What influenced the creation and feature set of the NXW?
“Our users requested a portable wing featuring motorised faders and full front-panel backlighting. These features make programming easier, allowing for playbacks to be colour-coded for quick recognition. The ability to upgrade the universe count of the wing after purchase, was also high on the request list, to ensure our customer’s investment is future proofed. We now offer options to upgrade NXW up to 128 universes when needed. Being a wing, it relies on the user’s laptop. Nowadays, many laptops do not feature a network port, and an increasing number of lighting systems connect with a single EtherCON cable. As a result, NXW features an integrated locking RJ45 port, to add a network adapter to the users laptop.”
How does the NXW benefit the users of Obsidian Control Systems’ ONYX platform?
“The NXW allows freelancers and touring professionals to programme at home or on tour, and then seamlessly transfer their show file over to ONYX consoles. NXW can also be added to another ONYX console on the network, as a primary or secondary system. The flexibility and scalability are major pluses. The NXW form-factor magnetically integrates seamlessly with our existing NX1 and NXP, allowing users with existing equipment to expand their setup with new hardware.”
How long did it take to transform the NXW from concept to creation?
“It was incredible how this came to fruition after initial discussions. Once the design was finalised, we had a prototype in our hands in under a year. We spent a significant amount of time on the quality of the keys and key backlighting, researching and testing many different switches and caps.”
How does the compact nature of the NXW make it ideal for live touring?
“We understand the needs and requirements of today’s user. Having a tool that was not just portable for touring, but rugged, was very important. Great care was taken to ensure that although compact, NXW is still thoughtfully laid out, to make it a joy to use for extended periods of time.”
How will the smaller form factor of the NXW benefit operators on the road?
“We all know the fears of touring with consoles, especially when they get flown with the rest of the equipment, as there is always that risk that something goes missing. Being the size and weight it is, the NXW is perfect as carry-on luggage so either it’s in front of you under the seat or in the overhead compartment.”
Is there a growing demand for more budget-friendly options for users in the sector?
“We understand that return on investment is high on every freelancer’s mind, but so is reliability, especially of kit they own. The requirements are clear, and cost-effective products stand out when personal investments are made. Being budget friendly doesn’t mean less though; on the contrary, more is expected from the product and happily, the NXW ticks all the boxes.”
Where can we expect to see the NXW in the coming months?
“You can expect to see a few NXWs in the ‘wild’ soon being tested by users around the world. And, with our new promise, customers should be able to have them in their hands three months post-launch. There is nothing worse than getting excited about a product and then having to wait over a year for it – we expect to deliver the NXW by August 2025.”
