The AWM can only control up to 12 unit of AI lighting whereas for the AI director, it can control up to 30 light and up to 10 tank with a single controller. After having try both controller, I would say that the director is so much easier to use / update the firm ware, and setup. Whereas for the AWM , it took me nearly two day to figure out on the setting up . I almost give up on this, and hopefully apex could improve their online instruction manual that would be much clearer in explaining the setting up.