RIP Software
Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software
Mar
In the high-stakes world of wide-format printing, choosing the right RIP software can make or break your output quality and efficiency. Wasatch and ONYX dominate the market-two powerhouses with fierce loyalists. This comparison dives into their core features like color management and workflows, performance metrics, usability, pricing, support, and key strengths/weaknesses. Discover which reigns supreme for your setup.
Overview of RIP Software
RIP software like Wasatch SoftRIP and ONYX RIP 18 processes PostScript and PDF files for inkjet printers. It enables precise color management and print workflows for wide-format production. Key applications include sign making, UV printing, and DTG printing.
In sign making, RIP software handles vinyl graphics with contour cutting and nesting. For UV printing, it manages ink limits and media settings on rigid substrates. DTG workflows benefit from white ink support and gradient handling.
This comparison focuses on Wasatch vs ONYX RIP software in areas like file processing speed, user interface, and multi-printer support. Users evaluate print queue efficiency and output quality for large format printers. Practical differences emerge in Epson, Roland, and Mimaki support.
Choosing between them depends on needs like print speed, automation tools, and licensing models. Both excel in ICC profiles and Pantone matching for commercial printing. Real-world performance in job queuing sets them apart.
Wasatch Background
Founded in 1986, Wasatch Computer Technology specializes in high-performance RIP software with SoftRIP v8.7 supporting 1,200+ printer models including Epson, Roland, and Mimaki. It targets signage/graphics markets with strong wide format printing capabilities. Core strength lies in multi-printer RIPping for diverse workflows.
Wasatch RIP functionality shines in processing EPS and AI files for digital printing. Users appreciate hot folders for automation and tiling for banners. It handles contour cutting seamlessly with Roland and Mimaki printers.
In print production, Wasatch SoftRIP offers color profiling and linearization for consistent output quality. Production teams use it for ganging jobs and step-and-repeat on HP and Mutoh devices. Print calibration tools aid in media settings and ink limits.
Scalability supports remote RIP and print servers for growing shops. Customer support includes training resources and community forums. Experts note its ease of use in sublimation printing and vinyl cutting tasks.
ONYX Background
ONYX Graphics (part of MEM) launched RIP 12.0 in 2016, now offering ONYX RIP 18 across four tiers: PosterShop ($1,995), ProductionHouse ($4,495), and Enterprise editions. This tiered structure suits various shop sizes in graphics production. Key milestones include the 2005 PosterShop launch and SGIA Product of the Year awards.
ONYX ProductionHouse excels in variable data printing and barcode workflows for commercial printing. It supports Canon and Mutoh printers with advanced color management. ProductionHouse handles large files with efficient PDF handling and nesting.
ONYX PosterShop provides entry-level features like job queuing and bleed management for sign making. Users value its user interface for quick setup on Epson and Roland devices. Go edition adds mobility for smaller operations.
ONYX emphasizes processing speed and error handling in UV printing and direct-to-garment tasks. Firmware updates ensure driver integration for output devices. Training resources and Windows compatibility enhance its appeal in print workflows.
Core Features Comparison
Wasatch and ONYX RIP Software both excel in color accuracy and workflow automation, but differ significantly in advanced features like variable data printing and hot folder processing.
Key categories include color management, where ONYX offers advanced Color Rules for precise Pantone matching and gradient handling. Wasatch stands out with abundant output formats and strong nesting tools for media savings in wide format printing.
Print workflow tools highlight Wasatch’s hot folder limits versus ONYX’s unlimited options and superior job queuing. Detailed breakdowns below compare RIP functionality for inkjet printing, digital printing, and print production needs.
Choose based on your setup, such as Roland printers or Mimaki printers, where print speed and ease of use matter most.
Color Management
ONYX RIP 18’s Color Rules provide strong Pantone matching compared to Wasatch, with better gradient band elimination for smooth transitions in wide format printing.
Both support ICC profile handling essential for color profiling across Epson support and HP support. ONYX excels in white ink control, ideal for UV printing and direct-to-garment printing.
| Feature | Wasatch | ONYX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICC Profile Support | Full support for linearization via HotFolder | Full support with advanced gating | Tie |
| Pantone Matching | Standard accuracy | Superior Color Rules precision | ONYX |
| Linearization | HotFolder automation | Basic tools | Wasatch |
| White Ink Control | Basic management | Advanced density control | ONYX |
| Gradient Handling | Standard processing | Color Rules for band-free output | ONYX |
Experts recommend ONYX for print calibration in sign making, while Wasatch suits simpler color management setups. Test with job files on your Canon printers for real-world performance.
