Adding Lighting Fixtures in SoundSwitch
Setting up your lighting fixtures in SoundSwitch is an essential step in creating dazzling light shows. Here's a straightforward guide to adding your lighting fixtures:
1. Access the Fixture Library:
- Begin by clicking the plus icon located on the right-hand side of the screen.
2. Select Your Fixture:
- In the Fixture Library, find the make and model of your lighting fixture. Once you've located it, drag and drop it into the workspace.
3. Fixture Track and Menu:
- After adding the fixture, you will notice a new Fixture Track has been created within the workspace.
- A new Fixture Menu will also appear on the right-hand side of the screen, which allows you to configure and control the lighting fixture.
4. Matching DMX Addresses:
- To ensure smooth communication between SoundSwitch and your lighting fixture, you must match the DMX channel address of the fixture to its entry in the SoundSwitch workspace.
- To set the DMX address for your fixture, simply double-click on the fixture located in the workspace. SoundSwitch will prompt you to input the fixture address.
- You can find the DMX address typically displayed on the back of your lighting fixture.
5. Understanding DMX Channel Modes:
- Lighting fixtures can be configured in more than one channel mode. Each mode may offer different levels of control over the fixture's DMX functions.
- For example, Mode 1 might use 18 channels and allow control of individual pixels within the fixture, while Mode 2 might use 5 channels and control the entire light as one unit.
- Keep in mind that adding fixtures with more channels consumes more of the 512 available DMX channels.
Troubleshooting:
If you encounter any issues or if some of your lights are not behaving as expected, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
1. DMX Mode or Channels Configuration:
- Incorrectly set DMX modes or channels can lead to unexpected behavior in your fixtures. Ensure that these settings match your fixture's requirements.
2. Cross Patching:
- "Cross Patching" is a common issue where the DMX channels of one fixture overlap with another, causing problems with DMX output. Cross-patching can disrupt the behavior of your lighting.
- When you have cross-patched fixtures, the DMX icon in the tool display will turn yellow. You can check for cross-patched fixtures in the DMX map.
- If you find any cross-patched fixtures, resolve the overlap issue by adjusting the DMX channels, as shown below:
- Ensure your DMX channels are correctly configured and not overlapping to achieve smooth lighting control.
3. Missing Fixtures:
- If your specific lighting fixture is not already in the SoundSwitch software, don't worry. You can request to add it by contacting support@soundswitch.com, and providing the brand and model details.
Tip:
- If you're having trouble finding the DMX address for your fixture, consider watching the video tutorial linked below for guidance.
- Additionally, learning the basics of DMX can help you navigate and troubleshoot DMX-related issues efficiently.
With these steps, you can easily add and configure your lighting fixtures in SoundSwitch, ensuring your light shows are synchronized and spectacular.