# Is Surface (console) needed?

**URL:** <https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/t/is-surface-console-needed/3435>\
**Category:** How do I ...?\
**Created:** [December 13, 2024, 6:40pm UTC](https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/t/is-surface-console-needed/3435 "2024-12-13T18:40:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Dzorn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@Dzorn](https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/u/Dzorn)\
**Post date:** [December 13, 2024, 6:40pm UTC](https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/t/is-surface-console-needed/3435/1 "2024-12-13T18:40:23Z")

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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)

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**Author:** ![jack.moorhouse](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/vistaforum.chroma-q.com/jack.moorhouse/32/439_2.png) [@jack.moorhouse](https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/u/jack.moorhouse)\
**Post date:** [December 13, 2024, 7:40pm UTC](https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/t/is-surface-console-needed/3435/2 "2024-12-13T19:40:41Z")

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No you dont need a surface.

Dongle + node is good to go 🙂

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**Author:** ![Ithilome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8491ac/32.png) [@Ithilome](https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/u/Ithilome)\
**Post date:** [December 15, 2024, 5:36pm UTC](https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/t/is-surface-console-needed/3435/3 "2024-12-15T17:36:16Z")

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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.)

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**Author:** ![drewTheTechy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3ec8ea/32.png) [@drewTheTechy](https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/u/drewTheTechy)\
**Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 4:19am UTC](https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/t/is-surface-console-needed/3435/4 "2024-12-16T04:19:08Z")

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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

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**Author:** ![Dzorn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@Dzorn](https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/u/Dzorn)\
**Post date:** [December 16, 2024, 5:15am UTC](https://vistaforum.chroma-q.com/t/is-surface-console-needed/3435/5 "2024-12-16T05:15:19Z")

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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.