Streamlining Design with Q-SYS Control Plugins and No-Code Intelligent Automation


Q-SYS is a software-based platform offering a plethora of tools for designing and implementing complex and combined audio, video, and control solutions to meet the experiential demand of high-impact spaces. Leveraging third-party Q-SYS control plugins and no-code control logic and connectors, users can deliver intelligent automation techniques that greatly enhance the functional capabilities of these spaces.

Simplifying Design

A no-code design process means that users can create and implement complex Q-SYS control schemes without the need for extensive programming knowledge. If you have ever used “if then” statements in Excel to drive calculations, or more popular connective automation platforms like IFTTT (If this, then that), then you know how powerful it can be to create reactive, relationship-based automation with no coding whatsoever. It’s a very similar situation with Q-SYS plugins and control logic.  Found on native Q-SYS devices and third-party Q-SYS plugins alike, control pins, when combined with simple control logic blocks can easily create a bridge for API calls for certain functions to create chains of automation. Simply put, Q-SYS provides a way for plugins to talk to other plugins.

Q-SYS scales to meet all requirements – from small and simple to large and complex, supporting no-code, low-code and full-code workflows. Q-SYS features native and third-party device drag-and-drop controls; an intuitive Block Controller initially developed by Google and MIT; and a full-featured Lua scripting environment, an open-source, IT-friendly programming language.

Leveraging Intelligent Automation

Intelligent automation refers to the use of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to assist in the automation of complex processes and tasks. Within a Q-SYS control plugin, manufacturers or service providers can deliver AI originated data sets to Q-SYS through their plugins that assist in intelligent automation schemes which create systems that can learn, adapt, and improve over time. This inclusive framework greatly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of any desired Q-SYS solution through advanced computing, synthetic data, and neural networks that drive multimodal intelligent automation.

Solving Challenges

Imagine a large conference center that needs to control audio, video, lighting, and other environmental systems across multiple rooms and spaces. Using Q-SYS, the conference center can implement a powerful automation scheme that integrates all these disparate systems into a single platform.

Q-SYS Design file depicting Q-SYS control plugins with pin tags.

To enhance the capabilities of the combined solution, the conference center can leverage multiple Q-SYS plugins collectively. For example, they might connect a lighting control plugin to integrate advanced lighting features which are connected to and driven by an occupancy or motion sensor plugin that detects human activity. Additionally, a digital signage plugin that automatically delivers content to the right audience at the appropriate time based on sensory information and/or lighting conditions from neighboring plugins. With Q-SYS control plugins, the conference center can easily configure and drive automated experiences through intelligent data pipelines inclusive of lighting, occupancy, and digital signage within a single platform without the need for extensive programming prowess.

Q-SYS Design file depicting Q-SYS control plugins connected by control pin and logic blocks.

Experience What’s Possible

Located within Q-SYS Designer software, Q-SYS hosts a vast collection of solutions-based control plugins that are available for instant download. Beyond Q-SYS authored plugins, there are over 160 verified third-party manufacturer and service provider plugins available to help you create unique experiences. A big thank you to our Q-SYS Technology Partners for investing in the creation of these plugins so that we can leverage a no-code design schema including:

Activaire, Acroname, Alcorn McBride, Alleo, Ampetronic, Analog Way, Atlona, AudioScience, Audio-Technica, Aver, AVPro Edge, Audix, BirdDog, BlackMagic, Bluesound Professional, Bluestream, Bodhi, BrightSign, Brompton Technology, Catchbox, Clockaudio, d&b audiotechnik, Datapath, Epiphan Video, ETC, Fusion Research, Gude, Inogeni, ISSAC, K-Array, Jupiter, Key Digital, L-Acoustics, LG, Liberty, Lightware, Lyntec, Maxhub, Magewell, Mersive, Middle Atlantic, MuxLab, Mystery Electronics, Netgear AV, Nureva, Panasonic Connect, Perfect Octave, Pharos, Philips, PixelFLEX, Planar, Pragma, RDL, Redfish Technologies, Sennheiser, Simpleway, Sharp/NEC, Shure, Skaarhoj, Somfy, Sony, Soundtrack, Spaceti, Spinetix, SurgeX, Televic, tvONE, Visionary, Visual Productions, Wolfvision, WyreStorm, Yamaha, Zeevee

To get started, download Q-SYS Designer and access Asset Manager today!