A DMX512 network is called a "DMX universe". Each OUT connector on a DMX512 controller can control a single universe. A DMX512 universe is made up of 512 channels, with each channel containing a value between 0 and 255. Each slave device in the chain can "look at" a different set of channels in order to be controlled by the master controller. Smaller controllers may have a single OUT connector, enabling them to control only one universe, whereas large control desks (operator consoles) may have the capacity to control multiple universes, with an OUT connector provided for each universe. Many of the more modern control desks instead of featuring multiple OUT connectors have a Unshielded Twisted Pair connector (such as CAT5, CAT5e or CAT6. ) Such cables and systems can control up to 32768 universes of DMX512 using the Art-Net protocol and the existing Ethernet in buildings.
