
Version 3 of SoundSwitch is imminent and they are doing away with the horrendous ilok authentication program too. About time.


Has version 3 been announced? I’ve seen no mention of it.
 
Not sure but I had an issue with subscription and technial support told me that version 3 was coming soon without ilok authentication.
 
Ahh ok, nice! Exciting to see what they are cooking..

And nice to get rid of the iLok thing.
 
Well, anyway. I thought I'd share DMX Desktop as I was able to get some quick results that were fairly good and It works well with VDJ. I never really liked SoundSwitch, so If you're in that same boat this one is worth a try. Cheers