Channel Planning
Before patching fixtures, map out which DMX channels each fixture will use. Good channel planning prevents overlap, keeps the layout organized, and makes future changes easier.
Why Plan Channels?
Each fixture in a DMX universe occupies a block of channels starting at its start address. If two fixtures are assigned overlapping channel ranges, the same channel controls both simultaneously — usually an unintended result.
Mapping channel assignments before patching also reveals whether your rig fits within the 512-channel universe limit.
Address Basics
Every fixture has a start address and a channel count. The fixture occupies channels from the start address through start + count - 1.
Small Rig Example
A basic rig with three different fixture types:
| Fixture | Type | Channels | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAR LED 1 | PAR LED | 4 | 001–004 |
| PAR LED 2 | PAR LED | 4 | 005–008 |
| PAR LED 3 | PAR LED | 4 | 009–012 |
| Strobe A | STROBE | 2 | 013–014 |
| Dimmer Pack | DIMMER | 4 | 015–018 |
Total: 18 channels used, 494 available.
Medium Rig Example
A more complex rig including moving heads:
| Fixture | Channels | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Moving Head 1 (16ch) | 16 | 001–016 |
| Moving Head 2 (16ch) | 16 | 017–032 |
| Moving Head 3 (16ch) | 16 | 033–048 |
| Moving Head 4 (16ch) | 16 | 049–064 |
| PAR Wash 1–6 (7ch each) | 42 | 065–106 |
| Strobe Bar 1 (4ch) | 4 | 107–110 |
| Strobe Bar 2 (4ch) | 4 | 111–114 |
| Laser (3ch) | 3 | 115–117 |
| Fog Machine (2ch) | 2 | 118–119 |
Total: 119 channels used, 393 available.
Avoiding Overlap
Overlap occurs when two fixtures are assigned channel ranges that include the same channel number. The result: a single fader controls two fixtures simultaneously.
Overlap example (avoid this)
Universe Capacity
A single DMX universe has 512 channels. The total channel count of all fixtures must not exceed 512, and no fixture's last channel may exceed address 512.
Planning Tips
- Plan on paper or a spreadsheet before entering addresses in the app. A table with fixture name, channel count, start address, and end address makes overlap obvious.
- Group fixture types together — all moving heads in 001–080, all PARs in 081–150, etc. This keeps related channels adjacent and Scenes/Groups easier to manage.
- Check the fixture's manual for its channel count in each mode. A moving head might have a 9-channel and a 16-channel mode. Pick the mode before planning addresses.
- Leave a few spare channels between groups if you might add fixtures later. Use Sort & Repack to remove gaps if you don't need them.
- Start addresses on round numbers (001, 017, 033) are easier to remember when re-addressing physical fixtures.