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

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 DMX Move Controller 512 PRO

Console with motorized faders, color & motion effects (24 devices/34 channels) DMX controller for DMX light effect units such as moving heads, scanners and LED spot lights with RGBW color...

€349.00 *

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EUROLITE USB-DMX512-Interface/Update-Adapter

EUROLITE USB-DMX512 Interface/Update Adaptor

USB DMX interface without software for use with lighting control programs Extremely compact USB DMX interface for beginners • For controlling DMX devices with a computer (software not...

€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 Controller PRO mit DMX für LED Neon Flex 230V Slim RGB

EUROLITE Controller PRO with DMX for LED Neon Flex 230V Slim RGB

Controller with DMX interface for the RGB LED neon tube (item 50499801) Compact controller for the slim LED neon tube (item 50499801) via DMX • 3 separate control channels for individual color...

€66.06 *

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EUROLITE USB-DMX512 PRO Cable Interface

USB DMX interface with integrated processor for steady DMX output Compact pro USB DMX interface • Electronic is extremely compact placed in the XLR plug • For controlling DMX devices with...

€69.90 *

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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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MADRIX Software 5 License maximum

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

€18,589.00 *

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MADRIX UPDATE start 2.x oder start 3.x -> start 5.x

MADRIX UPDATE start 2.x or start 3.x -> start 5.x

Software update from version start 2/3 to start 5 Update from start or dvi start (MADRIX 2 or MADRIX 3) to MADRIX 5 License start • Take advantage of the latest MADRIX 5 Software • This...

€92.85 *

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MADRIX UPDATE entry 2.x oder entry 3.x -> entry 5.x

MADRIX UPDATE entry 2.x or entry 3.x -> entry 5.x

Software update from version entry 2/3 to entry 5 Update from entry or dvi entry (MADRIX 2 or MADRIX 3) to MADRIX 5 License entry • Take advantage of the latest MADRIX 5 Software • This...

€289.00 *

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MADRIX UPDATE basic 2.x oder basic 3.x -> basic 5.x

MADRIX UPDATE basic 2.x or basic 3.x -> basic 5.x

Software update from version basic 2/3 to basic 5 Update from basic or dvi (MADRIX 2 or MADRIX 3) to MADRIX 5 License basic • Take advantage of the latest MADRIX 5 Software • This will...

€595.00 *

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MADRIX UPDATE professional 2.x oder professional 3.x -> professional 5.x

MADRIX UPDATE professional 2.x or professional 3.x -> professional 5.x

Software update from version professional 2/3 to professional 5 Update from professional (MADRIX 2 or MADRIX 3) to MADRIX 5 License professional • Take advantage of the latest MADRIX 5...

€1,485.00 *

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MADRIX UPDATE ultimate 2.x oder ultimate 3.x -> ultimate 5.x

MADRIX UPDATE ultimate 2.x or ultimate 3.x -> ultimate 5.x

Software update from version ultimate 2/3 to ultimate 5 Update from ultimate (MADRIX 2 or MADRIX 3) to MADRIX 5 License ultimate • Take advantage of the latest MADRIX 5 Software • This...

€3,715.00 *

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MADRIX UPGRADE start -> entry

Software ugrade from "MADRIX start" to "MADRIX entry" version Upgrade from MADRIX 5 License start to MADRIX 5 License entry • Upgrade your MADRIX 5 License on your MADRIX...

€405.00 *

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MADRIX UPGRADE start -> basic

Software upgrade from "MADRIX start" to "MADRIX basic" version Upgrade from MADRIX 5 License start to MADRIX 5 License basic • Upgrade your MADRIX 5 License on your MADRIX...

€1,175.00 *

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MADRIX UPGRADE start -> professional

Software upgrade from "MADRIX start" to "MADRIX professional" version Upgrade from MADRIX 5 License start to MADRIX 5 License professional • Upgrade your MADRIX 5 License...

€2,959.00 *

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MADRIX UPGRADE start -> ultimate

Software upgrade from "MADRIX start" to "MADRIX ultimate" version Upgrade from MADRIX 5 License start to MADRIX 5 License ultimate • Upgrade your MADRIX 5 License on your...

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MADRIX UPGRADE start -> maximum

Software upgrade from "MADRIX start" to "MADRIX maximum" version Upgrade from MADRIX 5 License start to MADRIX 5 License maximum • Upgrade your MADRIX 5 License on your...

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MADRIX UPGRADE entry -> basic

Software upgrade from "MADRIX entry" to "MADRIX basic" version Upgrade from MADRIX 5 License entry to MADRIX 5 License basic • Upgrade your MADRIX 5 License on your MADRIX...

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MADRIX UPGRADE entry -> professional

Software upgrade from "MADRIX entry" to "MADRIX professional" version Upgrade from MADRIX 5 License entry to MADRIX 5 License professional • Upgrade your MADRIX 5 License...

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MADRIX UPGRADE entry -> ultimate

Software upgrade from "MADRIX entry" to "MADRIX ultimate" version Upgrade from MADRIX 5 License entry to MADRIX 5 License ultimate • Upgrade your MADRIX 5 License on your...

€7,079.00 *

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MADRIX UPGRADE entry -> maximum

Software upgrade from "MADRIX entry" to "MADRIX maximum" version Upgrade from MADRIX 5 License entry to MADRIX 5 License maximum • Upgrade your MADRIX 5 License on your...

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