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What is the difference between DMX512 and ILDA control for laser lights?
Direct answerDMX512 is the standard stage lighting protocol that controls basic laser functions alongside other fixtures, while ILDA is a dedicated laser protocol built for precise beam animation, graphics and text projection.
DMX512 vs ILDA in Practice
| Aspect | DMX512 | ILDA |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | General stage lighting control | Professional laser show control |
| Typical functions | On/off, patterns, colors, movement | Beam animation, drawing, graphics and text |
| Control hardware | Universal consoles such as MA, Hog or Tiger | ILDA software and hardware such as Pangolin Beyond with FB4 |
| Best for | Shows synchronized with moving heads and pars | Creative laser performances and logo projection |
How to Choose
- Choose DMX512 when lasers must run in sync with the rest of the lighting rig
- Choose ILDA when the show depends on precise graphics, text or beam animation
- Many professional setups use both and switch between them cue by cue
DarkTone laser lights support both DMX512 and ILDA, plus Sound Active, Auto, APP and Master-slave modes.