#guide

Close-up of a 5-pin XLR True DMX output port on a Sundrax ArtGate Pro, labeled for easy identification.


What is True DMX? A Guide for Stage Lighting Professionals

In the fast-paced world of stage lighting, where reliability can make or break a performance, True DMX ports are a critical feature on devices like DMX splitters, nodes, and controllers. These ports, often labeled distinctly on professional equipment, ensure robust signal distribution in complex lighting networks. This article explores what True DMX ports are, how they function, and why they are essential for building resilient DMX networks in theater, concerts, and live events.

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Closeup of a Neutrik powerCON connector engaging its bayonet lock mechanism


Why Use Neutrik powerCON Connectors?

Neutrik’s powerCON line is a series of professional power connectors designed by the Swiss company Neutrik for the show industry, stage equipment, architectural lighting, and A/V installations. They far exceed regular household connectors in terms of reliability, safety, and installation ease.

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GigaJet20 Pro connected in a theater lighting setup with multiple DMX lines

Stage Lighting Control System: A Comprehensive Solution for Theater Productions

In live theater, lighting does more than illuminate—it sets the mood, directs audience focus, and enhances the narrative. A reliable lighting control system is critical, and this setup, powered by Sundrax’s GigaJet20 Pro, delivers exceptional reliability, flexibility, and safety for professional productions. Designed for lighting designers, stage managers, and technicians, it ensures seamless performance in high-pressure environments.

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Flowchart of scalable lighting control infrastructure for outdoor park environments


Scalable Lighting Control System for Outdoor Park Installations

Lighting in public parks ensures safety while enabling dynamic visual effects for daily use, seasonal themes, and special events. This system design outlines a robust, scalable lighting control infrastructure for outdoor park environments, integrating functional illumination with programmable effects.

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DMX 512 Over More Than 2 km | Stage Connection Diagram via Optical Cable Through SFP

DMX 512 Over More Than 2 km | Stage Connection Diagram via Optical Cable Through SFP

All control signals are integrated into the GigaJet Pro, which employs merging technology with automatic priority management and data backup functions.
DMX and RDM data are transmitted over optical fiber to a second GigaJet Pro, and then to a third GigaJet Pro, enabling the connection of all equipment and the transmission of multiple DMX universes over long distances.

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Close-up of a Sundrax RadioGate Arma wireless DMX transceiver with a durable metal enclosure and a single 2.4 GHz antenna visible.


Sundrax: Professional Solutions for Theatrical Lighting

Modern theatres demand exceptional quality, unwavering reliability, and versatile lighting equipment. To manage lighting systems, ensure synchronized data transmission, and maintain performance in dynamic stage conditions, one must use solutions tailored to the theatre's unique architecture. Sundrax offers a full suite of devices, each engineered for specific areas — from technical rooms to mobile stage decor.

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Theater lighting system with combined DMX and DALI protocols in operation

DMX-DALI Gateway: Bridging Two Lighting Control Worlds

Lighting control in architectural and entertainment environments often involves two dominant but very different protocols: DMX512 and DALI. While DMX is preferred for dynamic, fast-changing effects, DALI excels in commercial and architectural settings where smooth dimming, status feedback, and group control are essential.

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Concert arena with complex lighting installation controlled through fiber DMX network

How to Use DMX over Fiber for Reliable, Long-Distance Lighting Control

In modern architectural and stage lighting installations, where long-distance signal transmission and immunity to interference are critical, fiber-optic lines provide a powerful alternative to traditional copper-based DMX wiring. Sundrax offers dedicated solutions that enable stable and scalable DMX over fiber in real-world applications.

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High-performance ArtNet pixel controller device with multiple output ports and status LEDs

ArtNet Pixel Controller: Driving LED Installations with Precision and Flexibility

As modern lighting moves toward immersive visual design, addressable LED pixels have become essential for media façades, creative stage effects, and interactive installations. At the center of these systems is the ArtNet pixel controller – a device that receives network-based control data and distributes it precisely across thousands of individual LEDs.

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RDM-compatible LED driver in a lighting system


What is RDM in DMX Systems: How It Works and Why It’s Needed in Practice

With the increasing scale of lighting installations, the need for convenient management and diagnostics grows. This is where the RDM protocol comes to the rescue—a standard that enhances DMX with the capability of two-way communication. We discussed with an engineer from Sundrax Aleksandar Nikolic how RDM works and how it helps technicians save time during installation and maintenance.

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Building facade with colorful DMX-controlled lighting at night


Emergency Lighting Scenarios Based on DMX: Ensuring Backup and Reliability 🛠️

When it comes to critical facilities—such as theaters, public buildings, tunnels, or architectural facades—a failure in the lighting control system can lead to serious consequences. We spoke with an engineer from Sundrax Alex Chomsky about how to properly implement emergency lighting scenarios based on DMX and what to consider for reliable operation in emergency situations.

