Glossary
A comprehensive guide to lighting control terminology used in LightGroove and the entertainment lighting industry.
A
Address (DMX Address)
A unique number (1-512) assigned to each fixture or channel in a DMX universe that determines which control data it receives. The starting address determines where a fixture begins listening on the DMX line.
ArtNet
A network protocol that allows DMX512 data to be transmitted over Ethernet networks. It enables lighting control over standard network infrastructure instead of traditional DMX cables. Developed by Artistic Licence.
ArtNet Node
A hardware device that converts ArtNet network data into DMX512 signals that lighting fixtures can understand. Examples include Enttec ODE, DMXking eDMX1.
ArtNet Universe
A virtual DMX universe transmitted over a network using the ArtNet protocol. ArtNet supports up to 32,768 universes on a single network.
B
BPM (Beats Per Minute)
A tempo measurement used to sync lighting effects to music or set a consistent timing for color changes and chases. In LightGroove, controls the speed of color FX from 1-480 BPM.
C
Channel
A single control parameter in a lighting fixture, such as dimmer, red, green, blue, white, pan, tilt, etc. Each channel occupies one DMX address and has a value range of 0-255.
Chaser
A lighting effect where fixtures light up in sequence, creating a "chase" pattern. In LightGroove, Random 4 FX is a chaser effect.
Color Mixing
The process of combining different color channels (red, green, blue, white, amber, etc.) to create a desired color output. Can be additive (RGB) or subtractive.
Color Temperature
The warmth or coolness of white light, measured in Kelvin (K). Lower values (2700K-3200K) are warm/yellow, higher values (5000K-6500K) are cool/blue.
CTO (Color Temperature Orange)
A filter or LED channel used to warm up white light, making it appear more orange/amber. Often used to lower color temperature.
D
Daisy Chain
A wiring method where DMX fixtures are connected in series, with the output of one fixture connecting to the input of the next. The last fixture in the chain should have a terminator.
Dimmer
A channel that controls the overall intensity or brightness of a fixture, typically from 0% (off) to 100% (full brightness). DMX value range: 0-255.
DMX512 (Digital Multiplex)
The industry-standard protocol for controlling lighting equipment. Transmits up to 512 channels of data in a single universe at 44 times per second over a serial connection.
DMX Cable
Specialized shielded cable used to transmit DMX signals, typically using 5-pin XLR connectors (though 3-pin XLR is also common). Should be rated for DMX/data, not audio cables.
DMX Terminator
A 120-ohm resistor placed at the end of a DMX line to prevent signal reflections and ensure reliable communication. Recommended for long cable runs or many fixtures.
E
Effect (FX)
An automated lighting pattern or sequence that changes over time, such as color cycling, strobing, or chasing. In LightGroove, includes Random 1-4 color effects.
Ethernet
Standard computer networking technology used to transmit ArtNet and other lighting control protocols. Uses CAT5e or CAT6 cables with RJ45 connectors.
F
Fade
A smooth transition between two states (colors, intensities, positions) over a period of time. In LightGroove, FX Fade controls the smoothness of color transitions.
Fader
A control slider used to adjust the value of a channel or parameter, typically displayed vertically or horizontally. Can control dimmer, color channels, or other attributes.
Fixture
A lighting device or instrument that receives DMX control signals. Examples include LED PAR cans, moving heads, wash lights, and effect lights.
Fixture Profile
A definition of a fixture's channel layout and capabilities, specifying which channels control which parameters. In LightGroove, defined in fixtures.json.
FPS (Frames Per Second)
The rate at which DMX data is transmitted, typically 44 FPS for standard DMX512. Higher rates provide smoother transitions but increase network traffic.
G
Gobo
A template placed in front of a light source to create patterns, shapes, or textures. Can be static or rotating, controlled via DMX channels in intelligent fixtures.
H
HTP (Highest Takes Precedence)
A merge rule where the highest value from multiple sources controls a channel. Typically used for dimmer/intensity channels.
I
Intensity
The brightness level of a light, typically controlled by the dimmer channel. Can be scaled globally using a master fader.
IP Address
A unique network address assigned to devices on an Ethernet network. ArtNet nodes require IP addresses for communication with control software.
L
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
Semiconductor light source used in modern lighting fixtures. LEDs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in various colors (RGB, RGBW, RGBA, etc.).
LTP (Latest Takes Precedence)
A merge rule where the most recent change controls a channel. Typically used for color and position channels.
M
Master Fader
A global control that scales all intensity output proportionally. In LightGroove, the Master control (0-100%) affects all fixtures without changing individual fader positions.
Moving Head
An intelligent lighting fixture with motorized pan and tilt capabilities, allowing it to move and point in different directions via DMX control.
N
Node (Network Node)
See ArtNet Node. A device that interfaces between network protocols (ArtNet, sACN) and physical DMX outputs.
P
Pan
Horizontal rotation of a moving light fixture, typically controlled by 8-bit or 16-bit DMX channels for coarse and fine control.
PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector)
A common type of lighting fixture with a parabolic reflector. LED PAR cans are popular for color mixing and wash lighting.
Patch
The assignment of fixtures to specific DMX addresses and universes. In LightGroove, configured in patch.json.
R
RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
A color mixing system using three primary colors of light. By varying the intensity of each color (0-255), millions of colors can be created through additive mixing.
RGBA (Red, Green, Blue, Amber)
An extended color mixing system that adds amber to RGB for warmer color tones and improved color rendering.
RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White)
A color mixing system that adds a white LED channel to RGB, allowing for purer white light and pastel colors. Common in modern LED fixtures.
S
sACN (Streaming ACN)
Also known as E1.31, a protocol for transmitting DMX512 data over Ethernet networks. An alternative to ArtNet with similar functionality.
Scene
A saved lighting state or look that can be recalled instantly. Contains all channel values for all fixtures at a specific moment.
Static Color
A fixed color setting that doesn't change over time. In LightGroove, the Colors tab provides 10 preset static colors.
Strobe
A rapid on/off flashing effect. Can be achieved through fast intensity changes or dedicated strobe channels in fixtures.
Subnet
In ArtNet, a grouping mechanism for organizing universes. ArtNet addresses consist of Net, Subnet, and Universe values.
T
Tilt
Vertical rotation of a moving light fixture, typically controlled by 8-bit or 16-bit DMX channels for coarse and fine control.
U
UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
A network protocol used by ArtNet and sACN to transmit lighting data over Ethernet. Uses port 6454 for ArtNet.
Universe
A collection of 512 DMX channels. Multiple universes can be used to control large lighting setups. Each universe is typically transmitted separately via physical DMX or network protocols.
Universe Mapping
The configuration that links logical DMX universes to physical ArtNet nodes and universe numbers. Configured in LightGroove's Config tab.
V
Virtual DMX
DMX data generated by software without physical DMX output hardware. Often used for visualization or transmitted via network protocols like ArtNet.
W
Wash Light
A fixture designed to provide broad, even illumination over a wide area. Often used for stage lighting and color washing.
White Balance
The process of adjusting color channels to achieve accurate white light output from RGB or RGBW fixtures.
X
XLR
A type of electrical connector commonly used for DMX cables. DMX typically uses 5-pin XLR (though 3-pin is also common in some applications).