EXPOEXTRA:ThegrandMAPhenomenon
Below: The crew at the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki line up with their grandMAs; Tim Routledge, Matthew Button and Tim Dunn have been instantly impressed with the new grandMA2.
THERE’SNO
ONE QUITE LIKE
grandMA
grandMA SERIES 1:
1997: grandMA full-size.
2000: grandMA light, grandMA
replay-unit and grandMA offline.
2001: grandMA ultra-light; S/W
Version 3.
2002: grandMA 3D; S/W Version
3.3.
2003: grandMA remote; S/W
Version 4.
2004: grandMA micro; NSP;VPUs response? “It’s a seriously high-tech console with
grandMA onPC; dimMA & NDP; S/WMA’s brand new Video Processing Units features like touch-sensitive faders and multi-
Version 5.(VPUs), presented to the public at this April’s touch screens, but yet very easy to programme.
ProLight+Sound show in Frankfurt, are the latest “The programming buttons are all very close 2005: grandMA video;
elements of the MA system family. These are together, making it a completely logical and dimMA sine-wave; S/W Version 5.6.
engineered to bring additional performance, intuitive process — everything you want access to
versatility and reliability to control environments, next is exactly where you would except and want 2006: MA 2Port Node, MA 2Port
specifically to bridge lighting and video worlds it to be. The hardware is also incredibly fast.” Node onPC, MA 2Port Node onPC
and allow nimble visual control from one common Lighting and visuals designer Tim Dunn, a
PRO.platform. director of Gearhouse South Africa, is another
Three different versions of the MA VPU — the who has fully embraced grandMA over recent
2007: grandMA pico.MA VPU pro, MA VPU plus and MA VPU basic years, using the consoles on high profile, live
— are available to suit all needs, from simple to televised events such as Miss World 2008.
extremely complex. With extensive functions, Dunn is also highly impressed with the new
features and effects, when combined with any generation MA console. He told TPi: “The MA2
grandMA family console, these are powerful tools visualiser is absolutely stunning and a quantum
for the control of visual effects independent of leap ahead of the previous version. I can now
whatever type of fixtures need control. easily import 3DS models into it.
“The clarity is amazing so you are not
FEEDBACK restricted to the amount of fixtures you can
Having used grandMA for over six years and built meaningfully use grandMA2 video also moves
a reputation as a programmer around the original into a new dimension — it runs Alpha Channels
consoles, Tim Routledge needed to know more and the effect palettes are fantastic.
than most that the new range was going to work. “It’s definitely comparable to any stand-alone
Routledge, of grandPA (the UK’s first media server, with the additional advantage of
programming house for the grandMA control complete integration with the desk, so it’s even
platform), put his utmost trust in grandMA2 by easier to programme. It also runs sound, making THE NEXT GENERATION:
placing the first UK order on its launch day last the use of fully interactive video files with sound
year and is very happy with the outcome. effects very accessible. 2008: grandMA2 is announced at
“We have not been let down!” he reported. “On the console front, I am really pleased MA ProLight+Sound, Frankfurt.
“The hardware is faultless and the software has kept the base structure and is still developing
will undoubtedly be the finest on the market. MA1 software so this platform will not become
2009: grandMA2 shipment begins;Integration is the key — all of the network obsolete. From a rental company as well as a
first release of grandMA2 software.components that already work together do so programmer’s perspective, it’s also good that they
even more seamlessly than before.” are developing a full family of desks — from small
2009 The Video Processing UnitFreelance programmer/LD Matt Button bought to large.”
(VPU) is presented in Frankfurt.his first MA console eight years ago, and now has TPi
two grandMA lights which he uses constantly. Photography by Louise Stickland,
Button is among those who have had the Mark Cunningham, Diana Scrimgeour
opportunity to check out the grandMA2. His & courtesy of www.malighting.com
60 • TPiMAY 09
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