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

beamZ DMX-240 Controller 192-Channel

A 192-Channel DMX lighting controller with jog wheels for easy use of pan & tilt. Equipped with 30 banks of 8 programmable scenes, 6 programmable chases of 240 scenes, a function for two...

€159.00 *

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DRAHTLOSE LÖSUNG CRMX-Upgrade für 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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DRAHTLOSE LÖSUNG CRMX-Upgrade für 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 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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Showtec Lampy 40 2U 2 Universe DMX Konsole mit 40 Fadern

Showtec Lampy 40 2U 2 Universe 40-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...

€2,812.08 *

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MADRIX Software 5 License preprogrammer

Includes 1x MADRIX KEY and 1x MADRIX 5 License preprogrammer • MADRIX 5 is a powerful, easy-to-use, and award-winning LED lighting control software • Allows you to realize all kinds of...

€116.84 *

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EUROLITE DXT PoE Art-Net Node I

Art-Net interface for control of 512 DMX channels Power supply via 48V PoE switch / PoE injector (802.3af) or 5V USB-C port • The apps' online fixture library is continuously updated and...

€179.00 *

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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...

€2,171.36 *

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ADJ mydmx GO

ADJ’s mydmx GO is a revolutionary new lighting control system that is extremely powerful and incredibly easy to use. It combines a uniquely intuitive app-based control surface with a compact...

€249.00 *

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beamZ STICK-CW4 WiFi DMX Wandmontage Interface

beamZ STICK-CW4 WiFi DMX Wall Mount Interface

The STICK-CW4 programmable lighting controller, for RGB and RGBW lighting, has been designed around a touch sensitive colour wheel. The controller is USB programmable from a PC or Mac using the...

€729.00 * €599.00 *

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Showtec NET-4/3 IP Art-Net-Node mit 4 Kanälen, XLR, 3-polig

SHOWTEC NET-4/3 IP 4-Channel Art-Net node - 3-pin XLR

4 Universes DMX input or output with RDM • Especially designed for truss mounting • Supports Art-Net and sACN protocols • IP65-rated housing and Seetronic connectors • Remote...

€425.00 *

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Showtec TED Pack Single BS13 1-Kanal Dimmerpack - UK-Ausgang

SHOWTEC TED Pack Single BS13 1-Channel Dimmer Pack - UK output

BS13 output connector (UK) • Leading and trailing edge dimming • 4 dimmer curves for conventional and LED lights • Special Effects mode with safety channel • Mounting holes on...

€165.00 *

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Showtec TED Pack BS13 4-Kanal Dimmerpack - UK-Ausgangen

SHOWTEC TED Pack BS13 4-Channel Dimmer Pack - UK outputs

BS13 output connectors (UK) • Leading and trailing edge dimming • 4 dimmer curves for conventional and LED lights • Special Effects mode with safety channel • Quick-Lock bracket...

€345.00 *

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Showtec TED Pack LC CEE 7/5 4-Kanal Dimmerpack mit lokaler Steuerung - FR/BE-Ausgangen

SHOWTEC TED Pack LC CEE 7/5 4-Channel Dimmer Pack with local control - FR/BE outputs

CEE 7/5 output connectors (FR/BE) • Leading and trailing edge dimming • 4 dimmer curves for conventional and LED lights • Special Effects mode with safety channel • Mounting...

€81.43 *

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Showtec TED Pack LC BS13 4-Kanal Dimmerpack mit lokaler Steuerung - UK-Ausgangen

SHOWTEC TED Pack LC BS13 4-Channel Dimmer Pack with local control - UK outputs

BS13 output connectors (UK) • Leading and trailing edge dimming • 4 dimmer curves for conventional and LED lights • Special Effects mode with safety channel • Quick-Lock bracket...

€365.00 *

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Showtec LAMPY Re-Load 4 Erweiterungsset mit 4 Universen

SHOWTEC LAMPY Re-Load 4 4-Universe expansion kit

Expansion kit for LAMPY consoles • 4 Additional universes (2048 channels) • 3 and 5-pin connectors for each universe • Plug and play • The LAMPY Re-Load 4 is a plug-and-play...

€539.00 *

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LASERWORLD Showcontroller PLUS Software-Lizenzdongle

LASERWORLD Showcontroller PLUS Software License Dongle

Control via ILDA • The device can be connected via USB to the PC • For further information about this product, please refer to the Data Sheet under "Downloads" • IP...

€649.00 *

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DMT LS-125 MKIII (GX4 Pro) LED Processor

HDMI, DVI, VGA, and CVBS inputs • Supports up to 1080p/60Hz via DVI or HDMI • Linsn Sendercard built in • Optional 3G-SDI/DVI/HDMI/DP/CVBS/VGA/USB/audio-input modules • The...

€2,299.00 *

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ADJ Pixie Driver 8000

Pixie Driver 8000 is designed specifically for the ADJ Pixie Strip 30, Pixie Strip 60, and Pixie Strip 120. It provides easy and versatile control options including simple on-board manual dimming...

€1,399.00 *

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FUTURELIGHT WDS-CRMX TX Drahtlos-DMX-Transceiver

FUTURELIGHT WDS-CRMX TX Wireless DMX Transceiver

Wireless DMX system (2.4 GHz) - compact transceiver with CRMX unit Transceiver, to be used as transmitter or receiver • Control via CRMX by LumenRadio; W-DMX by wireless solution...

€249.00 *

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FUTURELIGHT WDS-CRMX Duo TX Drahtlos-DMX-Transceiver

FUTURELIGHT WDS-CRMX Duo TX Wireless DMX Transceiver

Wireless DMX system 2.4 GHz - two transceivers with CRMX unit in 19" housing Transceiver, to be used as transmitter or receiver • Control via CRMX by LumenRadio; W-DMX by wireless...

€499.00 *

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Lumenradio MoonLite Wiederaufladbarer DMX/RDM-Transceiver mit Bluetooth

Lumenradio MoonLite Rechargeable DMX/RDM transceiver with Bluetooth

Wireless DMX transceiver with CRMX technology • Bluetooth connectivity with app control • Colour-coded pairing • Internal rechargeable battery • The LumenRadio MoonLite is a...

€649.00 *

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