I bought this switchpack to switch some mirror balls, so I needed a unit with real clicky on/off relays rather than a "switched dimmer" which would have sufficient "off" leakage to run the motor. This unit fits the bill - switches my Showtec mirror balls just fine.
I selected this unit over the other brands for a number of reasons:
(1) Manual clearly stated it was relay based (6A/channel fused)
(2) Good chunky dual-pole main power switch, not the tiny one seen on other units
(3) Both overall (15A) and per-channel (6A) fusing
(4) Good experience with the Showtec brand
(5) From Thomann, better pricing (the list price is quite a lot higher - it's not worth twice as much as the other brand competitors).
As others say in their reviews, the metalwork is not the thickest, but I don't see any issues with it for the intended use.
The Schuko sockets seem reasonably nice, and with sprung flip covers.
The menu buttons are nothing special. The display is bright. When setting the DMX address, the display flickers rapidly (almost strobing) - it would be better if it just flashed at a few Hertz whilst you set the address.
I've not seen the display auto-blank, so it looks like it stays lit, which may be an issue for your application as it's quite bright. It's a nice blue.
You can set different DMX addresses for each channel if you like, they don't have to follow on consecutive addresses. I'll just write a 4-channel LX desk profile for this, but being able to set non-consecutive addresses may be useful for your application if you have a low-end controller and want to put a relay in DMX addressing gaps in your rig - or you wanted to associate relay channels 1:1 with specific lights in your rig.
You can set the unit as 1, 2, or 4 channels. There are inbuilt sequences and an internal microphone for "sound to light" (but this is of no interest to me so I haven't tried it).
The XLR plug/socket are 3-pin. They are pretty cheap and nasty, and the one specific weakness of the unit for me. Neither plug or socket have a retention latch so you will only get latching if you have a latching mating connector.
Mains cable is decent PVC 3G1.5, about a metre. Schuko sockets and plug on this version. UK buyers get a Schuko plug to UK plug adaptor for free from Thomann - and the plug did actually fit it! However I'll probably cut off the Schuko and fit a good quality UK 13A plug.
Packaging is good enough for shipment and there is some foam over the front panel - but not a foam "bed". The box won't last long as a permanent storage unit.
Manual is decent enough. Showtec generally provide a properly constructed manual for their products (rather than just a sheet of paper in Chinglish for some other random product that you get with some cheap brands...).
Unit could be improved with:
(1) Better XLR connectors
(2) Being able to auto-blank the display
(3) Nicer buttons
(4) Slightly better menu structure and flashing rather than strobing the DMX address
Note: Because you can set up to 4 different DMX addresses, the display defaults to showing "Addr" rather than the DMX address.
Overall very pleased. Glad I selected this unit. Awarding 5 stars overall even though as noted above some slight quality downs/possible improvements.
