Getting Started with
MyStrow
Never touched a DMX software before? This video guide takes you from installation to your first light show — step by step, without unnecessary technical jargon.
Controlling your lights has never been this simple
DMX is the industry-standard protocol for stage lighting. Used in every concert, show and professional event since the 90s, it lets a single piece of software drive hundreds of fixtures simultaneously. But until now, getting to grips with a DMX software often required hours of training and a cryptic interface.
MyStrow changes that. Designed from the ground up for sound & light engineers who handle everything on their own, for musicians who want to manage their own lighting, and for beginners with no technical background, MyStrow makes DMX control intuitive, visual and immediate.
In this tutorial, we show you exactly how to get started: install the software, set up the DMX patch, switch on your first fixtures and create your first lighting atmosphere.
Heads-up: this video is narrated in French. No problem though — YouTube automatically provides English subtitles and an English dubbed audio track. Subtitles are on by default; you can switch the spoken language from the player settings (⚙️ → Audio track).
What you'll learn
Install MyStrow and connect it to your hardware
Download and install MyStrow in under 2 minutes. The software automatically detects your Art-Net network interface or your ENTTEC USB-DMX box. No additional driver required for Art-Net mode — plug in your DMX Node, enter its IP and you're good to go.
Understand fixture groups
MyStrow organizes your fixtures into 6 logical groups: Front, Top 1, Top 2, Top 3, Side and Back. This organization reflects the real positioning on stage. Each group corresponds to a column of pads on the AKAI APC mini and to a level fader.
Set up the DMX patch
The patch associates each physical fixture with a DMX address. In MyStrow, the automatic patch assigns addresses 1, 11, 21, 31… with 10 channels per fixture — you can customize each address, the Art-Net universe, the channel profile (3CH / 5CH / RGBW…) and the moving head mode directly from the patch interface.
Control with the AKAI APC mini
The AKAI APC mini mk2 is the physical controller optimized for MyStrow. The 8×8 grid of LED pads maps to the groups and colors. The 9 vertical faders adjust the level of each group and the master. Plug it in via USB and MyStrow recognizes it instantly, with no configuration.
Pick colors and launch your first show
Each pad on the grid triggers a color on the corresponding group. Push up the faders to switch on your fixtures and watch your stage light up in real time. The interactive stage plot gives you immediate visual feedback right from your screen.
Add music and save
Import your tracks into the MyStrow sequencer. Each playlist entry can have its own lighting mode, its favorite colors and its configuration. Save your show in the .tui format and reload it in one click for your next gig.
What you need to get started
Absolute minimum
- A Windows 10/11 PC or a Mac (macOS 11+)
- MyStrow installed (free to start)
- An Art-Net network box or an ENTTEC Open DMX USB
- At least one DMX LED fixture
- A male → female XLR DMX cable
Recommended setup
- AKAI APC mini mk2 (native MyStrow integration)
- Network DMX Node (ElectroConcept, Enttec Pro…)
- 6 groups of RGB or RGBW LED fixtures
- Ethernet cable from the node to your computer
- A network switch if you have several nodes
Don't have the AKAI yet? MyStrow works perfectly without a physical controller. The software interface (clickable stage plot, virtual faders) gives you full control from your screen. The AKAI simply adds the joy of hands-on live control, ideal for live shows.
The basics of MyStrow
Art-Net DMX output
MyStrow sends DMX at 25 frames per second across up to 4 Art-Net universes (2,048 channels). Compatible with every network DMX node on the market. No perceptible latency.
Built-in AKAI controller
The AKAI APC mini mk2 is recognized automatically. The pads switch on colors, the faders set levels per group. The Mute buttons cut each group independently.
Interactive stage plot
Visualize your fixtures in real time. Click each group to set color and level. The stage plot reflects exactly what your physical fixtures are receiving.
Built-in audio player
Import your tracks (MP3, WAV, FLAC…) directly into MyStrow. The playlist handles the sequencing of tracks and the automatic switching of the associated lighting configuration.
Sound-reactive AI Lighting
Enable AI Lighting mode and let MyStrow analyze your music in real time to generate coherent lighting atmospheres, without programming a single sequence.
Complete save
Save your entire show in a .tui file that contains the playlist, the DMX patch, the configurations and the recorded sequences. Everything reloads instantly.
DMX beginner: your questions
I've never done DMX — is MyStrow right for me?
Yes, it's made exactly for you. MyStrow was designed for musicians, artists and engineers who handle sound and light on their own. The learning curve is short: most users switch on their first fixtures within 30 minutes of installing.
I have basic LED fixtures — does it still work?
Absolutely. MyStrow supports 3CH (RGB), 4CH (RGBD), 5CH, 6CH, RGBW profiles, and customizable profiles for each fixture model. If your device does DMX, MyStrow controls it.
Can I use MyStrow without an AKAI APC mini?
Yes. The graphical interface lets you control everything with the mouse. As a bonus, MyStrow also supports touch tablets (on-screen AKAI simulator) and the Stream Deck. The AKAI remains the best live experience, but it's not a requirement.
Does MyStrow work on Mac?
Yes — MyStrow is compatible with Windows 10/11 and macOS 11 (Monterey) and later. The Mac version is distributed separately. Both versions share the same .tui show format.
Your first light show is waiting
Download MyStrow for free and follow this tutorial alongside to switch on your fixtures today. No prior training required.