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

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

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-4/5 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

DAP-Audio Keypad for LED Control of Silent Disco Headphones Für den DAP Silent Disco Transmitter

DAP-Audio Keypad for LED Control of Silent Disco Headphones For DAP Silent Disco Transmitter

Controls the LEDs of the DAP Silent Disco Headphones via the Silent Disco Transmitter • 16 buttons with pre-defined settings • Extra-long connection cable (8 m) • The DAP Keypad for...

€18.02 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Sunlite SUSHI-Z1 USB-DMX Interface

Sunlite SUSHI-Z1 USB DMX Interface The SUSHI-Z1 is an extremely compact and robust USB DMX interface. The package includes several DMX software/apps. Simply install them on your computer or Android...

Express delivery possible

€49.00 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Express delivery possible

Availability:

Low stock; Delivery time: 1-3 days

Delivery time: 1-3 days

ADJ D4 Branch RM

The D4 Branch RM™ is a single rack space, 4-way distributor/booster with 3pin and 5pin XLR input and output jacks. This unit takes the incoming DMX signal and splits it to four (4) separate...

€119.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DMX Split 8X RDM Splitter

Splitter (RDM) with 8 galvanically isolated outputs, 3/5-pin & QuickDMX XLR sockets DMX splitter for splitting one DMX input signal to 8 DMX outputs • Switchable filter mode allows all RDM...

€209.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE USB/LAN-DMX 2x512ch Interface

DMX/Art-Net interface via USB and Ethernet LAN with software bundle, 1024 channels DMX Control (show lighting) • LED PC Control (architectural lighting) • Pixel Control (pixel mapping and...

€279.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE TOUCH-512 Stand-alone Player

DMX wall controller with multi-function touchpad and software, 512 channels Flat, wall-mounted stand-alone player for DMX control of light effects without the need for a computer • Write a...

€249.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DXT Pixel Art-Net Node IV

Art-Net interface for control of 50000 digital LED channels Can receive and process up to 2048 DMX channels • 1 to 6 colors per pixel • Supports pixel groups (1 - 9999) • Control via...

€159.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

EUROLITE DMX Commander 512

Modern theater lighting console for 512 DMX channels, separate dimmer faders for scenes & chases Designed for moving lights, lighting effects, LED spot lights and dimmers • 57...

€649.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Swisson RDM Controller XMT-500, Set incl. Nylon Tasche + 2 x XLR-Adapter

Swisson RDM Controller XMT-500, set incl. nylon bag + 2 x XLR adapters

SWISSON XMT-500 set - DMX Measurement Tool / Tester & RDM Ethernet Controller incl. Case & Adapters The basic functions of the XMT-500 include useful functions for DMX, RDM, Art-Net, sACN,...

Express delivery possible

€829.00 *

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

beamZ SUSHI-Z1 DMX Interface

Transform your computer into a powerful lighting controller!The SUSHI-Z1 is not only one of the most compact DMX interfaces on the market, it comes complete with the software needed to start...

€52.00 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

beamZ Pro WTR10 Hybrid drahtloser DMX-Transceiver

beamZ Pro WTR10 Hybrid wireless DMX transceiver

The WTR10 Hybrid wireless DMX transceiver guarantees a reliable wireless DMX lighting setup and provides a cable-free environment. Operating seamlessly on the 2.4GHz frequency band, the WTR10...

€149.00 *

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

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days