Create, manage, and recall lighting presets with ease—no programming degree required.
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to control studio lighting, Chauvet DJ’s ShowXpress software is a powerful tool that offers intuitive control over DMX lighting systems. In this video, we walk through the basic steps for setting up and operating lights in a studio environment using ShowXpress—tailored for first-time users or teams with limited lighting experience.
This guide focuses on real-world application in a streamlined studio setup, showing how to create and recall “scenes” (also known as “looks”) for consistent, repeatable lighting.
⏱️ TIMECODE BREAKDOWN
00:06 — Understanding Light Control/Power
Learn about DMX control, lighting circuit power, and safety considerations before you begin.
01:15 — Patching
Assign your fixtures to DMX channels in the software—an essential first step for communication between your computer and lights.
01:34 — Plotting
Position your fixtures on a virtual layout for easier identification and control.
01:52 — Grouping Fixtures
Combine fixtures into logical groups (like front lights, backlights, or effects) to streamline scene creation.
02:40 — Powering On Lights
Ensure all fixtures are correctly connected and powered before testing or programming.
02:55 — Creating Scenes (aka Looks)
Use the Scene Builder to design specific lighting states tailored for your studio needs (e.g., interview lighting, general wash, dramatic look).
03:55 — Adding Scenes to Live Tab for Recall
Drag and drop your programmed scenes into the Live Tab so you can easily switch between looks during production.
04:32 — Operating Lights via Live Tab
Live operation tips for triggering scenes in real time with confidence.
05:12 — Making Sure DMX Control is Enabled for Live Output
Final check to ensure DMX signal is live and broadcasting to fixtures.
05:30 — Powering Off Lights
Best practices for powering down safely and preserving fixture longevity.
🔗 Software Download
👉 Chauvet ShowXpress
Whether you’re outfitting a school studio, church broadcast booth, or community theater, this tutorial gives you a strong foundation in DMX lighting using a free, visual tool. Once your scenes are set, operating your lights becomes as easy as pushing a button.
Comments are closed