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MaestroDMX User Manual
Software V1.3.2 (July 2024)

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Summary of Contents for Limbic Media MaestroDMX

  • Page 1 MaestroDMX User Manual Software V1.3.2 (July 2024)
  • Page 2: Introduction

    A game-changing technology for DJs, musicians, streamers, and music venues. MaestroDMX is for the busy performer who wants to “set it and forget it” and for the expert who wants to dive in deeper, complimenting their skills with an innovative tool.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Example System Setup......................9 Required Materials:......................10 Installation Steps:.........................10 Updating MaestroDMX Software....................10 Terminology..........................11 Connecting MaestroDMX To Your Device (PC, Tablet, Smartphone).......... 13 Wireless Connection......................14 Hardwire Ethernet Connection.................... 14 Running The Web App........................ 15 Menu Banner........................15 System Settings......................... 16 Configuring Audio........................16...
  • Page 4 Effect Attributes.......................25 Creating Fixture Profiles......................25 Using MASTER DIMMER vs DIMMER Types................. 28 Using GOBO and PRISM Types..................... 28 Using COLOR WHEEL Types....................29 Using the ACTIVITY Attribute Type..................32 Modifying Existing Fixture Profiles..................... 32 Adding Modes........................32 Changing a fixture's name and manufacturer..............32 Downloading a Fixture Profile....................32 Duplicate Fixture Profile.......................32 Deleting Fixture Profiles.......................32...
  • Page 5 Using Colour Palettes......................53 Control MaestroDMX with MIDI....................54 MIDI Input Specification......................54 Choosing and Testing A MIDI Controller..................55 Hand Controllers........................56 Foot Controllers........................56 Software Options......................... 56 Testing Your MIDI Controller....................56 Troubleshooting........................57 Troubleshooting Guide....................... 57 Safety............................59 Maestro DMX Safety Hazards.....................
  • Page 6: Guide Overview

    The MaestroDMX User Manual provides comprehensive instructions and information for users. It covers the following topics: ● Physical Setup of MaestroDMX Lighting Controller: Learn how to properly install and set up the MaestroDMX lighting controller to ensure efficient and safe operation. ● Software Updates for MaestroDMX: Discover the process for upgrading the MaestroDMX software to access the latest features and enhancements.
  • Page 7: Getting Started

    ● Informational insert + sticker ● 2m USB-A to USB-C cable Core Features MaestroDMX is an incredibly powerful platform with all the features required to run amazing light shows with no lighting programming needed. ● Real-time, autonomous, music-driven lighting control ●...
  • Page 8: Hardware Connectivity

    5V USB-C power port. 2 A max input current. Provides power to the MaestroDMX and attached USB devices. NOTE: if you power MaestroDMX on the same device as your audio output e.g. a laptop, it can cause a “ground loop” that will introduce noise and affect the performance of the system.
  • Page 9: Example System Setup

    Please wait for the light to turn either blue (indicating the Maestro is running) or green (if there is audio present). Example System Setup MaestroDMX offers seamless lighting control, providing flexibility in its placement as long as it remains connected to a power source, audio input, and your DMX fixtures.
  • Page 10: Required Materials

    ○ USB: Optional external audio interface and /or MIDI controller Updating MaestroDMX Software To ensure your MaestroDMX stays up to date and takes advantage of the latest features and improvements, follow these steps to update the software: 1. Download Software: ●...
  • Page 11: Terminology

    ● Unplug the USB stick from the MaestroDMX unit. 6. Verify: ● Open the MaestroDMX Web App in a new browser window and verify that the software did update. Check via the ‘System’ -> ‘System Info’ page. NOTE: Please open the MaestroDMX Web App in a new browser window after updating the software to avoid caching issues.
  • Page 12 A live show typically has many fixtures on a given stage. Stage A MaestroDMX stage contains the Patcher, Layout, and Control pages. Patcher This is where the fixtures are placed into the DMX universe based on their base addresses and assigned to fixture groups.
  • Page 13: Connecting Maestrodmx To Your Device (Pc, Tablet, Smartphone)

    ● ‘Hawaii’: blues and greens While Grouped Palettes define any number of individual color palettes. Patterns These are the lighting patterns and effects at the core of the MaestroDMX system. There are Core patterns and Maestro patterns. Parameters Depending on the specific lighting pattern, each cue has a variety of parameters that can be modified to customize the lighting output.
  • Page 14: Wireless Connection

