Chauvet Xpress 1024

The Chauvet DJ Xpress 1024 is a compact, self-contained DMX interface that connects your computer to your lighting rig using Chauvet’s ShowXpress software. It controls two DMX universes, unlocks a third universe via ArtNet, and can even store and play back a show without a computer, making it a powerful bridge between software programming and live lighting control.

Highlights

• Rugged aluminum DMX interface for ShowXpress software
• Controls two DMX universes plus one ArtNet universe (three total)
• Stores and plays back one show without a computer
• Compatible with Windows and Mac OS X
• Hot-swappable; automatically reconnects within seconds
• Electrically and optically isolated outputs with ESD protection

Chauvet DJ Xpress 1024: Software Lighting Control

Lighting software offers far more programming power than a basic hardware controller: timelines, effects generators, fixture libraries, and visual layouts. The Xpress 1024 connects that software to your fixtures. Program scenes, chases, and full shows in ShowXpress on your laptop, then send them out over two DMX universes, enough to control 1,024 channels, plus a third universe via ArtNet for networked systems.

Because it’s hot-swappable and reconnects automatically, a loose USB cable won’t take down your show for long, and optical isolation protects your computer and fixtures from electrical problems.

Standalone Playback

The Xpress 1024 can store one show internally and play it back without a computer, so you can program a look for a venue, then leave the interface running on its own. It’s ideal for installations, retail displays, and venues that need a reliable lighting look every night without a dedicated operator.

Setting Up the Xpress 1024

Install ShowXpress on your Windows or Mac computer, connect the Xpress 1024 via USB, and connect your fixtures to the DMX outputs with 3-pin DMX cables. Add your fixtures from the library, program scenes and shows, and save a show to the interface for standalone use. For larger rigs, connect multiple interfaces to add more universes.

What to Pair With the Xpress 1024

Pair the Xpress 1024 with a laptop running ShowXpress, quality DMX cables, and DMX terminators at the end of each chain. A MIDI controller can provide hands-on faders and buttons for live operation, and DMX splitters help distribute signal to multiple fixture runs in larger rigs.

Why Use Software for Lighting Control?

Hardware controllers are quick to learn but limited in how many fixtures and effects they can manage. Software like ShowXpress offers fixture libraries, effect generators, and timeline programming that make complex shows with moving heads and LED fixtures much easier to build. Pairing software with a dedicated interface like the Xpress 1024 gives you that power with reliable, protected DMX output.

Chauvet DJ Xpress 1024 FAQ

Do I need a computer to run shows? For programming, yes. Once programmed, the Xpress 1024 can play back one stored show without a computer.

How many fixtures can it control? It controls 1,024 DMX channels across two universes, plus an additional 512 channels via ArtNet, which is enough for most small to mid-sized rigs.

Chauvet DJ Xpress 1024 Specifications at a Glance

• Software: ShowXpress
• DMX channels: 1,024 (2 universes) + 512 via ArtNet
• Standalone: stores and plays back 1 show
• DMX connectors: 3-pin XLR
• DMX refresh rate: 40 Hz
• Power: 5 V via USB
• Compatibility: Windows and Mac OS X
• Protection: optical isolation and ESD protection

Who Buys the Chauvet DJ Xpress 1024

• Mobile DJs and lighting designers
• Churches and schools programming stage lighting
• Bars, clubs, and small venues
• Installers creating automated lighting looks

Why Buy the Chauvet DJ Xpress 1024 From Metro Sound & Lighting

Metro Sound & Lighting isn’t a catalog-only retailer. We sell, install, and service lighting systems in-house, so our team can help you set up ShowXpress, program your fixtures, and support your system after the sale. We offer B2B and integrator pricing for venues, churches, and schools.

Browse more options in our DMX Controllers category, or see the full specifications on the official Chauvet DJ Xpress 1024 product page.