Guide · Art-Net
Art-Net DMX control from Windows
DMX over ethernet: what it is, and how to set it up.
What is Art-Net?
Art-Net is a protocol that sends DMX512 data over an ordinary ethernet network. Instead of a DMX cable running from your computer, the data travels across your network as UDP packets to an Art-Net node - a small box that converts it back into a regular DMX signal for your fixtures.
Each universe carries 512 channels, and Art-Net can carry many universes down a single network cable. That is the advantage: one cheap ethernet run replaces a bundle of DMX lines.
Art-Net or USB DMX?
Both work well with SDC, so it comes down to your setup.
One universe, no network
A USB-to-DMX interface such as the Enttec DMX USB Pro, or an Open DMX-style device, is plug-and-play and needs no network at all. See the USB DMX guide.
More universes, longer runs
If you need more than one universe, the distance is long - ethernet does 100 m without complaint - or the venue already has a network. Nodes come with one to eight or more DMX outputs, so it scales with the rig.
What you need
- ·A Windows PC running SDC
- ·An Art-Net node - any brand, SDC is not locked to specific hardware
- ·An ethernet cable between them, or a shared network
Setting up Art-Net in SDC
Connect the node to your network and note its IP address. Most nodes ship with a configuration tool or web page that shows it.
Open SDC and go to Settings.
Open Art-Net Routing and assign the universe to your node. SDC discovers nodes on the network automatically.
That is it. SDC's built-in discovery sends an ArtPoll to the network and lists the nodes that answer, so you can confirm the node is alive before patching a single fixture.
Common problems and fixes
No output at all
Check that your PC and the node are on the same subnet. Some nodes default to a 2.x.x.x address while home routers use 192.168.x.x - either change the node's IP to match your network, or give your PC a second IP in the node's range.
Firewall blocking it
Art-Net uses UDP port 6454. If Windows asks for network permission the first time you run SDC, allow it.
Flickering or lag over wifi
Art-Net does work over wifi, but a wired connection is always more reliable for a live show.
Questions
Is Art-Net free to use?
Yes. It is a royalty-free protocol - you only pay for the node hardware.
How many universes can SDC output?
32. Each configured universe goes out as its own Art-Net stream, so multi-universe rigs - pixel strips, for instance - are no problem.
Can I use Art-Net and USB DMX at the same time?
Yes, SDC can drive both outputs.
Does SDC work with any Art-Net node?
Yes. Art-Net is a standard, and SDC works with all Art-Net devices. The hardware page lists the ones we have tested ourselves.
Download SDC, point it at your Art-Net node, and you will have lights moving in minutes. Free in 2-hour sessions; unlimited use is $29.99/year.
Download SDC v8.1