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REVIEWED
REVIEWED: ADJ Link
I’ve been looking to move to a lighting desk for a while, due to receiving increasing production work enquiries and wanting to be ready for the post-COVID rush (hopefully). So, when the ADJ Link – a four-universe controller designed to control DMX devices from the dedicated Link iOS app – was announced back in January, I got very excited.
Unfortunately, the product’s arrival in the UK was then delayed by six months, by which time I had almost moved on from the ADJ Link. I have a garage full of lighting controllers from the likes of Pioneer, Nicolaudie, Kam and ADJ, but ideally I wanted to cut down to just one or two. Following a recent review in this magazine, I bought a simple-to-use system that can be dry hired or used for smaller jobs. But I still had the second, bigger production system to think about.
If you read Pro Mobile Issue 107, you may have seen the Nicolaudie Wolfmix W1 review from Brian Mole. I was so intrigued that I bought one. It changed my life when it came to controlling my uplighting but it didn’t give me the full control I needed for my production work.
I knew I wanted a controller with multiple universes and a built-in screen, which meant my options on the market were between £1700 and £3000. So, when the ADJ Link finally arrived with four universes and a retail price of under £1000, I was excited once again!
Rather than a built-in screen, the Link works by connecting an iPad. Unfortunately, if you’re thinking of trying this with your Android devices, you can’t – the controller’s dedicated iOS app is Apple only. Luckily, I’m a bit of an Apple freak and I own three iPads already.
So, could the ADJ Link be the one? Let’s take a deep dive and find out.
UNBOXING
When the box arrived at my front door, it was huge! Thankfully, most of it was packaging. Inside was the hardware desk, USB touch lamp, 9V power supply and rack mount arms in case you want to mount the unit into a case to protect it. I haven’t been able to find a manufacturer case for the Link, but it’s very likely to follow.
The buttons have a positive feel and click to them, the 100mm faders feel tight and the rotary dials are awesome – a nice indent for easy control, and they don’t stick up from the desk as I’ve seen on other products. It feels well made – the dimensions are 514mm (l) x 336mm (w) x 88mm (h) (20.3” x 13.2” x 3.5”) – and light enough at just 5.9kg (13lbs).
On the rear of the unit you’ll find four 5-pin DMX sockets (one per universe), a dual-band 2.4GhZ and 5Ghz Wi-Fi antenna, USB, 9V DC input, and power switch. There’s also a Kensington lock to secure the unit, especially useful if it’s permanently installed at a venue or theatre.
On the front top-left of the Link are left and right selectors and buttons for fixtures, channels, effects, scenes, shows and subs – all very similar to the Airstream Bridge system. Below that are buttons 1-8 that coincide with the faders and rotary knobs, and to the right a blackout button and master fader. On the right of the unit, you have universe control buttons to easily access the four DMX universes, matrix buttons 1-32 (these match the buttons on your iPad screen), five buttons for master programming mode with clear, save, solo, audio and tap, and below that the rotary dials (programable via your iPad).
SETUP
At home I set up everything to play, only to find there were no 3-pin output options. So, back in the box it went! Next day, I was off to the star that is Paul Comber from Marten Group Ltd, who made up some custom and branded cables on the spot (it was a favour, so don’t all rock up asking for same day service).
You can connect to the ADJ Link via Wi-Fi using the in-built dual-band Wi-Fi antenna, which creates a private standalone 2.4 or 5GHz DSSS (direct sequence spread spectrum) network. This can coexist in busy RF environments alongside other wireless technologies and allows the iPad to connect wirelessly without the need for any additional network infrastructure.
Wireless connection means that you can move the iPad away from the Link controller, which may prove extremely useful during programming when you want to view a lighting rig from different angles whilst you make adjustments. Wherever possible, I prefer hard-wired connections, so on top of the 5-pin DMX leads I bought to do this review, I purchased a camera adapter that allowed me to connect via USB and charge the iPad at the same time.
PROGRAMMING
Programming was as simple as I expected; you start by adding your fixtures. The Link iOS app isn’t as complete as ADJ’s Airstream app in terms of fixtures, but I found it easy enough to make my own profile for missing uplighting fixtures. Downloading the correct fixture pictures and adding them to the fixtures button really comes in handy, allowing you to easily identify the lights you want to control.
Combining the physical dials, buttons and faders of the console, along with the visual interface facilitated by the iPad screen, provides an intuitive and comprehensive lighting control solution suitable for a variety of applications. Its smooth faders and extensive scene programming abilities will suit those working in a theatre environment, while the significant number of instant playbacks, as well as the powerful movement and colour chase programming tools, will appeal to concert and nightclub lighting designers. The easy-to-navigate iOS app makes the Link system ideal for new designers, while its powerful features and versatile workflow will also suit experienced professionals.
I assigned colours, gobos, gobo scroll, strobe and prism on the buttons under the ‘scenes’ button, along with a few static positions with hearts and stars for ceiling and floor, with gobo and prism rotation set.
On the ‘effect’ button, I added some basic movements to the moving heads using the predetermined pattern generator: a random phase effect and a flash effect – pretty much everything I’d need for an evening event. Once everything was programmed, it was simply a case of selecting what was required, editing on the fly and hitting save!
