HOW DOES DMX WORK?
August 22, 2023
DMX lighting is a type of digital lighting control. DMX stands for Digital Multiplex and is a system that allows multiple fixtures to be affected by a single controller. DMX lighting uses a data signal to precisely control the intensity, colour, and other parameters of LED lights. That makes DMX-controlled lighting versatile. You can create any look you want and be entirely in control of your lighting.
1. DIFFERENT TYPES OF DMX
DMX512
DMX512 is the most common DMX protocol. DMX512 uses a data signal to control lights. The data signal is sent over a cable from the DMX controller to the DMX fixtures. The standard cables type used in a DMX network are 3pin or 5 pin cables. Do not use XLR3 or XLR5 cables, because those are audio cables, and not DMX cables.
With DMX512 you can control 512 channels, which each can perform a maximum of 256 functions (0-255). With DMX fixtures, you can create your own DMX-Universe, which you can program to your requirements.
WIRELESS DMX
Wireless, it is as easy as it sounds. It means without cables/wires. If it is hard to wire every device, it is easier to send a signal through the air. This control method is commonly chosen in situations where the track is already installed, but without DMX512, and you want to use DMX as a control method. Wireless DMX is in those cases the faster and cheaper option. It is also easy to use in for example churches, or other places where new cabling, or cabling at all is not desired, to maintain the appearance of the location. There are risks, for example in locations where a lot of signals are in the air, the DMX signal cannot come through clearly and fixtures might not listen to the signal as well as they would when wired.
2. POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS FOR DMX
The versatility of DMX lighting allows it to be beneficial for a wide range of applications. Among the most common applications are theatres, concerts, clubs, churches and schools. However, you can also use DMX in museums, retail stores, TV studios, and hotels. The possibilities are endless. The main advantage of DMX-controlled lighting is that it offers complete control. You can program LED lights to create any desired effect. You can control the intensity, colour, and other parameters within a split-second.
