Guide
How to Build a DMX Fixture Profile From a Channel Chart
Guide to reading channel charts, mapping parameters, and creating reusable fixture profiles.
How to Build a DMX Fixture Profile From a Channel Chart
A fixture profile tells your console what every channel controls, what the modes mean, and how to map the parameters you need. Rather than guess from a manual, this step-by-step process helps you build or verify a profile before you ever patch the fixture.
What is a fixture profile?
It is the mapping between channels and parameters (dimmer, color, macros, movement). Profiles can live in your lighting console, CAD tool, or documentation so every operator knows how to patch the fixture.
How to read a DMX channel chart
- Find the selected mode (3ch, 15ch, 16-bit pan/tilt). Channel charts often list multiple modes—lock the one you actually plan to use.
- Note the channel order and parameter labels (e.g., channel 1 = dimmer, 2 = red, 3 = green).
- Record macros, strobe ranges,/reset channels—some charts merge ranges, so the fixture needs lookup tables.
Mapping channels to parameters
Write a table that lists channel number, parameter name, value range, and comments on behavior. For example:
| Channel | Parameter | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Main dimmer | 0–255 | Fade time controlled by console. |
| 5 | Strobe | 0–15 | Slow to fast strobe. |
| 12 | Pan coarse | 0–255 | Pair with pan fine (channel 13). |
Handling ranges, macros, and reset channels
Macros often live inside a channel range—use comments like “20–25 = color macros.” Reset channels may require a specific value to return the fixture to home, so log those too. Without this detail, automation and cues may misfire.
Common mistakes that break shows
- Patching the wrong mode (3-channel vs 15-channel) causes parameter shifts.
- Missing fine channels leaves motion choppy.
- Not writing down macro ranges creates surprises when cues jump.
- Overlapping addresses between fixtures gives ghost outputs.
How good profiles improve programming and automation
A clean profile prevents guesswork: you know which channel to map, how to set DMX ranges, and which macros to call. It also helps automation systems, AI tools, and other team members read the fixture consistently across shows.
Field checklist
- Verify the mode on the fixture matches your console’s profile.
- Document pan/tilt fine channels and any inversion settings.
- Log strobe, macros, and reset values with comments.
- Store the profile in your fixture library and back it up with the calculator tools.
Summary
Building a fixture profile out of the chart gives you clarity, prevents overlay errors, and keeps automation tools honest.