Quick answer: The ADJ WMX1 MK3 is ADJ's version of the Wolfmix W1 MK3, a standalone DMX lighting controller that runs a full light show without a laptop. It has a 4.3-inch touchscreen, 37 backlit buttons and four push encoders, ships with 2 DMX universes (up to 4 and 2,048 channels with add-ons), controls up to 680 fixtures, and syncs effects to music. Compared with the WMX1 MK2 it adds USB-C power, a new button mechanism and a housing that sits flush with the WMX WING fader extension, and it ships with Wolfmix 2.0 firmware. At Hollywood DJ it is $929.99 (price as of October 2026).
Most DMX controllers make you choose: a traditional fader desk that takes hours to program, or software that ties your show to a laptop. The Wolfmix platform took a third route, a compact controller you play like an instrument, with effects that build themselves from groups of lights. ADJ's WMX1 MK3, announced in October 2026, keeps that workflow and refreshes the hardware. Below is what you get, what changed from the MK2, how many universes you really have, which add-ons are worth buying, and how to get your first show running.
What is the ADJ WMX1 MK3?
It is a 7.68 x 8.66 x 2.44 in (195 x 220 x 62 mm), 2.36 lb (1.07 kg) standalone lighting controller that speaks DMX to virtually any fixture. You add your lights from a library of 15,000+ profiles (3,500+ are stored on the controller), put them in groups, and trigger color, movement and beam effects, presets and flash buttons from the touchscreen, pads and encoders. ADJ pitches it at mobile entertainers, clubs, houses of worship, event production and installations. Wolfmix and ADJ list the same specs, and ADJ's WING documentation names the WMX1 MK3 as the equivalent of the Wolfmix W1 MK3.
What's in the box?
- ADJ WMX1 MK3 controller
- 1 A power supply
- USB cable
On first start the controller shows a registration code that you activate at wolfmix.com/activate. Three demo projects (Club, Concert and Mobile DJ) are loaded so you can try the effects before patching your own lights.
Key specs at a glance
| Spec | ADJ WMX1 MK3 |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.3 in color TFT, capacitive touch, tinted glass |
| Controls | 37 LED-backlit silicone buttons, 4 push encoders with acceleration |
| DMX universes | 2 included; up to 4 (2,048 channels) with add-ons |
| DMX outputs | 2 x 3-pin XLR, 1 x 5-pin XLR, 1 x 5-pin XLR in/out with WLINK |
| USB | USB-C power; USB-A for MIDI devices, memory sticks and WLINK |
| Music sync | Built-in mic, 3.5 mm line in, BPM tap, Ableton Link, OS2L, MIDI Clock |
| Effects | Color FX, Move FX and Beam FX, 8 effect types each, two at once per module |
| Capacity | 680 fixtures, 50 fixture types, 8 groups, 200 presets, 80 live edits, up to 100 projects |
| Processor | 220 MHz ARM CPU, 8 MB RAM, 16 MB flash |
| Power | USB-C, 900 mA required, 1,500 mA recommended with MIDI or WLINK |
| Build | ABS housing, powder-coated steel base, 100 mm VESA mount |
| Size and weight | 7.68 x 8.66 x 2.44 in (195 x 220 x 62 mm), 2.36 lb (1.07 kg) |
What's new in the MK3?
ADJ describes the MK3 as the same workflow, refined. The hardware changes are:
- A new button mechanism, which ADJ says gives a more responsive and more satisfying press during live use.
- USB-C in place of the MK2's USB-B connector.
- A cleaner, precision-molded housing designed to sit flush against the WMX WING fader extension.
It also ships with Wolfmix 2.0 "Double Trouble" firmware, which doubles several limits: presets go from 100 to 200, live edits from 40 to 80, stored projects from 6 to up to 100 (depending on size), and static colors, positions and gobos from 10 to 20, with a new Expand Mode. Each FX module can now run two effects at once, moving heads get individual offset positions, BPM and a beat JOG live on the HOME screen, MUSIC BREAK freezes effects when an external BPM signal stops, and the color picker gains RGB+, lime, CMY and hue modes. Fixture Clusters, now in beta, splits complex fixtures such as pixel rings or strobe strips into parts you can control on their own.
Wolfmix 2.0 is also available as an update for earlier WMX1 controllers, so if you already own an MK2, the firmware features are not a reason to replace it. The button feel, USB-C and the WING-matched housing are.
WMX1 MK3 vs WMX1 MK2 vs ADJ mydmx GO: which should you buy?
| Spec | ADJ WMX1 MK3 | ADJ WMX1 MK2 | ADJ mydmx GO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control surface | Built-in 4.3 in touchscreen, 37 buttons, 4 encoders | Built-in 4.3 in touchscreen, 37 buttons, 4 encoders | App on your iPad, Android or Amazon Fire tablet |
| Needs a computer or tablet to run | No | No | Yes, a tablet |
| DMX capacity | 2 universes included, up to 4 (2,048 channels) | 2 universes included, up to 4 (2,048 channels) | 256 channels, up to 512 with a purchase |
| DMX outputs | 4 XLR (3-pin and 5-pin) | 4 XLR (3-pin and 5-pin) | 1 x 3-pin XLR on a wireless interface |
| Effects | Color, Move and Beam FX, 8 types each | Color, Move and Beam FX, 8 types each | Color and movement FX wheels, 8 effects each |
| Presets | 200 | 200 with the Wolfmix 2.0 update | 50 |
| Works with the WMX WING | Yes, housing sits flush | Yes | No |
| Status at ADJ | Current model | Discontinued | Current model |
Pick the WMX1 MK3 if you want a dedicated controller that runs the show on its own and can grow into the WING. The WMX1 MK2 runs the same workflow and firmware, so it is still a strong choice while stock lasts if USB-C and the new buttons do not matter to you. The mydmx GO is the budget route for a smaller rig if you already own a tablet and are happy running your show from it.
