SurgeFX SF-WM312 LED Wash Matrix Bar Light

Three Fixtures in One Bar

Most LED bars do one thing — either wash, beam, or pixel effect. The SF-WM312 does all three because it contains three separate LED systems that can operate independently or together. You're not choosing between warm white beams and color wash — you're layering them. Warm beam spots cutting through an RGB color wash with pixel chases running underneath creates depth and dimension that single-layer fixtures can't match.

The bar format lends itself to modular design. One bar provides accent lighting. Two bars frame a stage. Four or more create a pixel-mapped backdrop wall. The lightweight build (under 7 lbs) and adjustable bracket mean you can mount horizontally on truss, vertically on stands, or in custom arrays — adapting the fixture to the venue rather than the other way around.

LED Systems

Full Specifications

Applications

• DJ Setups & Mobile Events — Lightweight bar that creates impressive beam, wash, and pixel effects from a single mount point. Easy to transport and daisy-chain multiple units.
• Stage Backdrops & Band Lighting — Mount multiple bars horizontally behind a band for pixel-mapped wall effects and color washes. Vertical mounting creates pillar effects.
• Weddings & Receptions — Warm white beams for elegant uplighting during dinner, RGB wash for color accents during dancing, pixel effects for energy when the party kicks in.
• Bars, Clubs & Lounges — Permanent installation for ambient wall washing, accent lighting, and reactive sound-activated effects. Silent operation means no fan noise in quiet environments.
• Houses of Worship — Warm white for services, color wash for contemporary worship, programmable scenes via DMX for repeatable looks week after week.
• Themed Environments & Retail — Architectural accent lighting with programmable color and animation. Auto-run modes eliminate the need for an operator.

Layer 1: Warm White Beams — 12 × 3W LEDs

Twelve individual 3W warm white LEDs with a tight 6° beam angle produce defined, punchy beam spots. These are the fixture's "structural" lights — they create visible shafts of light, especially through haze or fog. The tight angle means each LED produces a distinct, individual beam rather than a diffused wash, giving you 12 separate points of warm light evenly spaced across the 42-inch bar.

The warm white layer serves multiple roles depending on the context. For weddings and corporate events, it provides elegant warm uplighting that flatters skin tones and decor. For concert and club environments, the tight beams cut through haze to create dramatic aerial effects. Layer them over the RGB wash for warm/cool contrast — the warm beams add depth and dimension to flat color washes, much like a key light adds structure to a flat fill.

Layer 2: White Pixel Chase — 156 × SMD 5730 LEDs

156 high-brightness 5730 SMD LEDs arranged in 13 pixel-controlled segments create white chase effects, scanning patterns, and animated white movement across the bar. These aren't color LEDs — they're pure white, purpose-built for speed and brightness in pixel animation effects like sweeps, build-ups, scanner simulations, and strobed patterns.

The 13 independently addressable segments give you enough resolution for smooth-looking chases while keeping DMX channel count manageable. Each segment contains roughly 12 LEDs, so the transitions between zones appear smooth at typical viewing distances. In 73-channel mode, each segment gets its own intensity channel, giving you full custom control — program slow builds from one end to the other, symmetric expansions from center, random twinkle patterns, or sharp scanner-style snaps.

When multiple bars are mounted in an array, the 13-segment resolution allows you to create pixel patterns across the entire wall — a chase that starts at bar one and flows through bar four, or a wave effect that ripples vertically across stacked units.

Layer 3: Full-Color RGB — 96 × RGB LEDs

96 full-color RGB LEDs in 16 pixel-controlled segments handle all color wash duties. Full RGB mixing produces any color — from saturated primaries to pastels, deep ambers, and everything between. The 16 segments provide enough pixel resolution for visible color gradients, rainbow chases, and section-based color blocking across the bar length, while the wide 120° beam angle produces broad, smooth color washes that blend seamlessly across surfaces.

The 16-segment resolution means each zone is roughly 2.6 inches wide. At close range, individual segments are distinguishable for pixel-style effects. At typical stage or wall-wash distances (6 ft+), the segments blend smoothly into continuous gradients. This dual behavior is intentional — you get visible pixel chases for high-energy looks and smooth color washes for elegant scenes from the same layer.

