Integration Guide

DMXDesktop can work in different ways depending on your show setup. Some users work with DJs, others with live bands, and some prefer to run light looks manually. This page explains the main options and how to connect everything together.

Which Setup Fits You?

• • DJ using VirtualDJ or Traktor → DJ Mode (fully automatic)
• • DJ using other software that supports sync → Ableton Link, OS2L, OSC, or MIDI Clock
• • Multiple DJs with different setups → Live audio input
• • Live band through a mixer → Feed the mixer audio via USB into DMXDesktop
• • Manual control or themed shows → Build looks with QuickShow and EffectCues
• • Touring or large rigs → Use ArtNet or sACN nodes

Getting Started

1. 1. Decide how you want DMXDesktop to follow the music (DJ Mode, sync protocols, tap, or live audio).
2. 2. Connect your DMX output device (USB DMX or ArtNet/sACN).
3. 3. Patch your fixtures into groups.
4. 4. Use QuickShow to create your first looks, then save and refine them as EffectCues.

DJ Mode (VirtualDJ / Traktor)

DJ Mode is the fully automated option, but it only works with software that DMXDesktop integrates with directly. At the moment, that means VirtualDJ and Traktor. We plan to add more in future updates.

• • Runs on the same computer as the DJ software.
• • Generates a complete lightshow in advance and follows the DJ automatically.
• • Because it is pre-calculated, some overrides (like live position or color) don't work.
• • You can still trigger blackout, blinder, strobe, fog, and special effects at any time.

QuickShow and EffectCues

These are the main tools for building shows.

• • QuickShow: One effect (beam or movement) on one or many groups. The fastest way to get lights running.
• • EffectCues: Saved combinations of effects across multiple groups. Each group can have its own effect, giving much finer control.
• • QuickShow is best for live use or getting started quickly.
• • Any QuickShow look can be saved as an EffectCue and refined later.

Timing and Sync

Effects run in time with the beat. DMXDesktop can use different sources for timing:

• • Ableton Link, OS2L, OSC, MIDI Clock: Exact BPM and beat position from music software. All beam effects sync to this.
• • Tap BPM: Manually tap a tempo. Each EffectCue can also store its own BPM.
• • Live Audio Analysis: DMXDesktop "listens" to the audio input, detects BPM, and tries to beatmatch. Works well, but never as tight as protocol sync.
• • Default BPM: If nothing else is set, the default is 120 BPM.

Live Overrides

No matter which mode you use, you can trigger certain overrides instantly:

• • Blackout
• • Blinder
• • Strobe
• • Fog
• • Special effects

Live color and position overrides are available in QuickShow and EffectCues, but not in DJ Mode.

Hardware Options

DMXDesktop works with most common DMX output devices.

• • USB DMX Interfaces — simple plug-and-play.
• • ArtNet or sACN Nodes — network-based, ideal for larger shows.