So in live production, the LD uses something called an octo splitter with a bunch of DMX outputs and 1/2 inputs. What exactly is this used for? I can’t get an answer that makes sense to me.
In: Technology
The tldr is that it is used to split lines of dmx / saves you from having to run 1000 cables from FOH / the snake
So lights use Dmx to talk with the lighting console, in order for that to happen you must address the light with a address between 1 and 512. ie strobe one uses 10 channels so you would program it to universe one channel 1 strobe two would be universe one channel 11. Once you get to the end where your channel count won’t fit in the universe you would move to universe two/ Dmx line 2.
A lot of consoles these days come with dmx outputs in the back of a board however shows will use up much more then what is stock, that’s where nodes come into play.
You send a single line from the console into a opto or data rack at dimmer beach or on the trusses depending on size and layout of show, and that allows you to then branch out up to 8 individual lines of dmx to run to your lights. You can still program your fixtures into each universe/ line but the nodes allow you to branch out the data cable to where you need it in the venue.
There are also newer types of nodes like pathport octo nodes and other brands that allow us to shoot the dmx down an Ethernet line via Artnet or SCan and then will change it back into Dmx so the lights can work. You can carry way more data down a Ethernet cable then a XLR five pin copper cable so for big big shows with difficult data distribution this can save a lot of time and trouble shooting.
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