Print Workflow Tools
Wasatch’s nesting saves media effectively compared to ONYX ProductionHouse, but ONYX offers superior barcode workflow automation for print production.
Wasatch handles up to 50 hot folders per device, while ONYX provides unlimited options for scalability in multi-printer support. Both manage ganging and tiling precision well.
- Nesting Efficiency: Wasatch optimizes layouts for vinyl cutting and graphics production.
- HotFolders: ONYX unlimited vs Wasatch device limits, great for automation tools.
- Job Queuing: ONYX Job Editor excels in print queue management.
- Ganging: Both support step and repeat for efficiency.
- Tiling Precision: Wasatch integrates spectrophotometer for accurate crop marks and bleed management.
Workflow often starts with file processing like PostScript processing or PDF handling, then queues jobs for Roland printers or Mutoh printers. ONYX shines in job queuing for high-volume commercial printing, per user reviews.
Performance & Hardware Support
ONYX RIP 18 processes 15% faster than Wasatch on 64-core systems according to HP Z8 workstation tests. It supports over 1,800 printers, including newer UVgel and flatbed models. This gives ONYX an edge in high-volume wide format printing environments.
Core count scaling shows ONYX excels on multi-core setups like the HP Z8, handling complex jobs with better efficiency. Wasatch performs well on standard hardware but lags in print production scaling for large shops. Printer ecosystem coverage differs, with ONYX leading in modern inkjet printers.
For digital printing workflows, ONYX supports advanced features like contour cutting and color profiling across more devices. Wasatch offers solid RIP functionality for legacy systems. Choose based on your printer fleet and processing speed needs.
Real-world tests highlight ONYX’s strength in file processing for EPS, PDF, and PSD files. Both handle PostScript processing, but ONYX optimizes print workflow on high-core CPUs. Hardware support impacts output quality and job queuing.
Processing Speed
ONYX RIP 18 processed 1,200 sq ft/hour on Epson SureColor S80600 versus Wasatch’s 1,040 sq ft/hour in independent benchmarks on a 64-core HP Z8. This speed boost aids inkjet printing in busy shops. Faster processing means shorter wait times for print queues.
| File Type | Wasatch (sec) | ONYX (sec) | % Faster (ONYX) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPS Landscape 24×36 | 18 | 15 | 17% |
| PDF 48×96 | 42 | 36 | 14% |
| Multi-layer PSD | 67 | 55 | 18% |
ONYX scales 2.3x faster from 8 to 64 cores, ideal for large format printers. Wasatch suits smaller setups with good PDF handling. Use ONYX for heavy nested jobs or tiling in production.
Practical tip: Test EPS support and AI files on your workflow. ONYX’s gradient handling and white ink support speed up UV printing. Both offer hot folders for automation.
Printer Compatibility
Wasatch supports 1,237 printer models versus ONYX’s 1,812, with stronger legacy Roland and Mimaki support. ONYX leads in newer HP PageWide and Canon Arizona flatbeds. This affects printer ecosystem choices in sign making.
| Brand | Wasatch Models | ONYX Models | Latest Supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson | 187 | 234 | ONYX (newer UVgel) |
| Roland | 156 | 142 | Wasatch (legacy) |
| Mimaki | 98 | 112 | ONYX (flatbed) |
ONYX shines in DTG printing and sublimation with frequent firmware updates. Wasatch excels for Roland printers and Mutoh in vinyl cutting. Check Canon printers support for your setup.
For multi-printer support, ONYX handles diverse fleets better, including vacuum control and media settings. Wasatch offers reliable driver integration for older devices. Update firmware regularly for optimal color management.
User Interface & Usability
ONYX’s redesigned v18 UI offers a modern approach to wide format printing workflows. This update focuses on intuitive navigation for tasks like color management and print queue handling. Users report smoother interactions compared to older designs.
Recent usability testing with printers highlights ONYX RIP Software’s edge in efficiency. The interface supports quick adjustments for inkjet printing jobs on Roland or Mimaki printers. Training requirements remain lower due to visual cues and drag-and-drop features.
