Lighting Options with DMX

One of the earlier ideas I had this quarter was to create a studio lighting setup controlled from a virtual environment, but make it indie.

Most of the equipment I've used to far have already existed in the studio, but they may not be the most cost effective options for a smaller studio or an independent creator.

ADJ Mega Par Profile Plus


These are the light fixtures we've been using in the studio for some time now. I've been testing DMX in Unreal with two extra fixtures we have laying around in the cabinet. However, this exact model lights are $115 each and it may not be feasible for an independent creator who would need multiple lights for a scene.

There are of course cheaper options for par lights from different brands. But I can't say anything on its quality or how long it'll last.


Aputure MC Pro


These are the new lights we have in the studio and to be honest, they're pretty damn cool. However, a kit with 8 lights costs a whooping $1900! While these lights are very versatile in their use, they're definitely a more expensive option to par lights.


Here are a few cheaper lighting options that I think might be worth trying!

LED Strip Lights

LED strips are the most common lighting decorations in homes. They're also pretty cheap as I've seen pack of 2 strips range from $10 to $35.

According to internet (and Reddit), DMX decoders could be used to connect LED strips to other DMX fixtures. This will allow LED lights to be controlled the same way as other fixtures and could be a great cheap alternative to DMX setups.

A quick search showed that the decoders can range anywhere from $40 to $120. I will need to do further research to understand the differences between decoders and which one works best for the current setup I have in the lab.

Smart Bulbs

Unfortunately, there wasn't as much info I could find regarding the use of smart light bulbs with DMX. Most bulbs seem to not allow an easy DMX connection despite having a wireless controller like LED strips.

However, I came across a video that showcases the light bulbs from a company called Milight. Apparently these bulbs are created with DMX connections in mind and can be controlled through a DMX transmitter.


I will need to look further to understand the capabilities of these bulbs and the transmitter. So far, the bulbs are priced at $28 each and the transmitter is $20. Compared to ADJ or Aputure lights, they're definitely still on the lower-cost end.

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