MA Lighting grandMA3 light Console

grandMA3 Lighting Console Professional Lighting Control System

The grandMA3 lighting console is a professional lighting control platform from MA Lighting designed for demanding applications across live entertainment, concerts, touring, theatre, television, events, installations and large-scale productions. Built around the grandMA3 software platform and a range of dedicated control surfaces, the grandMA3 system provides a powerful environment for programming, controlling and operating complex lighting systems.

The grandMA3 lighting console family is designed to control a wide range of lighting technologies, including conventional fixtures, moving lights, LED fixtures, video and media systems through DMX signals and network-based control environments. The system is designed to provide lighting professionals with a flexible platform that can scale from smaller productions to large and complex show environments.

MA Lighting developed grandMA3 as a new generation of its lighting control platform, with a redesigned system architecture, fixture and feature capabilities, effects functionality and user interface. The grandMA3 platform is available across multiple hardware configurations, allowing lighting designers, programmers, rental companies, production teams and venues to select a console that matches their workflow and production requirements.

Whether used for a touring production, theatre show, concert, festival, television production, corporate event or permanent installation, the grandMA3 lighting console provides a professional control environment for creating and operating sophisticated lighting systems.

Professional grandMA3 Lighting Control

The grandMA3 platform is designed for professional lighting control where reliability, flexibility and efficient programming are essential. The system provides a structured environment for managing fixtures, attributes, presets, sequences, effects, playbacks and show data.

Lighting programmers can build complex show files and create repeatable workflows for productions that require precise control over large numbers of fixtures and lighting parameters. The platform is suitable for both programming and live operation, allowing lighting operators to make changes during a production while maintaining control over the overall show structure.

The grandMA3 software environment is shared across the different grandMA3 hardware solutions. This means that the same overall software platform can be used across different console models, while the physical control surface, number of controls, displays and hardware capabilities vary between models.

This approach provides flexibility for production companies that may need different console formats for different projects while maintaining a consistent grandMA3 workflow.

grandMA3 Console Range

The grandMA3 family includes several dedicated console configurations designed for different production requirements. The range includes grandMA3 full-size, grandMA3 full-size CRV, grandMA3 light, grandMA3 light CRV, grandMA3 compact XT and grandMA3 compact.

The full-size models are designed for demanding professional environments requiring a comprehensive control surface and extensive operator workspace. The light models provide another professional configuration for high-level production work, while the compact and compact XT models provide the grandMA3 system in more compact formats.

The CRV versions are designed without the integrated monitor wing and provide additional external monitor connectivity for control-room environments and other installations where external displays are preferred.

The compact and compact XT models provide the grandMA3 system in a smaller and lighter physical format, making them useful for productions where portability and reduced console size are important.

Because the grandMA3 range includes several hardware configurations, customers should select the exact model according to the required parameter capacity, physical controls, displays, outputs and production workflow.

Powerful Lighting Control Software

The grandMA3 lighting console is built around MA Lighting’s grandMA3 software environment. The software provides the operating platform for programming and controlling lighting systems while supporting the different hardware configurations within the grandMA3 range.

The platform is designed to handle conventional lighting fixtures, moving lights, LED fixtures and other modern lighting technologies. It can also integrate lighting control with video and media workflows, providing a broader control environment for productions where lighting and media systems need to work together.

The grandMA3 user interface is designed around professional lighting programming and operation. Screens and control elements can be configured according to the needs of the programmer, allowing information to be arranged for different programming and live operation tasks.

This flexibility is particularly useful in professional environments where programmers may need to work with different fixture types, show structures and production requirements.

Flexible Fixture Control

Modern lighting productions can involve a large variety of fixtures, including moving-head fixtures, LED washes, LED profiles, beam fixtures, conventional fixtures, strobes and other intelligent lighting equipment.

The grandMA3 lighting console provides a professional environment for controlling these different fixture types. Fixture attributes can be organized and manipulated through the system while programmers can build presets, sequences and effects to create repeatable lighting states.

For touring productions and rental companies, this flexibility is important because lighting systems can change between venues and shows. The grandMA3 platform provides a structured workflow that can accommodate changes to the lighting rig while maintaining the overall programming environment.

