Skip to main content
Documentation

VDMX to Lights

Output VDMX visuals to Spectralite via NDI for live VJ lighting control

VDMX to Lights

Connect VDMX's video output to Spectralite via NDI for synchronized VJ performance and lighting control.

Overview

VDMX is a real-time video synthesis and manipulation platform for live performances. By sending VDMX output to Spectralite via NDI, your lighting can respond to your live video mixing in real-time.

What You'll Need

  • VDMX (5.2.8 or later for NDI support)
  • NDI Output Plugin for VDMX (available from Vidvox)
  • Network connection between VDMX and Spectralite
  • Spectralite running on the same network

Quick Start

  1. Install NDI Output plugin in VDMX
  2. Configure NDI output in VDMX
  3. Connect the stream in Spectralite
  4. Create reactive effects using the NDI input

Setting Up NDI in VDMX

Step 1: Install NDI Output Plugin

  1. Download the NDI Output plugin from Vidvox
  2. Install the plugin to your VDMX plugins folder
  3. Restart VDMX if it was running
  4. The NDI Output plugin appears in your plugin list

Step 2: Add NDI Output Plugin

  1. Open VDMX
  2. Go to Plugins menu
  3. Locate and enable NDI Output
  4. The NDI Output interface appears in your workspace

Step 3: Configure NDI Output

In the NDI Output plugin:

  • Source: Select your main output (usually "Main Output")
  • NDI Name: Set a descriptive name (e.g., "VDMX-Performance")
  • Resolution: Choose output resolution (720p recommended)
  • Enable: Activate NDI transmission

For complete setup instructions, see VDMX's NDI Output tutorial.

Connecting to Spectralite

Enable NDI in Spectralite

  1. Open Spectralite
  2. Go to Edit > Inputs
  3. Enable NDI input enabled
  4. Enable Auto-discover sources
  5. Select your VDMX stream from the dropdown
  6. Verify the connection status shows as connected

Using VDMX in Spectralite

There are two ways to use VDMX's output in your lighting:

Quick Start: Built-in NDI Layer

For immediate use, add an NDI layer directly to your timeline:

  1. In the Timeline panel, click the + button to add a layer
  2. Select the built-in NDI effect
  3. VDMX's output will control your lighting immediately

This is the fastest way to sync your lighting with VDMX visuals.

Advanced: Custom Effects with NDI Nodes

For more complex control over how VDMX affects your lighting:

  1. Open the Node Editor
  2. Create a new effect or edit an existing one
  3. Add an NDI Input node to sample video data from VDMX
  4. Connect it to other nodes to create custom reactive effects

This gives you full control over how VDMX's visuals influence your lighting.

Performance Tips

In VDMX

  • Lower NDI resolution (720p) for better performance
  • Reduce frame rate if real-time isn't critical (30fps typical)
  • Close unused layers to reduce rendering load
  • Monitor CPU/GPU usage to avoid performance issues

Network Setup

  • Use wired Ethernet for stability
  • Gigabit network recommended for HD streams
  • Keep both machines on same subnet for auto-discovery
  • Consider dedicated network for complex shows

In Spectralite

  • Sample at lower resolution when possible
  • Limit complexity of NDI-driven effects
  • Use appropriate sample rates for your needs

Common Workflows

Live VJ Performance

Synchronized video and lighting:

  1. Mix video content in VDMX
  2. Spectralite follows video colors and intensity
  3. Use same MIDI controller for both applications
  4. Create cohesive audiovisual performance

Multi-Screen Projection

Different outputs for different purposes:

  1. Use VDMX for main projection output
  2. Send separate NDI stream to Spectralite
  3. Lighting complements but doesn't duplicate projection
  4. Create immersive environment

Music Video Performance

Pre-programmed content with live control:

  1. Load video clips into VDMX
  2. Trigger and manipulate live
  3. Lighting follows video content via NDI
  4. Combine with live cameras for hybrid shows

Beat-Reactive Visuals

Sync everything to music:

  1. Use audio analysis in VDMX
  2. Create beat-reactive video effects
  3. Spectralite samples the reactive content
  4. Lighting and video both follow the beat

Advanced Setups

Multiple Outputs

Send different VDMX outputs to Spectralite:

  1. Configure multiple NDI outputs in VDMX (different layers/previews)
  2. Add each stream to Spectralite
  3. Use different streams for different lighting zones
  4. Create complex multi-zone lighting control

Syphon Integration (macOS)

If using macOS with Syphon:

  1. Output VDMX via Syphon
  2. Convert Syphon to NDI using converter tool
  3. Send to Spectralite via NDI
  4. Useful for legacy workflows

FX Chain Output

Use VDMX's effects as control data:

  1. Apply effects to generate control patterns
  2. Output via NDI
  3. Sample patterns in Spectralite
  4. Create abstract lighting divorced from content

Troubleshooting

Stream Not Visible

  1. Verify NDI Output plugin is enabled in VDMX
  2. Check both systems on same network
  3. Verify firewall settings allow NDI
  4. Try manual IP entry if auto-discovery fails

Poor Performance

  1. Reduce NDI resolution in VDMX plugin
  2. Lower frame rate in NDI settings
  3. Use wired network instead of WiFi
  4. Close unnecessary layers/effects in VDMX

Latency Issues

  1. Switch to wired Ethernet
  2. Reduce video resolution
  3. Simplify effect graphs in Spectralite
  4. Monitor network load

Color Accuracy

  1. Match color space in both applications
  2. Verify gamma settings
  3. Check monitor calibration for reference

Integration Tips

MIDI Control

Control both applications with one controller:

  1. Send MIDI to VDMX for video control
  2. Send MIDI to Spectralite for lighting
  3. Map same controller to both applications
  4. Create unified control interface

OSC Communication

Use OSC for advanced control:

  1. VDMX sends OSC data
  2. Bridge OSC to Spectralite controls
  3. Synchronize parameters beyond NDI
  4. Create complex interactive systems

Audio Analysis

Leverage VDMX's audio analysis:

  1. Use VDMX's audio reactivity for video
  2. Send visual result to Spectralite via NDI
  3. Lighting inherits audio analysis via video
  4. Alternative to direct audio analysis in Spectralite

Optimization Strategies

Render Optimization

  • Use layer caching when possible
  • Disable unused layers during performance
  • Pre-render effects where practical
  • Monitor performance meters continuously

Network Optimization

  • Dedicated interface for NDI traffic
  • Quality of Service (QoS) on network if available
  • Monitor bandwidth to prevent saturation
  • Use unicast instead of broadcast for large shows

Resources

TouchDesigner to Lights

Send TouchDesigner compositions to Spectralite via NDI for generative lighting

Resources

Manage and share your Spectralite assets

On this page

VDMX to LightsOverviewWhat You'll NeedQuick StartSetting Up NDI in VDMXStep 1: Install NDI Output PluginStep 2: Add NDI Output PluginStep 3: Configure NDI OutputConnecting to SpectraliteEnable NDI in SpectraliteUsing VDMX in SpectraliteQuick Start: Built-in NDI LayerAdvanced: Custom Effects with NDI NodesPerformance TipsIn VDMXNetwork SetupIn SpectraliteCommon WorkflowsLive VJ PerformanceMulti-Screen ProjectionMusic Video PerformanceBeat-Reactive VisualsAdvanced SetupsMultiple OutputsSyphon Integration (macOS)FX Chain OutputTroubleshootingStream Not VisiblePoor PerformanceLatency IssuesColor AccuracyIntegration TipsMIDI ControlOSC CommunicationAudio AnalysisOptimization StrategiesRender OptimizationNetwork OptimizationResourcesRelated Guides