ADJ has officially released the AX2 lighting console, bringing to market a professional-grade, hardware-based control platform that merges the power of Obsidian Control Systems’ ONYX software with a refined, tactile control surface. First unveiled at LDI in Las Vegas last December, the AX2 now arrives as a fully realised solution aimed at live productions, touring, houses of worship, theatres, clubs, and fixed installations—delivering a balance of speed, precision, and creative flexibility.

Developed in collaboration with Obsidian Control Systems, the AX2 is engineered to streamline complex programming workflows while maintaining hands-on control. At its core is a command-line-driven ONYX environment, enabling both rapid cue creation and deep parameter manipulation, supported by integrated processing and a robust hardware architecture designed for demanding professional use.

The console features a comprehensive control surface built for confidence and efficiency in live environments. Ten high-quality 60mm playback faders, each paired with four function-assignable buttons, sit alongside responsive digital encoders, dedicated function keys, and a secondary 3.5-inch touchscreen. A primary 15.6-inch full HD multi-touch display—designed to fold down for protection during transport—provides clear visual feedback, while the rugged chassis ensures durability across touring and installation scenarios.

Under the hood, an industrial-grade motherboard powered by an Intel i5 Hexa-Core CPU, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and a 500 GB NVMe M.2 storage drive provides the processing backbone required for complex show control. The AX2 supports up to 32 universes of DMX output, with extensive connectivity options including four 5-pin DMX ports, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for Art-Net, sACN, and ONYX X-Net, alongside full MIDI and SMPTE support—making it well-suited to timecoded and multimedia-driven productions.

A defining feature of the AX2 is its integration of the DYLOS Media Engine directly within the ONYX environment. Offering five zones of pixel control, DYLOS enables the creation of dynamic pixel-mapped effects, layered visuals, and media-driven looks without the need for an external media server. This integration effectively unifies lighting and media workflows, allowing designers to operate within a single, cohesive platform.

Scalability remains a key aspect of the AX2’s design. The console integrates seamlessly into larger control ecosystems and is fully compatible with the NX P playback wing from Obsidian Control Systems, as well as Windows USB touchscreens, supporting up to two additional 4K displays. This flexibility ensures the system can evolve alongside the growing demands of complex productions.

To support users at all levels, ADJ provides a comprehensive suite of online training resources, ranging from quick-start guides to in-depth programming tutorials, enabling both new and experienced operators to fully leverage the capabilities of the ONYX platform.