Submasters
Submasters are virtual faders that layer over the base DMX output. They let you apply real-time adjustments on top of a scene or Mixer state, without modifying the underlying values.
What Is a Submaster?
A Submaster is an additional control layer with a fader (0–255), a target scope (which channels it affects), and a merge mode (HTP or LTP). When the fader is non-zero, the submaster contributes to the final DMX output based on its merge mode.
Multiple submasters can run simultaneously, each targeting different channels or the same channels with different modes.
HTP Mode
Highest Takes Priority. In HTP mode, the channel outputs the higher of the two values — the base level (from the Mixer or active scene) or the submaster level.
HTP can only boost a channel above its base level. It cannot push a channel below what the base already has. Good for intensity layers and additive effects.
LTP Mode
Latest Takes Priority. In LTP mode, the submaster's value overrides the current channel level completely, regardless of whether it is higher or lower.
LTP overrides — it can both increase and decrease a channel. Good for color, position, or any parameter where you need direct override control.
Scope
The scope defines which DMX channels the submaster affects. Options:
All channels
The submaster applies to all 512 channels in the universe.
Specific channels
The submaster applies to a defined list or range of channel numbers.
Group
The submaster applies to a named group of channels. See Groups documentation.
Source Scene
A Submaster can optionally reference a source scene. When a source scene is set, the submaster fader controls how much of that scene's values are applied to the target channels, rather than using a flat value.
This allows blending between the current state and a specific saved look using a single fader.
Levels (0–255)
The submaster fader ranges from 0 to 255. At 0, the submaster has no effect — the channel follows its base value. At 255, the submaster applies its full value.
The fader acts as a master intensity for the submaster. Values between 0 and 255 proportionally scale the submaster's contribution.
Practical Examples
HTP intensity boost
Scene has all front wash dimmers at 70%. Create a Submaster targeting those dimmer channels, HTP mode. Bring the fader to 255 to push the dimmers to full intensity. Bring it to 0 to return to the scene level.
LTP color override
Scene has washes in warm white. Create a Submaster targeting the RED, GREEN, BLUE channels of those washes, LTP mode, with a blue color value (R:0, G:0, B:255). When the fader is above 0, the washes shift to blue. Bring it to 0 to restore the scene colors.
Group-scoped strobe
Create a Group called "Front Fixtures" with the STROBE channels of your front fixtures. Create a Submaster targeting that Group, LTP mode. Use the fader to control strobe intensity across all front fixtures simultaneously.