Getting Started with the Obsidian NX1: A Practical Guide for Church Lighting Teams

Learn how to confidently program and operate professional stage lighting using Onyx by Obsidian Control Systems—one of the most powerful and flexible lighting platforms available today.

This hands-on course walks you step-by-step through the complete Onyx workflow, from setting up your system to building dynamic lighting looks for live events, churches, and productions. Whether you’re running Onyx on a PC or a console, you’ll gain the skills needed to control fixtures, create polished scenes, and execute cues with confidence.

Starting with the basics, you’ll learn how to patch fixtures, control essential parameters like intensity, color, and movement, and organize your workflow using presets and groups. From there, we’ll explore more advanced tools such as effects programming, the Dylos pixel mapper, and Onyx’s unique cue blender—giving you the ability to create dynamic, professional-grade lighting designs.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to build and run a complete lighting show, whether you’re a volunteer, technician, or aspiring lighting designer.

Key Takeaways

• • Build a Solid Programming Workflow
    Master the core Onyx workflow—patching, programming, and playback—so you can create reliable, repeatable lighting setups.
  • Work Faster with Smart Organization
    Use presets and groups to simplify your programming and make quick updates without rebuilding your entire show.
  • Create Dynamic, Professional Lighting Looks
    Use effects, pixel mapping, and cue blending to add motion, depth, and flexibility to your lighting designs.