DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a communication protocol widely used in the entertainment industry to control lighting, stage effects, and atmospheric effects. It provides a standardized way to control lighting fixtures and other devices from a central console or computer. In this blog post, we will discuss how to use DMX with various software and networking tools to create a production.
OBS Studio OBS Studio is a free and open-source software used for video recording and live streaming. It can also be used to control DMX lighting fixtures. To use OBS Studio with DMX, you will need a DMX controller interface that supports Art-Net or sACN protocols. The DMX controller interface will translate the Art-Net or sACN signals from OBS Studio to DMX signals that can be understood by the lighting fixtures.
QLab QLab is a powerful software used for controlling audio, video, and lighting for live performances. It supports Art-Net, sACN, and DMX protocols. QLab allows you to create complex lighting cues and effects that can be synchronized with other elements of your production. It also supports multiple universes, allowing you to control a large number of lighting fixtures.
Artnet and WyFly Art-Net and WyFly are networking protocols used to send DMX signals over Ethernet and wireless networks, respectively. Art-Net supports up to 32 universes, while WyFly supports up to 512 universes. Both protocols are reliable and widely used in the entertainment industry.
Ethernet and Wireless Networking Ethernet and wireless networking allow you to control DMX fixtures over a long distance without the need for long DMX cables. Ethernet is the most reliable and widely used networking protocol for DMX. It can transmit DMX signals up to 100 meters without any signal loss. Wireless networking is also gaining popularity in the entertainment industry, as it allows for greater flexibility and mobility. However, it can be less reliable than wired networking, especially in crowded environments.
In conclusion, DMX is an essential technology in the entertainment industry that allows for the precise control of lighting, stage effects, and atmospheric effects. By using software such as OBS Studio and QLab, and networking tools such as Art-Net, WyFly, and Ethernet, you can create complex and synchronized productions with ease. Whether you are a lighting designer, event planner, or performer, DMX is a must-have tool for your productions.
Sample products:
ADJ Products ADJ MYDMX3.0 DMX control software designed to help make programming lightshows easier. (MYDMX 3.0) (amazon link). DMX control software designed to help make programming lightshows easier. myDMX 3.0 is ADJ’s latest control software / hardware.
WIFLY EXR BATTERY (amazon link). The ADJ WiFLY EXR Battery is a battery powered wireless DMX transceiver (transmitter/receiver in one) that is compatible with all ADJ WiFLY “EXR” products.
About MandyDroid
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE: System/Network Consultant providing network, desktop, and server support. Capable of maintaining the full life cycle of software and hardware. End-User education of software and hardware provided via documentation, group, or one on one tutorials. Worked with clients to troubleshoot hardware and software problems remotely and on-site. Responsible for multiple networks running various servers with VPN via ISDN, WiMAX, cable, DSL, T-1, and EoC. Active Directory domain environments including single server to forest designs. Network operating software of redundant design including primary and backup domain controllers. Homing authentication to local domain controller. Data protection via tape backup and RAID 0, 1, 10. Implementation and hardening of appliance firewall with network filtering. Troubleshoot: All Windows operating systems, including software and hardware. Networks and network wiring, LAN, vLAN, wLAN, WAN, and VPN connections. Telephone systems including Avaya, Panasonic, and Polycom. Removal Of: Spyware, Malware, Adware, Virus’s, Trojans, Worms, Browser Hijacks, Backdoors, root kits, and other malicious software or exploits. Software: MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook, FrontPage, SQL), Adobe CS and Cloud Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge, Dreamweaver), QuickBooks (Pro, Enterprise, and Accountant), Filezilla, Trend Micro, Omni page Pro, CuteFTP, WinZip, Apache, MySQL, Daemon Tools Operating Systems: Windows (8.1, 8, 7, 2000, , XP, ME, 98 SE, 98, 95, 3.1x, NT 4.0, Server, Small Business Server, Standard Server, Server 2008, Server 2012, Exchange), Novell Servers (NetWare), Macintosh, Linux, Unix, CENT OS (5 and 6), Cisco IoS, SonicWALL, Meraki
