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. Spectralite receives VDMX's NDI output and reacts to the mix 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 the 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 the 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 the NDI Output plugin

1. Open VDMX.
2. Go to the 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 > NDI.
3. Enable NDI input enabled and Auto-discover sources.
4. This dialog does not show a source picker; VDMX's stream is consumed by the NDI Input node in the Node Editor and by the built-in NDI Input layer effect.

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 + Add new layer.
2. Select the built-in NDI Input effect.

VDMX's output now drives your fixtures.

Advanced: custom effects with NDI nodes

For custom control over how VDMX drives 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.

Performance tips

Lower the VDMX NDI resolution to 720p, drop the frame rate when real-time isn't critical (30fps is usually enough), close unused layers, and watch CPU and GPU usage. On the network, use wired gigabit Ethernet, keep both machines on the same subnet for auto-discovery, and prefer a dedicated network for complex shows. In Spectralite, sample at a lower resolution and keep NDI-driven effects simple.

Common workflows

One MIDI controller can drive both VDMX and Spectralite, so clips and lighting cues trigger together. Separate NDI streams let lighting complement projection rather than duplicate it. Pre-programmed clips in VDMX provide content for Spectralite to sample during playback, and VDMX's audio analysis can drive visuals that Spectralite then samples for lighting.

Advanced setups

Multiple outputs

Send different VDMX outputs to Spectralite:

1. Configure multiple NDI outputs in VDMX (different layers or previews).
2. Add each stream to Spectralite.
3. Use different streams for different lighting zones.

Syphon integration (macOS)

If using macOS with Syphon:

1. Output VDMX via Syphon.
2. Convert Syphon to NDI using a 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. Drive abstract lighting that is not tied to visible content.

Troubleshooting

Stream not visible

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

Poor performance

1. Reduce NDI resolution in the VDMX plugin.
2. Lower frame rate in NDI settings.
3. Use a wired network in place of WiFi.
4. Close unnecessary layers and 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 the same controller to both applications.

OSC communication

Use OSC for advanced control:

1. VDMX sends OSC data.
2. Bridge OSC to Spectralite controls.
3. Synchronize parameters beyond NDI.

Audio analysis

Use VDMX's audio analysis:

1. Use VDMX's audio reactivity for video.
2. Send the visual result to Spectralite via NDI.
3. Lighting inherits audio analysis via the video signal.
4. Useful when you prefer VDMX's analysis to Spectralite's.

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

• Use a dedicated interface for NDI traffic.
• Apply Quality of Service (QoS) on the network if available.
• Monitor bandwidth to prevent saturation.
• Use unicast in place of broadcast for large shows.

Resources

• VDMX NDI Output Plugin Tutorial: official plugin guide.
• General NDI Setup: generic NDI workflow.
• Node Editor: create NDI-reactive effects.

Related guides

• Resolume to Lights
• TouchDesigner to Lights