Merge Modes

Merge Modes

Each process engine uses one of 8 merge modes to combine its inputs into a single output.

HTP — Highest Takes Precedence

The highest value per channel across all inputs wins. The standard mode for combining multiple lighting consoles — if one console has channel 1 at 80% and another at 60%, the output is 80%.

Use case: Multiple consoles controlling the same fixtures, where you always want the brightest value.

LTP — Latest Takes Precedence

The most recently updated source wins per channel. When a new packet arrives from any input, those channel values replace the previous ones.

Use case: Desk handoff scenarios where the last console to touch a channel should have control.

Backup

Primary input is active. When the primary source times out (no packets for the configured timeout), the secondary input takes over automatically. When the primary returns, it regains control.

Use case: Redundant console setups where a backup desk should take over if the main desk fails.

X-Fade

Crossfade between two inputs using a DMX control channel. Channel value 0 = 100% Input 1, value 255 = 100% Input 2, values in between blend proportionally.

Configure the control channel in the engine's Remote Control settings.

Use case: Smooth transitions between a lighting desk and a media server, controlled by a fader on the desk.

Switch

Select one of up to 4 inputs using DMX control values:

Control Value	Active Input
8–15	Input 1
16–23	Input 2
24–31	Input 3
32–39	Input 4

Use case: Switching between different sources (console, media server, backup) using a channel on the desk.

Custom

Per-channel merge policy — each of the 512 channels can independently be set to Input 1, Input 2, Input 3, Input 4, HTP, or LTP. This gives you complete control over how every channel is handled.

Use case: Complex setups where different groups of channels need different merge behaviour.

sACN Priority

Merges sources using E1.31 per-channel priority values (0xDD start code). The source with the highest priority on each channel wins. Priority 0 excludes a source from that channel entirely.

This is the most sophisticated merge mode — it uses the full sACN priority system as designed by the E1.31 standard.

Use case: sACN installations with multiple priority levels for architectural override, emergency lighting, etc.

Preset / Snapshot

A startup buffer that holds the last known DMX state. Sends the stored snapshot immediately on startup until live sources appear.

Use case: Maintaining fixture positions across power cycles in permanent installations.