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

ShowExpress V9 stores information about every device connected to your rig — its type, its address on the network, what channels it uses. Before you can program a cue or run a show, you have to add each fixture to the software's inventory. This process takes about five minutes per fixture and happens in the Fixture Library window.

The steps below walk you through adding a single fixture. If you are adding many fixtures of the same type, ShowExpress has a batch-add feature that can save time — that is covered in the last section.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Fixture Library from the main menu, then click the Add Fixture button to start the process.
  • You need to know the fixture's type (the exact model name), its DMX address, and how many channels it uses.
  • ShowExpress comes with a built-in library of common fixtures — search for your fixture by brand and model before creating a custom entry.
  • After you add a fixture, it appears in your patch list and is ready to be assigned to a fader, button, or cue.
  • If you are adding many identical fixtures, use the Duplicate Fixture option instead of adding each one separately.

Open the Fixture Library and locate the Add button

Start ShowExpress V9 and open your show file. In the main menu bar at the top, click Fixture, then select Fixture Library. A window will open showing all fixtures currently in your show — it may be empty if this is a new show.

In the Fixture Library window, look for the Add Fixture button. It is usually near the top left, often marked with a plus sign or the word "Add". Click it to open the Add Fixture dialog.

Search for your fixture in the built-in library

ShowExpress V9 includes a database of thousands of fixture types from major manufacturers. When the Add Fixture dialog opens, you will see a search field. Type the brand name of your fixture — for example, "ETC", "Chauvet", or "Martin" — then press Enter or click Search.

A list of fixtures from that manufacturer will appear. Scroll through and find the exact model you are adding. If you have a Chauvet Maverick MK3 Spot, search for "Chauvet" and then look for "Maverick MK3 Spot" in the results. Click on the correct model to select it.

If your fixture does not appear in the library, you can create a custom fixture entry — but first, confirm the exact model number by checking the fixture itself or the manual. Custom fixtures are covered in the last section.

Set the DMX address and channel count

After you select a fixture type, ShowExpress will ask for the DMX address. This is the starting channel number where the fixture receives its control signal. If this is your first fixture on a new rig, the address is usually 1. If you already have fixtures in your show, the new fixture's address should be the next available number after the last fixture's channels.

For example, if you have a fixture at address 1 that uses 16 channels, the next fixture would start at address 17. ShowExpress will often suggest the next available address automatically, but always double-check against your actual rig setup.

The channel count is usually set automatically based on the fixture type you selected — a moving light might use 16 channels, a simple dimmer uses 1. If you need to change it, you can edit this field, but in most cases the default is correct.

Assign a name and confirm the settings

ShowExpress will ask you to name the fixture. Use a name that tells you what it is and where it is — for example, "House Right Spot 1" or "Stage Left LED Bar". This name appears in your patch list and in cue programming, so make it clear and specific.

Review all the settings: the fixture type, the DMX address, the channel count, and the name. If anything is wrong, click Back or Edit to change it. Once everything looks correct, click Add or Confirm to save the fixture to your show.

The fixture now appears in your Fixture Library and is ready to use. You can assign it to a fader, add it to a cue, or configure its parameters in the Fixture Settings window.

Adding multiple identical fixtures at once

If you are adding ten identical moving lights, adding them one at a time is slow. Instead, add the first fixture using the steps above, then right-click on it in the Fixture Library and select Duplicate Fixture. ShowExpress will create a copy with the next available DMX address already filled in.

Change only the name — for example, from "Moving Light 1" to "Moving Light 2" — and click Confirm. Repeat this for each additional fixture. This method is much faster than searching the library each time and ensures all fixtures are configured identically.

Creating a custom fixture when yours is not in the library

If your fixture does not appear in the ShowExpress library, you can create a custom entry. In the Add Fixture dialog, look for a Create Custom Fixture or Manual Entry option, usually at the bottom of the search results or in a separate tab.

You will need to enter the fixture's channel count — the number of DMX channels it uses. Check the fixture's manual or the manufacturer's website for this number. For example, a simple RGB LED fixture might use 3 channels (red, green, blue), while a moving light might use 20 or more.

Enter the name, the channel count, and the DMX address, then click Confirm. The custom fixture is now in your show and works the same way as a library fixture, though you will not have access to preset channel names or automated features specific to that model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not know the DMX address for my fixture?

Check the fixture itself — many have a small display or dip switches that show the address. If not, check the manual or contact the manufacturer. If the fixture is already installed in your rig, ask the lighting technician who set it up. You must have the correct address or the software will not control the fixture.

Can I change a fixture's DMX address after I add it?

Yes. Right-click the fixture in the Fixture Library, select Edit or Properties, and change the address field. Be careful: if you change the address in the software but not on the actual fixture, the software will try to control the wrong device. Always make sure the software address matches the physical fixture's address.

What happens if two fixtures have the same DMX address?

Both fixtures will receive the same control signal and behave identically. This is usually a mistake. Check your patch list for duplicates and change one of them to the next available address. ShowExpress may warn you about address conflicts — if it does, fix them before running your show.

Do I have to add fixtures in order by address?

No. You can add them in any order. ShowExpress will sort them by address in the Fixture Library automatically. However, it is easier to keep track if you add them in order — start at address 1 and work your way up.

Can I delete a fixture and add it again with a different address?

Yes. Right-click the fixture in the Fixture Library and select Delete. Then add it again with the new address. Any cues that used the old fixture will lose that control data, so only do this if you have not yet programmed cues, or if you are willing to re-program them.