Virtual NIC (Loopback Adapter) Installation & Configuration

This guide explains how to create a local Art-Net network address when MA2 onPC and Unreal Engine / SuperStage run on the same Windows computer. A loopback adapter is useful for local testing; actual communication still depends on MA2, UE, DMX plugin settings, and the local network configuration.

1. Add the Virtual NIC

1. Right-click the Windows Start button and choose Device Manager.
2. Select any node in Device Manager, such as the computer name.
3. Click Action > Add legacy hardware.
4. In the wizard, choose Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced).
5. Select Network adapters.
6. Choose Microsoft as the manufacturer and Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter as the model.
7. Complete the wizard.

2. Configure the IPv4 Address

1. Press Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl, and open Network Connections.
2. Find the newly added Microsoft KM-TEST Loopback Adapter. You can rename it to MA2 or ArtNet for easier identification.
3. Right-click the adapter and choose Properties.
4. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
5. Select Use the following IP address.
6. Set an Art-Net address that does not conflict with other devices, for example:

Field	Example
IP address	2.0.0.100
Subnet mask	255.0.0.0
Default gateway	Leave blank

Click OK to save the setting.

3. Check in MA2

1. Open MA2 onPC.
2. Go to Setup > MA Network Control.
3. In the Station IP dropdown, check whether the configured address appears, for example 2.0.0.100.
4. If the address can be selected, MA2 can see the local adapter. You still need to choose the same network range in SuperStage / UE DMX or network settings and verify the actual DMX input/output data.

4. Notes

• After configuration, restart MA2 onPC and Unreal Editor so both applications refresh their network adapter list.
• If the computer also uses physical Ethernet, Wi-Fi, VPN, or other virtual adapters, avoid duplicate or conflicting IP addresses.
• The loopback adapter only provides a local network address. It does not replace MA session setup, Art-Net output setup, or UE DMX input port configuration.