{"product_id":"pknight-bi-direction-artnet-dmx-2048-ethernet-lighting-controller-4","title":"Pknight Bi-direction ArtNet DMX 2048 Ethernet Lighting Controller - 4","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Pknight Bi-direction ArtNet DMX 2048 Ethernet Lighting Controller is evaluated for live sound and stage lighting professionals who need a compact, truss-mountable node that handles multiple universes. The bottom line: it excels as a reliable network-to-DMX interface with simple local controls and PoE support, making setup and power distribution easier in venues and touring rigs where cable runs and isolation matter. This review focuses on build, setup, and practical use rather than marketing claims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePowerCON Version:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in transformer and PowerCON power input provide a stable power source and allow longer cable runs without voltage drop concerns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour Universe Output:\u003c\/strong\u003e Four DMX512 outputs let the unit control up to 2048 channels from a single compact node, ideal for medium-sized shows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePoE Available:\u003c\/strong\u003e Support for 48V Power over Ethernet simplifies installations by letting the device draw power from a PoE switch and avoid a separate power cable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAll XLR Outputs Opt-Isolated:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two XLR ports include optical isolation to protect the control system and reduce the risk of ground loops and electrical interference.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTruss Mountable:\u003c\/strong\u003e M10 screw holes on the top panel make it straightforward to secure the unit to truss with a standard clamp or hook for neat stage mounting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy Local Setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e An LED display and four function buttons allow IP, subnets, and universe settings to be adjusted without a browser, speeding deployment in low-connectivity situations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pknight controller is aimed at lighting technicians, rental houses, and small production companies that need a durable, rack- or truss-mountable ArtNet to DMX node capable of handling multiple universes on a budget. Its PoE option and local controls make it particularly useful for touring rigs and venues that already use managed Ethernet switches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLess suitable are users who require an exhaustive web UI with advanced routing or profiling tools built into the hardware; those users should consider larger consoles or nodes with more extensive onboard configuration. Also, if more than four physical DMX outputs are required per node, plan on additional nodes or a different topology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCompact, truss-ready design that mounts easily and keeps cabling tidy for live shows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSupports PoE so power and data can share a single cable when using a compatible switch.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOptical isolation on XLR outputs improves reliability and protects connected fixtures and controllers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOnboard LED display and four-button interface enable quick local configuration without extra software.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eConfiguration beyond IP and universe settings still relies on external software (DMX Workshop) for remote changes, so the unit is not a full-featured controller by itself.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOnly two XLR ports are noted as opt-isolated, which means some outputs may not have the same isolation level.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCR041R (PowerCON Version)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUniverses\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 (up to 2048 channels)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Options\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePowerCON internal transformer and 90~240V input; PoE 48V support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFour DMX512 out (3-pin XLR), two XLR outputs opt-isolated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM10 screw holes for truss mounting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConfiguration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLocal LED display with 4 function buttons; remote via DMX Workshop\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pknight Bi-direction ArtNet DMX 2048 is a practical, value-oriented node for lighting professionals who need a reliable multi-universe interface that is easy to mount and power via PoE. Its combination of PowerCON input, opt-isolation on key outputs, and simple local controls make it a strong choice for touring and venue installations where compact, dependable hardware matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan this unit be powered over Ethernet?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it supports 48V Power over Ethernet so a compatible PoE switch can supply power over the network cable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow are IP and universe settings changed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBasic settings can be changed with the onboard LED display and four buttons; remote configuration is available using the DMX Workshop software.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it suitable for truss mounting?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, there are M10 screw holes on the top of the box to attach a stage light clamp or hook for truss mounting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pknight","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48178865406171,"sku":"B0BJKWWG84","price":154.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71s_QP1xeAL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1769489389","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/pknight-bi-direction-artnet-dmx-2048-ethernet-lighting-controller-4","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}