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: Temporarily overrides the strobe to that exact percentage 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
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 + Scroll Wheel Smooth increments without clicking
Wheel Fine Adjust Shift + Ctrl + Wheel Micro-step scroll adjustment
Direct Numeric Entry Click numeric label Type exact DMX number (0–255) or float (0.0–1.0)

🎮 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

Hardware Sync Limitation (Inbound Only): MIDI synchronization in Unilighter is strictly inbound: moving a physical fader on your hardware controller updates the virtual fader in Unilighter. However, Unilighter does not support motorized fader feedback or outbound MIDI signals. Moving a digital fader on your touchscreen will not actuate motorized sliders on physical fader banks.

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