---
title: "Dark On Silence | Enhance Live Shows – Automate Lighting Control - DMXDesktop"
lang: en
source: /dark-on-silence
---

Intelligent Audio Response

# Dark On Silence

Intelligent lighting control that responds to audio

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## How It Works

Dark On Silence monitors your audio input level in real-time and automatically dims your lighting when silence is detected, then returns to normal operation when audio resumes.

Silence Detection: Monitors audio input level continuously

Smart Buffer: 500ms delay prevents flickering from brief audio drops

Selective Channel Control: Only affects specific channel types while preserving others

Smooth Operation: Gradual transitions maintain professional appearance

## Configuration Parameters

Fine-tune how Dark On Silence responds to your audio environment

### Trigger Level (0-100)

Default: 10

Sets the audio threshold below which "silence" is detectedLower values = more sensitive to quiet audioHigher values = only triggers on true silence

### Silence Level (0-100)

Default: 0

Determines how much to reduce light intensity during silence0% = complete blackout during silence50% = half intensity during silence100% = no change (feature disabled)

### Buffer Time

Fixed: 500ms

Prevents rapid on/off flickering from brief audio dropsSilence must persist for 500ms before Dark On Silence activatesReturns to normal immediately when audio resumes

## Affected Channel Types

Dark On Silence intelligently handles different fixture channel types:

### ✅ Dimmed Channels (Reduced by Silence Level %)

- • Color Channels: RGB, CMY, RGBW, HSI, etc.
- • Dimmer Channels: Master dimmer, intensity, brightness
- • Strobe Channels: Strobe rate and intensity
- • AudioVolume Channels: Audio-reactive effects
- • Energy Channels: Energy-based lighting effects

### 🔒 Frozen Channels (Held at Current Position)

Pan/Tilt Channels: Movement channels freeze at current positionPrevents disorienting fixture movement during silence.

### ⚪ Unaffected Channels

- • Gobo/Pattern Channels: Maintain current selection
- • Focus/Zoom Channels: Preserve beam characteristics
- • Color Wheel Channels: Keep current color selection
- • Other Control Channels: Function-specific controls remain active

## When It Works

### ✅ Active Scenarios

- Live DJ Performance: Audio playing through supported DJ software
- Audio Input Connected: Valid audio signal being monitored
- Feature Enabled: Dark On Silence toggle is ON
- Show Playing: DMX show actively running
- Audio Below Trigger: Input level drops below configured threshold

### ❌ Inactive Scenarios

- No Audio Input: No audio signal detected
- Audio Above Trigger: Input level above threshold
- Feature Disabled: Toggle is OFF
- No Show Playing: DMX show stopped or paused

## Ready to Automate Your Lighting?

Experience intelligent lighting control that responds to your music automatically.

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