FX Engine

The FX engine adds automated, time-varying effects on top of the DMX output. FX layers are non-destructive — they produce value contributions that combine with the existing output without modifying base channel values.

Overview

An FX layer continuously generates a delta for its targeted channels based on a waveform and timing parameters. This delta is added to (or replaces, for MOVEMENT) the base channel values before the final Art-Net output is sent.

Multiple FX layers can run simultaneously, each targeting different fixtures, channel functions, or waveforms.

FX Types

DIMMER

Modulates channel intensity with a waveform over time. The waveform drives a periodic variation in the channel output — for example, a slow pulse or a fast strobe-like oscillation.

TargetsDIMMER channels of the targeted fixtures

WaveformsStandard intensity waveforms (sine, square, etc.)

STROBE

Rapid on/off effect based on frequency. Applies a strobe pattern to the fixture's intensity output at a configurable rate.

TargetsDIMMER or STROBE channels

WaveformsTypically square wave; rate controlled by speed parameter

COLOR_CYCLE

Cycles through the color spectrum (hue rotation) over time using the fixture's RGB channels. The speed controls the rate of hue cycling, spread offsets each fixture in the group.

TargetsRED, GREEN, BLUE channels

WaveformsContinuous hue rotation

MOVEMENT

Drives PAN and TILT channels through a 2D movement path waveform. The fixture traces the path continuously at the configured speed, amplitude, and direction.

TargetsPAN and TILT channels

WaveformsPath-based waveforms (see waveform list)

Waveforms

MOVEMENT effects use path-based waveforms to define the 2D movement trajectory of PAN and TILT channels. Available movement paths:

Waveform	Description
CIRCLE	Circular pan/tilt path.
FIGURE_EIGHT	Figure-8 path.
SQUARE	Square path with sharp corners.
DIAMOND	Diamond / rotated square path.
TRIANGLE_PATH	Triangular path.
PAN_SWEEP	Horizontal sweep (pan only).
TILT_SWEEP	Vertical sweep (tilt only).
ZIGZAG	Zigzag horizontal path.
CROSS	Cross / plus pattern.
PAN_SAW	Pan sawtooth — fast snap reset.
TILT_SAW	Tilt sawtooth — fast snap reset.
ORBIT	Slow orbital path.
SPIRAL_OUT	Expanding spiral.
SPIRAL_IN	Contracting spiral.

DIMMER, STROBE, and COLOR_CYCLE effects use standard signal waveforms (not path waveforms). The waveform type for these is determined by the effect parameters.

Parameters

Each FX layer exposes the following parameters (not all parameters apply to all effect types):

Parameter	Description
speed	Rate of the effect cycle. Higher values produce faster cycles.
amplitude	Depth of the effect. Controls how far the output deviates from the center value.
phase	Starting offset in the cycle (0–360°). Useful for offsetting multiple fixtures relative to each other.
spread	Phase offset applied between consecutive fixtures in the target group, creating a fan-out look.
width	Width parameter for path-based waveforms. Scales the horizontal extent of the movement path.
direction	Forward or reverse playback of the waveform.
ratio	Aspect ratio for 2D waveforms. Adjusts the relative scale of pan vs tilt movement.
turns	Number of turns for spiral waveforms (SPIRAL_OUT, SPIRAL_IN).

Non-Destructive Layers

FX layers generate deltas that are evaluated and combined with the rest of the output pipeline at render time. They do not modify the Mixer fader values, saved scenes, Submaster levels, or any other stored state.

This means you can turn an FX layer on and off without losing any base state. The FX contribution appears in the output while active and disappears instantly when disabled.

Fixture Requirements

FX Type	Required channel functions
DIMMER	DIMMER
STROBE	STROBE or DIMMER
COLOR_CYCLE	RED, GREEN, BLUE
MOVEMENT	PAN and/or TILT