    For a more reliable connection use: ● Hardwire Ethernet Connection (preferred) ● Connect MaestroDMX & your device (laptop, tablet etc) over WiFi to the network of a 3rd party router with a strong signal. See ‘Wifi’ and ‘Network’ pages under ‘Settings’ on the Web-App.
  • Page 15: Running The Web App

    Ethernet connection to the Web App. ● After entering the URL, you will be directed to the MaestroDMX Web App interface. The MaestroDMX Web App is divided into four main pages, each serving a specific purpose:: ● System ●...
  • Page 16: System Settings

    System Settings Configuring Audio Correct calibration of audio is critical to the functioning of MaestroDMX. Take the time to understand and learn how to use this section. Pre-Gain Level The Pre-Gain level displays your original audio input level. The display meter has three color states:...
  • Page 17: Activity Level

    RCA connector on the front panel. External Audio Interface You can also connect an external USB audio interface to MaestroDMX. This can be useful when you need to send a balanced signal or directly connect microphones. To activate the external audio input, be sure to select it on the Web App.
  • Page 18: Troubleshooting Audio Input

    ● Confirm that your audio input on the Audio page is running in the green zone Issue: I am not playing music, however MaestroDMX registers a non zero audio input level ● Check that your cable is plugged into MaestroDMX AND your audio source on the other side. A ‘hanging’ cable will produce noise.
  • Page 19 5. Connect your device to the new MaestroDMX WiFi network. 6. Close the MaestroDMX app and re-open it in a new browser window Warning: In the event of a forgotten password, the only means of connecting to the Maestro will be through an Ethernet connection or by installing a network reset package available on the Software Updates page.
  • Page 20: Site Survey

    It also offers an alternative method to connect Maestro to an existing network. Simply choose the “Connect to an Existing Network” mode, then click “Join” next to the desired network. NOTE: Be sure to close the MaestroDMX app and re-open it in a new browser window.
  • Page 21: Network

    Network The Network page allows users to manage both wireless and hardwired network settings and offers the flexibility to customize the Maestro's hostname. Note: Please be aware that modifying Network and Hostname settings may require a few minutes, during which you may experience a temporary disconnection from the web app. Network Interfaces The network interface displays settings for both Wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections.
  • Page 22 "Connect to an Existing Network" mode in the Wi-Fi settings page. NOTE: The WiFi interface will only show up if MaestroDMX is connected to a local network DHCP Mode: 1. In DHCP mode, the Maestro is automatically assigned an IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
  • Page 23: Hostname

    2. Click 'Update Hostname' to apply the changes. System Information/Factory Reset The System Information section allows users to review essential details about their MaestroDMX system. Additionally, if necessary, you can initiate a Factory Reset from this section. IMPORTANT: Factory Reset will erase any Stages, or User Fixture Profiles, or Show Cues that you...
  • Page 24: Fixture Profiles And Dmx Control

    Fixture Profiles and DMX Control Fixture Profiles Overview The Fixture Profiles page on the MaestroDMX Web-App stores a built-in fixture library as well as provides an interface for users to create or upload their fixture profiles. Clicking on the Fixture Profile search bar will display a list of current fixtures and allow users to search for their desired fixture, including fixtures that you have created.
  • Page 25: Description Of Dynamic Attributes

    Description Of Dynamic Attributes The LED color control attributes such as RED, GREEN, BLUE etc, map the internal colorspace of MaestroDMX to the given LED-based light fixture. Most LED fixtures will operate in RGB(WUVA) while some will operate in CMYK or HSV.
  • Page 26 1. Add your fixture profile, enter relevant information, and save. Note: The Restore from Backup tab allows users to upload previously created fixture profiles. This feature is useful if users want to share profiles. 2. Click the menu button or ‘add a new mode’ text to add a new mode and enter the number of channels then save.
  • Page 27 4. Click the channels 3-dot menu button to, then edit the channel. Depending on the type of Attribute assigned to the channel different Attribute Properties will be displayed. For Static channel types (STATIC, MASTER DIMMER, SHUTTER etc) you can define the static: ●...
  • Page 28: Using Master Dimmer Vs Dimmer Types

