DMX

DMX 512 is a Digital Multiplexing standard specially developed to control theatre lighting, besides facilitating communication between it and the lighting equipment. DMX is primarily used by DJs. Compatible with a wide range of equipment; this standard protocol was designed to control interconnected 512 dimmers. However, nowadays they are also used for controlling colour scrollers, moving lights, smoking machines and many other instruments that can be controlled digitally. DMX 8 bit protocol incorporating many moving lights that use two channels, delivering about 16-bit resolution.

However, this versatile equipment should not be used to control Pyros or stage equipment. DMX should be wired correctly as at works at very high speeds. The wiring should be so arranged that the data source is at one end of the cable. The basic signal received by the device is 256kbps; a frame contains 513 bytes. The product was developed by the Engineering Commission of USITT in 1986 and redefined in 1990. This DMX device is extremely robust, which explains the popularity it has gained over the years. Some of these devices work on 5-pin XLR connectors and others on 3-pin XLR.