---
title: "Open Sound Control (OSC) Explained - DMXDesktop"
description: "What Open Sound Control is, how OSC messages, wildcards and bundles work, and how to control your lighting from TouchOSC or any OSC app on Mac and Windows."
canonical: https://www.dmxdesktop.com/open-sound-control
lang: en
source: /open-sound-control
---

![DMX lighting effects background](/assets/images/optimized/AdobeStock_308742377-400w.jpeg)

# Open Sound Control (OSC)

Send commands to DMXDesktop and receive state broadcasts via OSC

## What is OSC?

**Open Sound Control (OSC) is an open, transport-independent, message-based protocol for communication between computers, sound synthesizers, lighting software and other multimedia devices.** It was created by Matt Wright and Adrian Freed at CNMAT, University of California, Berkeley, and version 1.0 was published in March 2002. DMXDesktop implements OSC in both directions: it receives commands from external controllers and broadcasts state changes to other applications.

Where DMX512 sends a fixed stream of numbered slots, OSC sends named messages. That is the whole difference in one sentence. An OSC message has three parts:

- **An address pattern**, a text string that starts with a forward slash and reads like a URL path, for example `/master/dimmer`.
- **A type tag string**, a comma followed by one letter per argument. Every OSC implementation supports `i` (32-bit integer), `f` (32-bit float), `s` (string) and `b` (binary blob).
- **The arguments themselves**, in the order the type tags declare. All numbers are big-endian and every value is padded to a multiple of 32 bits.

Two things surprise people arriving from MIDI or DMX. First, **OSC has no official port number.** The specification is deliberately transport independent and assigns none, and there is no registered OSC port at IANA either, so each application picks its own and you set it at both ends. DMXDesktop listens on port 8000 by default and sends output to port 9000.

Second, OSC address patterns support wildcards, so one message can reach several destinations at once: `?` matches any single character, `*` matches any sequence of characters, `[abc]` matches any character in a set, and `{foo,bar}` matches any string in a list.

OSC also has **bundles**: several messages grouped together with a 64-bit time tag in NTP format, so a receiver applies them as one atomic group, either immediately or at a scheduled moment. OSC carries the time tag but does not synchronise clocks itself, so both machines need their own correct time.

A note on versions, because it trips people up: OSC 1.1 exists, but there is no 1.1 specification document. Its authors published a paper for NIME 2009 instead and let it stand as the reference. OSC 1.1 keeps the 1.0 message format, promotes several optional types such as True, False, Null and Impulse to required, and adds the `//` multi-level wildcard. Messages written for 1.0 still work with 1.1 receivers.

## How It Works

DMXDesktop supports both OSC Input and Output. The **OSC Input** server listens for incoming messages to control various aspects of the software. **OSC Output** broadcasts state changes and events to external applications, enabling real-time synchronization with video software, visualizers, and custom integrations. Both support UDP protocol for low-latency communication.

## Getting Started

1. Open DMXDesktop and navigate to **Settings → General**
2. In the OSC section, you'll find: - Enable/Disable OSC Input toggle - Network Interface selection - Input Port number (default: 8000) - Protocol selection (UDP/TCP) - Enable/Disable OSC Output toggle - Output Host and Port (default: 127.0.0.1:9000)
3. The discovery service runs on port 9000 and allows compatible apps to automatically find DMXDesktop on the network

## Connecting with TouchOSC

TouchOSC is a popular tool for controlling multitudes of different types of applications, and can be used to control DMXDesktop via the OSC Protocol.

*Please note: TouchOSC is paid software, please refer to the [official website](https://hexler.net/touchosc?utm_source=dmxdesktop.com) for details.*

1. Download and install TouchOSC on your device: - iOS: [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/touchosc/id1569996730?utm_source=dmxdesktop.com) - Android: [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.hexler.lex&hl=en&utm_source=dmxdesktop.com) - Desktop: [Desktop](https://hexler.net/touchosc?utm_source=dmxdesktop.com#get)
2. Open TouchOSC and create a new connection: - Protocol: OSC - Host: Your computer's IP address (shown in DMXDesktop settings) - Send Port: 8000 (default) - Receive Port: 9000 (for discovery service)
3. Use the discovery feature in TouchOSC to automatically find DMXDesktop on your network
4. Create your layout using the OSC paths listed in the table below

