Universe

A merge node that gathers the DMX frames output by multiple fixture nodes into a single universe. The merge method is HTP (Highest Takes Precedence): for each of the 512 channels it takes the maximum across only the inputs whose mask is enabled. An input whose mask is not set does not take part in that channel’s comparison, so fixtures whose addresses do not overlap will not clobber each other.

• Internally there are always 16 fixed input ports. Inputs in the node UI switches how many are shown, in the range 1–16 (default 4; the + / - buttons also change it)
• The DMX Out output is a frame in which all 512 channels are enabled
• Merging and output run in LateUpdate, only on frames where one of the inputs was updated

Ports hidden by reducing the displayed count are still merged if their connections remain (it only switches the display; the connections themselves are not cut).