How many DMX universes do you really get?
Two, out of the box. Universe 1 comes out of XLR A and B, and universe 2 out of XLR C and D, so each universe has both a 3-pin and a 5-pin output. That also lets the WMX1 MK3 act as a DMX splitter, running two cable runs per universe. Universes 3 and 4 are paid add-ons that you buy and activate in the WTOOLS app on a Mac or PC, and then any universe can be assigned to any of the four outputs for up to 2,048 channels. For most mobile rigs, two universes (1,024 channels) is plenty. Pixel-heavy fixtures and big moving-head rigs are where the extra universes earn their keep.
Which add-ons do you need?
All three are bought through WTOOLS. ADJ's listed prices as of October 2026:
| Add-on | What it does | ADJ price |
|---|---|---|
| Additional DMX universes | Unlocks universes 3 and 4, for up to 2,048 channels | $99 each (up to 2) |
| WLINK (+DMX IN) | Links two Wolfmix controllers, or brings in a DMX fader board through the 5-pin WLINK socket | $49 |
| Easy View 3D Visualizer | Renders your project in real time in 3D on a computer, so you can build looks without the lights in front of you | $99 |
None are needed to run a show. Start with the base unit and add universes or WLINK when your rig calls for them.
How do you set up your first show?
- Power it up with the included power supply and USB cable. If you connect it to a computer instead, use a USB 3.0 port, because USB 2.0 does not supply enough power.
- Register it at wolfmix.com/activate with the code on the screen.
- Load a demo project (Club, Concert or Mobile DJ) to learn the HOME screen and FX pages.
- Add your fixtures from the library, choose each light's DMX mode, then set its address. If a light is missing, download more profiles in WTOOLS or build one with the Fixture Builder.
- Group your lights into up to 8 groups, such as top heads, floor heads, pars and bars.
- Play the FX: pick a Color, Move or Beam effect for each group, then adjust speed, size, fan and fade with the encoders.
- Sync to music with the built-in mic, the line input, BPM tap, or Ableton Link, OS2L or MIDI Clock from your DJ software.
- Store presets with SHIFT plus a preset button, and back the project up in WTOOLS.
How do you add faders?
The WMX1 MK3 has no faders of its own. You have three options:
- ADJ WMX WING: 8 motorized, touch-sensitive faders, 8 OLED strip displays, an 8 x 5 RGB button matrix and cue lists of up to 5,000 cues. It works with every WMX1 generation, and the MK3's housing is built to sit flush against it.
- A DMX fader board over WLINK (WLINK add-on): map its faders to group dimmers, presets and flash effects, or straight to output channels.
- A MIDI controller on the USB-A port: map faders to group dimmers and buttons to presets or flash effects. Use a driver-free USB MIDI adapter for gear with 5-pin MIDI.
What should you buy with it?
- DMX cables for both output types: the ProX XC-DMX25 3-pin DMX cable (25 ft) and the ProX XC-5PDMX25 5-pin DMX cable (25 ft).
- A moving head to put Move FX to work, such as the ADJ Focus Spot 4Z moving head spot with motorized zoom.
- Wash and effect lights for Color FX and the flash buttons, such as the ADJ Par Z150 RGBA or the ADJ Jolt Panel FX2 wash, blinder and strobe fixture.
ADJ WMX1 MK3 FAQ
Is the ADJ WMX1 MK3 the same as the Wolfmix W1 MK3?
Yes. ADJ sells the Wolfmix W1 MK3 as the WMX1 MK3, with ADJ and WMX1 badging and the same controls, specs and workflow.
Does the WMX1 MK3 need a laptop?
No. It runs shows on its own. A Mac or PC with the WTOOLS app is only needed for firmware updates, extra fixture profiles, project backups and add-ons.
How many DMX universes does the WMX1 MK3 have?
Two are included. Universes 3 and 4 are paid add-ons in WTOOLS, for up to 2,048 channels across its four XLR outputs.
What changed from the WMX1 MK2?
USB-C instead of USB-B, a new button mechanism, and a housing designed to sit flush with the WMX WING. It ships with Wolfmix 2.0, which is also available as an update for older WMX1 units.
Can it sync lights to music?
Yes. It follows the beat from its built-in microphone or 3.5 mm line input, and takes tempo from BPM tap, Ableton Link, OS2L or MIDI Clock.
Does it work with my lights?
It works with virtually any DMX fixture. 3,500+ profiles are on the controller, 15,000+ are available through WTOOLS, and the Fixture Builder handles anything missing.
Does the WMX WING work with the MK3?
Yes. The WING adds 8 motorized faders, OLED displays and cue lists, and works with the WMX1, WMX1 MK2 and WMX1 MK3.
What warranty does it have?
ADJ gives its DMX controllers a 2-year limited warranty, valid on products bought in the United States.
Building a DMX rig around the WMX1 MK3? Call us at 1-800-700-4542 or get in touch, and we will help you match fixtures, cables and add-ons to your shows.