DMX Input Setup in Blackout
DMX Input allows Blackout to receive and visualize DMX data from external consoles or media servers.
This feature is perfect for giving visualization to DPs, Gaffers, DITs, or whoever can't remember those pesky fixture numbers ;). Or, If you're working with a programmer using another console, this is a great way to see what their doing and keep up effective communication but visualizing your set in real time using a tool you already know and love.
We will also go into detail about how to use a media server like MadMapper with Blackout to make Pixel Mapping (or "Image Based Lighting" as the kids call it) a breeze. You can visualize your media server on your fixtures in Liveplot and even setup control channels to control your media server remotely with Blackout.
Basic DMX Input Setup
Prerequisites
Blackout
DMX input from a console (MA, EOS, HOG, Chamsys, ONYX) or media server
Network connection (Ethernet recommended)
Step 1: Import Your Patch
Export from your console: Export your patch from your lighting console
Supported consoles: MA(2&3), EOS, HOG, Chamsys, ONYX
Also supports MVR export from Capture
Import to Blackout:
Navigate to your patch in Blackout
Tap the "Import Patch" button at the top left
Select your exported patch file
If using custom fixture profiles, you may need to create them in the fixture database
Complete the import: The patch will populate with the same addresses and fixture numbers from your console
Step 2: Network Configuration
Ensure all devices are on the same network
Use static IP addresses when possible
For SACN: Verify your network hardware supports multicast
Close any other applications reading DMX/SACN to avoid conflicts
Go to Live Plot and enter edit mode
Create visual representations of your fixtures using rectangles or other shapes
Assign fixture numbers to match your patch
Exit edit mode when complete
Step 4: DMX Input configuration
Disable DMX Output (if using for visualization only):
Go to Link Status
Disable DMX output to avoid conflicts on the network
For 1:1 patches, no additional configuration is needed
If you need universe routing -- Enable DMX Input:
If you need to route universes you can find these options in the DMX Input menu in link status.
Change View State:
The view-state drop down menu is found at the top of fixtures view and Live Plot
Change the view state from "Output Value" to "INPUT Value" or "INPUT DMX"
This displays what your console is sending rather than what Blackout is outputting
Media Server Integration (Example with MadMapper)
For more advanced workflows, you can use Blackout to merge media server content with traditional lighting control. This example uses MadMapper but works with any media server.
Hardware Setup
Router or network switch with multicast support (for SACN)
Computer running MadMapper connected via Ethernet
Blackout iPad connected via Ethernet
DMX node/transmitter connected to the same network
Creating Custom Fixture Profiles
In MadMapper: Create a new file with DMX output
Navigate to Fixture Editor and create a new fixture
Configure for media server integration:
Set pixel size to match your fixture's DMX Footprint
Mark non-RGB channels as "unused" so MadMapper only controls the color channels
Let Blackout control intensity, effects, and other parameters
TIP: Search for the fixture profile you want to use in Blackout, and tap the profile to see how the channels are divided. This makes setting up your profile in MadMapper a breeze as Blackout will accurately tell you what the parameter is for each DMX channel
Universe Configuration
Configure Blackout:
Set up DMX input to receive from MadMapper's universe
You can either do this 1:1 or setup DMX routing.
1:1 Example - In Blackout your fixtures are patched in Universe 1. Madmapper outputs to universe 1.
Routing Example - In Blackout your Fixtures are patched to Universe 1. Madmapper outputs to universe 21. In Blackout, you route universe 21 to universe 1 and use HTP merge.
MADMAPPER INPUT
If you want to control MadMapper parameters via Blackout, Patch in the Madmapper fixture from the Blackout database or dimmers to whatever universe you set as MadMapper's INPUT universe.
Set MadMapper Input Universe: I like to use a high universe number (like 100) to avoid conflicts
Advanced Control Options
DMX Masters: Set up master controls in MadMapper's DMX preferences:
Patch Dimmers to the input universe:
Master Level (Channel 1)
Hue Control (Channel 2)
Saturation Control (Channel 3)
Scene Control: Use MadMapper's cue system with DMX control:
Set up next/previous scene triggers
Target specific scenes with dedicated channels
You can also build a single fixture profile for MadMapper rather than using separate dimmers OR you can use the one we made in the database. Just be sure your profile channels match the control DMX Input channels in MadMapper
Best Practices
Use separate universes for MadMapper and traditional lighting to avoid conflicts
Create fixture groups in Blackout for easier control
Set up favorites for common color combinations
Use static IP addresses for stable connections
Test your setup thoroughly before going live
Troubleshooting
If SACN isn't working, verify multicast support on your network hardware
For Art-Net setups, pay attention to universe offset settings
Ensure only one application is reading SACN/DMX on the network
Check that all devices are on the same network segment
Web Browser Access
Once configured, you can share your live plot with others:
In Live Plot, tap the QR code button
Anyone on the same network can scan the QR code or use the provided URL
They'll see the same live visualization in their web browser