    LED colour channels such as RGBW etc. In this case, MaestroDMX takes care of the dimming via the levels of the colour channels; the MASTER DIMMER just needs to be set to an intensity level.
  • Page 29: Using Color Wheel Types

    PRISM channel is the same. NOTE: Use ‘ENABLE/DISABLE ALL’ to toggle the gobo steps as needed. Once your GOBO and/or PRISM channels are configured, MaestroDMX will autonomously trigger the steps based on changes in the music.
  • Page 30 MaestroDMX, the COLOR WHEEL channel of your fixture profile must have color wheel steps defined. To define a colour, you must set the DMX range and choose a close representation of the colour from the colour picker. The specific colours for each step can be found in the fixture profile’s DMX specification available from the manufacturer.
  • Page 31 Dealing With Undefined Colours Some fixture manufacturers do not define the colour at each step, ie the manual may say ‘colour 1, colour 2, colour 3….etc’. In this case, you will have to visually discover the colours by temporarily setting the colour wheel channel on your fixture to a STATIC type and moving through it via the slider on the ‘Controls’...
  • Page 32: Using The Activity Attribute Type

    Using the ACTIVITY Attribute Type The musical Activity Level, as viewed on the Audio page, is directly connected to the ACTIVITY attribute type. This gives you the ability to connect a measure of how exciting the music is to any DMX channel.
  • Page 33: Changing Channel Name And Type, Duplicating Channels, And Deleting Channels

    ● Duplicate mode ● Delete Mode Once a mode is deleted it cannot be restored. Changing channel Name and Type, Duplicating Channels, and Deleting Channels In the menu button located on each channel, users have the ability to change channel type, name, and static value settings by clicking “edit channel”.
  • Page 34: Stages

    Stages Creating a Stage Click the 3-dot menu in the top right corner and select ‘+Add Stage’. A dialogue will pop up where you can name the stage or upload a stage using the “Restore from Backup” tab. Using this 3-got menu you can also: ●...
  • Page 35: Adding Fixtures To A Stage

    Adding Fixtures To A Stage NOTE: Before adding fixtures go over to ‘Live Control’ on the ‘Show’ page and select the Maestro - Still pattern with a solid color palette such as Orange. This will ensure your fixtures light up when they get added to the stage.
  • Page 36: Editing Individual Fixtures In The Patcher

    NOTE: “Repeat Fixture Channels” allows you to add multiples of the same fixture to the patcher. This can be useful if for example, you have 10 of the same mover fixture and you want them all to have the same offset and width or static values on a particular channel. Keep in mind that any fixtures in the repeated set will not be able to be placed individually in the layout;...
  • Page 37: Save As Profile & Replace From Profile

    Save as Profile & Replace from Profile ‘Save as Profile’ allows you to make any edits to the fixture within the patcher and save those in a profile in your fixture profile library. You have the option to save the specific fixture in the patcher either to a new profile or add it as a new channel mode to an existing profile.
  • Page 38: Layout: Fixture Groups And Mapping

    Each Fixture Group provides the ability to map the fixtures within the group to the real world. Doing this well will greatly enhance your light show since MaestroDMX’s Lighting Patterns use 1D and 2D mapped effects. Pixel-based fixtures (i.e., fixtures using a DIMMER type, or color type such...
  • Page 39 Layout tab. Mapping in 2D MaestroDMX provides a limited way to map fixtures onto 2D grids. To access the mapping controls expand the opposing arrow on the far right side of the layout page. NOTE: 2D grid mapping assumes that you have fixtures in a grid with the same number of fixtures (pixels or movers) for each column and row.
  • Page 40: Control: Centering Moving Heads And More

    The “Pixel Mapping Segment Length” refers to the number of columns in your grid. Another way to understand this would be to figure out how many fixtures you have in a row along the horizontal from left to right. MaestroDMX will then automatically calculate how many rows you need and create a 2D Grid mapping.
  • Page 41: Running A Show