There are a lot of functions I didn’t use. The ADJ Link incorporates powerful tools for the easy creation of complex movements and colour chase effects, and allows your iPad’s memory to be utilised for storing custom scenes and shows that can be quickly re-loaded when needed. The software also makes use of the iPad’s precise touchscreen interface to facilitate actions such as colour mixing and drawing custom movement shapes.
ROAD TEST
I was set up at Oakley Court Hotel & Spa in Windsor for a wedding, a simple setup with 36 uplighters and two ADJ Focus Spot 3Zs. The uplighters weren’t ADJ, but with the required DMX box connected to universe 2, the Link is easy to program and control with fixtures outside of the ADJ brand. I already had the scenes programmed, so I selected white, hearts and circular prism on universe 1, adjusted the pan and tilt for the room and hit save. On universe 2, I set the uplighting to the required colours, in this case pink and blue, and on the matrix I selected the uplighters I wanted on each colour – job done!
I then moved on to program the grand entrance, cake cutting spotlight and first dance moments, ensuring that the far reach of the pan and tilt movement scenes on the ‘effects’ button were correct, adjusted and saved. Adding fade times here made moving from the cake cutting to the dance floor for first dance that little more special. I set this to happen over eight seconds and watched the guests follow the light movement to the dancefloor almost without instruction. Once the evening got going it was simply a case of making sure I was in the right universe and could change between different effects, audio mode (sound to light) and strobe, the latter of which I triggered at certain points in tracks (think ‘Insomnia’ by Faithless!).
Holding down the blackout button dims the master over three seconds, which was a much nicer effect than turning everything off from my side and the house lights coming on full whack, like they do at some venues.
CONCLUSION
The ADJ Link fills that gap between standard single-universe controllers (aimed at DJs) and the multi-universe controllers designed for production work. As a user of ADJ’s iPad-based system already, I found it 100% easier with a desk in front of me. I like the hands-on experience of the lighting console versus an iPad screen alone, and there is no need for an additional laptop taking up space on your desk.
Is it suitable for all DJs? Well, no. The ADJ Link means you can control up to 2048 DMX channels and, let’s be honest, most events need less than 500. But for the DJ who works on larger events and wants more control, perhaps occasionally working in theatres and the corporate world, or is interested in getting more into lighting design, then it’s a great product at quite a low price point considering all the features you get. Yes, in some ways it is similar to ADJ’s Airstream Bridge, but think of it as Airstream on steroids and you are pretty much there.
Will I be giving it back to the courier? After buying 100 metres of 5-pin DMX lead and the adapter, plus the fact I really quite like this unit, I might just be out that day! #sorryadj
Unfortunately, the product’s arrival in the UK was then delayed by six months, by which time I had almost moved on from the ADJ Link. I have a garage full of lighting controllers from the likes of Pioneer, Nicolaudie, Kam and ADJ, but ideally I wanted to cut down to just one or two. Following a recent review in this magazine, I bought a simple-to-use system that can be dry hired or used for smaller jobs. But I still had the second, bigger production system to think about.
If you read Pro Mobile Issue 107, you may have seen the Nicolaudie Wolfmix W1 review from Brian Mole. I was so intrigued that I bought one. It changed my life when it came to controlling my uplighting but it didn’t give me the full control I needed for my production work.
I knew I wanted a controller with multiple universes and a built-in screen, which meant my options on the market were between £1700 and £3000. So, when the ADJ Link finally arrived with four universes and a retail price of under £1000, I was excited once again!
Rather than a built-in screen, the Link works by connecting an iPad. Unfortunately, if you’re thinking of trying this with your Android devices, you can’t – the controller’s dedicated iOS app is Apple only. Luckily, I’m a bit of an Apple freak and I own three iPads already.
So, could the ADJ Link be the one? Let’s take a deep dive and find out.
UNBOXING
When the box arrived at my front door, it was huge! Thankfully, most of it was packaging. Inside was the hardware desk, USB touch lamp, 9V power supply and rack mount arms in case you want to mount the unit into a case to protect it. I haven’t been able to find a manufacturer case for the Link, but it’s very likely to follow.
The buttons have a positive feel and click to them, the 100mm faders feel tight and the rotary dials are awesome – a nice indent for easy control, and they don’t stick up from the desk as I’ve seen on other products. It feels well made – the dimensions are 514mm (l) x 336mm (w) x 88mm (h) (20.3” x 13.2” x 3.5”) – and light enough at just 5.9kg (13lbs).
On the rear of the unit you’ll find four 5-pin DMX sockets (one per universe), a dual-band 2.4GhZ and 5Ghz Wi-Fi antenna, USB, 9V DC input, and power switch. There’s also a Kensington lock to secure the unit, especially useful if it’s permanently installed at a venue or theatre.
On the front top-left of the Link are left and right selectors and buttons for fixtures, channels, effects, scenes, shows and subs – all very similar to the Airstream Bridge system. Below that are buttons 1-8 that coincide with the faders and rotary knobs, and to the right a blackout button and master fader. On the right of the unit, you have universe control buttons to easily access the four DMX universes, matrix buttons 1-32 (these match the buttons on your iPad screen), five buttons for master programming mode with clear, save, solo, audio and tap, and below that the rotary dials (programable via your iPad).
