Universes, IPs, and Art-Net Setup Without the Headaches
In the post on network topologies we fixed the physical map: switch, nodes near the load, short DMX. Now comes the logical map: which universe leaves each port and which IP answers on each node. Get that wrong and the nicest Cat run on earth will not light a single LED. This guide grounds Art-Net universes, IP modes (DHCP, AUTO IP, static, IP MODE), how consoles and software map to nodes, and how to avoid two boxes fighting over one address — with practical focus on the TH-2U.
What an Art-Net universe is (in practice)
A universe is a block of up to 512 DMX512 channels. On USB–DMX you live it as “output 1 / output 2.” On Ethernet DMX (Art-Net) the same idea rides the network: console or software publishes a universe; the node receives it and dumps it to an XLR.
Art-Net labels that block with a port address. In classic jargon you can think in layers:
- Net (a veces visto como Net-H / Net-L en herramientas viejas): el “bloque grande” de la red Art-Net.
- Sub-Net (Sub): el grupo intermedio.
- Universe (Uni / Sub-Uni on some panels): the fine index 0–15 inside that Sub-Net.
For most small and mid-size shows with one or two nodes, you stay on Net 0 / Sub-Net 0 and only move the universe index (0, 1, 2…). You do not need the full 15-bit table on day one — you need the console to send the same number the node expects on each port. For protocol basics, read what Art-Net is. Still choosing local outputs? See 1 vs 2 universes.
The TH-2U covers up to 2 universes (1024 channels): each configurable Neutrik XLR3 in/out carries its own Art-Net universe address. Practical last-mile tip: ~32 devices per 120 Ω DMX output; past that, split chains or add outs.
Table: DHCP vs AUTO IP vs static vs IP MODE
| Modo | Who assigns the IP | When to use it | Typical risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHCP | Router / switch con servidor DHCP | Sala con red limpia y reservas DHCP documentadas | IP “cambia” si no hay reserva; chase al panel web |
| AUTO IP | El nodo se autoasigna (sin DHCP) | Lab, ensayo ad-hoc, red temporal sin router | Notebook y nodo en rangos distintos = no se ven |
On the TH-2U the factory static is often 192.168.1.100. The web panel finishes the job (universes, in/out, merge). The node also supports classic Art-Net ranges 2.x.x.x and 10.x.x.x derived from the MAC’s last three octets — a habit many consoles and apps still expect. Product deep-dive: TH-2U guide.
How consoles and software map to the node
The mental loop is the same whether you run QLC+, FreeStyler, a dedicated desk, or another compatible app (see real-world compatibility):
- In software/console, decide which Art-Net universe leaves (e.g. univ 0 = front wash, univ 1 = movers).
- On the node, assign the same number to the Neutrik port feeding that bar.
Confirm laptop/console and node share the same IP subnet (matching prefix and a sensible mask).
Send a test channel; watch Art-Net/status LEDs and the XLR.
If you came from USB–DMX, fixture patching does not change — only how the universe reaches the XLR. Intro: interface USB–DMX. Comparativa de caminos: USB-DMX vs Art-Net.
Diagrama: consola → switch → TH-2U → DMX outs
- Consola o PC (Art-Net)
- IP en la misma subred que el nodo (ej. 192.168.1.10)
- Publica universo 0 y universo 1
- Lighting switch
- Puerto FOH: Cat a la consola/PC
- Puerto nodo: Cat al RJ45 del TH-2U
- Red dedicada o VLAN de luces (la VLAN la hace el switch, no el nodo)
TH-2U
- Power: 12 V 1 A (2.1 mm jack)
- IP: DHCP / AUTO / static (common default 192.168.1.100) or IP MODE
- Puerto Neutrik A: out, universo Art-Net 0 → front wash (DMX 120 Ω)
- Puerto Neutrik B: out, universo Art-Net 1 → movers (DMX 120 Ω)
- ~32 fixtures per output as a practical loading tip
Diagrama: checklist first-boot de IP
- Connect 12 V and RJ45 to the lighting switch (not the guest Wi‑Fi VLAN).
- Pick a mode: reserved DHCP? Static 192.168.1.100? AUTO IP in the lab?
- If the web panel is unreachable, use the hardware IP MODE shortcut.
- From a laptop on the same subnet, open the node’s web panel.
- Set Art-Net universe per Neutrik port and in/out mode.
- Write IP + univ A/B on the case or the patch sheet.
- Test one channel per universe before doors.
Classic headaches (and how to dodge them)
- Two nodes sharing one static IP: the switch mis-forwards, the web panel opens the wrong box, the show flickers. Every TH-2U needs its own address — label it.
- Wrong universe: console sends univ 0, node listens on univ 1 → “no DMX” with perfect Cat. Check the number per port.
Mixing 2.x / 10.x / 192.168 with no plan: classic Art-Net ranges and home LANs collide when masks or routes disagree. Pick one scheme per show (all 192.168.1.x, or whatever your console expects).
