OctoRig
Controller

The current controller is designed for standard 5V addressable LED strips using the WS2812B-style single-wire protocol — including WS2812B, WS2812, WS2813, and SK6812 ("NeoPixel"-style) strips. An upgraded controller supporting approximately 5–30V is in production and testing, which will expand support to 12V and 24V installations.

Four independent LED outputs. Each output provides data, power, and ground, so compatible strips can be connected and powered directly through the controller.

The main power path supports up to 8A total, shared across the four outputs. For larger installations, inject additional power directly into the LED strips.

The controller drives large numbers of addressable LEDs across its four outputs. On longer runs, power matters as much as pixel count — plan on extra power injection.

With 5V WS2812B strips, roughly every 300 pixels and at the end of longer strips is a good rule of thumb. The exact requirement depends on brightness, effects, wiring, and your power supply.

That's voltage drop. Every LED and every length of wire adds resistance, so voltage gradually falls along a long strip — white shows it most because red, green, and blue are all on at once. Adding power injection points usually fixes it.

Yes. An upgraded controller supporting approximately 5–30V is in production and testing. It will be sold alongside the standard 5V controller and makes OctoRig much easier to use with 12V and 24V installations.

Yes. The controller connects to your local Wi-Fi network and is controlled wirelessly from the OctoRig software.

Connect your device to the OctoRig Wi-Fi hotspot — the setup portal lets you join the controller to your home or venue network.

Then, with your computer on the same network, go to Config → Rigs, select Wi-Fi as the connection type, and click Scan. When the controller appears, select it and click Apply.

OctoRig supports wireless control, but Wi-Fi performance can't be guaranteed in crowded venues with heavy wireless interference. When reliability is critical, use a wired connection.

In the latest software, go to Config → Toggle and enable Board Status to monitor the controller's wireless connection and signal strength.

Yes. OctoRig can be controlled directly over USB-C instead of Wi-Fi — the preferred option when you need the most reliable connection possible.

Ethernet support is in development, using an Ethernet adapter through USB-C. Initially it will provide the same type of control as the normal USB-C connection, with full Ethernet pixel streaming planned as part of the continued Art-Net/sACN development.

Yes — sound-reactive effects are built in. Audio is captured digitally from the computer, so a microphone isn't required for normal sound-reactive operation.

No. The software uses audio directly from the computer, so effects react to music without playing it through speakers and capturing it again with a mic.

Yes. MIDI control is integrated into the software, letting effects and other controls be triggered externally. MIDI functionality is continuing to be expanded and tested.

Yes. Multiple rigs can be added to the software and controlled together, so installations can grow beyond the four outputs of a single controller.

Yes. Outputs can be divided into multiple sections and shapes, so different portions of an LED run can be treated separately within the software.

OctoRig already supports mapping and multiple shapes. A more advanced position-aware mapping system is in development, so the software can better represent the physical arrangement of your lights and simulate how effects travel across an installation.

OctoRig includes customizable built-in effects, and expanding custom-effect support is part of ongoing development — including making effects more user-scriptable and eventually shareable through the software.

Yes. The Installation Show Creator builds timeline-based shows that can be saved to the controller — ideal for permanent installations where you don't want a computer constantly connected.

Yes. OctoRig supports timeline-based shows synchronized with music, including links to services such as Spotify.

MP3 files can be used while creating shows, but copyrighted audio can't be stored and redistributed through the OctoRig server with shared shows. Shared shows using copyrighted music need an associated source such as Spotify or YouTube instead of the audio file itself.

Art-Net and sACN integration are currently in development. The goal is to support OctoRig hardware and eventually compatible external controllers as well.

Support for external Art-Net/sACN controllers is being developed. The current plan: OctoRig controllers get access without an additional subscription, while using the software with third-party controllers would likely require one.

Resolume integration is being worked on through Art-Net/sACN support, with the goal of letting OctoRig slot into existing professional lighting and video workflows.

The preview and the controller run separate effect engines — the software sends effect parameters rather than streaming every pixel, so the preview won't always be perfectly 1:1. They should still behave similarly; large delays, missing hits, or sections responding at different times usually indicate a connection issue.

If you're on Wi-Fi, first check connection quality with Board Status — a weak or congested network can delay commands. Connecting through USB-C is a quick way to confirm whether Wi-Fi is the problem.

Yes — the app is completely free right now, and will stay free for at least the first 6 months after launch. Down the line a small subscription (most likely around $4.99 USD/month) may be added to cover cloud storage, user-data protection, and ongoing updates — you'll get plenty of notice before anything changes.

Every OctoRig is made to order, so shipping can take up to 2½ weeks depending on stock and order volume. You'll get a shipping confirmation as soon as yours is on the way.

Yes. OctoRig ships internationally — cost depends on the destination and service, and VAT, duties, or other import charges may apply depending on the country.

Yes. LED strips, extension cables, and wiring can be supplied in different lengths depending on the installation, with pricing quoted accordingly.

Potentially, yes. For larger OEM or commercial applications, a custom controller and adapted software can be developed depending on quantity, features, budget, and application.

Join the OctoRig Discord to report bugs and share ideas — at this stage your input directly shapes the product. You can also email Support@octorig.com.