Honest Comparison

CueSync vs Lightkey

Lightkey is a Mac-native DMX controller with basic audio reactivity. CueSync goes deeper — real-time frequency analysis, 13 output protocols, GrandMA integration, and beat events processed in under 5 ms for professional live events.

See Editions Open the 3D Virtual Stage

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

CueSync

1.0Connect
2.0Cue
3.0Fire
4.0Coordinate
5.0Recover

Lightkey

1.0Connect
2.0Cue
3.0Fire
4.0Coordinate
5.0Recover

Feature	CueSync	Lightkey
Beat-Event Processing	Real-time frequency, energy, beat, phrase (<5ms)	Basic beat detection
Supported Protocols	13 output protocols (GrandMA2 Telnet + OSC, GrandMA3 TCP + UDP OSC, Avolites Titan, ETC Eos, ChamSys MagicQ, Resolume, disguise, TouchDesigner, Unreal Engine 5, QLab TCP + UDP, MIDI Show Control, Pangolin Beyond, Custom OSC)	DMX, Art-Net
Lighting Console Integration	GrandMA2/3, Avolites Titan	None
Visual Software Integration	Resolume, Disguise, TouchDesigner, Unreal Engine 5	None
Pioneer DJ Link
SMPTE Timecode
Cue Stack / Timeline	Theatre & Production editions	Basic cue list
MIDI Control	Input & output	Input only
Operating Systems	macOS (Windows & Linux coming)	macOS only
Pricing	From $15/mo (free read-only mode)	One-time $199

Why Teams Choose CueSync

Deeper Phrase-Aware Automation

Lightkey offers basic beat detection. CueSync reads rekordbox PSSI phrase structure, hot cues, per-beat energy curves, and BPM changes — giving you granular control over how light reacts to music.

13 Output Protocols vs 2

Lightkey outputs DMX and Art-Net. CueSync adds OSC over TCP and UDP, MIDI Show Control, GrandMA, Resolume, QLab, TouchDesigner, and more — connecting to any professional rig.

Console Integration

CueSync triggers GrandMA macros and Avolites palettes from audio events. Lightkey operates as a standalone controller with no professional console communication.

Sub-5ms Latency

CueSync's beat-event processing pipeline runs at under 5ms — beat-synced automation that's indistinguishable from pre-programmed timecode. Lightkey's beat detection introduces noticeably higher latency.

Common Questions

Lightkey's $199 one-time price covers basic DMX control and simple beat detection. CueSync's subscription includes 13 output protocols, professional console integration, visual software automation, and continuous updates. It's free to evaluate in read-only mode.

Both run natively on macOS. Lightkey is simpler and great for basic DMX control. CueSync is built for professional live events where you need real-time beat synchronization, multi-protocol output, and console integration.

Yes. If you're using Art-Net fixtures with Lightkey, they'll work with CueSync immediately. CueSync adds real-time beat synchronization, more protocols, and console integration on top of what Lightkey offers.

CueSync focuses on audio-reactive automation and protocol output rather than individual fixture patching. It's designed to work alongside professional consoles (GrandMA, Avolites) that handle fixture management.

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Feature

CueSync

Lightkey

Beat-Event Processing

Real-time frequency, energy, beat, phrase (<5ms)

Basic beat detection

Supported Protocols

13 output protocols (GrandMA2 Telnet + OSC, GrandMA3 TCP + UDP OSC, Avolites Titan, ETC Eos, ChamSys MagicQ, Resolume, disguise, TouchDesigner, Unreal Engine 5, QLab TCP + UDP, MIDI Show Control, Pangolin Beyond, Custom OSC)

DMX, Art-Net

Lighting Console Integration

GrandMA2/3, Avolites Titan

None

Visual Software Integration

Resolume, Disguise, TouchDesigner, Unreal Engine 5

None

Pioneer DJ Link

SMPTE Timecode

Cue Stack / Timeline

Theatre & Production editions

Basic cue list

MIDI Control

Input & output

Input only

Operating Systems

macOS (Windows & Linux coming)

macOS only

Pricing

From $15/mo (free read-only mode)

One-time $199