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Custom Fixture Profiles ​

If your Fixture isn't in the Cloud Database, you can create a custom profile. While this requires some technical knowledge of DMX channels and fixture behavior, the process is straightforward once you understand the basics.

Not Comfortable Creating Profiles?

You can always request a profile through the Blackout Help Center. Include the manufacturer name, fixture model, and a link to the DMX chart from the manual to help us create an accurate profile quickly.

Creating a New Profile ​

The Create New button is available in two locations:

  • My Show Fixtures (top right corner)
  • Cloud Fixture Database (top right corner)

Both open the same Custom Profile builder.

What You'll Need ​

Before starting, gather:

  1. Fixture Manual - Specifically the DMX channel chart/map
  2. DMX Mode - Know which mode you'll be using on the physical fixture
  3. Channel Count - Total number of DMX channels the fixture uses
  4. Channel Functions - What each channel controls (Intensity, Red, Pan, etc.)

Profile Builder Walkthrough ​

Basic Information ​

  • Manufacturer - Enter the fixture manufacturer name
  • Fixture Name - Enter the model name
  • Mode Description - Specify the DMX mode Extended Mode, 16-bit, 26-Channel

Adding DMX Channels ​

For each DMX channel in your fixture:

  1. Channel Number - The DMX channel offset Channel 1, 2, 3...

  2. Parameter Type - Select what the channel controls:

    • Intensity/Dimmer
    • Red, Green, Blue, White, Amber, Lime, etc.
    • Pan, Tilt
    • Gobo, Color Wheel, Prism
    • Zoom, Focus, Iris
    • Shutter/Strobe
    • And many more...

  3. Bit Depth - Choose resolution:

    • 8-bit - Standard single-channel control (0-255)
    • 16-bit - High-resolution control using two channels (coarse + fine)

  4. Channel Name (Optional) - Custom label for this channel

Advanced Options ​

  • Home Value - Default DMX value when the fixture is first patched
  • Invert - Reverses the parameter's behavior (useful for Pan/Tilt)
  • Virtual Channels - Add parameters not in the DMX profile (see Virtual Channels)

Testing Your Profile ​

After creating your profile:

  1. Patch the fixture using your custom profile
  2. Test each parameter to verify it controls the correct function
  3. Check that 16-bit channels move smoothly
  4. Verify home values are appropriate

Editing Custom Profiles ​

WARNING

You can't edit or delete a profile if it's currently patched in your Project. First clone and rename the profile, then repatch your Fixtures into the new profile.

To edit a custom profile:

  1. Navigate to My Show Fixtures
  2. Tap the three-dots (more_vert) next to the Fixture Type
  3. Select Clone or Edit

Sharing Custom Profiles ​

Custom profiles are stored locally in your Project. To use them in other projects:

  1. Create the same custom profile in each project, or
  2. Request the profile be added to the Cloud Database through the Blackout Help Center so it's available to everyone

Common Profile Types ​

RGB LED Fixtures ​

Simple RGB fixtures typically use 3 channels:

  • Channel 1: Red
  • Channel 2: Green
  • Channel 3: Blue

Consider using the Generic RGB profile from the Cloud Database as a starting point.

RGBW/RGBA Fixtures ​

Four-color mixing fixtures:

  • Channel 1: Red
  • Channel 2: Green
  • Channel 3: Blue
  • Channel 4: White or Amber

Moving Lights ​

More complex fixtures often include:

  • Intensity/Dimmer (often 16-bit)
  • Pan/Tilt (usually 16-bit)
  • Color mixing channels
  • Gobo/Prism selection
  • Zoom/Focus controls
  • Shutter/Strobe functions

Generic Profiles First

Before creating a custom profile, check if a Generic profile matches your fixture's channel layout. You might find the exact configuration already exists in the database under the Generic manufacturer.