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 NEBULA

USB and Artnet interface to control pixels of LED strips, LED stripes, and LED tape MADRIX NEBULA is a hardware interface to control your digital LED strips, LED stripes, and LED tape...

€345.00 *

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MADRIX STELLA

USB and Artnet interface to control two DMX universes with Madrix MADRIX STELLA is a flexible 2-port network node to control LED fixtures • Receives data over Ethernet network (Art-Net and/or...

€429.00 *

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MADRIX USB SMPTE

USB cable for sending SMPTE time code to the MADRIX software MADRIX I/O products are supplementary input and output devices for the MADRIX Software. • External equipment, such as sensors,...

€299.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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MADRIX Software 5 License entry

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

€439.00 *

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

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Currently not available

Arkaos LED Master Box

Easy LED-show software for PC or MAC • Supports Kling-Net, MIDI, Art-Net and DMX • 3 modes (mapping, programming and performance) • Timeline based editor • Live Pattern...

€449.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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GrandVJ XT (Upgrade) GrandVJ upgrade to XT version

Arkaos GrandVJ XT Upgrade

Upgrade from GrandVJ to GrandVJ XT. GrandVJ XT adds expert features such as the Video Mapper extension, allowing projection mapping and advanced management of multiple displays. : AV Software...

€395.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Arkaos Mediamaster Express 5 license

ArKaos MediaMaster Express 5 license The ArKaos MediaMaster Express 5 license is a powerful media server software for easy and flexible real-time control of videos, graphics and effects. Ideal for...

€795.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
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Arkaos Mediamaster Express 5 Backup-Lizenz

Arkaos Mediamaster Express 5 backup license

ArKaos MediaMaster Express 5 backup license The ArKaos MediaMaster Express 5 Backup license is the ideal solution for securing existing MediaMaster Express 5 installations. It offers full...

€285.00 *

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Arkaos Mediamaster Pro 5 - License

ArKaos MediaMaster Pro 5 license The ArKaos MediaMaster Pro 5 license is the professional software solution for impressive video mapping, live visuals and media control. With powerful features, an...

€1,925.00 *

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Arkaos Mediamaster Pro 5 backup license

ArKaos MediaMaster Pro 5 Backup License The ArKaos MediaMaster Pro 5 Backup license offers an additional level of security for existing MediaMaster Pro 5 users. It allows a parallel installation on...

€749.00 *

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Arkaos Mediamaster Pro 5 Upgrade von Pro 4

Arkaos Mediamaster Pro 5 - Upgrade from Pro 4

Upgrade for ArKaos MediaMaster Pro 5 – From Pro 4 license The ArKaos MediaMaster Pro 5 Upgrade allows you to update an existing Pro 4 license to the latest version of MediaMaster Pro 5. This...

€465.00 *

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Arkaos Mediamaster Pro 5 Upgrade von MME 5 license

Arkaos Mediamaster Pro 5 Upgrade from MME 5 license

Upgrade for ArKaos MediaMaster Pro 5 – From MME 5 license The ArKaos MediaMaster Pro 5 Upgrade makes it easy to quickly update from an existing MME 5 license to the powerful MediaMaster Pro 5...

€1,835.00 *

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Arkaos GrandVJ XT Full version License

Complete live video mixing software for pro Lighting Designers • Video Mapper extension • Allows projection mapping and advanced management of multiple displays • Mix up to 16 layers...

€455.00 *

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American DJ myDMX-RM

American DJ myDMX-RM ADJ’s myDMX 3.0 is a multi-platform DMX control software/hardware system (Windows and OSX Mac compatible). myDMX RM has a new, robust, 19” rack mount, hardware...

€239.00 *

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SHOWTEC ColorCue 4 Intelligent 48-fader, 6-colour LED controller

Intelligent 48-fader LED DMX controller • Suitable for 3 to 6 colour LEDs • 48 user colours • 48 user chases with up to 99 steps • Manual, Auto run and Sound-controlled mode...

€365.00 *

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EUROLITE DXT Programmier/Strom-Einspeiser Pixel Converter

EUROLITE DXT Programming/Power-Feeder Pixel Converter

A simple way to power the "DXT DMX Pixel Converter PRO" while configuration on your PC. There is no need for a seperate powersupply, just another spare USB port. Do not connet an LED...

€13.50 *

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Sunlite FC Suite First Class

Sunlite Basic Class, 1 XLR Compact Design, Suite3 Express, 256ch POWERFUL AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIGHTING CONTROL SOLUTION SUNLITE-FC With 1536 DMX channels (expandable to 2048) on 4 XLR connectors,...

€749.00 *

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Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Daslight DVC GZM

Daslight DVC GZM Product Details The Daslight software is free to download, but requires a Daslight USB or Ethernet interface to convert the data from the software to DMX so the fixtures can...

€699.00 * €679.00 *

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[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Wireless solutions CRMX Upgrade for G6 R-512 Lizenz für LumenRadio-Kompatibilität

WIRELESS SOLUTION CRMX Upgrade for G6 R-512 License for LumenRadio compatibility

Compatibility key for Lumens Radio CRMX transmitters • Suitable for BlackBox R-512 G6 • Quick installation via W-DMX Configurator app • The CRMX Upgrade for R-512 G6 enables you to...

€109.00 *

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Wireless solutions CRMX Upgrade for G6 F-1/F-2 Lizenz für LumenRadio-Kompatibilität

WIRELESS SOLUTION CRMX Upgrade for G6 F-1/F-2 License for LumenRadio compatibility

Compatibility key for Lumens Radio CRMX transmitters • Suitable for BlackBox F-1 G6 / F-2 G6 • Quick installation via W-DMX Configurator app • The CRMX Upgrade for F-1/F-2 G6 enables...

€185.00 *

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Showtec Dust Cover for Lampy 20 Stoff - schwarz

SHOWTEC Dust Cover for LAMPY 20 Incl. LAMPY logo

Cover for LAMPY 20 • Protecting against dust and splashing liquid • Fabric • Black • The Showtec LAMPY DMX lighting controller: Maximise creativity! The Showtec LAMPY light...

€56.24 *

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Showtec Lampy 20 1U 1 Universe DMX-Konsole mit 20 Fädern

SHOWTEC LAMPY 20 1U 1-Universe 20-fader DMX console

512 channel DMX console • 10.1" touchscreen with Fixture View and Quick Colour Picker • Multicolour indicator LEDs and 4 encoder wheels with 1.3" display • Complete...

€2,495.00 *

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Showtec Lampy 20 2U 2 Universe DMX-Konsole mit 20 Fädern

Showtec Lampy 20 2U 2 Universe 20-fader DMX console

1024-channel two universe DMX console • 10.1" touchscreen with Fixture View and Quick Colour Picker • Multicolour indicator LEDs and 4 encoder wheels with 1.3" display...

€2,455.00 *

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Showtec Lampy 40 1U 1 Universe DMX Konsole mit 40 Fadern

Showtec Lampy 40 1U 1 Universe 40-fader DMX console

512 channel DMX console • 10.1" touchscreen with Fixture View and Quick Colour Picker • Multicolour indicator LEDs and 4 encoder wheels with 1.3" display • Complete...

€2,879.00 *

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Availability:

Currently not available;
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