SETUP
At home I set up everything to play, only to find there were no 3-pin output options. So, back in the box it went! Next day, I was off to the star that is Paul Comber from Marten Group Ltd, who made up some custom and branded cables on the spot (it was a favour, so don’t all rock up asking for same day service).
You can connect to the ADJ Link via Wi-Fi using the in-built dual-band Wi-Fi antenna, which creates a private standalone 2.4 or 5GHz DSSS (direct sequence spread spectrum) network. This can coexist in busy RF environments alongside other wireless technologies and allows the iPad to connect wirelessly without the need for any additional network infrastructure.
Wireless connection means that you can move the iPad away from the Link controller, which may prove extremely useful during programming when you want to view a lighting rig from different angles whilst you make adjustments. Wherever possible, I prefer hard-wired connections, so on top of the 5-pin DMX leads I bought to do this review, I purchased a camera adapter that allowed me to connect via USB and charge the iPad at the same time.
PROGRAMMING
Programming was as simple as I expected; you start by adding your fixtures. The Link iOS app isn’t as complete as ADJ’s Airstream app in terms of fixtures, but I found it easy enough to make my own profile for missing uplighting fixtures. Downloading the correct fixture pictures and adding them to the fixtures button really comes in handy, allowing you to easily identify the lights you want to control.
Combining the physical dials, buttons and faders of the console, along with the visual interface facilitated by the iPad screen, provides an intuitive and comprehensive lighting control solution suitable for a variety of applications. Its smooth faders and extensive scene programming abilities will suit those working in a theatre environment, while the significant number of instant playbacks, as well as the powerful movement and colour chase programming tools, will appeal to concert and nightclub lighting designers. The easy-to-navigate iOS app makes the Link system ideal for new designers, while its powerful features and versatile workflow will also suit experienced professionals.
I assigned colours, gobos, gobo scroll, strobe and prism on the buttons under the ‘scenes’ button, along with a few static positions with hearts and stars for ceiling and floor, with gobo and prism rotation set.
On the ‘effect’ button, I added some basic movements to the moving heads using the predetermined pattern generator: a random phase effect and a flash effect – pretty much everything I’d need for an evening event. Once everything was programmed, it was simply a case of selecting what was required, editing on the fly and hitting save!
There are a lot of functions I didn’t use. The ADJ Link incorporates powerful tools for the easy creation of complex movements and colour chase effects, and allows your iPad’s memory to be utilised for storing custom scenes and shows that can be quickly re-loaded when needed. The software also makes use of the iPad’s precise touchscreen interface to facilitate actions such as colour mixing and drawing custom movement shapes.
ROAD TEST
I was set up at Oakley Court Hotel & Spa in Windsor for a wedding, a simple setup with 36 uplighters and two ADJ Focus Spot 3Zs. The uplighters weren’t ADJ, but with the required DMX box connected to universe 2, the Link is easy to program and control with fixtures outside of the ADJ brand. I already had the scenes programmed, so I selected white, hearts and circular prism on universe 1, adjusted the pan and tilt for the room and hit save. On universe 2, I set the uplighting to the required colours, in this case pink and blue, and on the matrix I selected the uplighters I wanted on each colour – job done!
I then moved on to program the grand entrance, cake cutting spotlight and first dance moments, ensuring that the far reach of the pan and tilt movement scenes on the ‘effects’ button were correct, adjusted and saved. Adding fade times here made moving from the cake cutting to the dance floor for first dance that little more special. I set this to happen over eight seconds and watched the guests follow the light movement to the dancefloor almost without instruction. Once the evening got going it was simply a case of making sure I was in the right universe and could change between different effects, audio mode (sound to light) and strobe, the latter of which I triggered at certain points in tracks (think ‘Insomnia’ by Faithless!).
Holding down the blackout button dims the master over three seconds, which was a much nicer effect than turning everything off from my side and the house lights coming on full whack, like they do at some venues.
CONCLUSION
The ADJ Link fills that gap between standard single-universe controllers (aimed at DJs) and the multi-universe controllers designed for production work. As a user of ADJ’s iPad-based system already, I found it 100% easier with a desk in front of me. I like the hands-on experience of the lighting console versus an iPad screen alone, and there is no need for an additional laptop taking up space on your desk.
Is it suitable for all DJs? Well, no. The ADJ Link means you can control up to 2048 DMX channels and, let’s be honest, most events need less than 500. But for the DJ who works on larger events and wants more control, perhaps occasionally working in theatres and the corporate world, or is interested in getting more into lighting design, then it’s a great product at quite a low price point considering all the features you get. Yes, in some ways it is similar to ADJ’s Airstream Bridge, but think of it as Airstream on steroids and you are pretty much there.
Will I be giving it back to the courier? After buying 100 metres of 5-pin DMX lead and the adapter, plus the fact I really quite like this unit, I might just be out that day! #sorryadj
The full review can be found in Pro Mobile Issue 109, Pages 86-90.
