Adding a fixture in ShowExpress V9 means telling the software about a new light, projector, or other device you want to control

ShowExpress V9 is lighting control software that manages fixtures — the actual devices on your stage or venue. Before you can control a fixture, the software needs to know it exists, what type it is, and where it sits in your rig. Adding a fixture is the first step in any ShowExpress project, and the process takes just a few clicks once you understand the basic steps.

The software comes with a library of fixture definitions for thousands of real-world devices. When you add a fixture, you are selecting from that library and placing it into your project. ShowExpress then knows how many channels that fixture uses, what features it has, and how to send the right commands to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your ShowExpress project, go to the Fixture window, and click the Add Fixture button to start the process.
  • Search for your fixture by manufacturer and model name — the software comes with definitions for most common lights and projectors.
  • Assign each fixture a universe number and starting channel, which tells ShowExpress where to send control signals.
  • Name your fixtures clearly (like "Stage Left Spot 1") so you can find them quickly when building cues and scenes.
  • Test the fixture by sending it a command to make sure ShowExpress is communicating with your hardware correctly.

Opening the Fixture window and starting the add process

Launch ShowExpress V9 and open the project you want to work with. Look for the Fixture tab or window — it is usually on the left side of the main interface or accessible from the View menu. If you do not see it, go to View > Fixture Window to open it.

In the Fixture window, you will see a list of fixtures already in your project (if any). At the top or bottom of that window, look for a button labeled Add Fixture or with a plus icon. Click it. ShowExpress will open a dialog box where you search for and select the fixture you want to add.

Searching for your fixture in the library

The Add Fixture dialog shows a search field and a list of manufacturers. You can scroll through the list or type to search. If you know the brand and model of your fixture, type the model name — for example, "ETC Source Four" or "Chauvet Maverick" — and ShowExpress will filter the list to matches.

Once you find your fixture, click it to select it. The dialog will show you details about that fixture: how many channels it uses, what features it has (pan, tilt, color, intensity, and so on), and whether it is a moving light, a static fixture, or a special device. If you have multiple identical fixtures, you can add them one at a time or tell ShowExpress to add several copies at once.

Setting the universe and channel assignment

After you select the fixture, ShowExpress asks you to assign it a universe and a starting channel. A universe is a group of 512 channels — the maximum that one DMX line can carry. If all your fixtures fit in one DMX line, they all use Universe 1. If you have more than 512 channels of control, you use Universe 2, Universe 3, and so on.

The starting channel is where that specific fixture begins. If you already have a fixture using channels 1 through 8, your next fixture should start at channel 9. ShowExpress can auto-assign the next available channel if you click the Auto Assign button, which saves time and prevents overlaps. If you are building a rig from scratch, start with Universe 1, Channel 1, and let the software increment from there.

Naming your fixtures for straightforward identification

After you assign the universe and channel, give your fixture a clear, descriptive name. Instead of "Fixture 1" or "Moving Light 2", use names like "Stage Left Spot", "House Right Wash", or "Cyc Light 3". These names appear in your cue list, your patch, and your control panels, so a good name saves you time and mistakes later.

You can also add notes or tags to organize fixtures by location, type, or function. Some users name by position (Left, Center, Right), others by function (Key Light, Fill Light, Backlight). Pick a system and stick with it — consistency matters more than the exact naming scheme.

Completing the add and testing communication

Once you have named the fixture, click OK or Add to confirm. ShowExpress will add the fixture to your Fixture window and assign it the channels you specified. The fixture now appears in your patch and is ready to receive commands.

Before you build cues or scenes, test that ShowExpress is actually talking to your hardware. Select the fixture in the Fixture window, then look for a Test button or right-click and choose Test Fixture. Send a straightforward command — like moving the intensity slider to 50 percent — and watch the actual light or device. If it responds, communication is working. If it does not, check that your DMX cables are connected, that the fixture is powered on, and that you assigned the correct universe and channel.

Adding multiple identical fixtures at once

If you have ten identical spotlights, you do not have to add them one by one. In the Add Fixture dialog, look for a field that says Quantity or Number of Fixtures. Enter 10, and ShowExpress will create all ten at once, assigning them consecutive channels automatically. You can then rename them in bulk (Spot 1, Spot 2, Spot 3, and so on) or edit them individually.

After adding multiple fixtures, check the Fixture window to confirm they are all there and that the channel assignments do not overlap. If you made a mistake, you can delete a fixture by right-clicking it and choosing Delete, then add it again with the correct settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my fixture is not in the ShowExpress library?

If your fixture does not appear in the search, check the manufacturer name spelling and try searching by partial model number. If it still does not appear, you may need to read an updated fixture library from the ShowExpress website or the fixture manufacturer. Some older or very new fixtures require a manual definition, which you can create by specifying the channel count and feature list yourself.

Can I change a fixture's universe or channel after I add it?

Yes. Right-click the fixture in the Fixture window and choose Edit or Properties. You can change the universe, starting channel, or name at any time. If you change the channel assignment, any cues that reference that fixture will update automatically.

How do I know if I need multiple universes?

Count the total channels used by all your fixtures. If the total is 512 or fewer, one universe is enough. If it is more than 512, you need a second universe. Most small venues use one universe; larger rigs with many moving lights often use two or three.

What does "auto-assign" do?

Auto-assign tells ShowExpress to put the new fixture on the next available channel after your last fixture. If your last fixture ended at channel 24, the new one starts at channel 25. This prevents you from accidentally overlapping two fixtures on the same channels.

Can I test a fixture without connecting it to real hardware?

Yes. ShowExpress can simulate fixtures in software mode, which is useful for building cues before you have hardware connected. The test function will show the fixture responding in the software interface, but no actual light will turn on. Once you connect real hardware and assign the correct DMX output, the same cues will control the actual fixtures.