ChamSys
ChamSys is a UK-based designer of professional lighting and media control consoles and software, serving concert touring, theatre, broadcast, architectural, and worship markets worldwide through a global distributor network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersSouthampton, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ChamSys does
ChamSys Ltd. is a UK-based designer and manufacturer of professional lighting control systems, founded in 2003 in Southampton and operating as a privately held subsidiary of Chauvet Professional. The company builds a vertically integrated product portfolio spanning three proprietary software platforms — MagicQ (professional-grade lighting control with up to 400 universes of capacity, visualization, and pixel mapping), QuickQ (simplified lighting control for non-expert operators), and MediaMaster (video control and media server software acquired from ArKaos in 2024) — alongside four hardware console lines (MagicQ Stadium, MagicQ Compact, QuickQ Consoles, MediaMaster Servers) and the GeNetix family of networking devices, DMX nodes, and wall controllers.
ChamSys firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ChamSys
- Legal name
- ChamSys Ltd.
- Website
- https://chamsys.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ChamSys is a UK-based designer of professional lighting and media control consoles and software, serving concert touring, theatre, broadcast, architectural, and worship markets worldwide through a global distributor network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ChamSys industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Lighting Control Systems
- NAICS
- Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351), Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (33431)
- SIC
- Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Lighting Controls & Building Integration (Drivers, sensors, dimming, lighting control panels, networked lighting) (IMAGAIAI)
Keywords
Where ChamSys is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Southampton
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
ChamSys business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Lighting Control Hardware Consoles: Sale of proprietary hardware consoles including MagicQ Stadium Series, MagicQ Compact Series, QuickQ Consoles, and MediaMaster media servers. Hardware products range from entry-level compact consoles to professional stadium-grade systems supporting up to 400 universes.
- Software Licenses: MagicQ and QuickQ software licensing. MagicQ offers free software with optional paid licensing for additional features and universes. MediaMaster also offers software licensing for media server control.
- Networking and Accessory Products: GeNetix networking devices (DMX Nodes, Network Switches, DMX Splitters, Wall Controllers), MagicQ DMX Interfaces, and accessories sold through distributors and direct sales channels.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
ChamSys product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ChamSys manufactures and sells a complete range of professional lighting control systems combining proprietary software (MagicQ, QuickQ, MediaMaster) with hardware consoles (Stadium and Compact Series), media servers, and GeNetix networking and distribution devices. Its products support up to 400 universes of lighting and pixel control for concert touring, film/TV, theatre, house of worship, architectural, and hospitality applications. The company sells hardware consoles, paid software licensing, and networking accessories through a global distributor and direct-sales channel.
Product overview
ChamSys offers a comprehensive lighting control ecosystem encompassing software platforms, hardware consoles, media servers, and networking equipment for professional lighting applications. The portfolio includes three core software platforms: MagicQ (professional-grade lighting control supporting up to 400 universes with visualisation and pixel mapping), QuickQ (simplified lighting control for smaller systems with smartphone-like interface), and MediaMaster (video control with playback and LED integration, acquired from ArKaos). Hardware offerings span multiple series: MagicQ Stadium Series (MQ500M+, MQ500M Wing, MQ250M, Stadium Connect) for large-scale touring and concerts; MagicQ Compact Series (MQ70, MQ50, Rack, DIN, Compact Connect, Compact Mini Connect, Compact Wing) for mid-range and portable use; QuickQ Consoles (30, 20, 10, Rack, DIN) for entry-level simplified control; and MediaMaster Series (VS4+, VS2+, VS1+, Pro, Core) for video and media playback. GeNetix provides networking and distribution products including DMX nodes (GD4IP, GN2, GN10), network switches (GS5IP, GS8), DMX splitters, and TouchScene wall controller panels. The ecosystem unifies lighting, pixels, and media control through in-house developed software and hardware, supported by online and in-person training programs. Founded in 2003, ChamSys serves global markets including concert and touring, film and television, theatre, house of worship, architecture, hospitality, and education.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- MagicQ: High-performance lighting control software offering powerful lighting control, full lighting visualisation, pixel mapping, and HD media playback on up to 8 different layers.