    Running A Show Show Overview The Show page is the not unlike ‘The Bridge’ in Star Trek. This is where the magic happens. The Show page allows you to perform the following: ● Control the global brightness of the stage ●...
  • Page 42 NOTE: MIDI messages for the Trigger Buttons (Blackout, Blinder, Stobe etc) only function as momentary. Meaning that they will not respect the latching mode that is selected on the MaestroDMX Web App. Please use the latching/momentary controls of you specific MIDI controller to achieve this function.
  • Page 43 FOG VOLUME controls the level, from 0-255, of the Fog Volume attribute type. Whichever DMX channels are set to use the Fog Volume attribute type will react to the FOG VOLUME slider. Make sure to have your fog or haze machine’s DMX channel that pertains to volume connected to this attribute.
  • Page 44: Live Control

    Live Control Live Control enables you to define Patterns, Colour Palettes, FX Palettes (*coming soon), Parameters, and Trigger Toggles to control the light show in real-time. See the Patterns, Parameters, and Color Palettes section for more details.
  • Page 45 NOTE: Each fixture group has its own set of Patterns, Colour Palettes, FX Palettes, Parameters, and Trigger Toggles that can be set.
  • Page 46: Enabling/Disabling Trigger Buttons

    Enabling/Disabling Trigger Buttons MaestroDMX gives you the ability to enable or disable the Trigger Button effects for each Fixture Group. Example use cases: ● If you only want one fixture group to flash when the STROBE trigger button is engaged for a specific cue and then have all fixture groups strobe on another cue.
  • Page 47: Show Control

    Show Control This section functions like a “playlist” of cues. As well as Pattern, Colour Palette, Parameters etc, each Cue is given a Name, Duration, and a position in the Show sequence. NOTE: Use a 3rd party MIDI controller to trigger the cues for your show. See the MIDI section for more information.
  • Page 48: Switching Between Live And Show Control

    ● View the progress of the current Cue via the progress bar Switching Between Live and Show Control When MaestroDMX is in Show Control Mode the Status Badge will indicate the state: ‘Stopped’, ‘Playing’, or ‘Paused’. At any moment, you can switch over to Live Control by modifying any of the parameters in the Live Control section.
  • Page 49 Click on the Show drop down to select a show:...
  • Page 50: Patterns, Parameters, And Color Palettes

    Patterns, Parameters, and Color Palettes Patterns Overview Patterns are at the heart of MaestroDMX. There are 2 types of patterns: Maestro Patterns, and Core Patterns. ● Maestro Patterns: Autonomous, music-driven, decision-making lighting patterns that change colors, energy, and effects synchronized to the music. These include: Party, Dance, Energetic, Chill, Ambient, and Still.
  • Page 51: Maestro Pattern Parameters

    ○ ‘Energy’: intensity of the flash ○ ‘Variance’: control the background light level ○ ‘Decay’: control the fade of the effect ● Non-audio reactive: ○ ‘Speed’: rate of flashes ○ ‘Energy’: intensity of the flash ○ ‘Variance’: control the background light level ○...
  • Page 52: Advanced Parameters

    Allow Music-Based Blackouts (default = OFF) Based on musical changes and sections, MaestroDMX has the ability to turn all fixtures in a given Fixture Group completely off for a period of time. Using this feature correctly can greatly enhance the dynamic of your light show.
  • Page 53: Understanding Color Palettes

    NOTE: Core Patterns do not require audio input to function, however, Maestro Patterns do. Understanding Color Palettes MaestroDMX provides you with a variety of color palette options that support RGBWAUV. There are two types of palettes: Grouped Palettes and Individual Palettes (single color and gradients).
  • Page 54: Control Maestrodmx With Midi

    Connect any MIDI device via USB to control MaestroDMX’s Show Control Mode. NOTE: MaestroDMX is a USB host similar to a PC. Therefore if you want to send MIDI from another host, such as a PC running Ableton Live or Logic, you will need to connect 2 USB to MIDI dongles together.
  • Page 55: Choosing And Testing A Midi Controller

    MIDI specification to the desired knobs, buttons, and sliders on a given MIDI controller. Here is a list of MIDI controllers (for hands and feet) that we know work with MaestroDMX and can be configured. This list is by no means exhaustive but can be a good starting point. Likely, other...
  • Page 56: Hand Controllers

    Connect the controller to a PC and install MidiView. Launch the software and choose your MIDI device from the list. Then press/move each control to capture the midi data your device is sending and confirm it matches what MaestroDMX is expecting.
  • Page 57: Troubleshooting

