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 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 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available;
Article is coming soon

Currently not available

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 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Smoke Factory DMX IT 1 channel BOX

DMX IT 1 channel BOX External DMX to analog converter with 4 pin. XLR Anschluss The Smoke Factory DXM IT1 is a DMX converter that can be used to control devices without integrated DMX but with a...

€117.90 *

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

Availability:

Not in stock
Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2 weeks

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...

€595.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

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...

€2,870.28 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Artecta LED DIM-5 RDM 5 Kanäle, Neutrik, XLR, 3-polig & RJ45

ARTECTA LED DIM-5 RDM 5 channels Neutrik XLR 3-pin & RJ45

5-channel LED DMX controller with RDM • 3-pin XLR, RJ45, and screw terminal in/outputs • 12-24 V DC / 8 A per channel • Adjustable PWM (500 Hz - 35 kHz) • 32 built-in programs...

€80.75 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Showtec TED Pack CEE 7/5 4-Kanal Dimmerpack - FR/BE-Ausgangen

SHOWTEC TED Pack CEE 7/5 4-Channel Dimmer Pack - 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...

€50.92 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

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 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

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 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

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 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

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 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

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 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

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 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Showtec AirDrive 2.4 Pocket 5-poliger XLR-DMX-Transceiver

SHOWTEC AirDrive 2.4 Pocket 5-pin XLR DMX transceiver

Wireless DMX G3 and G4 transmitter and G3, G4S & CRMX receiver modes • Quick and easy setup • M10 and 3/8” mounting threads • Compatible with the Showtec AirDrive 2.4 IP...

€185.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Lumenradio Galileo RX W-DMX-Empfänger für DIN-Schiene mit Bluetooth und einem Universum

LUMENRADIO Galileo RX Single Universe DIN rail W-DMX Receiver with Bluetooth

Wireless DMX receiver with CRMX technology for DIN rail • W-DMX with RDM • Bluetooth 5.0 for configuration via app • Easy to install • The LumenRadio Galileo RX is a W-DMX/RDM...

€779.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Lumenradio Galileo TX W-DMX-Sender für DIN-Schiene mit Bluetooth und einem Universum

LUMENRADIO Galileo TX Single Universe DIN-rail W-DMX Transmitter with Bluetooth

Wireless DMX transmitter with CRMX technology for DIN rail • W-DMX with RDM • Bluetooth 5.0 for configuration via app • Easy to install • The LumenRadio Galileo TX is a...

€1,169.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Lumenradio CRMX Slim TX DMX/RDM-Sender mit DALI/DSI und IP65

LUMENRADIO CRMX Slim TX IP65 DMX Transmitter with DALI/DSI

Small IP65 Wireless DMX/RDM transmitter with CRMX technology • DALI/DSI • Up to 1000 m link range • 5 ms latency • Automated Cognitive Coexistence • The LumenRadio CRMX...

€1,225.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Aurora/Luna Rack Mount Für LumenRadio Aurora/Luna

Aurora/Luna Rack Mount For LumenRadio Aurora/Luna

For mounting LumenRadio Aurora or Luna in a 19" rack • Nice and clean appearance • With the LumenRadio Aurora & Luna Rack Mount you can mount a single Aurora or Luna in a...

€32.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Lumenradio CRMX Outdoor RX RDM-Empfänger mit IP67

LUMENRADIO CRMX Outdoor RX IP67 RDM Receiver

Vandal proof IP67 Wireless DMX receiver with CRMX technology • W-DMX with RDM • 5 ms latency • The LumenRadio CRMX Outdoor RX is an IP67 outdoor DMX/RDM receiver for one universe...

€1,139.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Lumenradio CRMX Outdoor Flex RDM/Ethernet-Transceiver mit IP67

LUMENRADIO CRMX Outdoor Flex IP67 RDM/Ethernet Transceiver

Vandal proof IP67 Wireless DMX transceiver with CRMX technology • Repeater function • Ethernet and Wired DMX input/output • PoE support • W-DMX with RDM • 5 ms latency...

€2,025.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Nicolaudie Architectural Netzteil für Stick-Serie für Nicolaudie Stick-Serie

NICOLAUDIE ARCHITECTURAL Power supply for Stick series for Nicolaudie Stick series

Compact PSU • This is a dedicated power supply for Nicolaudie’s Stick series. The compact housing makes it easy to integrate into any setup. : Power Supply: 100-240 V AC 50/60 Hz (Power...

€31.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

Nicolaudie Architectural DINA - DR2, fortschrittlicher Beleuchtungsregler für die DIN-Schienenmontage

NICOLAUDIE ARCHITECTURAL DINA - DR2 DIN-rail-mounted, advanced lighting controller

2 DMX outputs / 1024 DMX channels (optional upgrade to 1536 channels) • Trigger scenes/cues via 11 GPIO inputs, time-based or automatically • MicroSD Card slot (up to 32 GB) • DIN...

€1,335.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

Nicolaudie Architectural NATOUCH-1 Wandmontierter Touchscreen

NICOLAUDIE ARCHITECTURAL NATOUCH-1 Wall-mounted touchscreen

7-inch capacitive touchscreen • Connect via Ethernet or Wi-Fi • Pre- installed apps (Acrolis Remote / Acrolis Remote Pro / Acrolis Designer) • Power supply included • Wall mount...

€1,085.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available

DIN-Schienen-Gehäuse IP67 Außenschutz für auf DIN-Schienen montierte LumenRadio-Produkte

DIN Rail IP67 Enclosure Outdoor protection for DIN rail mounted LumenRadio products

IP67 and UL 746C for outdoor use • 6 module wide DIN rail • RP-SMA male to N female antenna connector • Cable glands and moisture vent • The LumenRadio DIN Rail IP67 Enclosure...

€179.00 *

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

Availability:

Currently not available