- QuickQ
- MediaMaster
- GeNetix
- MagicDMX
Products and services
- MagicQ Software Professional lighting control software offering full lighting visualisation, pixel mapping, and HD media playback on up to 8 different layers with support for up to 400 universes. Includes MagicVis Visualiser, Magic HD Pixel-Mapper, Morphing, Cloning, Patch Offsetting, and Group and Palette FX for professional lighting designers and touring crews.
- QuickQ Software Simplified lighting control software with a smartphone-like interface featuring icons and gesture support, designed for inexperienced users to set up, program and operate smaller lighting systems. Includes plug-and-play WiFi, RDM Autopatch, HSV colour mixing, built-in FX, Chase/Cue support, a built-in visualiser, MIDI and audio triggering.
- MediaMaster Software Video control software delivering fast, flexible video control with powerful playback, pixel mapping, and LED integration tools, originally acquired from ArKaos. Designed for broadcast, touring, and live production applications where video and lighting must work together.
- MagicQ MQ500M+ Stadium Console High-end flagship stadium console supporting up to 400 universes within instant reach, part of the MagicQ Stadium Series for large-scale concert and touring productions. Used by lighting designers on Download Festival, Coachella and other major stadium events.
- MagicQ Stadium Series Hardware Lineup MagicQ Stadium Series hardware family including the MQ250M Stadium Console, MQ500M Stadium Wing, and MagicQ Stadium Connect, providing portable and rackable control surfaces for touring and stadium productions requiring substantial universe support.
- MagicQ Compact Series Hardware Lineup MagicQ Compact Series hardware family including the MQ70 and MQ50 Compact Consoles, MagicQ Rack, MagicQ DIN, Compact Connect, Compact Mini Connect, and Compact Wing for smaller venues, portable applications, and rack/DIN installations.
- QuickQ Console Hardware Lineup QuickQ simplified lighting control consoles including the QuickQ 30, QuickQ 20, QuickQ 10, QuickQ Rack and QuickQ DIN, offering 10 to 30 universes of control for entry-level venues, small-to-medium rigs, houses of worship, and fixed installations.
- MediaMaster Media Server Hardware Lineup MediaMaster media server hardware family including the VS4+, VS2+, VS1+, Pro, and Core models, providing video playback, pixel mapping and LED integration tools for touring, broadcast, and live production environments.
- GeNetix Networking and Distribution Hardware GeNetix networking and distribution hardware including DMX nodes (GD4IP, GN2, GN10), network switches (GS5IP, GS8), DMX splitters, 10 Scene Store standalone scene player, and TouchScene and TouchScene Mini full-colour wall-mount touch panel controllers for architectural lighting and integrator installations.
- MagicQ Software Licensing Licensing options for MagicQ software including free and paid tiers priced by universe count, enabling users to unlock additional DMX universe capacity and features beyond the free baseline.
- MediaMaster Software Licensing Licensing options for MediaMaster video and media playback control software, sold alongside MediaMaster media server hardware for production and integrator customers.
- MagicQ DMX Interfaces (MagicDMX) USB DMX interfaces including the low-cost MagicDMX single-universe device, connecting MagicQ software on a computer to physical lighting rigs.
Companies that use ChamSys
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
ChamSys technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
ChamSys partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- ArKaoscoreChamSys acquired the product and software portfolio of ArKaos, integrating media control capabilities into the ChamSys ecosystem. This acquisition expanded ChamSys's product offerings to include MediaMaster media servers and video control solutions.
- CHAUVET ProfessionalflagshipChamSys and CHAUVET Professional share a parent company and operate as part of the House of Brands. They co-exhibit at trade shows like ISE 2026 and collaborate on major productions. CHAUVET Professional provides lighting fixtures while ChamSys provides control systems.
- ZigZag LightingcoreZigZag Lighting provides production support for ChamSys at major UK festivals including Download Festival 2026, supporting stages across the site from the Main Arena to District X.
- PRGcoreProduction Resource Group (PRG) provides production support for ChamSys at major festival events including Download Festival.
