Fader Control

The Fader is the foundational linear input component in Unilighter. It is used across the entire console for fixture Dimmer levels, Strobe rates, Master playback intensity, procedural Node Graph multipliers, and crossfading.

Designed specifically for dark live environments, the fader features high-contrast liquid fill graphics, glow accents, and responsive real-time physics.

Standard Vertical Dimmer Fader at 50%

📐 Layout & Visual Variants

Unilighter adapts the fader's layout and behavior to match the specific lighting parameter:

1. Standard Vertical Dimmer

Used in Device Control and Simple Desk. Features a continuous 0.0 to 1.0 (or 0–255 DMX) vertical track with real-time numeric readout at the bottom.

2. Strobe Fader with Quick-Jump Buttons

When controlling fixture Strobe channels, the fader is flanked by 6 dedicated percentage jump buttons (100%, 90%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 0%).

Strobe Fader with Jump Buttons

Tip

Strobe Button Behaviors:

  • Click & Hold: Pressing a percentage button applies the value immediately on mouse-down or touch-down, without waiting for a click. It temporarily overrides the strobe for as long as you hold the mouse/touch. Releasing the pointer immediately springs back to the previous value. Perfect for quick strobe flashes during musical drops!
  • Shift + Click: Permanently locks (latches) the fader to the clicked percentage.

3. Horizontal Fader

Used for Pan trim adjustments, Crossfaders between scenes, and compact node parameters.

Horizontal Pan Trim Fader

4. Custom Color Accents & Statuses

Faders can be color-coded to visually match fixture color groups or specific universe buses:

Color-Coded Accent Faders

When a channel is locked or disabled, it displays a dimmed frosted state:

Disabled Locked Fader State

🕹️ Interaction Techniques & Modifiers

Action Shortcut / Gesture Result
Direct Drag Click and drag track Adjusts value smoothly at normal speed
Track Jump Single click on track Instantly sets level to clicked position
Minimum / Maximum Click near either end of the track Sets the exact minimum or maximum; the end area is subtly outlined on hover
Fast Coarse Adjust Ctrl + Drag 2× speed for rapid blackout or full flash
Surgical Micro-Tuning Shift + Drag 10× precision for delicate theater dimmer fades
Mouse Wheel Scroll Hover + Ctrl + Scroll Wheel Smooth increments without clicking
Wheel Fine Adjust Shift + Ctrl + Wheel Micro-step scroll adjustment
Direct Numeric Entry Click numeric label Type a value in the control’s working units; confirm with Enter or by leaving the field

Typing does not move the fader until you confirm. You can clear the field, leave a trailing decimal separator and finish the replacement normally. Up and Down immediately apply one configured step from your draft, even before Enter. Escape discards only unconfirmed typing. Opening and leaving a rounded readout without editing it preserves the stored precision. See Numeric entry.

🎮 Hardware MIDI & Keyboard Mapping

Every fader in Unilighter can be bound to physical MIDI faders, hardware control surfaces, or keyboard hotkeys.

Navbar Assign Mode Toggle

To map a hardware fader:

  1. Click the Assign Mode button in the top navigation bar.
  2. Click the desired fader on the screen.
  3. Move your physical MIDI fader or press a keyboard key to capture the binding.

Note

Motor faders and LED rings: Moving a physical fader updates the virtual fader, and the fader's position is sent back to the controller: motor faders and LED rings follow changes made on screen, by cues or by another controller. Faders without motors cannot show the position and take control as soon as they move. See Controller feedback.

  1. Read the complete guide in Assign Mode & Controller Mapping.

Named ranges and release

Fixture channel ranges are marked in the control color, and the fader shows the active range name. Analog direction can be reversed by the profile. Release returns to the next controlling source or precise DMX default rather than acquiring a new zero value. Touch dragging operates independently of other controls. Mouse dragging ends on release, lost pointer capture or window focus loss, preventing an old fader gesture from following the cursor.