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 Quick DMX Rack 1024 - 1024 Kanäle

SHOWTEC Quick DMX Rack 1024 1024 Channels

1024-channel output • Internal clock / calendar • 8 external trigger contacts • Including IR remote and external IR sensor • Quick DMX provides the ultimate solution for...

€585.00 *

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

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SHOWTEC SPI-2 Install DIN rail

Wide range input voltage • 2x 960 pixel outputs • Remote setup interface • Art-Net, sACN and DMX512 control • DIN EN43880 form factor • DIN EN60715 rail system • The...

€195.00 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SHOWTEC LED Dim-8 Install DIN rail

Wide range input voltage • 2 PWM Groups (RGBW) • Selectable PWM frequency • IR Remote control (50547) • DIN EN43880 form factor • DIN EN60715 rail system • The Showtec...

€195.00 *

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

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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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[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SHOWTEC Booster-4 Install DIN Rail

Wide range DC input voltage • Fully isolated inputs and outputs • RDM compliant • DIN EN43880 form factor • DIN EN60715 rail system • The Showtec Booster-4 Install is the...

€187.47 *

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[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec NET-2 Panel - 3-polig, schwarzes Gehäuse

SHOWTEC NET-2 Panel 3-pin - black housing

Supports Art-Net and sACN protocol • 2 universes DMX input or output • Remote setup interface • PoE (IEEE 802.3 Af) • The Showtec NET-2 Panel nodes are cutting-edge network...

€189.00 *

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[International shipping costs]

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec NET-2 Panel - 5-polig, schwarzes Gehäuse

SHOWTEC NET-2 Panel 5-pin - black housing

Supports Art-Net and sACN protocol • 2 universes DMX input or output • Remote setup interface • PoE (IEEE 802.3 Af) • The Showtec NET-2 Panel nodes are cutting-edge network...

€189.00 *

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[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec NET-2 Panel - 3-polig, weißes Gehäuse

SHOWTEC NET-2 Panel 3-pin - white housing

Supports Art-Net and sACN protocol • 2 universes DMX input or output • Remote setup interface • PoE (IEEE 802.3 Af) • The Showtec NET-2 Panel nodes are cutting-edge network...

€189.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec NET-2 Panel - 5-polig, weißes Gehäuse

SHOWTEC NET-2 Panel 5-pin - white housing

Supports Art-Net and sACN protocol • 2 universes DMX input and output • Remote setup interface • PoE (IEEE 802.3 Af) • The Showtec NET-2 Panel nodes are cutting-edge network...

€189.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SHOWTEC NET-2 Install DIN Rail

Wide range input voltage • 2 universes DMX input or output • Supports Art-Net and sACN • Remote setup interface • POE (IEEE 802.3 Af) • DIN EN43880 form factor • DIN...

€195.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

SHOWTEC TR-512 Install DIN Rail

Compatible with Wall Panel Remote (50827/50828) • Bi-directional communication to wall panel • 6 external universal triggers (GPIO) • Optical isolated DMX ports • Record and...

€196.68 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

ARNOLD LICHTTECHNIK Mirror Ball Motor Controller

: Power Supply: 240 V AC 50/60 Hz • Power Consumption: 10 W • Power Connector In: XLR 3P • DMX Connector: XLR 5P In/Out • DMX Connector In: XLR 5P • DMX Connector Out: XLR...

€765.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Artecta Play-XV Wall Controller RGBW - DMX-512, 4 Zonen, 12-24 VDC, weiß

ARTECTA Play-XV Wall Panel RGBW WiFi-DMX White 4 zones

Control up to 4 zones, each with 4 channels • RF by Touch and Wi-Fi to DMX by Easy Lighting APP • Generates DMX signals • Touch sensitive • Intended for installation in...

€115.43 *

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[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE EDX-4 DMX RDM LED Dimmer Pack

4-channel dimmer for LED lights with 230 V operation Trailing edge dimmer with 4 channels • Max. channel load 200 watts • Independent DMX addressing per channel possible • Dimmer or...

€159.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE EASY Show

Programmed DMX controller for over 200 spotlights from EUROLITE Easy-to-use DMX controller and DMX recorder • Designed for DMX beginners with 200 programmed fixtures • DMX recording...

Express delivery possible

€211.36 *

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[International shipping costs]

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

EUROLITE AKKU QuickDMX Wireless Receiver

Battery-powered wireless DMX receiver 2.4 GHz Compact 3-pin XLR adapter (female) with built-in antenna • Wireless DMX eliminates extensive cabling between DMX controller and the DMX-controlled...

€69.90 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DMX Power Splitter 4x4 3-pol XLR

EUROLITE DMX Power Splitter 4x4 3-pin XLR

The 4-fold splitter is designed for reliable distribution of DMX512 signals and operation voltage (max. 16 A). The unit features one DMX input and four DMX outputs with status indicators as well as...

€149.00 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DMX Power Splitter 4x4 5-pol XLR

EUROLITE DMX Power Splitter 4x4 5-pin XLR

The 4-fold splitter is designed for reliable distribution of DMX512 signals and operation voltage (max. 16 A). The unit features one DMX input and four DMX outputs with status indicators as well as...

€149.00 *

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Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DXT DMX Pixel Art-Net Node II

The DXT DMX Pixel Art-Net Node II is part of Eurolite's DXT series, which consists of high-performance and reliable DMX tools made in Germany. The Node II features two channels that can output...

€239.00 *

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Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE Montagerahmen für DXT Serie 2x (19")

EUROLITE Mounting Frame for DXT Series 2x (19")

Rack mounting frame Mounting frame for the installation of two DXT units • (19") 48.3 cm rack installation 1 U • Type: Rack mounting • Housing design: (19") 48.3 cm rack...

€13.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days