What is the most practical troubleshooting step when two LED fixtures are operating in unison but are supposed to be controlled separately?

The most practical troubleshooting step in this scenario is to verify the DMX address of each unit. In a lighting setup where LED fixtures are controlled via DMX, each fixture needs to be assigned a unique DMX address to receive control signals independently. If two fixtures are operating in unison, it is possible that they are both set to the same DMX address, which would cause them to respond to the same control commands.

By checking the DMX addresses, you can confirm whether each fixture is configured correctly for segmented control. This step is essential because even if the physical connectivity or power is intact, improper DMX addressing can lead to undesired behavior, such as both fixtures responding simultaneously instead of individually.

While checking the power supply, inspecting the physical connections, and resetting the control console are important troubleshooting steps, they do not directly address the issue of independent control. If both fixtures get power and are functioning, it narrows the problem down to how they are being addressed in the DMX configuration. Hence, verifying the DMX addresses is the most critical and practical first step in resolving the issue of independent fixture control.