The Amazing Effects of the MAC Allure Series

The Martin MAC Allure Profile and MAC Allure Wash PC are truly revolutionary fixtures.  The additive mixing RGBW LED based units can operate as standard profiles and washes, but also create impressive color and intensity effects through their pixel-mappable 7-segment LED engines.

While you can create wonderful looks by directly manipulating the pixels from DMX, you also have the ability to use internal effects that are built right into the fixture.  Just like most Martin fixtures, the DMX profile includes two pairs of effects channels that you can manipulate.  Each pair includes a selection channel and a speed channel.  Choosing effects is as easy as picking one from the selection channel and then adjusting the rate with the corresponding speed channel.  The internal effects are available in both the Basic and Extended DMX modes.

In the standard effects, you will find multi-color chases, intensity chases, shape based chases, swooshes, and more.  It can be very interesting to combine a color effect with an intensity effect (and thus why there are two pairs of effect channels).



If you plan on using the "split color" effects, then you must first dial in a split color from the virtual color wheel.  For example, if you select a split color with red on top and blue on bottom and choose the "split color flip" effect then the pixels will automatically swap places.


 


Another choice is to use the "split color rotation" effect to spin the color around the central access.  Note that in the split effects, the center pixel is black to provide enhanced looks with better color separation and definition.



Alternately you can simply use intensity chases such as "Double LED Chase" to create an intensity based spinning look using your color settings.
  
Bonus tip: There is also an FX synchronization channel that allows you to offset effects between fixtures.  This is a great way to quickly make very interesting looks with multiple fixtures and internal effect.



Currently with software version 1.0.0 there are thirty-three effects, with more planned for later software versions.  See the chart below for the names and DMX values:

Of course there is also another great way to manipulate the pixels and that is with P3.  By inputting a video signal to P3 and mapping the MAC Allure fixtures accordingly, the video image will play across the pixels in your fixtures.  The video below demonstrates a great example of the possibilities:

There is even a dedicated DMX channel that allows you to crossfade between your DMX settings of the pixels and the P3 control of the pixels.  This can have very powerful results as you switch between or combine the control of the light engine.

Learn more about the MAC Allure products and view some great videos here.

https://www.martin.com/en-US/product_families/mac-allure

The Mighty Martin Machine

Martin by Harman has been very busy over the past year releasing a large number of new and innovative products.  Many, such as the MAC Encore series have already become industry standards used around the world on countless productions.  The Martin development team is continuing to create exciting new products, several of which will debut at LDI 2018.

Looking back over the last 365 days, it is easy to see that Martin is expanding in multiple professional lighting markets.  See below for descriptions of these newly released products.  All the products listed will also be available for demos at LDI 2018 in room N253.

Martin MAC Encore Performance
The MAC Encore Performance has raised the bar for LED-based key lighting automated luminaires.  With an emphasis on perfection, the MAC Encore Performance is widely used on Broadway, theatre, corporate events, television, and more.  With two color temperature engines to choose from, the MAC Encore is the ultimate fixture for stage and studio.

Martin MAC Encore Wash

A perfect compliment to the performance model, the MAC Encore Wash utilizes a Fresnel lens (or optional PC lens) to provide the smoothest wash possible.  The wash includes same high quality light engine, optics, and color mixing as the performance, as well as an internal barn door system.


Martin RUSH MH 10 Beam FX

This fun beam fixture produces a tight 4 degree LED beam with RGBW emitters.  Plus there is a pixel-mappable ring of RGB LEDs around the primary lens.  Added bonuses include continuous pan and tilt and detailed macro functions.


Martin RUSH MH 11 Beam

As the only new Martin lighting fixture that is not LED based, the MH 11 Beam provides an intense, narrow beam combined with fixed and rotating gobos, prism, frost, and more.


Martin RUSH BLINDER 1 WW

This focusable blinder unit utilizes 100W COB warm white LEDs with a 70 degree beam spread.  Individual control of the four LEDs allows for interesting effects or direct output.

