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

SHOWTEC Booster 2048 4-Universe DMX-Booster mit RDM – 5P

SHOWTEC Booster 2048 4-Universe DMX booster with RDM - 5P

Compact 4-universe DMX/RDM booster (4 inputs, 16 outputs) • Optically isolated inputs and outputs to prevent interference • RDM filter switch for flexible signal management • DMX...

€419.00 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE TOUCH-512 Standalone-Player weiß

EUROLITE TOUCH-512 Standalone Player white

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 • Can...

€249.00 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Wolfmix W1-MK3 Standalone DMX Performance Controller

Wolfmix W1 MK3 – Standalone DMX lighting controller for impressive shows The Wolfmix W1 MK3 is a powerful, standalone DMX lighting controller designed specifically for creative lighting shows...

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€849.95 * €785.00 *

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Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

NEW

SOUNDSWITCH CONTROLONE

SoundSwitch Control One – Professional Lighting Controller for DJs & Live Performances The SoundSwitch Control One is the perfect hardware controller for DJs, clubs, bars, and event...

€269.99 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

NEW

SOUNDSWITCH DMX MICROINTERFACE

SoundSwitch MICRO-DMX Interface – Professional DMX lighting control for DJs The SoundSwitch MICRO-DMX interface is the ideal solution for DJs, event organizers, and lighting technicians who...

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€44.00 *

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Low stock; Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

WORK L 16 DMX

DMX Lighting Console with 16 Faders – Compact DMX Console for Lighting Design and Testing Applications The DMX lighting console with 16 faders is the ideal solution for simple lighting...

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€127.69 * €109.99 *

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Low stock; Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Cameo CONTROL PAD - Stick Edition black - Mehrzonen-DMX-Wandcontroller

Cameo CONTROL PAD - Stick Edition black - multi-zone DMX wall controller

Multi-zone DMX wall controller Multi-zone lighting control for wall mounting, network-compatible • 1,024 DMX channels, 500 scenes, 10 zones • Tempered glass control panel • Scroll...

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Cameo CONTROL PAD - Stick Edition white - Mehrzonen-DMX-Wandcontroller

Cameo CONTROL PAD - Stick Edition white - multi-zone DMX wall controller

Multi-zone DMX wall controller Multi-zone lighting control for wall mounting, network-compatible • 1,024 DMX channels, 500 scenes, 10 zones • Tempered glass control panel • Scroll...

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Delivery time: approx. 1 week

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Cameo iDMX T3 - W-DMX & CRMX Transceiver powered by LumenRadio

W-DMX & CRMX Transceiver powered by LumenRadio Transmitter & Receiver Mode with 512 DMX channels • CRMX, W-DMX G3 / G4s • DMX and RDM capable • 5 GHz radio band for WiFi and...

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Cameo UNICON® - Fernbedienung für DMX-Geräte

Cameo UNICON® - Remote control for DMX devices

Remote control for DMX devices Unit Controller for configuring and controlling DMX devices • Bright 2.8" touch display and encoder wheel for intuitive menu navigation • Sends and...

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Cameo UNISENS® - Ambient Light to DMX Interface

Ambient Light to DMX Interface Mobile light sensor for detecting ambient light and DMX transmission • Compact and robust IP65 aluminum housing for a long service life • 5-pin XLR input...

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Cameo XNODE 4 - 4-Port DMX Ethernet Node

4-Port DMX Ethernet Node ArtNet and sACN to DMX converter for up to 4 independent universes • ArtNet 1 - 4 (DMX and RDM) • sACN release and draft version • 4 individually optically...

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Delivery time: approx. 1 week

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Cameo XNODE 8 - 8-Port DMX Ethernet Node

ArtNet and sACN to DMX converter for up to 8 independent universes • ArtNet 1 - 4 (DMX and RDM) • sACN release and draft version • 8 individually optically isolated DMX ports,...

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Cameo ZENIT® REMOTE DISPLAY CONTROLLER - Kabelgebundene Fernbedienung mit Touch-Display für

Cameo ZENIT® REMOTE DISPLAY CONTROLLER - wired remote control with touch display

Wired remote control with touch display for ZENIT® Install devices Bright OLED display with four touch buttons • Ergonomic design of the handset • Including connection cable...

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Delivery time: approx. 1 week

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EUROLITE DPX-610 S DMX Dimmer Pack

You can dim if you want - Eurolite dimmer pack for professional usersWith the DPX-610 S DMX Dimmer Pack by Eurolite you get a digital 6-channel dimmer pack for professional use. Eurolite dimmer...

€389.00 *

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MADRIX USB ONE DMX512 USB interface

USB-DMX cable to send/receive DMX signals with MADRIX software MADRIX USB ONE is a reliable and high-quality DMX512 USB hardware interface for transmitting and receiving DMX data • DMX512...

€239.00 *

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MADRIX LUNA 8 Port USB / Art-Net Node

Artnet and USB interface for output of 8 DMX universes MADRIX LUNA 8 is an easy-to-use and reliable network node with unique features to control lighting fixtures • Supports Art-Net as well as...

€1,149.00 *

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MADRIX LUNA 4 Port USB / Art-Net Node

Artnet and USB interface for output of 4 DMX universes MADRIX LUNA 4 is an easy-to-use and reliable network node with unique features to control lighting fixtures • Supports Art-Net as well as...

€859.00 *

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MADRIX LUNA 16 Port USB / Art-Net Node

Artnet and USB interface for output of 16 DMX universes MADRIX LUNA 16 is an easy-to-use and reliable network node with unique features to control lighting fixtures • Supports Art-Net as well...

€1,719.00 *

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EUROLITE FD-6+1 DMX Dimmer Panel

Basic DMX controller for 6 channels with master fader Basic DMX controller for convenient operation of light effect units with DMX512 interface (e.g. spotlights and dimmers) • 6 channel faders...

€54.89 *

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EUROLITE USB-DMX512 PRO Interface MK2

USB DMX interface with integrated processor for steady DMX output Pro USB DMX interface for controlling DMX devices with a computer • Integrated CPU for steady DMX output • DMX output...

€115.00 *

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EUROLITE DXT-SP 1in/4out PRO DMX RDM Splitter

RDM-capable DMX splitter, 1in/4out with signal boost DMX splitter for splitting one DMX input signal to 4 DMX outputs • Input and feed-through output are duplicated on the front and rear panel...

€249.00 *

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MADRIX KEY

MADRIX 5 KEY - without license Includes an empty MADRIX KEY • Requires a proper MADRIX 5 License to activate the features or output for the MADRIX 5 Software • Package contents:...

€142.92 *

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MADRIX Software 5 License professional

MADRIX 5 licence professional Includes 1x MADRIX 5 License professional • Requires a valid, empty, and metallic MADRIX KEY • MADRIX 5 is a powerful, easy-to-use, and award-winning LED...

€2,975.00 *

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Currently not available