Coming Soon! Get our Newsletter to stay up to date!

Glossary

To help you navigate the technical terms and industry-specific language found in this manual, we’ve prepared a glossary. It’s a resource you can consult to find clear, concise definitions of terms used throughout this document.

DMXDMX (Digital Multiplex) is a standard protocol used in the entertainment industry to control lighting and other devices. It enables the communication between lighting controllers and fixtures, allowing precise control over various parameters such as intensity, color, and movement.
FixtureIn the context of DMX lighting, a fixture refers to an individual lighting unit, such as a moving head, LED par, or strobe light. Each fixture typically has its own DMX address and can be controlled independently or as part of a larger lighting setup.
ChannelA channel represents a specific attribute or parameter that can be controlled within a fixture. Examples of channels include pan, tilt, color, intensity, and gobos. Each channel can be assigned a DMX value to determine its state or value.
UniverseA universe refers to a group of 512 DMX channels that can be controlled together. DMX controllers and software often support multiple universes, allowing for control of a large number of fixtures and channels in complex lighting setups.
AddressIn the context of DMX lighting control, an address refers to a unique identifier assigned to a fixture or channel. It determines which DMX data corresponds to a specific fixture or parameter. Each fixture or channel within a DMX universe is assigned a unique address ranging from 1 to 512, allowing precise control over individual components within a lighting setup.
PatchingPatching involves the assignment of DMX addresses to fixtures or channels within a lighting control system. By patching, you establish the relationship between the physical fixtures or channels and their corresponding DMX addresses, enabling control over specific parameters.
Art-NetArt-Net is an industry-standard Ethernet protocol used for transmitting DMX data over a network. It allows DMX lighting control signals to be sent and received using standard networking hardware, eliminating the need for dedicated DMX cables. Art-Net enables flexible and scalable lighting control setups, making it popular in large-scale installations and lighting control systems.
PortA port in DMX lighting control refers to a physical or virtual connection point that allows data transmission between devices. In the case of DMX lighting, a port typically refers to a physical connector on a lighting controller or interface where DMX cables are plugged in. Each port can transmit one DMX universe, accommodating up to 512 channels of control.
Fixture DefinitionA fixture definition is a file or set of instructions that describes the characteristics and control capabilities of a specific lighting fixture. It provides the necessary information for a lighting control system or software to properly communicate and control the fixture. A fixture definition typically includes details such as the fixture’s DMX channel layout, supported parameters (e.g., color, intensity, pan/tilt), available macros, gobos, and other features specific to the fixture. By using fixture definitions, users can accurately configure and control a wide variety of fixtures within their DMX lighting setup, ensuring seamless integration and precise control over each individual fixture’s functionality.
MIDIMIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a widely used protocol for communicating musical information and control signals between electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices. In the context of lighting control, MIDI can be utilized to trigger lighting cues or synchronize lighting effects with music or other MIDI-enabled devices, expanding creative possibilities and integration between lighting and audio systems.