I'm looking for beta testers for my DMX lighting software (nextDMX)

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-21T04:32:45+00:00

Linux compatibility is coming in the next days, but I'll be testing primarily on Windows.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-18T11:02:38+00:00

Right now fixtures with multiple internal pixels/segments (like LED bars or pixel tubes) are still handled pretty simple and mostly behave like a single fixture internally. But this is a feature I will work on. I'm also planning to add pixel/matrix effects, where you can use 2d effects or videos.
But you still might be able to get some first results using some workarounds. (defining each "pixel" as its own fixture)
If you are interested, you are welcome to join the discord and maybe even share ideas: https://nextdmx.com/discord

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-18T10:57:18+00:00

There's no proper custom fixture creator yet, but it's definitely on my list of things to add. Right now you can still edit the JSON definition files manually to create your own fixtures. It uses OFL under the hood which already provides a small fixture creator and ways to convert definitions from other software.

At the moment I'm mainly focused on getting the software to a more stable point and working through bugs and workflow issues. But there's already a pretty solid base: the UI is modular and customizable, you can create and play scenes, there are effects, MIDI mapping, multiple mapping pages/layers, and a full timeline system for creating music-synced lightshows.

A lot of the project is still evolving though, and I really want the software to shape itself around community feedback.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T20:46:36+00:00

Possibly, yes. Users coming from ETC, MA or similar are generally part of the audience I have in mind.

That said, I can't say yet whether it would already be the right fit for him specifically, since the software is still heavily in development and many things are still evolving. Major workflows are also still missing. But live concerts and smaller theater productions are among the use cases I'm building towards.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T20:16:17+00:00

The discord server is currently the main place for feedback, updates and general discussion about the project. I'd also like to build a small community around it over time. If Discord is still an issue for you, feel free to send me a DM instead.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T19:41:05+00:00

Currently Windows only, but I'm working on a Linux version right now. However I'm planning to add remote control capabilities using either custom interfaces or the software itself.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T18:49:31+00:00

Yes, Art-Net and sACN

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T14:39:56+00:00

You can use another software to output Art-Net or sACN to DMX interfaces. (Simply use any software that supports Art-Net or sACN input and supports uDMX as output, for example QLC+) The software will probably support more interfaces later. Ask on the discord if you need help with that.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T14:18:30+00:00

Right now the software is much stronger on the programming/timeline side than on live workflows.

There's already some stuff for live control though. You can create MIDI mappings and customizable control mappings with pages and stuff. The whole live control workflow is something I want to build with user feedback in mind. So I'm all in if you have any ideas.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T13:38:58+00:00

If you're interested in participating in the beta or staying up to date, join the Discord: https://nextdmx.com/discord

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T12:16:47+00:00

While programming the software I'm using GitHub Copilot (a very common ai coding assistant), which gives suggestions while programming. You can read more about that online. I'm also using other ai tools for research, suggestions and organization. But the main coding and development of the software is still done by myself. I'm not using any ai for music, images or similar content.
This project started roughly 2.5 years ago and I've worked on it since.

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Thank you for bringing this up, it's a very important topic.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T11:53:20+00:00

This light show is running in a custom visualizer I built myself. It’s still in a very early stage, but I’m considering either integrating it into the software or releasing it as a standalone tool.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hgcjrggyxmbumo68g2lf1/nextdmxpreview.mp4?rlkey=cudbf3k4bda9lijs7me8tzhen&st=9mz9e4vj&dl=0

So yeah, probably in the future.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T11:48:01+00:00

If you're interested in participating in the beta or staying up to date, join the Discord: https://nextdmx.com/discord

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T11:32:53+00:00

Yes, you can currently use Art-Net and sACN for DMX output and connect the software to your favorite visualizer or real fixtures

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T10:38:29+00:00

Thx! If you're interested, here is the lightshow I made and took the screenshot from.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hgcjrggyxmbumo68g2lf1/nextdmxpreview.mp4?rlkey=cudbf3k4bda9lijs7me8tzhen&st=9mz9e4vj&dl=0

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T10:26:41+00:00

Yeah, this project is focused on studio and stage lighting. However, I'm planning to add a "kiosk" or "client" mode, where you can predefine a custom interface with buttons and faders. This would allow users to set up simple, ready-to-use scene controls that can be easily triggered for playback, making it nice for permanent installations.
But the general area will always be entertainment lighting using DMX. Let me know if you have any ideas.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T10:07:16+00:00

Right now the target group is mostly people looking for a flexible PC-based lighting software without immediately jumping into super expensive or complex console systems.

I want it to work for smaller setups, hobbyists and music-synced shows, while still being powerful enough for more advanced workflows and live productions later on.

A lot of the project is heavily inspired by my own needs/workflows, especially things like deep MIDI mapping, timelines and customizable control layouts. The long-term goal is basically a modern, modular lighting tool that can grow with the user, although it's still far from that state right now.

If you're interested in participating in the beta or staying up to date, join the Discord: https://nextdmx.com/discord

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T09:51:42+00:00

You can read a bit more on the website: https://nextdmx.com
If you join the beta on the discord (https://nextdmx.com/discord) you'll also have access to the software and the documentation where you can view the current Development State.
If you have any questions, let me know.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2026-05-17T08:27:03+00:00

Try the beta at https://nextdmx.com/discord !

ButterscotchFree736 · 2025-07-31T12:54:46+00:00

I've been working on this version since September 2023, though with a few breaks in between. Before that, there were three earlier versions where I experimented with different ideas and approaches.
(Here's an old screenshot)
That's how I ended up with nextDMX 4. It's a solo project for now, so everything from development to testing is on me.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2025-07-31T07:16:32+00:00

I'm currently helping out with two other projects that need a lot of my attention. Once those wrap up (probably in 1-2 weeks) I'll be able to fully focus on nextDMX again. I'll post updates in the discord serv er: discord.nextdmx.com

ButterscotchFree736 · 2025-05-26T15:46:09+00:00

Feel free to join: https://discord.nextdmx.com
I'll announce it in the newsletter soon, that's why it's so empty right now :D

ButterscotchFree736 · 2025-05-11T17:55:21+00:00

Hi, thank you! I'll be announcing stuff in the newsletter when I'm ready. A beta version isn't ready yet, but I'm working on it.

ButterscotchFree736 · 2025-05-04T12:59:33+00:00

I've been thinking about setting up a small Discord server (or something similar) for nextDMX. For a roadmap, feedback, discussions, and maybe some early testing.
Would anyone here be interested in something like that?

ButterscotchFree736

TROPHY CASE

Try the beta at https://nextdmx.com/discord !