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DMX signal cables connected to lighting fixtures on a building


Why a Reset Button on a DMX512 Controller is a Bad Idea

In professional environments, DMX controllers are pivotal for managing lighting—whether for architectural illumination, theater stages, or urban landscapes. Their stability is critical, and the presence of a reset button on the controller’s casing may seem trivial but is, in fact, a warning sign of potential flaws in the device’s design.

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DMX controller with multiple outputs for large lighting setups


How to Distribute the Signal in a DMX Network for 100+ Fixtures: Diagram, Calculations, and Recommendations 🌟

As the number of fixtures in DMX networks increases, the load on the line grows, raising the risk of failures and signal loss. Incorrect distribution can lead to erratic operation or complete equipment failure. We consulted with an engineer from Sundrax Alex Chomsky to learn how to properly design a DMX network for large-scale projects.

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Comparison chart of DMX, ArtNet, and sACN protocols for lighting

DMX vs ArtNet vs sACN: Which Protocol to Choose for Your Installation?

Lighting today is far more than just lamps—it encompasses complex digital systems. To control lighting fixtures, various communication protocols are employed. Using Sundrax equipment as a reference, we will examine three popular options: DMX512, ArtNet, and sACN. Each protocol has distinct features, advantages, and limitations. Which is best suited for your project? Let’s explore with a Sundrax engineer.

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NORATEX demonstrates the MONARQ Mini’s dynamic lighting effects on a model chapel at BEYOND EXPO 2025, controlled via the QULON platform

Wireless Lighting Solutions for Churches and Cathedrals

Sundrax’s MONARQ Mini offers wireless, heritage-friendly lighting for churches. Non-invasive, DMX-controlled, perfect for sacred spaces.

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The Sundrax ArtGate device, a key component in modern lighting control systems, featuring trigger functionality for automation.

How triggers work in DMX Ethernet converters, why they are needed and how they can be applied in practice

Learn how triggers in Sundrax ArtGate DMX Ethernet converters automate lighting control, enhance safety, and simplify management for various applications.

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Behind-the-scenes view of a professional theater lighting installation showing how the Splitter Selective Pro organizes multiple DMX chains for complex stage productions.  •  Короткий текст: Traditional DMX daisy chain versus splitter configuration

The Unsung Hero of Stage Lighting: Understanding DMX Splitters

Explore how professional DMX splitters transform complex stage lighting setups. Learn about practical applications, redundancy benefits, and advanced features of the Splitter Selective Pro with its 9 outputs, RDM compatibility, and flexible operating modes for theaters, concerts, and touring productions.

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A high-quality DMX splitter connected to multiple lighting fixtures, ensuring stable signal transmission and interference protection.

Solving DMX Connection Issues

Troubleshooting DMX Connections: Common Causes of Signal Drops. How to Fix

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An incandescent bulb wired to a DMX dimmer, showcasing how traditional lighting can be integrated into a digital lighting system for precise brightness control

How to Control Incandescent Lamps via DMX?

Find out how to integrate incandescent and halogen lamps into a DMX-controlled lighting system using specialized dimmer units for stable and reliable performance.

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A dimly lit incandescent bulb with visible flickering, demonstrating the challenges of low-brightness dimming in traditional lighting without professional dimmers

What to Do If Incandescent and Halogen Lamps Flicker at Low Brightness Levels?

Discover why incandescent and halogen lamps flicker at low brightness levels and how professional theatrical dimmers can ensure smooth dimming.

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A close-up of an incandescent bulb transitioning from bright white to a warm yellowish glow due to dimming, illustrating the impact of voltage reduction on filament temperature

How to Avoid Color Temperature Changes When Dimming?

Learn why incandescent and halogen lamps change color temperature when dimmed and how to maintain stable lighting using high-frequency stage dimmers.

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Frequently Asked Questions about DMX and Network Equipment

Digital Multiplex, is a standard for digital communication networks that are commonly used to control stage lighting and effects. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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Modern DMX splitter showing multiple XLR outputs and status indicators

All About DMX Splitters

For implementing large-scale lighting projects such as concert venues, theatrical productions, or architectural illumination, it often becomes necessary to deploy numerous lighting fixtures. The standard DMX512 protocol has limitations on the number of devices that can be connected to a single line. When connecting many devices to one line, the signal weakens, leading to distortions and data loss. To solve this problem, DMX splitters are used, allowing for more fixtures to be connected and complex lighting compositions to be created.

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