Patch a Fixture

Patching assigns each fixture a unique DMX address so Spectralite knows where to send control data.

Understanding DMX addressing

Universes

A universe contains 512 channels. Each universe is independent. Large shows use multiple universes. Patch universes in Spectralite start at 1. Art-Net transmits universes starting at 0, so set an output's Universe Offset to bridge the two when matching downstream hardware.

Addresses

Each fixture starts at a specific channel (1-512) and uses consecutive channels from that start address. For example, an 8-channel fixture at address 100 uses channels 100-107.

No overlaps

Fixtures must not share channels. Each channel belongs to one fixture; overlapping causes unpredictable behavior. Spectralite warns about conflicts.

Basic patching

Single fixture

1. In the Fixtures panel, right-click the fixture and select Edit (or click the pencil icon).
2. In the edit dialog, set Universe (starts at 1) and Address (starting channel, 1-512).
3. Click Save changes.

Channel count

The fixture's channel count depends on the fixture type and selected mode. Channels are assigned automatically from the start address.

Auto addressing

Calculate button

When adding a fixture, use the Calculate universes/addresses button to automatically find the next available address:

• Calculates the next free address based on existing fixtures
• Supports patching multiple fixtures at once (set the Quantity field)
• Options for keeping channels within a single universe and filling gaps in address space
• The Address space grid beside the form shows existing fixtures and the proposed placement; click a cell to set the start address, hover to preview

Multiple fixtures

Use comma-separated values in the address and universe fields to add multiple fixtures at different locations in one step.

Address planning

Logical grouping

Organize by fixture type:

• Universe 1: Moving heads (addresses 1-200)
• Universe 1: LED pars (addresses 201-400)
• Universe 2: Pixel strips

Documentation

From the Fixtures panel toolbar, Print as PDF produces a patch sheet, and Create shareable link publishes one to a public URL. See Share a Patch.

Universe management

Universes are created automatically as needed when you add fixtures. Spectralite supports up to 32,768 Art-Net universes. The practical limit depends on network capacity, and each universe needs proper output configuration.

Viewing patches

Address Space panel

See all patches visually:

1. Open Window > Add panel > Address Space.
2. View channel allocation per universe.
3. Identify gaps and conflicts.

Fixtures

The fixture list shows:

• Universe (UNI) and address (ADR) columns for each fixture
• Network status icons for unicast configuration
• Search box to filter fixtures by name

When you patch a fixture for unicast output, the editor's Target IP field has an inline picker that lists nodes found by discovery, so you can fill the address by selecting a node instead of typing it. See the Art-Net Nodes panel.

Handling conflicts

Detection

Spectralite shows conflicts in the Address Space panel:

• Red highlighting on overlapping addresses
• Overlap count badge on affected cells
• Red dot on universes with conflicts in the universe selector

Resolution

Fix conflicts by:

1. Move one fixture to a new address.
2. Move the fixture to a different universe.
3. Check the fixture mode (it may use fewer channels).

Special cases

Multi-cell fixtures

Some fixtures have multiple control cells. Each cell may need addressing; check the fixture's mode and manual, and use the fixture profile settings.

RDM fixtures

With RDM-capable equipment you can address fixtures remotely, query current addresses, and change them without physical access. The RDM Devices panel handles discovery and per-PID editing over Art-Net.

Best practices

1. Plan before patching - Sketch your layout.
2. Use consistent addressing - Same fixture types at predictable addresses.
3. Document everything - Print or share a patch sheet.
4. Test after patching - Use Locate to verify.
5. Save before changes - Easy to undo if needed.

Related

• Address Space Panel - Visual patch overview
• Art-Net Setup - Universe output configuration