If you don’t find your question, feel free to contact us.
Yes, for the time being, only Windows 11 64-bit (x86-64) is supported. ARM64 is not supported at the moment. Some users run the app on Windows 10 (64-bit), but this version of Windows is not officially supported.
Almost any modern Windows PC will do. SDC barely uses the CPU - even running hundreds of fixtures with fast movement and dimmer effects, CPU usage stays low. The thing to focus on is memory rather than CPU power, since memory use grows with the size of your show. So if you're running a large rig, make sure your PC has plenty of RAM to spare.
Yes, you can use it for free in unlimited 2-hour sessions. After 2 hours, all channels will reset to 0, and you’ll need to restart the app to continue. You will not have to start over - all your settings and saved data are preserved.
Yes, SDC supports standard USB-to-DMX and Art-Net devices. You might already have a compatible device - visit our Hardware page for tested and confirmed devices.
USB devices such as the Enttec Open DMX and DMX USB Pro can be used, as well as similar devices from Eurolite and other affordable USB-to-DMX dongles. Please test your hardware before purchasing a license, and be sure to review the section below titled 'What kind of hardware do you recommend' as well as the note in the End User License Agreement regarding hardware.
SDC uses GDTF, the professional fixture file format. If there is no GDTF file for your fixture, SDC can make one for you, automatically from the fixture's PDF manual or manually in the Simple GDTF Maker. SDC doesn't require any other files.
Yes. SDC has two GDTF Makers built in. Manual To GDTF generates the file automatically from your fixture's PDF manual, and the Simple GDTF Maker lets you enter the channels yourself. Both save a standard .gdtf file you can use in other software too.
Yes!
We suggest opting for an Art-Net device. If you must use USB, choose a "Pro" version with a built-in processor for a stable signal. Please note that the End User License Agreement mentions that stable DMX control is not guaranteed when using low-cost Open DMX devices. See our Hardware page for tested and confirmed devices.
Yes - visit the How To section in the menu, where you'll find a PDF manual and step-by-step articles on our forum, covering everything from adding your first fixture to building full light shows.
First, check the forum (under 'How To' in the menu) and navigate to 'Announcements' → 'Release History' to see if a new version has been released and if that version fixes the issue. If not, please contact us.
As many as you like. The app supports control over 32 full DMX universes.
32.
Yes, SDC supports one or more APC Mini MK2 controllers from Akai.
As many as you like.
Any fixture that supports DMX, as well as RGB/RGBW pixel strips.
Yes, SDC has a dedicated section for controlling pixel strips & LED bars. SDC also has a dedicated section for controlling pixel strips and LED bars using Art-Net to SPI or Art-Net to DMX.
Yes. It’s quick and easy in “Settings".
Yes! SDC is designed to look great on a laptop - and it looks pretty cool on a larger screen too.
All channels will be reset to 0. Restarting the app will allow you to use it again. You will not have to start over - all your settings and saved data are preserved.
It depends. If you plan to use ArtNet, you don’t need to install anything beyond the downloaded setup. If you're using USB, you’ll need to install the drivers that come with your hardware.
Yes - for dimmer, pan, and tilt.
In theory, yes - but we don’t recommend it. It may work sometimes, but you’ll likely experience frequent dropouts.
Yes, but your settings might not be compatible with newer versions. You may need to start over but since the app is meant for simple setups, this shouldn’t be a major issue.
Yes. GDTF is the format SDC uses, and if there is no GDTF file for your fixture, SDC can build one for you, automatically from the PDF manual or manually in the Simple GDTF Maker.
Yes. All features are available, but after 2 hours, you must restart the app.
It will be sent to your email along with your receipt. It’s automated, so you should receive it quickly.
The app enters a 31-day grace period where it functions as if the license were still valid. After that, it reverts to the 2-hour time limit.
No. The license is locked to the computer where it was activated.
No.
The setup file from Simple DMX is signed with a high-level EV certificate (validated by Microsoft), which guarantees that the file is from Simple DMX.
The app is designed to be simple, so don’t expect it to become like other complex lighting apps. But you can expect new features to be added to the app under the same philosophy as existing features: “keep it simple”.
Yes.