Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Light Controllers
In order to support your performance optimally with lighting technology, there is a unified, standardized signal for controlling the used lamps. With a DMX controller, you have full control over brightness, color, and light direction of the light sources.
What is a DMX Signal?
DMX, specifically DMX 512 signal, stands for "Digital Multiplex" and is a standardized control signal used in lighting technology to address lamps. On 512 channels, functions can be controlled, which vary depending on the type of lamp, using a light controller.
Brightness (dimmer), color, and light direction (pan and tilt) are channels on which functions can be placed. A standard spotlight often has fewer functions than, for example, a moving light.
So, the DMX signal ensures that the lighting of your stage show runs as precisely as your choreography!
Functionality
By connecting the lamps in series with a DMX cable, addresses are assigned to the lamps so that they know which control circuits are available to them. The address is set on the lamp and distributed so that the subsequent spotlight gets the next free address.
Based on the channels needed to control the spotlight, you can determine which is the next free address. A maximum of 32 lamps can be daisy-chained, but this number can be increased with a so-called splitter. Additionally, devices with the same function can be set to a single control address.
A lighting console controls the connected lamps. The number of channels on the console determines how many lamps can be controlled. For example, a console with 12 channels can control 36 lamps.
What to Consider?
A DMX cable can be a maximum of 600m long and should be terminated with a suitable DMX termination resistor.
The USITT - United States Institute for Theatre Technology - defines in the DIN standard for DMX the use of a 5-pin XLR connector for the connection. The signal has an 8-bit resolution and a transmission speed of 250 Kbit/s.
What's the Price Range for Controllers?
There are affordable entry-level devices for controlling 5 DMX channels with pre-programmed presets available from 40 euros. In the higher price range, you can find controllers up to 400 euros.
Anything Else to Mention?
To support your show with perfect lighting, you can't do without a control solution. The DMX signal and a suitable controller will help you perfectly illuminate your performance. Whether you're a solo entertainer or a professional lighting technician, DMX is the standardized protocol for use in lighting technology.