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

1. Select the fixture in Project Fixtures
2. In Parameters, find the DMX section
3. Set Universe: Which universe (starts at 1)
4. Set Address: Starting channel (1-512)

Channel Count

The fixture's channel count depends on:

• Fixture type
• Selected mode
• Channels are assigned automatically from the start address

Auto Patching

Sequential Patching

For multiple fixtures:

1. Select all fixtures to patch
2. Right-click, select Auto Patch
3. Set:
   • Starting Universe
   • Starting Address
   • Gap (channels between fixtures, usually 0)
4. Click Apply

Fixtures are patched sequentially.

Smart Patching

Spectralite can optimize patching:

• Fills gaps in existing patches
• Spans universes automatically
• Avoids conflicts

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

Room for Growth

Leave gaps for future additions:

• Start each group on round numbers
• Leave unused channels between groups

Documentation

Keep a patch list:

• Export from File > Export Address Table
• Update when making changes
• Share with your team

Universe Management

Adding Universes

Universes are created as needed. To pre-create:

1. Go to Settings > Output
2. Set the number of universes
3. Configure output destinations

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:

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

Project Fixtures

The fixture list shows:

• Universe.Address for each fixture
• Warning icons for conflicts
• Quick filter by universe

Handling Conflicts

Detection

Spectralite shows conflicts:

• Red highlighting in Address Space
• Warning icons in Project Fixtures
• Tooltip explains the conflict

Resolution

Fix conflicts by:

1. Moving one fixture to a new address
2. Moving to a different universe
3. 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

1. Plan before patching - Sketch your layout
2. Use consistent addressing - Same fixture types at predictable addresses
3. Document everything - Export patch sheets
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