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DMXStudio

DMXStudio is a Windows based DMX controller that is designed to automate lighting scenes and music. An entire show of lighting and music can be pre-programmed to run unattended. The software is focused on automation of various lighting and sound tasks that can be controlled with a simple mobile device (phone, tablet, laptop).

All fixture programming is done via a simple text-based UI. Once you get used to the UI it is lightening fast - after all the lights and music do all the talking.

Features

• Controls DMX fixtures in multiple DMX universes (up to 4)
• Use music intensity and beat detection to change light effects
• Provides a mobile-friendly user interface
• Plays music tracks from Spotify (via add-on) and YouTube
• Coordinates lighting scenes with music
• Coordinates light colors with YouTube videos
• Support for Philips Hue lights (keep in mind the slow response of these devices)
• Multiple built in lighting scene animations and faders
• Support for color palettes
• Browser-based user interface

More Information

Web UI | Mobile Controller | Music Controller | Fixture Files | Hardware Interface

What is DMX

DMX is a robust protocol that controls stage lighting and effects.

There are many in depth discussions of DMX - Wikipedia DMX512 is a good place to start.

Technologies

If nothing else the code can be used as examples (good or bad) of various Windows's interfaces and audio algorithms, including:

• Audio capture
• Audio playback
• Windows HTTP server
• FFT algorithm
• DLLs
• DMX USB interface
• Moving fixture animations
• Rudimentary audio analysis
• Spotify web API
• Philips Hue

Background

This started out as a simple hardware experiment which quickly became less about the hardware and more about the cool stuff you can do in software - especially with information about fixtures and music. Compared with the low-end Chauvet controller I started using, this software is like rocket science. This software author is not a stage lighting or music expert so appologies if the program is not up to latest standards in lighting and audio control.

Platform

The software is written in C++ for Microsoft Windows and uses MFC.

What Do You Need To Use This

• About $20 to create the USB DMX interface
• The cost of DMX fixture(s) and cables
• Spotify premium service if you want the music controller

** Build/run requirements **

• Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 or 2017 (community edition)
• Spotify web API client registration
• YouTube application registration
• libspotify ID and libraries (this is used for Spotify playback and can be removed)
• Download open source JPEG library
• Windows HTTP service
• Compatible USB to DMX controller
• Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Firefox browser
• Updated DMXStudio.ini file (sample provided)

** Installation **

• Successfully build the DMXStudio software with appropriate keys added (see build requirements)
  • Make sure to add the required JPEG libraries
• Build and test the Spotify controller else turn off the music controller in the DMXStudio.ini file
• Updated the INI file placed in your Windows Users/username/Documents/DMXStudio directory
  • You can run the software without an attached DMX controller for either testing or Hue-only operation
  • Supply your Google API key
  • Update directory paths
  • Provide Hue bridge information if needed
• Windows HTTP service should be enabled and running
• Register the 4-5 HTTP URLs using a command window with admin privileges
  • The software will provide the exact command template to use
  • Unfortunately, this is a serial process so you will need to run the software a few times
• You can move the software to any machine by simply copying the Release (or Debug) directory in full and completing the above steps