What’s The Best DMX Controller for Me?
If you want to create your own light show using any number of fixtures and effects, DMX-based lighting control is usually the way to go to get everything to work. But what exactly is DMX, how does it work, and do you even need it to run your lighting rig? If you can’t find the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us.
1. What Is DMX?
Simply put, DMX is a ‘language’ used by lighting controllers, lighting gear and special effects to communicate with each other.
To operate the different lights and/or effects of a lighting set-up, this so-called DMX protocol (official name USITT DMX512/1990) is fundamental. Essentially, what DMX is in relation to lighting, is what MIDI is in relation to sound. Using a DMX controller - which often comes in the form of a control panel equipped with various faders and controls - specific functions can be assigned to these controls so you can tell your fixtures (par cans, scanners, lasers, etc) what to do in DMX-code.
The image on the right shows how the fixtures are connected to a controller, with one cable running from the controller to the first fixture in the chain, which has been ‘daisy-chained’ to the next fixture via a second cable.
2. How Do DMX Channels Work?
Each function of a given fixture uses its own ‘channel’, meaning that it’s controlled using the matching channel fader of your DMX controller. By adjusting the fader, you’re changing the parameter value. So, when the fader is all the way down, you’re sending ‘value 0’ to your fixture while sliding the fader all the way up sets the value to 255. This way, you can for example, determine the light intensity (with 0 being ‘off’ and 255 being the maximum intensity), get a moving head to move from left to right or vice versa, or divide a series of gobos into smaller ‘pieces’ (with value 0-29 assigned to gobo 1, value 30-49 assigned to gobo 2 and so on). Check the manual of your fixture or lighting effect to see how many channels it offers, which function is assigned to which channel and what the possible effects of lower and higher values are for any given channel. In some cases, you only have access to a small number of channels to accommodate straightforward use, while other fixtures may offer a much bigger number and more extensive control as a result.
3. Why Do I Need to Set a DMX Starting Address on Every Fixture?
To control different DMX fixtures individually, you must enter a start address for each fixture in your set-up. Say the first three fixtures have 8 channels. That means you need to set its start address to channel 1 before you set the second fixture to channel 9, the third fixture to channel 17, and so on. This way, your DMX controller can easily keep track of where each fixture “begins and ends”, but keep in mind that the DMX protocol offers a maximum of 512 channels and that more straightforward controllers may reserve 16 channels per fixture by default (meaning that the start address of a second fixture would then have to be channel 17). In the case of most modern devices, the start address can be entered via a built-in display on the fixture.
4. What’s DMX Software?
If you want full control and flexibility but not an expensive physical controller, it could be worth investing some time into learning how to control your lighting set-up using software. By connecting a computer running lighting software to a DMX interface, it’s possible to create extremely extensive shows.
You can let the software know how many channels each device requires before you set up creative chases by combining the functions of your fixtures. Here, so-called generators can save you a lot of time and programming work and the options are nearly limitless. If you’d like, you can add an external MIDI controller via USB to get real, hands-on control over some knobs and faders.
However, since it usually takes quite a while to get to grips with even just the basics of software-based light show choreographing, this is probably too complicated for most people. More on this in Question 5.
DMX Interfaces & Software
Standard DMX Light Controllers
MIDI Controllers
5. Do I Need a DMX Controller or Software?
Just like DMX software, hardware-based DMX control requires a lot of planning. What you need depends on the complexity of your light shows.
For more straightforward shows and the occasional party, in most cases, a simple DMX controller is the best and most affordable option. Bear in mind that you should first find out how many DMX channels you need before you buy any DMX controller (see Question 3).
If you plan on creating complex, multi-fixture light shows, it’s best to reach out to us so we can help you figure out if, depending on your plans, you’re better off with DMX software or an extensive light control console.
Standard DMX Light Controllers
DMX Interfaces & Software
Contact
6. What’s the Difference Between DMX and XLR Cables?
Any fixture that can be controlled via DMX features a DMX input and output. These are essentially the same XLR sockets you’d find on mixers, just with the pins and sockets switched the other way around. Usually, these plugs and sockets have 3 pins (or holes). While the industry-standard is actually 5-pin XLR, it’s the 3-pin version that you’ll come across the most in practice.
Real DMX cables are XLR cables with a specific impedance of 110 Ohms. This is to make sure that they’re better equipped to handle data transmission than standard XLR cables. The question here is, how big of a risk are you willing to take in terms of interference? Two small lighting kits used to back up a small party won’t cause much concern, but a club filled with over 50 fixtures is a different story and requires a reliable set-up. If your plans include a professional or extensive lighting set-up, it’s better to go with DMX cables, especially because these aren’t even that much more expensive than XLR cables.
Standard XLR Cables
3-Pin DMX Cables
5-Pin DMX Cables
DMX Cabling (Per Metre or Reel)
Combined Power/Data Cables
7. Can I Control My Lighting Set-Up Without DMX?
You can. First of all, most fixtures, lighting effects and special effects can be used in stand-alone mode. This is where, for example, you set an LED lamp to a fixed colour, activate a pre-programmed light show, or enable sound-activation mode. These options and settings are often accessed and adjusted via a small display on the back of the unit. It’s a great solution for small and simple set-ups.
Traditional lamps such as halogen pars do not feature DMX or other advanced options, meaning these are controlled using a dimmer: a 4-channel dimmer pack, for instance, where a maximum of 4 units can be connected to so you can adjust the intensity per spot. Keep in mind that in most cases, the dimmer itself is connected via DMX. As an even easier alternative, there are switch-packs available. These are DMX-controllable devices used to simply activate and deactivate lights and/or effects.
The simplest solution of all includes 230V, 19” rack switching panels. These are essentially standard power distributors (so non-DMX-controllable) fitted with individual power switches for every connected device. Even groups of devices can be hooked up to a single power output and switcher panels can be easily mounted in a 19” rack or case.
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230V 19" Switcher Panels
19" Flight Cases & Racks
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Product Categories
Standard DMX Lighting Controllers
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MIDI Controllers
Standard XLR Cables
3-Pin DMX Cables
5-Pin DMX Cables
DMX Cabling (Per Metre or Reel)
Combined Power/Data Cables
DMX Dimmer Packs
DMX Switch Packs
230V 19" Switcher Panels
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