Pixel LED-Controller
Pixel LED controllers for a wide variety of pixel applications. From small running-light installations to massive animations with thousands of pixels, ArtNet control, and much more.
Depending on the model, our pixel controllers offer, for example:
- Control via ArtNet or sACN
- Control via app (Android / iOS)
- Recorder & Player Function for Predefined Animations
- Trigger Options and Trigger Inputs for Pushbuttons
- Special features, such as for stair steps, fade-in effects, and much more.
You can use the filters below to find the right controller model. Explanations are provided at the bottom of the page.
ADVATEK PixLite Mk3 LED pixel controller incl. player | 4 x 6 universes
ADVATEK PixLite Mk3 LED pixel controller incl. player | 16 x 6 universes
SEDU board v3 incl. WLAN
SP107E Music LED Pixel Driver with App Control (Bluetooth)
SP636E Standalone LED pixel controller with app control for waterflow effects (white strips)
SP63CE Standalone App Controller for both RGB Pixels and CCT LED Strips (Effects & Ambient Lighting in One)
LED pixel driver up to 2.048 pixels for TPM2 from USB/SD card
LED pixel driver up to 4.096 pixels for TPM2 from USB/SD card
Showtec TR-512 Pocket DMX player/recorder | 1 universe
ArtNet-DMX-Decoder, Splitter, Recorder & Player mit Zeitsteuerung | RJ45 | 4 Universen
DMX to Digital Converter, 5-24V (for 2801, 2811, 2812 ..)
SEDU-Play - standalone player for ArtNet (up to 64 DMX universes)
Which pixel controller is right for me?
LED pixel controllers come in a wide variety of models for a wide range of applications. First, consider what type of controller you need.
Control Concepts
1) Simple app controllers with built-in effects
Do you want quick results without having to spend a lot of time learning the complexities of programming specific pixel and running light effects? Are the speed and simplicity of implementation more important to you than highly detailed customization options? If so, simple app controllers—such as the models in the SP series—are a great option.
These controllers come with pre-programmed effects that can be selected via an app. Speed, color, and brightness are usually adjustable, and since there are typically several dozen effect options, you’ll usually find something suitable quickly. Some models also offer music/audio-controlled effects or can control both standard white and CCT LEDs simultaneously (SP63CE). Compare the features of the controllers and choose the model that best suits your needs. Special versions also offer power-on effects (a brief sequence of lights before the normal light turns on) or are suitable for staircase effects .
2) Controllers programmable via external software
These controllers offer more options and customization possibilities for your effects than simple app controllers. The external software (e.g., JINX!) can handle significantly more than is possible in a smartphone app. The effect options are more diverse, can be combined, and are precisely adjustable in many ways. For example, try out JINX! on your computer to see if you can create the animation you want with it. It’s free.
The animations can then be transferred from the computer directly to the controller. However, they are usually saved to an SD card, from which the controller then plays them (standalone mode).
3) Professional ArtNet Pixel Controller
These controllers are designed for complex pixel installations with extremely precise animation requirements. They are typically integrated into the control system via the ArtNet protocol. Theaters, event organizers, and other professionals are typical users of ArtNet pixel controllers.
Software solutions are also used here to create the animations, but these are significantly more comprehensive than, for example, a simple JINX!, MADRIX, Lightjams, TouchDesigner, and others—these are just a few examples.
Pixel controllers such as those from ADVATEK also offer extensive standalone capabilities with complex timing control, external triggers, and a huge number of controllable pixels.
Number of Pixels & Pixel Type
Check whether the controller can handle your planned number of pixels and supports the desired pixel type. Especially with small apps, but also with simple software controllers, the number of pixels is limited, or only standard pixel types such as WS281x, SK681x, etc., can be controlled—but not, for example, RGBW pixels.
The professional ArtNet controllers are less limited in this regard and can be daisy-chained anyway.
Sometimes you also need to choose a pixel LED strip that’s compatible with the controller. If you want to use a specific controller because of its features, but it doesn’t support an exotic pixel LED strip (e.g., RGBW), you may want to consider whether a standard RGB pixel strip (e.g., WS281x) could serve the same purpose.
Max. Pixels & Pixel Outputs
Be careful when specifying the maximum possible number of pixels. Some controllers allow extremely high pixel counts per pixel output—for example, well over 1,000 pixels. While this is technically possible, data transmission (often limited to an 800 kHz bus) slows down with each additional pixel, causing the animation to stutter and jerk at some point.
We therefore recommend a maximum of 1,000 pixels per pixel output. For particularly smooth, slow animations, it’s better to limit this to 500 pixels per output. It also depends on the pixel type. For example, there are pixels with an additional CLOCK signal (WS2801, APA102, etc.) that operate at much higher data rates. Provided the controller supports these and the high bus frequency is sufficient, it may be possible to drive well over 1,000 pixels on a single output.