Wi‑Fi guest + DHCP impredecible: el nodo cae en una red aislada o cambia de IP. Art-Net show-critical va por cable a switch de luces.
No labels: at 11:40 pm nobody remembers who is .100 vs .101. Mark case, patchbay, and show sheet.
80 Ω audio cable on the DMX hop: it looks like an “IP” problem and is impedance. Use 120 Ω — 80 Ω vs 120 Ω.
Dos fuentes Art-Net al mismo univ sin merge: caos. El TH-2U ofrece merge LTP/HTP cuando el puerto es salida; usalo con plan, no a ciegas.
Many symptoms rhyme with bad USB–DMX habits; the checklists still help: errores comunes USB–DMX and first setup guide.
TH-2U: panel web, IP MODE y merge cuando hace falta
Confirmed specs that matter here (TH Pro series): 2 universes, configurable Neutrik XLR3 in/out, RJ45, 12 V 1 A (2.1 mm), web panel, LTP/HTP merge, opto/ESD/EMI/DC‑DC protection, IP MODE (DHCP / AUTO / static). The node does not invent VLANs or PoE — it joins the network you give it.
Panel web: lugar para cerrar universos por puerto, in/out, merge y revisar estado cuando la IP ya es alcanzable.
IP MODE: hardware shortcut to unlock an IP without the browser on a chaotic first boot.
Common static default: 192.168.1.100 — put the laptop on 192.168.1.x /24 and open the panel.
LTP/HTP merge: useful when a main desk and a backup soft share the same output universe; test one channel before the show.
Shop: TH-2U (ES) · TH-2U (EN). Full guide: nodo Art-Net TH-2U.
Habits: fixed install vs touring
Touring / temporal
- Carry a simple IP scheme (e.g. .100 node A, .101 node B) taped inside the rack lid.
- Prefer static or reserved DHCP on the tour lighting switch.
Universos fijos por rol de show (0 = front, 1 = air) aunque cambie el venue.
Test Cat + one channel per univ at load-in, not at doors.
Backup: notebook + TZ-2U / TZ-1U / TZ-Mini si el backbone Ethernet cae.
Fixed install
- Document IP, mask, gateway (if any), univ per port, and Ethernet-loss policy.
- DHCP reservations or statics on a managed switch; lighting VLAN separate from guest Wi‑Fi.
- Etiquetas permanentes en patchbay y en cada nodo.
- Inventory: universes today and in 12 months (more nodes = more planned IPs).
You already solved physical topology in the previous post; here the discipline is a spreadsheet, not more metres of Cat.
Subnet, switch, and “can we see each other?”
Reglas cortas que evitan el 90 % de tickets fantasmas:
Console/PC and TH-2U on the same subnet (same prefix; coherent mask — typically /24 on small shows).
Lighting switch dedicated or a clear VLAN; unmanaged is fine on lighting-only nets.
No mezcles el nodo con la red guest del venue “porque hay DHCP gratis”.
Laptop firewall: allow Art-Net / UDP as your software requires.
If you use 2.x or 10.x by Art-Net habit, align the controller IP too — do not leave the PC on 192.168 and the node on 2.x with no route.
FAQ
1. Which Art-Net universe should I set on the TH-2U?
Whatever your console/software publishes for that bar. Each Neutrik has its own address: typical univ 0 on A and univ 1 on B. Net/Sub-Net usually stay at 0 on small shows.
2. DHCP or static IP?
Static (or reserved DHCP) wins at a fixed FOH and on permanent patch sheets. Clean DHCP is fine when the venue documents reservations. AUTO IP for router-less labs.
3. What is IP MODE for?
A hardware shortcut on the TH-2U to assign an IP before you open the web panel. It saves first boots and “weird” networks.
4. Why is the web panel not at 192.168.1.100?
Laptop off 192.168.1.x, another device already on .100, wrong switch port, or the node is in DHCP/AUTO. Align subnet and mode.
5. Can I mix 2.x.x.x and 192.168.x.x in one show?
Only if you know your routes and masks. The healthy default: one scheme per show. The TH-2U supports classic 2.x/10.x via MAC — that does not replace a subnet plan.
6. Does the TH-2U create VLANs or include PoE?
No. We do not invent features: the venue switch owns VLANs; TH-2U power is 12 V 1 A. The node speaks Ethernet/Art-Net on the network you provide.
7. When do I use LTP/HTP merge?
When two Art-Net sources feed the same output universe (e.g. main desk + backup soft). Set the mode in the web panel and test before the show.
8. Stay on USB–DMX or move to Art-Net?
It depends on distance, universe count, and whether a backbone exists. See USB vs Art-Net y la TZ optical isolation si el puesto sigue siendo notebook local.
CTA y recursos relacionados
Closing the Art-Net IP and universe map? The TH-2U is the 2-universe node with web panel and IP MODE built for that job. Browse the USB–DMX line at shop ElectroTAS.
Next on the blog: we will look at Ethernet I/O and relays for room automation — the bridge between the lighting network and load control. Stay with ElectroTAS (no URL promised yet).