What types of lighting control systems are available?

Lighting control systems fall into four main categories: hardware consoles (dedicated desks with faders and buttons, ideal for live operation), software interfaces (PC or tablet-based control via USB or Ethernet, offering powerful programming at lower cost), preset controllers (simple scene-trigger devices for fixed installations) and architectural systems (DALI, KNX for building integration, focusing on energy efficiency rather than dynamic effects). For stage and event use, DMX-based hardware consoles and software systems dominate, while architectural applications favour DALI and wireless protocols like Zigbee or Casambi.

How can I control lights via smartphone?

Smartphone control requires a wireless DMX interface or a lighting controller with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Apps like Luminair (iOS), DMXControl (Android) or manufacturer-specific apps (e.g. Cameo Control, Showtec QuickDMX) connect to the interface over your local network, allowing you to adjust colours, trigger cues and mix scenes via touchscreen gestures. For permanent installations, systems like Casambi embed Bluetooth modules directly into LED drivers, eliminating the need for separate DMX cabling. Smartphone control is ideal for small venues, mobile DJs and installations where a full console would be impractical.

What is DMX-512 and how does it work?

DMX-512 (Digital Multiplex with 512 channels) is the standard protocol for stage lighting control, defined by ANSI E1.11. The system transmits digital control data at 250 kbit/s over a daisy-chained cable network, with each fixture assigned a unique start address (1–512). The controller sends a continuous stream of packets containing 512 channel values (0–255), updated roughly 44 times per second. Each fixture reads the packet, extracts the values for its assigned channels, and adjusts its output accordingly. A single DMX universe supports up to 32 fixtures; larger installations use multiple universes via splitters or network protocols like Art-Net.

What's the difference between 3-pin and 5-pin DMX cables?

The official DMX-512 standard specifies a 5-pin XLR connector (pins 1: ground, 2: data–, 3: data+, 4 and 5: reserved), but many manufacturers use 3-pin XLR (the same as audio cables) for cost and convenience. The 3-pin version omits the unused pins 4 and 5, which are rarely implemented in practice. While 3-pin DMX works reliably for most installations, it's technically non-compliant and can cause compatibility issues with certain fixtures. Critically, never substitute standard microphone cables for DMX – they have the wrong impedance (50–75Ω vs. 110Ω required) and will cause signal reflections over long runs.

What does a lighting control system cost?

Entry-level USB-DMX interfaces for PC-based control start at €80–€150, offering a single DMX universe (512 channels). Compact hardware controllers with 6–12 faders range from €150 to €600, suitable for mobile DJs and small venues. Mid-range scene-based consoles with touchscreens and multiple universes cost €800–€2,500, ideal for clubs and theatres. Professional touring consoles from brands like Chamsys, Avolites and MA Lighting range from €3,000 to over €50,000, offering advanced programming, redundant systems and integration with timecode and video. Software packages vary from free (QLC+) to €500+ for professional licences (Daslight, Sunlite).

Which lighting control system suits my venue?

For mobile DJs and small events, a compact USB-DMX interface (€80–€200) paired with free or low-cost software provides flexible control without the bulk of a hardware console. Clubs and fixed installations benefit from scene-based controllers (€300–€1,500) with faders assigned to lighting looks, enabling live mixing without complex programming. Theatres and concert venues require consoles with cue-list playback, timecode sync and multiple universes (€1,500–€10,000+), from brands like Chamsys or ETC. Touring productions demand ruggedised, redundant systems (€5,000+) with offline programming and backup controllers. For architectural integration, DALI or KNX systems offer energy management and building automation.

How many fixtures can one DMX universe control?

A single DMX universe provides 512 channels of control data. The number of fixtures you can connect depends on how many channels each fixture uses. A simple RGB LED PAR can uses 3 channels (red, green, blue), allowing up to 170 fixtures per universe. A moving head spot might use 16–24 channels (pan, tilt, colour, gobo, dimmer, strobe, etc.), limiting you to 20–30 fixtures per universe. The DMX-512 standard officially supports up to 32 devices per universe, though many systems push this to 40–50 in practice. For larger installations, use multiple universes via DMX splitters or network protocols like Art-Net.

Do I need a DMX terminator plug?