- SiyancoreSiyan provides production support partnership for ChamSys at major festival events including Download Festival.
- scenos.techninis.servisasminorLithuanian integration partner responsible for installing ChamSys MagicQ MQ70 systems at Sapieha Palace historic venue in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ChamSys competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- disguise: disguise produces media servers and show-control software for concerts, broadcasts, and immersive installations, directly competitive with the ChamSys MediaMaster server range post-ArKaos acquisition.
- ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls): ETC manufactures the Eos-family lighting control consoles and now owns High End Systems, making it the most direct competitive counterpart to ChamSys' MagicQ Stadium and Compact Series consoles across theatre, broadcast, and touring.
- High End Systems: High End Systems (now part of ETC) sells the Hog 4 and S-Series lighting consoles plus the Crescendo/Exterior architectural fixtures, competing head-to-head with ChamSys in mid- to large-format lighting control consoles.
- Avolites: UK-based Avolites produces Titan-based lighting control consoles (Quartz, Tiger Touch, Diamond) and Ai media servers, overlapping with both ChamSys' MagicQ/QuickQ consoles and its newly acquired MediaMaster media-server line.
- MA Lighting: MA Lighting's grandMA2 and grandMA3 consoles are flagship lighting-control systems for concert touring, broadcast, and fixed installations, directly competing with ChamSys MagicQ Stadium consoles and the 400-universe MQ500M+.
Broad incumbents
- Claypaky: Claypaky is a premium moving-head and architectural lighting fixtures brand (Sharpy, Scenius, Xtylos) whose fixtures are routinely integrated with both ChamSys and competing consoles, making it an adjacent incumbent in the wider lighting stack.
- Robe Lighting: Robe is primarily a moving-light and LED fixture manufacturer that often co-presents with ChamSys consoles at shows like LDI/ISE; its expanding console and networking ecosystem (e.g., Anolis, RoboSpot) creates adjacent competition.
- Elation Professional: Elation Professional sells lighting fixtures (KL, FL, Smarty) and the ONYX lighting-control platform, competing with ChamSys in mid-market installations and touring while serving broader fixture buyers.
- Christie (Pandoras Box): Christie's Pandoras Box media server and control system overlaps with ChamSys MediaMaster in live events and broadcast, while Christie's broader projection/display portfolio makes it a wide-incumbent competitor rather than a focused challenger.
Others
- L-Acoustics: Although L-Acoustics manufactures professional sound systems rather than lighting control, it is a co-vendor with ChamSys on flagship touring productions (e.g., Download Festival) and serves the same lighting designer/AV integrator buyer.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ChamSys social profiles
Digital presenceChamSys financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ChamSys leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
ChamSys funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ChamSys M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ChamSys
What does ChamSys do?
ChamSys manufactures and sells a complete range of professional lighting control systems combining proprietary software (MagicQ, QuickQ, MediaMaster) with hardware consoles (Stadium and Compact Series), media servers, and GeNetix networking and distribution devices. Its products support up to 400 universes of lighting and pixel control for concert touring, film/TV, theatre, house of worship, architectural, and hospitality applications. The company sells hardware consoles, paid software licensing, and networking accessories through a global distributor and direct-sales channel.
Is ChamSys a public or private company?
ChamSys is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was ChamSys founded?
ChamSys was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ChamSys based?
ChamSys is headquartered in Southampton, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does ChamSys make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Lighting Control Hardware Consoles are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses and networking and Accessory Products.
Who are ChamSys's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are disguise, ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls), High End Systems, Avolites and MA Lighting. Broad incumbents are Claypaky, Robe Lighting, Elation Professional and Christie (Pandoras Box). L-Acoustics is listed as an others.
Does ChamSys have an API?
No public API is recorded for ChamSys.
What industry is ChamSys in?
ChamSys's product category is Professional Lighting Control Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAIAI, Lighting Controls & Building Integration (Drivers, sensors, dimming, lighting control panels, networked lighting). Its NAICS code is 3351 and its SIC code is 3640.