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 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 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Dust Cover for Lampy 40 Stoff - schwarz

SHOWTEC Dust Cover for LAMPY 40 Incl. LAMPY logo

Cover for LAMPY 40 • Protecting against dust and splashing liquid • Fabric • Black • The Showtec LAMPY DMX lighting controller: Maximise creativity! The Showtec LAMPY light...

€67.65 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Wall Panel Remote for TR-512 Install/Pocket Schwarze Frontplatte

SHOWTEC Wall Panel Remote for TR-512 Install/Pocket Black front panel

Suitable ONLY for use with TR-512 Install & Pocket (50823/50826) • 6 playback buttons • Data & power over RJ45 connector • Trigger status indication via backlight...

€67.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Wall Panel Remote for TR-512 Install/Pocket Silberne Frontplatte

SHOWTEC Wall Panel Remote for TR-512 Install/Pocket Silver front panel

Suitable ONLY for use with TR-512 Install & Pocket (50823/50826) • 6 playback buttons • Data & power over RJ45 connector • Trigger status indication via backlight...

€70.50 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Artecta RF + Bluetooth Wall Remote Control 2 zonen

ARTECTA RF + Bluetooth Wall Remote Control 2 zones

RF and Bluetooth connectivity • Control 2 zones • Quick and easy pairing with Bluetooth and RF receivers • Intended for installation in flush-mounted junction box • This Artecta...

€40.07 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Artecta RGB+CCT Handheld Remote RF- und Bluetooth-Konnektivität

ARTECTA RGB+CCT Handheld Remote RF & Bluetooth connectivity

Suitable for RGB(W), RGB+CCT, DIM & CCT devices with RF/BT receiver • Battery operated with low power consumption • Control 3 zones • 5 dynamically programmable scenes...

€50.15 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Single WDP-1 Pro Drahtloses 1-Kanal-Dimming-Paket

SHOWTEC Single WDP-1 Pro 1-Channel Wireless Dimming Pack

Wireless DMX receiver built-in • Applicable as W-DMX receiver • powerCON TRUE1 Input • 5-pin DMX connectors • CEE 16 A 3-pin output (max 10 A output) • The Single WDP-1 is...

€156.19 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Truss Booster RDM 1-6 XLR, 3-polig

SHOWTEC Truss Booster RDM 1-6 3-pin XLR

Small Design for easy truss mounting • DMX/RDM splitter for 6 outputs (galvanically isolated) • Power Pro in/out • Supports Remote Device Management (RDM) Protocol • The Truss...

Express delivery possible

€269.00 * €230.00 *

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

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Showtec Truss Booster RDM 1-6 XLR, 5-polig

SHOWTEC Truss Booster RDM 1-6 5-pin XLR

Small Design for easy truss mounting • DMX/RDM splitter for 6 outputs (galvanically isolated) • Power Pro in/out • Supports Remote Device Management (RDM) Protocol • The Truss...

€269.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec NET-2/5 Pocket Artnet-Node mit 2 Kanälen, XLR, 5-polig

SHOWTEC NET-2/5 Pocket 2-Channel Art-Net node - 5-pin XLR

Supports Art-Net and sACN protocol • 2 universes DMX input or output • Remote Setup Interface • PoE (IEEE 802.3 Af) • The Showtec NET-2/3 Pocket and NET-2/5 Pocket nodes are...

€189.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec TR-512 Pocket DMX-Trigger/Rekorder

SHOWTEC TR-512 Pocket DMX Trigger/Recorder

Compatible with TR-512 Install/Pocket (50827/50828) • Bi-directional communication to Wall Panel Remote • 6 External universal triggers (GPIO) • Optically isolated DMX ports...

€191.37 * €185.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

INFINITY SideKick Chimp OnPC Wing

Console for Chimp OnPC • Suitable for preparing your show at any location • Releases 2 universes (Art-Net and sACN) • USB powered • Lightweight • Chimp G2, the Next Stage:...

