ILDA vs DMX for a laser cube which to choose
You want clear laser cube control without guesswork. ILDA gives deep edit power. DMX gives fast looks and sync. App control sits in the middle for quick sets. This guide maps the paths and shows when to pick each one. It keeps language simple and safe for home and small venues.
- Three control paths app ilda dmx
- When design needs ILDA
- When speed needs DMX
Three control paths app ilda dmx
App
Fast to start. Pair the phone and run a short playlist. Good for living rooms and pop up sets. Low setup time. Low learning curve. Safe when you keep beams high and use haze.
ILDA
A file and a workflow. You design frames and timelines in software. You send data through a DAC to the cube. Best for logos and custom art. Strong on precision and repeat.
DMX
A channel map on a console. One brain drives many fixtures. You get speed. You get sync. Great for clubs and stages. Good when movers washes strobes and a dmx laser cube must hit cues together.
App is simple. ILDA is precise. DMX is fast. Think in scenes. Home. Small bar. School hall. Pick the path that fits the scene not the brand on the box.
When ILDA shines design and precision
Choose ILDA when you need custom frames logos or timeline edits. It takes more time but gives pixel level control. You can draw paths point by point. You can edit dwell time on corners. You can place frames on beats with high accuracy.
Use cases
- Brand logos and sponsor names on walls
- Vector art and outlines with clean corners
- Architectural mapping with strict edges
- Recorded shows where every frame must match
ILDA software workflow basics
- Build frames and test on low power
- Group frames into tracks and timelines
- Export to the DAC and send the show
- Refine joins and corners then save a safe version
Strengths
Design freedom. Clean geometry. Repeatable cues. Good for cameras and film. Strong when you need the same look night after night.
Limits
Longer prep. Laptop and DAC needed. More steps on site. A larger learning curve for new users.
When DMX wins speed and sync
Choose DMX when you want fast looks across many fixtures with one console. You get tight timing and cue stacks. Good for bars clubs and small theaters. Great for tours that need the same rig every stop.
Use cases
- Sweeps and fans across multiple cubes
- Drops and stabs on beats with movers and strobes
- Chases that match the song structure
- Quick edits during a live set
Programming flow
- Patch the fixture mode and address
- Map channels for color speed pattern and size
- Build scenes and chases per song
- Stack cues into pages for quick access
This is the effect of dmx show speed. Programming is direct and fast once patched. You can keep the whole rig in time. You can fire one look on a downbeat and another on a break.
Strengths
Speed. Sync across many lights. One desk for the whole show. Easy to scale.
Limits
Fewer fine edits on points and corners. Not ideal for logos or detailed vector art. You may still need app or ILDA for deep graphics.
Budget gear and learning curve
App
Gear. Phone and cube. Setup time. Very low. Best for. Home sets and quick gigs. Limit. Basic edits only.
ILDA
Gear. Laptop DAC and cables. Setup time. High. Best for. Logos vector art precise timing. Limit. Prep time and more tools.
DMX
Gear. Console or software plus interface. Setup time. Medium. Best for. Stages with many fixtures. Limit. Fine graphics limited.
App vs ilda vs dmx quick view
App is the fastest path. ILDA is the most precise path. DMX is the most scalable path. You can start on app. Add DMX when you add movers. Add ILDA when a client asks for a logo. Keep the same safe profile across all paths so shows feel the same room to room.
Starter path example
Home show. Phone plus cube. One playlist of clean shapes. A small hazer for even particles.
Small venue. Add a compact DMX interface. Sync lasers with washes and strobes. Build cue stacks per song.
Brand event. Add ILDA for the logo and the opening minute. Keep DMX for the rest of the night. This mix keeps budget under control and keeps control where it matters.
Decision flow simple steps
- Do you need logos or vector art. If yes choose ILDA
- Do you run many fixtures. If yes choose DMX
- Is this a quick home or pop up set. If yes start with app
- Need both speed and art. Use DMX for the rig and ILDA for key scenes
- Lock a safe profile and test at low power before show
First show checklist
- Device paired and named
- Brightness low to start speed slow to start
- Playlist saved with clean shapes
- Haze on low fan for even spread
- Beam path above heads checked from all seats
- Safe profile saved for instant recall
- Spare cable tape and a small fan packed
- One lighter backup playlist ready
FAQ
Is ILDA better than DMX
No. ILDA is better for design and precision. DMX is better for speed and sync. Pick by show need.
Can one laser cube handle app ilda and dmx
Yes on supported models. You can run app for quick sets. You can switch to ILDA or DMX for deeper control.
What do I need for an ilda software workflow
Laptop design software a DAC and cables. Build frames and timelines. Test at low power then go live.
How fast can I program with DMX
Very fast once patched. Build scenes and chases. Stack cues per song. This is why DMX wins for pace.
Can I start with app then upgrade
Yes. Start with app for small rooms. Add DMX for sync. Add ILDA when you need custom graphics.
See ilda dmx laser cube in one unit
See laser cube models overview