## Network Tips

- Ensure your device and computer are on the same network
- If using a firewall, allow incoming connections on ports 8000 and 9000
- For optimal performance, use a dedicated network or 5GHz WiFi connection
- For OSC Output, configure the target host IP and port in Settings

## Additional Resources

- [Official OSC Website](https://opensoundcontrol.stanford.edu/?utm_source=dmxdesktop.com) - Learn more about the OSC protocol
- [TouchOSC Documentation](https://hexler.net/touchosc?utm_source=dmxdesktop.com) - Detailed guide for TouchOSC
- [OSC Protocol Specification](https://github.com/CNMAT/OSC?utm_source=dmxdesktop.com) - Technical details of the OSC protocol

## OSC Input Commands

Send these commands to DMXDesktop to control your lighting. All paths are case-sensitive.

**Note:** OSC Input requires a paid subscription and must be enabled in Settings. The default input port is 8000.

| OSC Path | Parameters | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MASTER CONTROLS | | |
| /master/dimmer | float (0-1) | Controls master dimmer intensity |
| LIVE EFFECTS | | |
| /live/strobe/{on|off|pulse} | none | Controls strobe state |
| /live/blackout/{on|off|pulse} | none | Controls blackout state |
| /live/blinder/{on|off|pulse} | none | Controls blinder state |
| /live/freeze/{on|off|pulse} | none | Controls freeze state |
| /live/fog/{on|off|pulse} | none | Controls fog machine state |
| SPECIAL EFFECTS | | |
| /effects/{effect}/start | none | Starts specified effect (wave, paparazzi, colorsweep, thunder, pulse, sparkle, random) |
| /effects/{effect}/stop | none | Stops the specified special effect |
| /effects/stop | none | Stops all currently running special effects |
| /effects/bpm | float (0-1) | Sets BPM for special effects timing (maps 0-1 to 60-200 BPM) |
| LIVE EDITS | | |
| /live/edit/{action}/{name} | action: enable|disable|toggle | Controls live edit state by name |
| /live/edit/group/{action}/{name} | action: enable|disable|toggle | Controls live edit group state by name |
| /live/edit/disable-all | none | Disables all live edits |
| CUE CONTROLS | | |
| /cue/effect/play/{name} | string | Plays specific effect cue by name |
| /cue/effect/{action} | play|stop|next|prev | Controls effect cue playback navigation |
| DJ CONTROLS | | |
| /dj/app/{app} | musicplayer|virtualdj|traktor | Toggle specific DJ application |
| /dj/deck{1|2}/{action} | play|stop|eject | Deck transport controls |
| /dj/deck{1|2}/volume | float (0-1) | Controls deck volume |
| /dj/crossfader | float (0-1) | Controls crossfader position |
| DIRECT DMX CONTROL | | |
| /dmx/{universe}/{channel} | float (0-1) | Sets DMX channel value (maps 0-1 to 0-255) |
| /dmx/{universe}/{channel}/clear | none | Clears DMX channel override |
| /dmx/clear | none | Clears ALL DMX channel overrides |
| STACK CONTROLS | | |
| /stack/{id}/go | none | Fires the next cue in the specified stack |
| /stack/{id}/back | none | Steps back to the previous cue |
| /stack/{id}/halt | none | Freezes the current crossfade mid-transition |
| /stack/{id}/stop | none | Stops playback on the specified stack |
| /stack/{id}/level | float (0-1) | Sets the stack master level |
| EXECUTE GRID | | |
| /execute/{row}/{col} | none | Triggers the execute grid button at the specified position |

## Live Wire and Tempo Commands

Live Wire mode, Live Wire Hold and the half and double tempo controls can all be driven over OSC. [Live Wire](/live-wire) is a Standard and Pro feature. *Available from v1.0.52*

| OSC Path | Parameters | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Live Wire | | |
| /livewire/mode/{band|dj|ambient} | none | Switches Live Wire to that mode, and starts Live Wire if it is not already the running audio app |
| /livewire/hold/{on|off|toggle} | none | Holds Live Wire on the mode's standby look, or releases it back to listening. Refused when the running mode has no standby look to hold |
| TEMPO | | |
| /live/tempo/{half|double|normal} | none | Runs the rig at half or double time, or returns it to normal. Half and double latch, so sending the same one again returns to normal |

**One tempo setting, everywhere.** Half and double tempo is a single setting that the desk, MIDI pads, OSC and the mobile remote all read and write, so they cannot disagree about the speed the rig is running at.

