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

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 Pocket 3-pin XLR DMX transceiver

Wireless DMX G3 and G4 transmitter and G3, G4S & CRMX receiver modes • Quick and easy setup • M10 and 3/8” mounting threads • Compatible with the Showtec AirDrive 2.4 IP...

€219.90 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec AirDrive 2.4 Pocket 5-poliger XLR-DMX-Transceiver

SHOWTEC AirDrive 2.4 Pocket 5-pin XLR DMX transceiver

Wireless DMX G3 and G4 transmitter and G3, G4S & CRMX receiver modes • Quick and easy setup • M10 and 3/8” mounting threads • Compatible with the Showtec AirDrive 2.4 IP...

€185.00 *

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 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 RX Single Universe DIN-Schienen-W-DMX-Empfänger mit Bluetooth

LUMENRADIO Galileo RX Single Universe DIN rail W-DMX Receiver with Bluetooth

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

€779.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

LUMENRADIO Galileo TX Single Universe DIN-Schienen-W-DMX-Sender mit Bluetooth

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

Wireless solution W-DMX Orb RX Receiver Drahtloses DMX

WIRELESS SOLUTION W-DMX Orb RX Receiver Wireless DMX

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

€369.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Wireless solution W-DMX Stick RX Drahtloses DMX

WIRELESS SOLUTION W-DMX Stick RX Wireless DMX

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

€305.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Aurora/Luna Rack Mount Für LumenRadio Aurora/Luna

Aurora/Luna Rack Mount For LumenRadio Aurora/Luna

For mounting LumenRadio Aurora or Luna in a 19" rack • Nice and clean appearance • With the LumenRadio Aurora & Luna Rack Mount you can mount a single Aurora or Luna in a...

€32.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Stage Blinder FLEX Blaze Controller Spezieller Controller für Stage Blinder FLEX Blaze Pods

SHOWTEC Stage Blinder FLEX Blaze Controller Dedicated controller for Stage Blinder FLEX Blaze Pods

Controls up to 8 individual pods of the Stage Blinder FLEX Blaze • DMX/RDM, Master/Slave and stand-alone modes • IP65-rated enclosure • The Showtec Stage Blinder FLEX Blaze...

€545.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Titan Strobe FLEX FX Controller Spezielle Steuerung für Titan Strobe FLEX FX Pods

SHOWTEC Titan Strobe FLEX FX Controller Dedicated controller for Titan Strobe FLEX FX Pods

Controls up to 8 individual pods of the Titan Strobe FLEX FX • DMX/RDM, Master/Slave and stand-alone modes • IP65-rated enclosure • The Showtec Titan Strobe FLEX FX Controller is a...

€736.31 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Controller for Octostrip FLEX Spezielle Steuerung für Octostrip FLEX

SHOWTEC Controller for Octostrip FLEX Dedicated controller for Octostrip FLEX

Controls up to 8 individual strips of the OctoStrip FLEX • DMX, Art-Net and stand-alone modes • IP65-rated enclosure • The Showtec Controller for Octostrip FLEX is a dedicated...

€569.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SHOWTEC LED Dim-8 HV DIN rail

Wide input voltage range • 2 PWM groups (RGBW) • Selectable PWM frequency • IR remote control available • DIN EN43880 form factor • The Showtec LED Dim-8 HV is the...

€225.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Stardust-Rack-Montagesatz für LumenRadio Stardust

Stardust Rack Mounting Kit For LumenRadio Stardust

For mounting LumenRadio Stardust in a 19" rack • Includes two patch cables and chassis connectors • Nice and clean appearance • The LumenRadio Stardust Rack Mounting Kit allows...

€58.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Wandhalterung für LumenRadio Stardust, Aurora oder Luna

Wall Mount For LumenRadio Stardust, Aurora or Luna

For wall mounting LumenRadio Stardust, Aurora or Luna • Nice and clean appearance • This kit of two brackets allows for wall mounting a single LumenRadio Stardust, Aurora or Luna. It...

€11.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days