DMX addressing is the process of assigning a unique identification number to each lighting fixture or device in a DMX lighting system. This addressing scheme allows the DMX controller to communicate with and control each fixture individually or in groups.

Here's how DMX addressing typically works:

1. DMX Universe: A DMX universe consists of 512 channels of control information. Each channel represents a specific attribute of a lighting fixture, such as color, intensity, or movement.

2. Fixture ID: Each lighting fixture in the DMX system needs to be assigned a unique Fixture ID or DMX address. This address is usually a number between 1 and 512, corresponding to a specific channel within the DMX universe.

3. Setting the Address: Many DMX-compatible lighting fixtures have DIP switches or digital menus that allow you to set the DMX address manually. These switches or menus are used to select the binary representation of the DMX address.

4. Binary Representation: The binary representation of the DMX address corresponds to which channels in the DMX universe the fixture will respond to. For example, if a fixture is set to DMX address 37, it will respond to control signals sent on channels 37, 38, and so on, up to the number of channels required by the fixture.

5. Grouping Fixtures: DMX addressing also allows you to group fixtures together by assigning them sequential DMX addresses. For example, if you have four identical fixtures, you can assign them addresses 1, 2, 3, and 4 to control them as a group.

6. DMX Controller Programming: Once the fixtures are addressed, the DMX controller is programmed to send control signals to the desired channels. The controller can send commands to individual fixtures or groups of fixtures based on their assigned DMX addresses.

By assigning unique DMX addresses to each fixture and programming the controller accordingly, you can achieve precise control over your lighting system, allowing for a wide range of creative effects and configurations.