Learn the Concepts

Understanding these ideas will help you work faster in Spectralite.

Fixtures

A fixture is a DMX-controlled device—LED bar, moving head, pixel strip, or even non-lighting equipment like smoke machines. Each fixture occupies a range of DMX addresses starting from its base address.

Universes

A universe is a group of 512 DMX channels. Large rigs use multiple universes. A 16-pixel RGB fixture uses 48 channels (16 × 3).

Mappings

A mapping defines which fixtures an effect renders onto. You might create separate mappings for "front wash," "back truss," or "dance floor"—then apply different effects to each group.

Effects and Layers

Effects are pre-built lighting programs: chasers, color wheels, strobes, waves. Stack effects as layers in the Timeline. Higher layers blend with or override lower ones based on opacity.

Beat-Based Timing

The Timeline measures time in beats, not seconds. Set your BPM to match the music, and effects stay synchronized even if the tempo changes.

Color System

Spectralite uses RGBWAUV color—red, green, blue, white, amber, and ultraviolet. This matches professional lighting fixtures that have more emitters than standard RGB displays.