 
Martin RUSH BATTEN 1 HEX

The RUSH BATTEN 1 HEX is is an ultra-bright 12-cell batten color + UV wash fixture with full pixel control. Featuring 12 watt RGBAW+UV 6-in-1 LEDs, it provides intense light for color, white, or blacklight applications.

Martin RUSH PAR 3 RGB

This small and light weight unit outputs a range of vibrant colors from its single lens and RGB engine.  The included magnetic lens changes the beam angle from 80 degrees to 14 degrees.


Martin RUSH PAR 4 UV

Ultraviolet effects are fun in a variety of applications and the RUSH PAR 4 UV is a perfect tool for these jobs.  The single lens unit outputs at 400nm for a pure and consistent UV look.


Martin RUSH CS Series

The RUSH CS Series is a cove lighting system based on RGB LEDs.  The various models and sizes are ideal to illuminate interior walls and other indoor spaces.  The units are available in both wide and graze options in varying lengths


Martin VDO Fatron

Achieve larger and more dynamic video mapping looks with the VDO Fatron.  The four rows of 20mm pixel pitch on this LED video batten blend perfectly with other VDO products.


Martin VDO Dotron

The VDO Dotron can be controlled by Martin P3 or via DMX to allow creative pixels to appear anywhere desired.  A wide variety of lenses and diffusers provide a wealth of different looks.


Martin JEM Glaciator Dynamic

The newest version of the industry standard for low lying fog, the JEM Glaciator Dynamic is smaller, quieter, and capable of taking low lying fog to more places.

Learn more about all these great products from Martin by Harman on the official Martin website or visit us at LDI 2018 to see these products and more!  We even have a free badge available here.

Dynamic Moving Video Surfaces with Martin P3 Processors

The Martin by Harman P3 Processor is extremely powerful and invaluable for anyone working with VDO Creative Video products or VDO Face 5 panels.  I have written before about the great mapping abilities, the processing power versus DMX, and more.  

The P3 Processor system is much more than a video processor and mapping software.  In fact, P3 has the ability to dynamically re-map video elements according to their position in real time.  This is particularly useful when a production has moving elements such as trusses, set piece, video walls, or other concepts.  Imagine a video wall rotating its position as it flies above the stage.  With P3, the imagery on the wall can remain automatically correct, even thought the wall’s position and orientation are changing on stage.

This is all possible through the use of instantaneous data input to the P3 processor from a Tait Navigator or Kinesys system.  As the positional data is received, the P3 will dynamically move the referencing fixture(s) through the video input thus adapting the imagery accordingly.

Want to see this in action?  Take a look at this video for a great explanation and demonstration:

What if your show does not have the budget or ability to use the Tait Navigator or Kinesys system?  Don’t worry as the P3 Processor can still allow you to easily change the mapping layout through the use of presets. 

The Preset buttons on the bottom of the P3 screen can be used to change the layout of the VDO devices.  This way if your video elements are in a different configuration for Act I versus Act II, you can easily change as needed.  Furthermore, you can also trigger these directly from your lighting console via an Art-Net input to the P3 processor. 

Learn more about using P3 presets in this video:

Martin P3 DMX Control is Awesome!

The Martin P3 processor is an amazing tool for controlling Martin creative video products such as the VDO Face 5, VDO Sceptron, and VDO Creative Pixels.  I have written about the benefits before on this blog.  A new feature adds incredible control possibilities when combined with a DMX lighting console.

In short, you can modify via DMX (or Art-Net) intensity, color, rotation and other parameters for each object within the P3 system.  Additional system-wide controls provide easy access to presets, global intensity, color temperature, and much more.  Any modifications then made via DMX override the video that is currently playing through the P3.  This allows designers to create exciting imagery directly from their lighting console.  In other words, the video elements become lighting elements or combination units that can do both video and lighting!

Once you have added fixtures to your P3 layout, click on the "DMX & Motion" button on the top bar of P3.  This will open the DMX & Motion screen.  On the left you will see a list of control types and on the right tabs for DMX, Art-Net, and K2.  To configure the DMX control you need to tell P3 what you want to control and with which DMX channels.  You can simply click and drag items from the left section to the right, but it is much easier to use the wizard.

