Addressing Capabilities

A single DMX512 universe can support up to 512 channels. For example, a ​RGB LED has three channels (red, green, and blue), so one DMX512 universe ​can control 170 RGB LEDs individually. You can further add more DMX512 ​universes to control more LEDs. 

There is no fixed channel capacity; the controller and LED IC used in the strip ​determine the number of LEDs that can be controlled. This can go from a ​hundred to a thousand LEDs, depending on the controller capacity. 

Scalability 

Large scale project 

Small to medium scale project 

Code Writing

It requires code writing, which complicates the process.

No code writing is required. 

LED Density

DMX512 addressable LED strips have lower LED density than SPI strips.

SPI addressable LED strips have higher density. That is, you will get more LEDs ​per meter than DMX.  

Application

Large indoor and outdoor projects like- stage, architectural, and event ​lighting

Small spaces and consumer electronics, DIY projects, wearable technology, ​and decorative lighting.

Cable distance

These are suitable for long distances, and the cable length can extend up to ​300m. However, signal degradation may occur after a certain distance in ​practical application. To overcome this, you need to install signal boosters or ​repeaters. 

SPI addressable LED strips are suitable for short-distance communication, and ​the recommended cable distance for optimal performance is <1M. This can vary ​for different IC capabilities. Nevertheless, with proper signal conditioning, long ​distance is also possible.  

Cable Structure

3 wires (DMX+, DMX-, GND)

2 wires (Data, GND)

Data Transmission Speed

Has a low data transmission speed of 250kHz. These addressable LED strips ​are suitable for installation where timing is not crucial. 

They have higher transmission speeds of 400kHz and 2MHz. You can use them ​in applications where rapid changes in lighting effects are required. 

Control Granularity

The granularity of control is limited to the group level, and individual control ​of each LED is not possible.

SPI addressable LED strips allow individual control over LEDs. 

Complexity

Setting up a DMX512 LED strip is complex. You need technical knowledge about DMX controllers, adding signal repeaters, etc.

It is a widely used protocol, and you can easily set up SPI addressable LED ​strips. 

Common Voltages

DMX512 strips can operate at various voltages, including 5V, 12V, and 24V.  ​High voltage, like 24V, is ideal for long runs. 

SPI strips commonly operate at 5V or 12V. For long strips, you may need to ​inject power to avoid voltage drop.

Cost

As DMX512 addressable LED strips require a DMX controller and additional ​hardware, it has high initial costs. However, their maintenance cost is minimal.

The initial cost of an SPI addressable LED strip is reasonable. They use ​inexpensive SPI controllers and microcontrollers, which are affordable.