The system can therefore be used as part of a wide range of professional lighting configurations, from relatively compact systems to large-scale productions involving extensive fixture inventories.

Advanced Effects and Programming

Effects are an important part of modern lighting design, particularly for concerts, festivals, entertainment productions and live events. The grandMA3 platform provides advanced effect capabilities intended for professional lighting programming.

Programmers can create dynamic lighting movements and changes that can be integrated into sequences and playbacks. Effects can be used to control parameters such as intensity, color, position and other fixture attributes depending on the fixtures being controlled.

This allows lighting designers to create dynamic looks that can be triggered and modified during a live performance.

The grandMA3 platform also provides a structured programming environment in which effects, presets and other show elements can be organized into a larger show file. This makes it possible to build complex productions while maintaining a manageable programming workflow.

Multi-Touch Screens and User Interface

The physical interface varies depending on the grandMA3 console model, but the platform is designed around flexible screen-based operation and configurable user interfaces.

MA Lighting’s larger grandMA3 consoles feature multi-touch screens, while the display environment can be configured to show information required by the operator.

The ability to customize the display environment is particularly useful during programming because different stages of production can require different information. A programmer may need fixture information, presets, sequences, effects or playback information at different points in the workflow.

By configuring the available screens and control elements, operators can create a working environment that suits their individual programming style and the requirements of a particular production.

Professional Network Integration

Modern lighting systems frequently use network-based control alongside traditional DMX512 connections. The grandMA3 platform is designed to operate within network environments, allowing different grandMA3 components and compatible systems to work together.

MA Lighting states that grandMA3 components are fully integrable into a network environment. This allows the platform to be used as part of larger professional lighting control systems where multiple control and processing components may be required.

Network integration can be especially important for large productions, touring systems, theatres and permanent installations where lighting data needs to be distributed across different areas of a venue.

The exact networking configuration depends on the selected grandMA3 hardware, system architecture and production requirements.

DMX512 Lighting Control

DMX512 remains an important part of professional lighting control, and grandMA3 consoles provide DMX connectivity depending on the specific hardware model.

The number of physical DMX outputs varies between grandMA3 console models, so customers should verify the exact specification of the selected console before purchase.

In addition to direct DMX connectivity, grandMA3 systems can operate within network-based lighting environments. This provides additional flexibility when designing systems that require distributed control and larger numbers of lighting universes.

For professional lighting designers and programmers, this combination of local DMX connectivity and network integration allows the grandMA3 system to be incorporated into different types of production infrastructure.

Live Concerts and Touring

The grandMA3 lighting console is suitable for live concert and touring applications where lighting systems need to be programmed, operated and adapted across different venues.

Touring productions can involve large fixture counts, multiple lighting positions, video systems and complex show structures. A professional lighting console must provide an organized programming environment while allowing the operator to make changes quickly during a performance.

The grandMA3 platform provides a professional environment for these workflows.

Different grandMA3 console models can also be selected depending on the requirements of the tour. Larger consoles can provide extensive physical control surfaces for major productions, while compact models can offer a more portable solution for smaller production teams and touring environments.

Theatre and Performing Arts

The grandMA3 lighting console can also be used for theatre, performing arts and other stage productions.

Theatre lighting often requires precise control over intensity, color, position, timing and scene changes. Productions may contain many cues and require repeatable transitions throughout a performance.

A professional lighting control system allows programmers to organize these cues and create a structured show file that can be operated consistently during performances.

The grandMA3 platform provides the programming and playback environment required for these types of workflows.

Television and Broadcast Production

Lighting control is also important in television, broadcast and production environments where lighting states need to be controlled precisely and recalled reliably.

The grandMA3 system can be incorporated into professional production environments where lighting, media and other technical systems are part of a larger show-control workflow.

The specific configuration will depend on the production requirements, connected fixtures and control infrastructure.

Corporate Events and Conferences

Corporate events often require lighting systems that can change between presentations, speakers, entertainment segments and different stages of an event.

The grandMA3 lighting console provides a professional environment for managing these changes and creating repeatable lighting looks.

For event production companies, this can help simplify the operation of complex lighting systems while allowing operators to respond to changes during the event.