Click on the wizard button on P3's top bar to open the "DMX Control Wizard".  You will be guided through several options to setup and configure your DMX control.  First you can select if you want to control fixtures together, individually, in groups or other options.

Next you select DMX or Art-Net input and then decide what type of control you want for each.

The next screen refers to the layout of the DMX channels and asks if you want the order to be grouped by parameters or by fixture.  I prefer fixture as it is easier to match up to default fixture libraries in most lighting consoles.

Finally, select the starting DMX address for your range and then click on "Create DMX Controls" to have P3 configure everything for you. 

 

Your DMX screen will now be filled with DMX addresses assigned to their appropriate function.  You can see the mapping of the DMX channel to a specific "Target" (fixture) and various other options for each channel.

Now just apply DMX or Art-Net to your P3 controller and you are ready to have fun from your lighting controller.

As mentioned earlier, you can also click and drag DMX options from the DMX screen.  In the screen below I have dragged over a couple of Global Controls.  These effect everything within the P3 layout.  If you right click on the "Current Value" field you will see the DMX protocol (or map) for that specific channel.  As you can see there are many options available via DMX control.

P3 processors provide an unprecedented amount of control and processing to the attached video devices.  By adding in DMX control from a lighting console, LDs are able to further modify and use video products with ease.  This ability provides additional creative possibilities not available with other systems.

Accessorize Now with New VDO Sceptron Items

The Martin creative LED strips known as VDO Sceptron just received several new accessories.  You can read about the previous accessories here and the great line of diffusers here.  Creative opportunities are abundant with the VDO Sceptron and P-3 System Controllers and now the new accessories allow for even more flexible designs and usages.

The first new accessory is the Pivot Coupler.  With this nifty item you can attach VDO Sceptron strips together and then adjust the angle in 15 degree increments.  In fact, you can select every 15 degree angle between 0-180 degrees!  This part allows designers to come up with amazing configurations that are easy for technicians to build.

This accessory is now available from Martin and Martin dealers as part number "91611793 VDO Sceptron Pivot Coupler".

The next new accessory is a Floor Stand that allows the VDO Sceptron unit to be mounted on the deck.  This is ideal when used as an uplight, a front light, or a direct view source placed on the ground.  The stand can be installed in two different methods, either directly on the end or inset to allow coupling of multiple VDO Sceptron units.  When combined with the Asymetrical Wall Wash Lens it makes for a great uplight system.

This accessory is now available from Martin and Martin dealers as part number "91611792 Set of 2 VDO Sceptron Floorstands".  Note that they are sold in pairs.

The Low Profile Half Coupler allows for a quick and easy connection to a VDO Sceptron and negates the need to use a sliding bracket and half coupler by combining the abilities into a single half coupler.

This accessory is now available from Martin and Martin dealers as part number "91611790 Low Profile VDO Scpetron Half CouplerHalf".

Finally, Martin now also offers a Spigot Adapter which allows the VDO Sceptron units to easily connect to many standard OEM accessories such as a Doughty Turtle Plate and more.  With the Spigot connector endless configurations are possible such as upright stands or other unique placements.

This accessory is now available from Martin and Martin dealers as part number "91611791 VDO Sceptron Spigot Adapter 28mm".

Martin VDO Sceptron units have become very popular with designers around the world and are in use on major television shows, touring acts, and special events.  This video further describes the units and the possibilities:

The Power of Sceptron

 

The VDO Sceptron creative video products from Martin have gained popularity on a multitude of different production types.  With the adoption of these powerful products, more accessories are becoming available too.

Currently there are thirteen different diffusers available for the VDO Sceptron range with both white and smoked options available.  The smoked versions allow the units to virtually disappear when not illuminated from within.  Several lens options also aid in direct viewing or wall washing applications.  The video below demonstrates the multitude of choices and also demonstrates the simple method to swap diffusers on VDO Sceptron units.

