Since all channels are licensed on a usb key, do I actually have to run a surface? I will be using art net for actual dmx connections (since all new console’s only have 2 dmx ports).
We don’t create Live. Everything is pre programmed and we just use cue’s.
Thanks! (did a search and couldn’t find anything on this forum about this topic)
No you dont need a surface.
Dongle + node is good to go 
Some more information for you. No physical hardware is required (I run lighting at my church and they’ve got a dongle + nose connected to a PC. They get by quite well without physical hardware.)
Vista can also be used with MIDI input devices, such as the Novation Launchpad Mini, so that can provide a source for physical buttons to activate cuelists if needed. If you want a lower-cost option and are willing to put some time into learning & building the setup, then using the USB dongle with Midi devices and ArtNet/sACN notes is a great option.
Drew
thanks guys
hopefully it won’t result in that path. I have 3 vista console’s (a s3, ex, mv and 5000 Chanels of dmx) and really don’t want to think they are a waste of money. trying hard to wait on tech support. either they are under staffed, or are having that many problems. had submitted 2 tickets origionaly on web site. but. never received conformation, then submitted a 3rd ticket 2 weeks after the first and finally got a ticket number. now just the waiting game.
problem is coming up on Christmas quickly. I understand their theory abt putting in request early. I did that for the fixture profile and received it, but it won’t import in v3.2 and for some reason when I upgrade to v4 it crashes. board will control the Mac but will not initiate dmx…
now I have $1600 worth of lights that I can’t get to work with my board. might try and get a art net node this week and get it patched. Friday is my hard end date.