Yes – a 120Ω terminator plug should always be installed in the DMX output socket of the last fixture in your chain. Without termination, the DMX signal reflects back along the cable, causing interference, flickering and erratic behaviour, especially over long cable runs (>50 metres). The terminator is a simple XLR plug with a 120Ω resistor soldered between pins 2 and 3. Many professional fixtures include a built-in termination switch, eliminating the need for an external plug. Termination is critical for reliable operation and is considered standard practice in professional installations.

Light controllers

DAP-Audio Keypad for LED Control of Silent Disco Headphones Für den DAP Silent Disco Transmitter

DAP-Audio Keypad for LED Control of Silent Disco Headphones For DAP Silent Disco Transmitter

Controls the LEDs of the DAP Silent Disco Headphones via the Silent Disco Transmitter • 16 buttons with pre-defined settings • Extra-long connection cable (8 m) • The DAP Keypad for...

€18.02 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Sunlite SUSHI-Z1 USB-DMX Interface

Sunlite SUSHI-Z1 USB DMX Interface The SUSHI-Z1 is an extremely compact and robust USB DMX interface. The package includes several DMX software/apps. Simply install them on your computer or Android...

Express delivery possible

€49.00 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Low stock; Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

ADJ D4 Branch RM

The D4 Branch RM™ is a single rack space, 4-way distributor/booster with 3pin and 5pin XLR input and output jacks. This unit takes the incoming DMX signal and splits it to four (4) separate...

€119.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DMX Split 8X RDM Splitter

Splitter (RDM) with 8 galvanically isolated outputs, 3/5-pin & QuickDMX XLR sockets DMX splitter for splitting one DMX input signal to 8 DMX outputs • Switchable filter mode allows all RDM...

€209.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

FUTURELIGHT WDS-CRMX Duo TX Drahtlos-DMX-Transceiver

FUTURELIGHT WDS-CRMX Duo TX Wireless DMX Transceiver

Wireless DMX system 2.4 GHz - two transceivers with CRMX unit in 19" housing Transceiver, to be used as transmitter or receiver • Control via CRMX by LumenRadio; W-DMX by wireless...

€499.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE USB/LAN-DMX 2x512ch Interface

DMX/Art-Net interface via USB and Ethernet LAN with software bundle, 1024 channels DMX Control (show lighting) • LED PC Control (architectural lighting) • Pixel Control (pixel mapping and...

€279.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE TOUCH-512 Stand-alone Player

DMX wall controller with multi-function touchpad and software, 512 channels Flat, wall-mounted stand-alone player for DMX control of light effects without the need for a computer • Write a...

€249.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DXT Pixel Art-Net Node IV

Art-Net interface for control of 50000 digital LED channels Can receive and process up to 2048 DMX channels • 1 to 6 colors per pixel • Supports pixel groups (1 - 9999) • Control via...

€159.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DMX Commander 512

Modern theater lighting console for 512 DMX channels, separate dimmer faders for scenes & chases Designed for moving lights, lighting effects, LED spot lights and dimmers • 57...

€649.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Swisson RDM Controller XMT-500, Set incl. Nylon Tasche + 2 x XLR-Adapter

Swisson RDM Controller XMT-500, set incl. nylon bag + 2 x XLR adapters

SWISSON XMT-500 set - DMX Measurement Tool / Tester & RDM Ethernet Controller incl. Case & Adapters The basic functions of the XMT-500 include useful functions for DMX, RDM, Art-Net, sACN,...

€829.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

beamZ SUSHI-Z1 DMX Interface

Transform your computer into a powerful lighting controller!The SUSHI-Z1 is not only one of the most compact DMX interfaces on the market, it comes complete with the software needed to start...

€52.00 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

beamZ Pro WTR10 Hybrid drahtloser DMX-Transceiver

beamZ Pro WTR10 Hybrid wireless DMX transceiver

The WTR10 Hybrid wireless DMX transceiver guarantees a reliable wireless DMX lighting setup and provides a cable-free environment. Operating seamlessly on the 2.4GHz frequency band, the WTR10...