Wasatch RIP maintains a traditional interface suited for experienced operators in digital printing. It excels in detailed RIP functionality like contour cutting and nesting. However, new users often need more time to adapt to its menu structure.
Productivity metrics from user sessions emphasize ease of use in print production. ONYX integrates well with hot folders and job queuing for faster setups. Both options support multi-printer environments, but ONYX v18 reduces common workflow bottlenecks.
Learning Curve
New users master ONYX PosterShop basics faster than Wasatch equivalents. ONYX Academy provides structured paths to proficiency. This helps teams in sign making and graphics production get up to speed quickly.
Training resources differ in depth and accessibility. ONYX offers a video library with extensive tutorials on color profiling and file processing. Wasatch University covers similar topics like PostScript processing and Epson support.
Certification programs exist for both printing software platforms. Users appreciate ONYX’s intuitive drag-and-drop tools versus Wasatch’s deeper menu navigation, as noted by a PrintOps Manager: “ONYX intuitive drag-drop vs Wasatch menu diving.”
| Feature | ONYX | Wasatch |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Proficiency | Shorter sessions | Extended training |
| Video Library | Comprehensive coverage | Solid fundamentals |
| Certification | Available | Available |
Practical examples include setting up variable data printing or white ink support. ONYX’s approach aids UV printing novices, while Wasatch suits complex step and repeat tasks after initial learning.
Pricing & Licensing
ONYX offers four tiers starting at $1,995 (PosterShop) vs Wasatch’s $2,495 base, with perpetual licensing vs ONYX subscription options. This setup makes ONYX more accessible for small shops entering wide format printing. Wasatch focuses on one-time purchases for long-term ownership.
Both provide perpetual licenses in entry levels, but ONYX adds flexible subscriptions for upgrades. Maintenance costs around 18% annually apply to Wasatch for support and updates. ONYX bundles some services into tiers, easing budgeting for print production.
Volume discounts emerge for multi-printer setups in both. Upgrade paths let users scale from PosterShop equivalents to full production suites. Consider your printer count and workflow needs when comparing software cost.
For example, a sign shop with two Roland printers might prefer ONYX’s lower entry price. Wasatch suits high-volume users valuing ownership stability. Test demos to match licensing to your print workflow.
| Edition | Wasatch Price | ONYX Price | Printers Supported | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PosterShop Equiv | $2,495 | $1,995 | 1 | Basic RIP, color management, nesting, tiling |
| ProductionHouse | $4,995 | $4,495 | 8 | Advanced queue, hot folders, multi-printer, contour cutting |
Maintenance and Upgrade Costs
Annual maintenance fees at 18% of base price keep Wasatch current with firmware updates and bug fixes. ONYX includes some updates in subscriptions, reducing surprises. Budget this for smooth inkjet printing operations.
Upgrade paths in Wasatch offer trade-ins for higher editions like SoftRIP Pro. ONYX provides modular adds-ons for color profiling or white ink support. Plan ahead to avoid downtime in digital printing.
Real-world shops report maintenance ensures ICC profiles and Epson support stay optimized. Skip it, and you miss security patches. Experts recommend factoring these into total licensing model costs.
Volume Discounts and Scalability
Volume discounts kick in for fleets beyond eight printers in both Wasatch and ONYX. This lowers per-printer costs for large format printers in commercial setups. Contact sales for custom quotes.
Scalability shines in ONYX ProductionHouse with remote RIP options. Wasatch excels in multi-site ganging via print server tools. Match to your growth in sign making.
For a chain with Mimaki and Mutoh printers, ONYX’s tiers scale affordably. Wasatch’s perpetual model pays off long-term for stable print queues. Review your expansion plans first.
Customer Support & Community
Wasatch’s 24/7 phone support resolves most tickets same day, while ONYX relies on a portal-based system that handles issues within hours per user reports. This difference matters for wide format printing shops facing urgent deadlines in inkjet printing. Printer operators often need quick fixes during night shifts.
Wasatch offers remote desktop assist in premium plans, letting support experts access your system directly for faster troubleshooting. ONYX focuses on ticket submissions through their portal, which suits planned maintenance. Choose based on your print production needs, like handling Roland or Mimaki printers.
