← Back to Documentationv0.9 Beta # Patching & Fixtures Guide
Learn how to patch fixtures, manage DMX universes, import fixture profiles, and organize your lighting system in AETHER DMX.
## Understanding the Patch
The patch is the core configuration that tells AETHER DMX how your physical fixtures map to DMX addresses. A well-organized patch makes programming faster and troubleshooting easier.
### Key Concepts
**Universe:** A single DMX512 line containing 512 channels. AETHER supports multiple universes, each output through a Pulse node.
**Address:** The starting channel number (1-512) where a fixture begins. Multi-channel fixtures occupy consecutive addresses.
**Footprint:** The number of channels a fixture uses in a particular mode. An RGBW fixture typically uses 4 channels.
**Group:** A logical collection of fixtures that can be controlled together. Examples: Front Wash, Back RGB, Stage Left Movers.
## The Patch Editor
### Accessing the Patch Editor
From the main menu, tap **Patch** to open the patching interface. The editor shows a grid view of all universes and their channel assignments.
### Adding Fixtures
1. Tap **Add Fixture** or use the **+** button
2. Select the fixture type from the library (or create a custom profile)
3. Choose the fixture mode (e.g., 4-channel, 8-channel, 16-bit)
4. Enter the quantity to add
5. Select the starting universe and address
6. Optionally assign to a group
7. Tap **Patch** to confirm
> **Note**
> AETHER automatically checks for address conflicts and will warn you if fixtures overlap.
### Fixture Library
AETHER includes profiles for common fixture types. Each profile defines:
* Channel layout and functions
* Available modes (basic, extended, 16-bit)
* Color capabilities (RGB, RGBW, CMY, CCT)
* Position ranges for moving fixtures
* Special features (strobes, gobos, effects)
### Built-in Fixture Types
| Type | Channels | Description |
|------|----------|-------------|
| Dimmer | 1 | Single-channel intensity control |
| Dimmer 16-bit | 2 | High-resolution dimmer (coarse + fine) |
| RGB | 3 | Red, Green, Blue color mixing |
| RGBW | 4 | RGB plus dedicated white channel |
| RGBA | 4 | RGB plus amber for warmer tones |
| CCT | 2-3 | Tunable white (warm to cool) |
| Generic 8ch | 8 | Customizable 8-channel profile |
| Generic 16ch | 16 | Customizable 16-channel profile |
## Managing Universes
### Creating Universes
New installations start with Universe 1. To add additional universes:
1. Navigate to **Patch > Universes**
2. Tap **Add Universe**
3. Enter a name (e.g., Stage Left, House Lights)
4. Assign to a Pulse node for output
### Universe Assignment
Each universe must be assigned to a Pulse node for physical output. A single Pulse node can output 1-2 universes depending on configuration.
### Virtual Universes
For testing and programming without physical hardware, create a virtual universe that exists only in software. Virtual universes can be previewed in the visualizer but do not output to any Pulse node.
## Working with Groups
### Creating Groups
Groups simplify programming by allowing you to control multiple fixtures together:
1. Select multiple fixtures in the patch view (tap and hold, then tap additional fixtures)
2. Tap **Group Selected**
3. Enter a descriptive name
4. Tap **Create**
### Group Best Practices
* Use descriptive names: "Front Wash" rather than "Group 1"
* Create position-based groups: Stage Left, Stage Right, Upstage
* Create type-based groups: All RGB, All Movers, All Dimmers
* A fixture can belong to multiple groups
### Using Groups in Programming
In the Designer and Live Control views, you can select groups instead of individual fixtures. All AI commands understand group references.
```
Examples:
"Set Front Wash to 80% warm white"
"Fade Back RGB to blue over 3 seconds"
"Create a chase across Stage Left to Stage Right"
```
## Custom Fixture Profiles
### Creating a New Profile
For fixtures not in the library, create a custom profile:
1. Navigate to **Patch > Fixture Library > Create Custom**
2. Enter manufacturer and model name
3. Define each channel with function and range
4. Set color capabilities and special features
5. Save the profile for future use
### Profile Channel Types
| Channel Type | Function |
|--------------|----------|
| Intensity | Master dimmer |
| Red | Red color component |
| Green | Green color component |
| Blue | Blue color component |
| White | White/CTO channel |
| Amber | Amber channel |
| Pan | Horizontal position |
| Tilt | Vertical position |
| Pan Fine | 16-bit pan |
| Tilt Fine | 16-bit tilt |
| Color Wheel | Fixed color selection |
| Gobo | Pattern selection |
| Gobo Rotation | Rotating gobo speed |
| Prism | Prism insertion/rotation |
| Focus | Beam focus |
| Zoom | Beam angle |
| Strobe | Strobe effect |
| Control | Fixture control channel |
### Importing Fixture Profiles
AETHER supports importing fixture definitions in GDTF format (General Device Type Format). Download .gdtf files from the Open Fixture Library and import via **Patch > Import Profile**.
> **Note**
> GDTF import is experimental during beta and may not fully support advanced fixture features. Always verify channel mappings after import.
## Address Allocation
### Manual Addressing
Assign each fixture a specific start address. This gives you complete control but requires careful planning to avoid overlaps.
### Auto-Patch
Let AETHER automatically assign addresses:
1. Select fixtures to auto-patch
2. Tap **Auto-Patch**
3. Choose starting universe and address
4. Select gap between fixtures (0 = contiguous)
5. Confirm the proposed layout
### Address Planning Tips
* Leave gaps between fixture types for future expansion
* Use round numbers for easy mental math (1, 17, 33, 49...)
* Keep similar fixtures in address sequence
* Document your patch with notes
## RDM Support (Advanced)
Remote Device Management allows two-way communication with RDM-compatible fixtures:
* **Identify**: Flash a fixture to locate it physically
* **Set Address**: Change fixture DMX address remotely
* **Set Mode**: Switch fixture personality/mode
* **Get Info**: Read firmware version, lamp hours, errors
> **Note**
> RDM requires compatible hardware and RDM-enabled fixtures. Availability may vary by configuration during beta.
## Backup and Restore
### Exporting Your Patch
Save your patch configuration for backup or transfer:
1. Navigate to **Patch > Export**
2. Choose format (JSON or CSV)
3. Save to USB drive or download
### Importing a Patch
1. Navigate to **Patch > Import**
2. Select the patch file
3. Choose merge behavior (replace all or add to existing)
4. Review and confirm
AETHER DMX — Patching & Fixtures
How to patch fixtures, manage universes, import fixture profiles, and organize your show in AETHER DMX.