€149.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Cameo DVC D5 - USB zu DMX-Interface und Steuerungssoftware-Paket

Cameo DVC D5 - USB to DMX-Interface and Control Software Package

USB to DMX-Interface and Control Software Package USB interface with 512 DMX channels in live mode • Integrated flash memory for 256 DMX channels in stand-alone mode • Cameo D4 Express...

€289.56 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

SHOWTEC AirDrive 2.4 IP 3-pin XLR DMX transceiver

Wireless DMX/CRMX G3/G4 transmitter and G3/G4S receiver modes • Splitter/booster function with additional optically isolated outputs • IP65 (dust and water resistant, fit for outdoor use)...

€445.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SHOWTEC AirDrive 2.4 IP 5-pin XLR DMX transceiver

Wireless DMX/CRMX G3/G4 transmitter and G3/G4S receiver modes • Splitter/booster function with additional optically isolated outputs • IP65 (dust and water resistant, fit for outdoor use)...

€455.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Easy 6 Mobile DMX controller 6-Kanal - DMX, 5-polig

SHOWTEC Easy 6 Mobile DMX controller 6-channel - 3-pin DMX

6-channel DMX controller • Scene storage x6 • Integrated handles • 2x mounting slots • USB-C or battery power • 3-pin DMX • The Showtec Easy 6 is a compact, 6-channel...

€139.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Easy 6 Mobile DMX controller 6-Kanal

SHOWTEC Easy 6 Mobile DMX controller 6-channel

6-channel DMX controller • Scene storage x6 • Integrated handles • 2x mounting slots • USB-C or battery power • The Showtec Easy 6 is a compact, 6-channel DMX controller...

€132.43 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Melodist Install DMX-steuerbarer WAV-Player

SHOWTEC Melodist Install DMX-controllable WAV player

Plays up to 10 WAV files simultaneously from micro SD card • Trigger mode and player mode • Balanced stereo outputs • For DIN rail mounting • The Showtec Melodist Install is a...

€239.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Melodist Mobile DMX-steuerbarer WAV-Player

SHOWTEC Melodist Mobile DMX-controllable WAV player

Plays up to 10 WAV files simultaneously from micro SD card • Trigger mode and player mode • Balanced stereo XLR outputs • Compact half 19” rackspace • The Showtec Melodist...

€245.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Lumenradio Luna Single Universe DMX-Transceiver mit Bluetooth

LUMENRADIO Luna Single universe DMX transceiver with Bluetooth

Wireless DMX/RDM transceiver with CRMX technology • Bluetooth connectivity with app control • 5-pin XLR DMX connection • 5 ms latency • 10 - 20 V DC or 100 - 240 V AC operation...

€735.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Lumenradio Aurora Single Universe DMX/RDM Transceiver mit Wi-Fi und Bluetooth

LUMENRADIO Aurora Single universe DMX/RDM transceiver with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Wireless DMX transceiver with CRMX technology • DMX/RDM, sACN and Art-Net • 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity • Configuration via app or front panel • 5-pin XLR DMX...

€1,235.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Lumenradio Stardust Acht Universe DMX/RDM-Sender mit Ethernet und Wi-Fi

LUMENRADIO Stardust Eight universe DMX/RDM transmitter with Ethernet and Wi-Fi

8 Universe W-DMX transmitter with CRMX technology • DMX/RDM, sACN and Art-Net • Ethernet, 5 GHz Wi-Fi • Configuration via web portal, app or front panel • 5-pin XLR DMX...

€3,435.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Lumenradio Galileo TX W-DMX-Sender für DIN-Schiene mit Bluetooth und einem Universum

LUMENRADIO Galileo TX Single Universe DIN-rail W-DMX Transmitter with Bluetooth

Wireless DMX transmitter with CRMX technology for DIN rail • W-DMX with RDM • Bluetooth 5.0 for configuration via app • Easy to install • The LumenRadio Galileo TX is a...

€1,169.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Wireless solution W-DMX Orb TX Transmitter Drahtloses DMX

WIRELESS SOLUTION W-DMX Orb TX Transmitter Wireless DMX

Reliable, cable-free DMX control • Plug and play • Also compatible with CRMX • LumenRadio’s W-DMX Orb TX Transmitter enables reliable wireless DMX lighting control. Simply plug...

€429.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days