In 73-channel mode, each of the 16 segments gets three independent DMX channels (R, G, B), giving you 48 channels of RGB pixel control. This is where pixel mapping software really shines — map video content, generative patterns, or custom color sequences across individual bars or multi-bar arrays.

Layering All Three

The real power of the SF-WM312 is using all three layers simultaneously. Each layer has its own DMX channels in the 14CH and 73CH modes, so you can combine them freely without compromise:

DMX-512 + RDM

The SF-WM312 communicates via standard DMX-512 protocol over 3-pin XLR connections (in/out for daisy-chaining). RDM (Remote Device Management) is also supported, allowing your console to read back fixture status, DMX address, and configuration data — useful for large installs where physically accessing each bar isn't practical.

Channel Modes

5-Channel Mode Breakdown

5-channel mode treats the entire bar as one fixture with global control. Good for situations where you just need the bar doing something impressive without dedicating dozens of channels — install bars, set a color or program, and go.

14-Channel Mode Breakdown

14-channel mode gives you independent control of each LED layer. You can dim the warm white beams to 30%, run a pixel chase at full speed, and hold a static blue RGB wash — all simultaneously, all from the console. This is the mode most operators will use for live shows and programmed events where you want layer flexibility without the complexity of per-segment pixel control.

73-Channel Mode — Full Pixel Mapping

73-channel mode unlocks per-segment control for both the white pixel chase (13 segments × 1 intensity channel = 13 channels) and the RGB layer (16 segments × 3 color channels = 48 channels), plus master function channels. This is the mode for pixel mapping software (Resolume, MadMapper, Jinx!, etc.), where each segment becomes an individually addressable pixel.

When running multiple bars in an array, 73CH mode is where the magic happens. Four bars in a vertical stack give you a 16 × 4 RGB pixel grid — enough resolution for scrolling text, simple video content, or generative patterns mapped across the entire surface.

Non-DMX Control Modes

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this different from a standard LED bar?

Standard LED bars have one type of LED doing one thing — usually either a color wash or a beam effect. The SF-WM312 has three separate LED systems (warm white beams, white pixel chase, RGB wash) that operate independently. You get beam effects, pixel animation, and color wash from a single fixture, and you can layer all three simultaneously for looks that normally require multiple different fixture types.

Do I need a DMX controller?

No. The SF-WM312 works in four modes without DMX: auto-run (35 built-in shows), sound-active (reacts to music), master/slave (multiple bars synced), and manual via the onboard 4-button display. DMX gives you full creative control, but the fixture is fully functional and impressive without it.

Can I use it outdoors?

The SF-WM312 is rated IP33 — it's designed for indoor use. It can tolerate some dust exposure but is not waterproof. For outdoor events, use it under a covered stage, tent, or weather-protected structure. Direct rain exposure will damage the fixture.

How many can I daisy-chain on one power circuit?

Each bar draws 100W. The locking power in/out connectors allow daisy-chaining, but total circuit load depends on your power source. On a standard 15A/120V circuit (1,800W available), you can safely run up to 15 bars on one circuit, though leaving 20% headroom is recommended — so plan for about 12 per circuit in practice.

How many fit in one DMX universe?

Depends on channel mode. In 5CH mode: 102 bars per universe. In 14CH mode: 36 bars per universe. In 73CH mode: 7 bars per universe (7 × 73 = 511). For large pixel-mapped arrays in 73CH mode, you'll need multiple DMX universes and an appropriate controller.

Is the fixture fan-cooled? Will I hear it?

The SF-WM312 is convection cooled — no internal fans. This means completely silent operation. At 100W total power, the fixture generates modest heat that dissipates naturally through the aluminum housing. This makes it ideal for quiet environments like worship services, restaurants, lounges, and recording studios where fan noise is unacceptable.

What's the difference between the 13 pixel segments and the 16 pixel segments?