€2,349.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Infinity Peanut Box Chimp 4-Universum Erweiterungssatz

INFINITY Peanut Box Chimp 4-universe expansion kit

Expansion kit for Infinity Chimp and OnPC software • 4 Additional universes (2048 channels) • DMX, Art-Net & sACN • Connectors for audio and midi • Enables SMTPE timecode...

€1,237.27 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Cameo DVC CUE - Programmierbares 1024-Kanal DMX-Interface mit beleuchtetem Bedienfeld

Cameo DVC CUE - Programmable 1024-Channel DMX-Interface with Backlit Keyboard

Programmable 1024-Channel DMX-Interface with Backlit Keyboard 2x DMX512 universes in live mode (computer/tablet) and standalone mode • Expandable from 2 to 4 DMX512 universes (2048 DMX...

€425.00 * €389.00 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

EUROLITE Set QuickDMX 1x Sender + 2x AKKU Empfänger

EUROLITE Set QuickDMX 1x transmitter + 2x AKKU receiver

EUROLITE QuickDMX Wireless Transmitter Compact wireless DMX transmitter 2.4 GHz User-friendly 3-pin XLR adapter (male) with swivel antenna • Wireless DMX eliminates extensive cabling between...

€199.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE Set QuickDMX 1x Sender + 4x AKKU Empfänger

EUROLITE Set QuickDMX 1x transmitter + 4x AKKU receiver

EUROLITE QuickDMX Wireless Transmitter Compact wireless DMX transmitter 2.4 GHz User-friendly 3-pin XLR adapter (male) with swivel antenna • Wireless DMX eliminates extensive cabling between...

€335.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE Set QuickDMX 1x Sender + 6x AKKU Empfänger

EUROLITE Set QuickDMX 1x transmitter + 6x AKKU receiver

EUROLITE QuickDMX Wireless Transmitter Compact wireless DMX transmitter 2.4 GHz User-friendly 3-pin XLR adapter (male) with swivel antenna • Wireless DMX eliminates extensive cabling between...

€479.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

FUTURELIGHT WDR USB Drahtlos-DMX-Empfänger

FUTURELIGHT WDR USB Wireless DMX Receiver

Wireless miniature DMX receiver with LumenRadio technology, 2.4 GHz User-friendly USB plug with swivel antenna • Can be used with all EUROLITE/FUTURELIGHT fixtures with WirelessDMX USB port...

Express delivery possible

€79.90 *

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

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

EUROLITE QuickDMX Outdoor Funksender/Empfänger

EUROLITE QuickDMX Outdoor Wireless Transmitter/Receiver

Weather-proof wireless DMX transceiver, IP65 Auto-switching transceiver • Adaptive frequency hopping ensures interference-free operation in the 2.4 GHz band • Multicolored LED indicator...

€189.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

Delivery time: approx. 2-3 weeks

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 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Remote Interlock for Solaris Effect Laser Verschlüsselt, mit RJ45

SHOWTEC Remote Interlock for Solaris Effect Laser Keyed, with RJ45

RJ45 connector • For Showtec Solaris laser effects • With unlocking key • The Remote Interlock for Solaris Effect Laser is a keyed security stop for the Showtec Solaris range of...

€146.55 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Artecta RGB+CCT Handheld Remote Zigbee Konnektivität

ARTECTA RGB+CCT Handheld Remote Zigbee connectivity

Suitable for RGB(W), RGB+CCT, DIM and CCT devices with Zigbee receiver • Battery operated with low power consumption • Supports 3 zones • 5 dynamically programmable scenes...

€50.83 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec LED Dim Pro IR Remote Für LED Dim Pro und LED Dim-8 Install

SHOWTEC LED Dim Pro IR Remote For LED Dim Pro and LED Dim-8 Install

IR Remote for LED Dim Pro and LED Dim-8 Install • Changes colours, brightness, scenes, and speeds • Including battery • Dedicated IR-remote for the LED Dim Pro (A9915040) and the LED...

€2.55 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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...

€2,171.36 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days