    Solution 5: If problems persist, reflash the firmware using a network reset software update package from the support website. Issue: Connected to MaestroDMX WiFi Network but Can't Access the Web App ● Solution 1: Try a new browser window or try a different web browser.
  • Page 58 Issue: Maestro Patterns Do Not Seem To Be Working Properly ● Solution 1: Ensure audio is getting into MaestroDMX with sufficient input gain (via LED on the unit or via Audio Page) and you have the correct audio input selected.
  • Page 59: Safety

    Ensure USB power cable is not damaged before connecting MaestroDMX model mDMX to power. WARNING MaestroDMX model mDMX is certified to FCC, CE (EU) and UKCA Class A standards. It may cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) in domestic (residential) environments. End users are required to take adequate measures in such a case.
  • Page 60: Owner/User Responsibilities

    Limbic Media cannot anticipate all possible situations. Owner/User Responsibilities It is the responsibility of the contractor, installer, purchaser, owner, and user to install, maintain, and operate MaestroDMX model mDMX in compliance with all state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. Certifications...
  • Page 61: Electrical

    USB-C Connector, 5V DC, 2 Amps maximum input current NOTE: MaestroDMX requires a 5V DC power source supplying at least 2W (400mA), inclusive of the USB WiFi dongle. Ensure that you allocate sufficient power for MaestroDMX and account for any extra power needs of other USB devices connected to the bottom USB 2.0 port (MIDI or USB Audio...
  • Page 62: Wifi Usb Dongle

    WiFi USB Dongle The MaestroDMX serves up its own network facilitated by the WiFi dongle. Please refrain from removing the WiFi dongle, as it is essential for the MaestroDMX to create and maintain its own WiFi network. Wireless Range Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications.
  • Page 63: Fcc Rf Radiation Exposure Statement

    could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
  • Page 64: Ce Mark Warning

    CE Mark Warning This is a class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. OPERATING FREQUENCY(the maximum transmitted power) 2412MHz—2472MHz (20dBm) EU declaration of conformity TP-Link hereby declares that the device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of directives 2014/53/EU and 2011/65/EU.
  • Page 65: Canadian Compliance Statement

    Canadian Compliance Statement This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1 ) This device may not cause interference, and ) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
  • Page 66: Ncc Notice

    Korea Warning Statements 당해 무선설비는 운용중 전파혼신 가능성이 있음. NCC Notice 注意! 依據 低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法 第十二條 經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機,非經許可,公司、商號或使用者均 不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性或功能。 第十四條 低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通行;經發現有干 擾現象時,應立即停用,並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。前項合法通信,指依 電信規定作業之無線電信。低功率射頻電機需忍受合法通信或工業、科學以及醫 療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。 BSMI Notice 安全諮詢及注意事項 •請使用原裝電源供應器或只能按照本產品注明的電源類型使用本產品。 •清潔本產品之前請先拔掉電源線。請勿使用液體、噴霧清潔劑或濕布進行清潔。 •注意防潮,請勿將水或其他液體潑灑到本產品上。 •插槽與開口供通風使用,以確保本產品的操作可靠並防止過熱,請勿堵塞或覆 蓋開口。 •請勿將本產品置放於靠近熱源的地方。除非有正常的通風,否則不可放在密閉 位置中。 •請不要私自打開機殼,不要嘗試自行維修本產品,請由授權的專業人士進行此 項工作。...
  • Page 67: Safety Information

    限用物質含有情況標示聲明書 限用物質及其化學符號 產品元件 鉛 鎘 汞 六價鉻 多溴聯苯 多溴二苯醚 名稱 CrVI PBDE ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 外殼 備考1.“超出0.1wt ”及“超出0.01wt ”系指限用物質之百分比含量超出百分比含量基準值。 備考2. “○”系指該項限用物質之百分比含量未超出百分比含量基準值。 Продукт сертифіковано згідно с правилами системи УкрСЕПРО на відповідність вимогам нормативних документів та вимогам, що передбачені чинними законодавчими...
  • Page 68: Symbol Explanation

    Explanation of the symbols on the product label Symbol Explanation RECYCLING This product bears the selective sorting symbol for Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This means that this product must be handled pursuant to European directive 2012/19/EU in order to be recycled or dismantled to minimize its impact on the environment.

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