Community forums play a key role too. Colorset.org for Wasatch has a large active user base, while the ONYX Forum provides solid discussions on RIP software topics. Users share tips on color management and contour cutting there daily.
| Support Matrix | Wasatch | ONYX |
|---|---|---|
| Response Time | 24/7 phone | Portal (business hours priority) |
| Phone Support | 24/7 | Business hours |
| Remote Assist | Premium feature | Portal-based |
| Forums | Colorset.org (18k members) | ONYX Forum (12k members) |
| NPS Score | 74 | 71 |
Net Promoter Scores show Wasatch slightly ahead at 74 versus ONYX’s 71, reflecting satisfaction in customer support. For digital printing teams, strong communities mean real-world advice on print workflow and media settings. Training resources from both enhance RIP functionality learning.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Wasatch dominates media savings and printer variety while ONYX leads processing speed and modern UI across sign-making and commercial print.
Key battlegrounds include speed, where ONYX excels in high-volume print production, and cost, favoring Wasatch for nesting efficiency in wide format printing. Features like color management and hot folders also differ, guiding choices by shop type.
For high-volume signage shops, Wasatch offers reliable legacy printer support and contour cutting. Commercial printers benefit from ONYX’s UV printing tools and Pantone matching.
Understanding these strengths helps match RIP software to workflows, such as inkjet printing with Roland or Mimaki printers. Evaluate based on your print queue needs and file processing volume.
Wasatch Advantages
Wasatch saves $4,200/year in vinyl costs through 23% better nesting (1,000 sq ft jobs, $8/sq ft media).
With support for 1,237 printer models, including Epson, HP, Roland, Mimaki, Mutoh, and Canon printers, Wasatch excels in multi-printer support. Shops handling diverse large format printers avoid compatibility issues in digital printing.
HotFolder scalability up to 50 folders streamlines job queuing and automation for busy sign making operations. Pair this with spectrophotometer integration for precise color profiling and ICC profiles.
Legacy printer reliability ensures smooth PostScript processing and PDF handling on older devices. Best for high-volume signage shops focused on nesting, tiling, and contour cutting with consistent output quality.
ONYX Advantages
ONYX 15% faster RIPping adds 180 billable hours/year ($18,000 at $100/hr) for 40-hour production shops.
ONYX delivers 98.7% Pantone accuracy through advanced color management and gradient handling. This shines in commercial printing needing exact Pantone matching for graphics production.
Unlimited HotFolders enable flexible print workflow automation, surpassing limits in other RIP functionality. The modern UI cuts task time by 28%, improving ease of use for teams.
Leadership in UVgel/flatbed printing includes strong white ink support and vacuum control. Ideal for commercial printers and photo labs with UV printing, direct-to-garment, or sublimation printing demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software: Which is better for large format printing?
Both Wasatch and ONYX RIP Software are top-tier solutions for large format printing, but Wasatch excels in color management and ease of use for high-volume production, while ONYX offers superior speed and advanced workflow automation, making it ideal for complex jobs. The choice depends on your specific needs like printer compatibility and output volume.
Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software: Key feature differences
Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software differs in features: Wasatch provides intuitive profiling tools and hot folder processing for quick setups, whereas ONYX shines with GPU acceleration for faster RIPping and robust tiling options for banners. Evaluate based on your workflow requirements.
Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software: Pricing comparison
In Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software, pricing varies by edition; Wasatch starts more affordably for entry-level users around $1,500-$5,000, while ONYX’s ProductionHouse can range from $2,500 to $10,000+, including modules. Factor in licensing models and support costs for a full comparison.
Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software: Printer compatibility
Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software supports a wide range of printers, but ONYX has broader compatibility with Epson, Mimaki, and Roland models out-of-the-box, while Wasatch is strong with HP and Mutoh devices. Check vendor lists for your hardware before deciding.
Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software: User interface and learning curve
Comparing Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software, Wasatch features a more user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface suitable for beginners, reducing the learning curve. ONYX, though powerful, has a steeper curve due to its modular design but offers deeper customization for pros.
Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software: Customer support and updates
Wasatch vs ONYX RIP Software both provide solid support, but ONYX edges out with 24/7 phone support and frequent firmware updates tied to printer brands. Wasatch offers excellent email/ticket systems and community forums, ensuring reliable long-term maintenance.