The 13 segments control the white pixel chase LEDs (156 × SMD 5730). The 16 segments control the RGB color LEDs (96 × RGB). They're two separate LED systems with different segment counts because they serve different purposes — the white chase is optimized for animation speed and brightness, while the RGB layer is optimized for color mixing and wider pixel resolution.

Can I pixel-map the SF-WM312?

Yes — in 73CH mode. Use pixel mapping software (Resolume, MadMapper, Jinx!, LED Lab, etc.) to map content to the 16 RGB segments. Each segment is a 3-channel RGB pixel. For multi-bar arrays, map each bar as a row of 16 pixels. The white pixel chase segments (13 zones) can also be mapped as a separate single-channel-per-pixel layer.

How does RDM work on this fixture?

RDM (Remote Device Management) allows bidirectional communication over your existing DMX cable. Your RDM-compatible console can read back the fixture's DMX address, channel mode, firmware version, and operational status without you physically walking to each bar. Useful for troubleshooting, mass address changes, and verifying configuration in large installs.

What mounting options are there?

The SF-WM312 includes an adjustable bracket that allows horizontal, vertical, or angled mounting. The bracket accepts standard lighting clamps for truss mounting. At under 7 lbs, it's also light enough for temporary mounting with zip ties, velcro, or shelf placement for architectural installations where clamps aren't appropriate.

Getting the Most From the SF-WM312

Add Atmosphere — Always

The warm white beams (6° angle) produce defined light shafts, but they're only visible mid-air if there's something in the air to catch them. Haze machines produce a light, even atmospheric suspension that makes beam effects pop without obscuring the room. For denser, more dramatic beam visibility, fog machines create thicker atmosphere for those big reveal moments. Without haze or fog, you'll see the warm beam spots on surfaces but lose the mid-air shaft effect.

Start With 14-Channel Mode

Unless you specifically need per-segment pixel control, 14-channel mode is the sweet spot for most applications. It gives you independent layer control (warm beams, pixel chase, RGB — each with their own dimmer and parameters) without burning 73 channels per fixture. You can build complex layered looks while keeping your DMX universe manageable. Move to 73CH when you're ready for pixel mapping or need segment-level precision.

Build Multi-Bar Arrays

The SF-WM312 is designed for modular deployment. Common configurations include horizontal rows behind a stage (backdrop wall), vertical stacks flanking a DJ booth, or grid arrays for pixel-mapped video surfaces. When building arrays, keep spacing consistent — the 42-inch bar length works well with 44–48 inch center-to-center spacing for a near-seamless look, or wider spacing for individual bar visual separation.

Use Master/Slave for Simple Multi-Bar Sync

Don't overthink it for simple gigs. Set one bar to auto-run or sound-active mode, connect the rest via DMX cable as slaves, and you get perfectly synchronized multi-bar effects with zero programming. This is ideal for bands, DJs, and permanent installs that want coordinated looks without a lighting console or operator.

Layer for Depth, Not Just Color

The temptation is to max out the RGB and run rainbow chases. But the SF-WM312's real strength is depth through layering. Try a static deep blue RGB wash at 40%, add warm white beams at 70% for warm structural contrast, then run a subtle white pixel chase underneath for movement. The result looks like three different fixture types working together — because technically, it is.

Warm White for Skin Tones

For events with video or photography (weddings, corporate, worship), the warm white beam layer at moderate intensity provides flattering front or side fill that complements skin tones naturally. RGB washes can make people look unnatural on camera — the warm white layer gives you a clean, warm base that photographs well while the RGB handles ambient color elsewhere in the room.

Pairs Well With

• Haze FX — Essential for beam visibility. Light, even atmospheric haze makes the warm white beams and pixel effects pop.
• Fog FX — Dense atmosphere for dramatic beam reveals and low-lying fog effects.
• Cold Spark FX — Pair sparks with the warm white beam layer for a dramatic moment.
• CO₂ FX — CO₂ jets through the beam layer create explosive visual bursts.
• Confetti FX — Confetti lit by RGB wash creates colorful particle effects.
• All Stage Lighting — Browse the full SurgeFX lighting range for complementary fixtures.