DMX Patching
Assign DMX addresses to your fixtures
DMX Patching
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
Addresses
- Each fixture starts at a specific channel (1-512)
- The fixture uses consecutive channels from that start address
- Example: An 8-channel fixture at address 100 uses channels 100-107
No Overlaps
Fixtures must not share channels:
- Each channel should belong to one fixture
- Overlapping causes unpredictable behavior
- Spectralite warns about conflicts
Basic Patching
Single Fixture
- In the Project Fixtures panel, right-click the fixture and select Edit (or click the pencil icon)
- In the edit dialog, set:
- Universe: Which universe (starts at 0)
- Address: Starting channel (1-512)
- Click Save changes
Channel Count
The fixture's channel count depends on:
- Fixture type
- 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 count in "Number of fixtures to patch")
- Options for keeping channels within a single universe and filling gaps in address space
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
Keep a patch list:
- Export your patch list
- Update when making changes
- Share with your team
Universe Management
Adding Universes
Universes are created automatically as needed when you add fixtures. Spectralite supports up to 32,768 Art-Net universes.
Universe Limits
- Art-Net supports many universes
- Practical limit depends on network capacity
- Each universe needs proper output configuration
Viewing Patches
Address Space Panel
See all patches visually:
- Open Window > Add panel > Address Space
- View channel allocation per universe
- Identify gaps and conflicts
Project 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
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:
- Moving one fixture to a new address
- Moving to a different universe
- Checking fixture mode (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
- Use the fixture profile settings
RDM Fixtures
With RDM-capable equipment:
- Address fixtures remotely
- Query current addresses
- Change without physical access
Best Practices
- Plan before patching - Sketch your layout
- Use consistent addressing - Same fixture types at predictable addresses
- Document everything - Export patch sheets
- Test after patching - Use Locate to verify
- Save before changes - Easy to undo if needed
Related
- Address Space Panel - Visual patch overview
- Art-Net Setup - Universe output configuration