Festivals and Large Events

Large festivals and outdoor events can involve extensive lighting rigs with many different fixture types distributed across stages and production areas.

The grandMA3 platform provides a scalable environment for programming and operating professional lighting systems in these environments.

The exact system size depends on the production, but the range of grandMA3 hardware allows production teams to select a console configuration suitable for their requirements.

Professional Rental and Production Companies

For professional rental companies and production houses, flexibility is an important consideration when selecting a lighting control platform.

A rental company may provide lighting systems for concerts, festivals, corporate events, theatre productions, television projects and other applications. These projects can have significantly different requirements.

The grandMA3 platform provides a consistent software environment across different grandMA3 hardware configurations. This allows companies to maintain familiarity with the system while selecting different console models for different productions.

A production company can therefore use a larger console for major shows while using a compact grandMA3 solution for smaller events or applications where space is limited.

grandMA3 Compact and Compact XT

The grandMA3 compact and grandMA3 compact XT provide a smaller physical format while maintaining the grandMA3 software environment.

According to MA Lighting’s published specifications, the grandMA3 compact and compact XT provide 8,192 parameters. The compact XT provides six DMX outputs and one DMX input, while the compact also provides six DMX outputs and one DMX input.

The compact XT is larger than the compact and provides additional physical controls and two internal foldable multi-touch screens. MA Lighting lists 15 backlit motorized 60 mm faders and 60 separate playbacks for the compact XT, compared with 10 motorized faders and 40 separate playbacks for the compact.

The grandMA3 compact XT weighs approximately 20 kg, while the grandMA3 compact weighs approximately 16 kg.

These models are useful options for customers who require the grandMA3 platform in a more compact format.

grandMA3 Full-Size and Light Consoles

The grandMA3 full-size and grandMA3 light consoles are designed for larger professional lighting control environments.

MA Lighting describes the grandMA3 full-size as the flagship of the grandMA3 console range, while the grandMA3 light is positioned as a core professional console within the range.

These consoles provide larger physical control environments for programmers and operators working on demanding productions.

The larger console formats can be particularly useful when the operator needs access to numerous controls, displays, playbacks and programming functions without relying entirely on external hardware.

The appropriate model depends on the production requirements, available workspace and desired operating configuration.

grandMA3 Full-Size CRV and Light CRV

The grandMA3 full-size CRV and light CRV provide alternative configurations for professional control rooms and environments where external monitoring is preferred.

The CRV versions are designed without the integrated monitor wing and provide additional external monitor ports.

This makes them useful in installations where the console is part of a permanent control room or where the production team has specific requirements for external display configurations.

Professional System Expansion

One of the advantages of the grandMA3 platform is its ability to operate as part of a larger lighting control environment.

Different grandMA3 components can be integrated into the same network environment and used according to the requirements of the production.

This makes the platform suitable for productions where additional control surfaces, processing components or other grandMA3 hardware may be required.

The exact architecture depends on the project, number of fixtures, number of parameters, network design and operational requirements.

Reliable Professional Workflow

Professional lighting control requires more than simply controlling individual fixtures. Large productions require organized programming, repeatable playback structures and an interface that allows operators to work efficiently during live shows.

The grandMA3 platform is designed around these professional requirements.

Lighting designers and programmers can build show files that organize fixtures, presets, sequences, effects and playbacks into a structured control environment.

This can help teams maintain consistency between programming sessions and live performances.

For touring productions, the ability to maintain a structured show file can also help when adapting the lighting system to different venues.

Integration with Modern Production Systems

Contemporary productions increasingly combine lighting with video, media and other show-control technologies.

The grandMA3 platform is designed to control lighting as well as integrate with video and media workflows. MA Lighting describes the system as capable of controlling conventional lights, moving lights, LEDs, video and media through DMX signals or network environments.

This makes the grandMA3 lighting console suitable for productions where lighting is part of a larger technical show system.

The exact integration method depends on the connected equipment and the production’s control architecture.

grandMA3 onPC Ecosystem

The grandMA3 ecosystem also includes onPC solutions that allow users to work with the grandMA3 software environment on compatible computers.

MA Lighting provides dedicated onPC command wings that provide physical controls alongside the grandMA3 onPC software.

