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...

€2,530.73 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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...

€2,870.28 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

ADJ USB Lite Led Pro

The successor of our popular USB Gooseneck light. Now Dimmable! : Long life LED gooseneck light • Dimming and power on/off via touch button on shell • USB connector for standard use with...

€9.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Low stock; Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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 *

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

Availability:

Low stock; Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

ADJ Link

ADJ LINK is a 4-universe controller designed to control DMX devices with control from the dedicated Airstream LINK iOS App for iPad. ADJ LINK creates a private standalone 2.4 or 5 GHz DSSS (Direct...

€789.00 * €679.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

ADJ UNI PAK MKII

Truss mountable • 10 A dimmer • Switch or dimm • HTP Fader • Channel limiter • Power failure memory • External HTP port • : Standard DMX-512 protocol • Dim...

Express delivery possible

€69.00 *

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

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

EUROLITE Ambience Control 1 RGBW 24V

Compact controller for RGB/W+CCT LEDs (24V) Simple control of multiple LED types • Controls single- and multi-colored LEDs (CCT, RGB, RGBW, RGB+CCT) as desired • Max. load 150 watts...

€199.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE Ambience Control 4 RGBW 24V

4-zone controller for RGB/W+CCT LEDs (24V) Simple control of multiple LED types • Controls single- and multi-colored LEDs (CCT, RGB, RGBW, RGB+CCT) as desired • 4 individually...

€499.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DMX Split 4 Mini Splitter 3pol

This compact 4-fold splitter is designed for reliable distribution of DMX512 signals in rigs. The unit features 3-pin XLR connectors with status indicators, and a M10 threaded insert for truss...

€109.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

ChamSys QuickQ 10 light controller

Specification: DMX universes: 1 • DMX outputs 5-pin XLR: 1 • Master playback fader: 2 chase faders, 1 cue stack • Multifunction fixture fader: 20 • Attribute encoder: 0...

Express delivery possible

€1,959.00 * €1,899.00 *

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

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Low stock; Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

ChamSys Quick Q 20 Lightcontroller

Hardware : Universes supported: 2 • Direct DMX Outputs 5-Pin XLR: 2 • Master Playback Faders: 10 • Multi-Function Fixture Faders: 20 • Bump Buttons: Yes • Attribute...

€2,998.00 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

ChamSys Quick Q 30 Lightcontroller

Hardware : Universes supported: 4 • Direct DMX Outputs 5-Pin XLR: 3 • Master Playback Faders: 10 • Multi-Function Fixture Faders: 40 • Bump Buttons: Yes • Attribute...

€3,759.00 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Cameo DVC PRO - 1024-Kanal USB zu DMX-Interface mit WiFi-Access und Steuer

Cameo DVC PRO - 1024-Channel USB zu DMX-Interface with WiFi Access and

1024-Channel USB zu DMX-Interface with WiFi Access and Control Software USB interface with 1024 DMX channels in live mode (extendable via ArtNet) • Integrated Flash memory for 256 DMX channels...

€399.00 *

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

Availability:

Near-term available
Delivery time: approx. 1 week

Delivery time: approx. 1 week

EUROLITE EDX-1 DMX USB Dimmer Pack

The EDX-1 DMX USB is a compact 1-channel dimmer to control the brightness of spotlights on stage or in clubs. It can be controlled via DMX signal from a light console and supports QuickDMX for...

€89.90 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE Set LED Strip 5in1 WiFi Controller + Fernbedienung Zone

EUROLITE Set LED Strip 5in1 WiFi Controller + Remote Control Zone

EUROLITE LED Strip 5in1 WiFi Controller Smart 5-channel Wi-Fi controller for RGB/W+CCT LEDs with app, Alexa & Google control LED controller with Wi-Fi technology for a smart home • 5-in-1...

€54.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Truss Booster IP 1-4 DMX, 3-polig

SHOWTEC Truss Booster IP 1-4 3-pin DMX

DMX/RDM splitter for 4 outputs (galvanically isolated) • Especially designed for truss mounting • Supports Remote Device Management (RDM) Protocol • IP65-rated housing and Seetronic...

€335.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec Truss Booster IP 1-4 DMX, 5-polig

SHOWTEC Truss Booster IP 1-4 5-pin DMX

DMX/RDM splitter for 4 outputs (galvanically isolated) • Especially designed for truss mounting • Supports Remote Device Management (RDM) Protocol • IP65-rated housing and Seetronic...

€345.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

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 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec NET-4/5 IP Art-Net-Node mit 4 Kanälen, XLR, 5-polig

SHOWTEC NET-4/5 IP 4-Channel Art-Net node - 5-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...

€415.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec TED Pack Single CEE 7/5 1-Kanal Dimmerpack - FR/BE-Ausgang

SHOWTEC TED Pack Single CEE 7/5 1-Channel Dimmer Pack - FR/BE output

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

€159.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec TED Pack IP Dimmer Pack, 2 Kanäle, 3-poliger DMX/RDM

SHOWTEC TED Pack IP 2-Channel Dimmer Pack - 5-pin DMX/RDM

Leading and trailing edge dimming • Especially designed for truss mounting • 4 Dimmer curves for incandescent and LED lights • IP65-rated housing and Seetronic connectors...

€325.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec ColorCue 1 Air Intelligenter, batteriebetriebener LED-Controller mit Wireless DMX

SHOWTEC ColorCue 1 Air Intelligent single-fader, 6-colour, battery-powered LED Controller with

Intelligent single-fader LED DMX controller with wireless DMX • Internal battery for up to 12 hours of operation • Suitable for 3 to 6 colour LEDs • 12 fixed and 12 user colours...

€219.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec ColorCue 2 Air Intelligenter, batteriebetriebener LED-Controller mit Wireless DMX

SHOWTEC ColorCue 2 Air Intelligent 6-fader, 6-colour, battery-powered LED Controller with wireless

Intelligent 6-fader LED DMX controller with wireless DMX • Internal battery for up to 12 hours of operation • Suitable for 3 to 6 colour LEDs • 20 fixed and 20 user colours • 20...

€255.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days