In addition to the actual VDO Sceptron units, there are also several P-3 video processor options to choose from.  P3-050, P3-100, P3-150, P3-200, and P3-300 are rack mount units of varying pixel output sizes that allow productions to purchase systems designed for only what is needed.  Plus, the P-3PC software provides over 20,000 pixels of control from any PC as well as diagnostic tools and layout creation abilities.  Furthermore, Hippotizer V4.0 and greater units can now have P-3PC installed internally for direct P-3 output from an industry standard media server.

This previous post describes why P-3 processors are better than using DMX to control Martin creative video products.

The multitude of possibilities with Martin creative video products continue to amaze designers around the world.  The VDO Sceptron, P-3 processors, and VC products all work together to help create interesting custom video displays and installations.

 

P3 Processing vs. DMX Control

Martin Professional makes some great creative video products that can add excitement and imagery to any production or architectural installations.  All the products including VDO Sceptron, Exterior Pixline, and VC grids, strips, and dots can be controlled by either DMX or via the Martin P3 system controller.

With DMX you simply address each product via RDM and then use a lighting controller or media server to map the control of the pixels.  However there are many downsides to using DMX to control pixels and display video.  These include latency, poor smoothing, steppiness, artifacts, and synchronization problems.  Although many productions can be successful when controlled by DMX, most users prefer the P3 control system for the best video playback on any of Martin's video products.

The P3 system controller allows not just easy setup and configuration of a video system, but it also processes video input exceptionally well.  With a range of products available including the P3-100, P3-200, P3-300, and P3-PC the system is totally scale-able depending on the number of pixels you wish to control.  Plus for no cost, you can use P3-PC to prepare your video mappings and use test program for setups. (See this previous post about P3-PC)


The P3 system controllers also have the ability to receive 2-way communication from each connected device.  This allows for easy identification and setup as well as thermal reporting and throttling.  The P3 system is much more than a video processor as it provides many control possibilities.  Color temperature adjustments, on-the-fly mapping changes, as well as gamma adjustments are just some of the robust features.   In addition, users can now install P3 onto Hippotizer V4 media servers from GreenHippo.  This functionality allows direct P3 control and processing to be output from the media server itself.

To fully understand the difference between using DMX and a P3 system controller check out this video that details the differences:

Martin LED Products Video Tracking

Martin Professional has built many great features into their lights, yet some go unnoticed or are misunderstood.  All Martin LED fixtures operate at a high refresh rate (generally >1200hz) and are designed for use with HD/high-speed video cameras.  However, there is also an additional user setting called "Video Tracking" that provides an optimization for dimming and color changing when using Martin LED fixtures with a video based control system.


The video tracking feature will change the internal methodology used to control the dimming of the LEDs.  This is important ONLY when using Martin LED products to display a video signal (pixel mapping).  In normal use, the fixture processes the DMX signal it receives, tracking (or smoothing out) changes in values in order to ensure smooth fading between colors and/or intensities. This signal processing takes fractions of a second and is normally invisible, but if the fixture is used to display video the processing can interfere with video response times.

In situations where a video image is controlling intensity and/or color it is advised to enable video tracking.  If you are using pixel mapping from a console or media server or even a Martin P3 Processor to convert a video file to DMX values then it is suggested that you utilize the video tracking feature.  When enabled, the fixture will not ‘smooth out’ DMX input but instead will snap instantly when a DMX value changes.  This leads to the best representation of the color changes coming from the video file as the DMX value changes correlate instantly without smoothing. 

For best results, Martin recommends that you enable video tracking during video display control and disable it (the default setting) during normal DMX control.  The video tracking feature is found on  MAC Quantum Wash, MAC Quantum Profile, MAC Aura XB, and Atomic 3000 LED fixtures.  The setting can be adjusted either via DMX (found in the control channel) or via the fixture's menu system.  Note: The video tracking feature is referred to as "video dimming" on the MAC Aura XB.

With a proper understanding of the internal software of Martin LED products, any programmer or designer can optimize the fixtures for control from video or DMX.