Comparison
Alternatives to Y-Link
Use this overview to evaluate whether you need AI automation with guardrails, or a more traditional console with audio triggers.
Y-Link
AI-driven, music-reactive DMX with low latency and operator guardrails.
Clubs, small venues, and mobile rigs with minimal staffing.
MaestroDMX
Audio analysis and lighting automation for DJ sets.
DJ-focused setups where music cues drive the scenes.
Lightkey (sound active)
Manual programming + audio triggers on macOS.
Operators wanting deep manual control with simple audio response.
Onyx + add-on modules
Full console with optional audio triggers.
Larger rigs with dedicated LDs who still want to follow music.
What to Consider
- Latency and jitter under full load.
- How clear guardrails are for the operator.
- How quickly rig data can be patched and validated.
- Ability to override live without automation breaking down.