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

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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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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NEW

SHOWTEC Pixel-Controller – G2 für Pixelstrip 20/40, Pixeltube 16/32 und Pixel Dot

SHOWTEC Pixel Controller - G2 For Pixelstrip 20/40, Pixeltube 16/32 and Pixel Dot

Controller for Pixelstrip, Pixeltube and Pixel Dot • Individual Pixel Control • Each output drives up to 4 m Strip, 5 m Tube, or 40 Dots • DMX, Art-Net, sACN and Kling-Net...

€369.00 *

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NICOLAUDIE ARCHITECTURAL NATOUCH-4 Mini-Touchscreen zur Wandmontage für die Fernsteuerung

NICOLAUDIE ARCHITECTURAL NATOUCH-4 Mini wall-mounted touchscreen for remote control

4-inch touchscreen • AC/PoE power • Wi-fi • Remote control for DINA, SLESA and STICK controllers • Dedicated bracket for electrical wall box mounting • The NATOUCH-4 is a...

€595.00 *

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NEW

ADJ Aria X2 IPC Transceiver

EMPOWER YOUR LIGHTING EXPERIENCE TO A NEW DIMENSION.. BUT OUTDOORS! Introducing the Aria Wireless Management System for Advanced Lighting Control at the Shop or in the Show. We've added the Aria X2...

€539.00 *

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NEW

ADJ Aria X2 IPC Bridge, DMX, 2.4GHz, RDM und Bluetooth

ADJ Aria X2 IPC Bridge, DMX, 2.4 GHz, RDM, and Bluetooth

The single universe, outdoor Aria X2 Bridge IPC, the future of wireless lighting management, is here to transform your experience with unparalleled control, efficiency and ease. This comprehensive...

€649.00 *

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NEW

ADJ AX2 leistungsstarkes, vollintegriertes Lichtsteuergerät

ADJ AX2: A powerful, fully integrated lighting controller

The AX2 is the ultimate compact yet powerful fully integrated lighting controller. This is the first console in the ADJ portfolio which derives from the innovative ONYX platform. The AX2 includes a...

€7,459.00 *

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NEW

ChamSys QuickQ 10+ Lighting Controller

ChamSys QuickQ 10+ Lighting Console - Intuitive DMX Lighting Control with an 11.6-inch Touchscreen The ChamSys QuickQ 10+ is a user-friendly lighting controller designed for professional control of...

€2,259.00 *

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ChamSys QuickQ 20+ Lighting Controller

ChamSys QuickQ 20+ Lighting Console - Professional DMX Lighting Control with an 11.6-inch Touchscreen The ChamSys QuickQ 20+ is a user-friendly lighting controller designed for professional control...

€3,199.00 *

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ChamSys QuickQ 30+ Lighting Controller

ChamSys QuickQ 30+ Lighting Console - Professional DMX Lighting Control with an 11.6-inch Touchscreen The ChamSys QuickQ 30+ is a powerful and user-friendly lighting controller designed for...

€3,999.00 *

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ChamSys QuickQ Studio+

ChamSys QuickQ Studio+ Lighting Console - Professional DMX Lighting Control in a 19-inch Rack Format The ChamSys QuickQ Studio+ is a compact and user-friendly lighting controller designed for...

€3,199.00 *

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ChamSys QuickQ Rack+

ChamSys QuickQ Rack+ Lighting Controller - Compact DMX Controller for Professional Permanent Installations The ChamSys QuickQ Rack+ is a compact and powerful lighting controller for professional...

€2,599.00 *

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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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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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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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SLV VALETO® ,Push switch Modul zur Dimmung

SLV VALETO® Push switch module for dimming

The VALETO® dimming module allows you to adjust the brightness using trailing edge dimming. It is an indispensable constituent of a SLV VALETO® SMART HOME SYSTEM. : Product name: SLV...

€79.72 *

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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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