**OSC can no longer silence audio a running feature depends on.** Live Wire needs live audio capture and BPM detection, and an OSC message could previously switch either off underneath it, leaving it enabled but deaf. Those messages are now refused while a running feature depends on them.

## OSC Output Messages

DMXDesktop broadcasts state and events to external applications via OSC. Configure the target host and port in Settings. *Available from v1.0.46*

### Live Controls

`/dmxdesktop/v1/master` float 0-1 (0-100%)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/blackout` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/strobe` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/blinder` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/freeze` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/fog` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/effect` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/specialeffect/{name}` int 0|1 (wave, thunder, etc.)

### Audio & BPM

`/dmxdesktop/v1/bpm` float (BPM value)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/beat` float, int, int, float (bpm, ts_high, ts_low, confidence)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/audio/level` float 0-1 (RMS level)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/audio/energy` float 0-1 (energy level)

### Effect Cues

`/dmxdesktop/v1/cue/active` string (cue name or "")

`/dmxdesktop/v1/cue/name` string (current cue)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/cue/action` string (play|stop)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/cue/lifecycle` string (fadeIn/OutStarted/Finished)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/cue/lifecycle/duration` int (ms)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/cue/lifecycle/newCue` string (next cue name)

### Cue Stacks

`/dmxdesktop/v1/stack/{id}/step` int (step index)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/stack/{id}/fading` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/stack/{id}/paused` int 0|1

### Live Edits & Overrides

`/dmxdesktop/v1/liveedit/{id}` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/liveedit/group/{id}` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/override/color` string (palette ID or "")

`/dmxdesktop/v1/override/position` string (preset or "")

### DJ Mode

`/dmxdesktop/v1/dj/enabled` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/dj/app` string (app name or "")

`/dmxdesktop/v1/dj/master` int 1-4 (master deck)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/dj/crossfader` float 0-1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/dj/deck{1-4}/playing` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/dj/deck{1-4}/paused` int 0|1

`/dmxdesktop/v1/dj/deck{1-4}/track` string (Artist - Title)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/dj/deck{1-4}/loaded` int 0|1 (track loaded)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/dj/deck{1-4}/loading` int 0|1 (analyzing)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/dj/deck{1-4}/showready` int 0|1 (DMX show ready)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/dj/deck{1-4}/vu` float (VU meter level)

### Live Wire

`/dmxdesktop/v1/livewire/mode/active` string (band|dj|ambient, or "")

`/dmxdesktop/v1/livewire/hold/state` string (held|listening|unavailable)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/livewire/mode` string (mode selected)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/livewire/hold` int 0|1

### QuickShow - Beam Effects

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/beam` string (effect name or "")

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/beam/speed` int (raw slider value)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/beam/phase` int (raw slider value)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/beam/background` int (raw slider value)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/beam/spread` int (raw slider value)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/beam/intensity` int (raw slider value)

### QuickShow - Movement Effects

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/move` string (effect name or "")

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/move/speed` int (raw slider value)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/move/size` int (raw slider value)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/move/phase` int (raw slider value)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/move/fanning` int (raw slider value)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/move/direction` int -1|0|1

### QuickShow - General

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/theme` int (theme ID)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/themecount` int (8|16|24|32)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/preset` string (preset ID or "")

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/groups` string (JSON array)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/groups/move` string (JSON array)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/stopall` int 1 (pulse event)

### QuickShow - Encoders

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/encoder/beam/{id}` int 0-255 (DMX value)

`/dmxdesktop/v1/quickshow/encoder/move/{id}` int 0-255 (DMX value)

Encoder IDs are in the format: beam_aux_{groupId}_{channelKey} or move_aux_{groupId}_{channelKey}

**Note:** OSC Output requires a paid subscription and must be enabled in Settings. Default port is 9000.

Beat timestamps are split into two 32-bit integers (ts_high, ts_low) since OSC doesn't support 64-bit values.

## Ready to Control Your Lights Remotely?

[Download DMXDesktop](/download)