For example, the grandMA3 onPC command wing XT provides 4,096 parameters and includes DMX, MIDI, LTC, GPI, Ethernet, USB and DisplayPort connectivity according to MA Lighting’s published technical specifications.

The onPC ecosystem provides another way for professionals to work with grandMA3 workflows where a dedicated full console may not be required.

The specific capabilities and parameter counts depend on the selected onPC hardware and software configuration.

Professional Lighting Programming

The grandMA3 lighting console is designed for users who require detailed control over professional lighting systems.

A programmer can organize fixtures into groups, create presets, build sequences and develop effects that can be recalled during live operation.

This approach allows complex productions to be broken down into manageable programming components.

Instead of programming every fixture parameter independently for every moment of a show, programmers can create reusable building blocks that can be combined into larger lighting looks and sequences.

This workflow is particularly valuable for productions with many fixtures and repeated programming requirements.

Lighting Design Flexibility

Lighting design often changes throughout the creative process. A production may add fixtures, change colors, modify positions or introduce new effects.

The grandMA3 environment provides a flexible platform for adapting show programming as production requirements develop.

This is useful for designers and programmers working in environments where the lighting rig may evolve during rehearsals and preparation.

The ability to organize programming elements into a structured show file also helps operators maintain control as the production becomes more complex.

Professional Event Production

For event production companies, the grandMA3 lighting console can serve as the central control system for professional lighting rigs used at concerts, conferences, festivals, exhibitions, corporate events and entertainment productions.

The selected console model can be matched to the scale of the event and available production infrastructure.

Smaller events may benefit from a compact grandMA3 configuration, while larger productions may require a full-size or light console with a more extensive physical control surface.

The grandMA3 family therefore provides different options within a common software environment.

grandMA3 Technical Specifications

The technical specifications of the grandMA3 lighting console depend on the exact model selected.

The grandMA3 compact provides 8,192 parameters and weighs approximately 16 kg. Its folded dimensions are approximately 661 x 429 x 160 mm.

The grandMA3 compact XT also provides 8,192 parameters and weighs approximately 20 kg. Its folded dimensions are approximately 845 x 429 x 160 mm.

The compact XT provides six DMX512-A outputs, one DMX512-A input, three etherCON/RJ45 connections, MIDI input and output, Linear Timecode, Audio In, GPI, DisplayPort, S/PDIF and multiple USB connections.

These specifications demonstrate the range of connectivity available within the grandMA3 compact family.

Because specifications differ between models, buyers should confirm the exact model, parameter count, physical dimensions, connectivity and included accessories before completing an order.

Why Choose a grandMA3 Lighting Console?

The grandMA3 lighting console provides a professional lighting control environment designed for modern entertainment and production applications.

Its combination of dedicated hardware, flexible software, network integration, DMX connectivity and professional programming tools makes the grandMA3 platform suitable for demanding lighting applications.

The availability of multiple console configurations also allows users to select a hardware platform that matches their production requirements.

From large touring productions and festivals to theatres, television environments, corporate events and professional rental companies, grandMA3 provides a scalable lighting control ecosystem.

The shared software environment across the grandMA3 hardware range can also help professionals maintain a consistent workflow when working with different console configurations.

Buy grandMA3 Lighting Console

If you are looking for a professional grandMA3 lighting console for touring, concerts, theatre, television, festivals, corporate events, rental production or permanent installation, Bsound Pro Audio can help you find the appropriate configuration for your application.

The grandMA3 product family includes different console formats, so the correct model should be selected according to the required parameter capacity, physical control surface, displays, DMX connectivity, networking requirements and production workflow.

Contact Bsound Pro Audio for current availability, pricing, shipping options and product information.

Our team can assist with selecting the appropriate grandMA3 console configuration for your professional lighting system and production requirements.

For official technical information and the latest grandMA3 software documentation, consult the manufacturer information from MA Lighting.

The grandMA3 lighting console is designed for professionals who need a flexible and powerful control environment for modern lighting production. With its extensive software capabilities, multiple hardware configurations and integration options, grandMA3 provides a comprehensive platform for programming and operating professional lighting systems.

Contact Bsound Pro Audio today to check availability for the grandMA3 lighting console.