Canonical: https://beamtechnica.com/guides/dmx-splitter-and-pixel-strip-planning
Content-Type: text/markdown

[Home](https://beamtechnica.com/)/[Guides](https://beamtechnica.com/guides)

SPECIFY YOUR LIGHTING RIG

# Plan DMX distribution and pixel-strip control

Plan DMX signal branches and pixel strips: isolated splitter modes, direct DMX tape, SPI controllers, power supplies and connector configurations.

## Separate signal distribution from power

A DMX splitter distributes the control signal. LED strips still need a correctly sized DC power supply and suitable wiring. DMX-8 reshapes and amplifies DMX512, using one input for eight outputs or two independent input groups for four outputs each. It is a 19-inch 1U signal device, rather than a strip power supply.

## Match the strip's native protocol

DMX512 RGBW Strip uses DMX512 control and a 24 V DC supply. D25 360° Neon uses SPI pixel control and also lists 24 V DC. A DMX or Art-Net lighting system needs a compatible external SPI controller to drive the D25 strip. A DMX splitter alone does not perform this protocol conversion.

## Order the complete configuration

Specify strip length, control protocol, power-supply capacity, cable lengths, connectors, protection rating and installation conditions. The published strip power and LED/pixel counts do not state a length basis, so confirm the ordered configuration before calculating circuit loads or channel counts.

## Choose splitter mode and connectors

Use 1 × 8 mode for a single control signal feeding eight branches. Use 2 × 4 mode for two independent signals, each feeding four branches. The pictured splitter has two 3-pin male XLR inputs and eight 3-pin female XLR outputs; specify the connector version needed. Separate termination switches are provided for inputs A and B.

## Compare the technical data

[DMX-8Dual-input, 8-output DMX signal amplifier](https://beamtechnica.com/products/controllers-and-distribution/dmx-splitter-8)[DMX512 RGBW Strip24 V addressable RGBW LED tape](https://beamtechnica.com/products/pixel-and-strobe-projectors/dmx512-rgbw-strip)[D25 360° Neon25 mm SPI RGB pixel neon strip](https://beamtechnica.com/products/pixel-and-strobe-projectors/d25-360-neon)

## Send the layout and project requirements

Include quantity, destination, control system, mounting, power and delivery date.

[Request a project quotation →](https://beamtechnica.com/contact#quotation)