Actually, I don't think too many folks here are interchanging MIDI with DMX ~
Several of us here are also well-versed in both.
MIDI and DMX are NOT mutually exclusive in the world of laser entertainment.
Many of the current full-featured laser control suites are MIDI-enabled to allow the use of the numerous available MIDI controllers to control the laser software. Pangolin Beyond is probably at the top of the stack in that respect, especially with their support for the Akai APC-40 MIDI controller and it's tight integration within Beyond.
Additionally, many laser suites are DMX-enabled, allowing the laser software to control, or be controlled by, external DMX gear. Pangolin, LSX, and other laser-control suites are fully equipped to take advantage of both protocols simultaneously.
For those not operating on a professional scale & budget (voice of experience here), using an affordable MIDI controller and DMX interface with the laser control suite is a great way to manage multiple laser projectors and DMX lighting fixtures without the need, expense, or space requirement of a completely separate DMX lighting control rig. Probably not the solution you would look for in a professional production, but for a mobile or small-crew operation, it could be ideal.
Also, if you look around at different DMX control suites currently available, you'll find that many are also MIDI-enabled, so you don't necessarily require a dedicated & often pricey DMX controller to control the lighting, even if using software dedicated to DMX control.
Randy
PS -
Like Norty & Galvonaut said...
Last edited by Stuka; 02-06-2014 at 09:06.
RR
Metrologic HeNe 3.3mw Modulated laser, 2 Radio Shack motors, and a broken mirror.
1979.
Sweet.....