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MADRIX is widely recognised as the most advanced lighting control software on the market, thanks to its powerful pixel mapping features and its ability to generate dynamic, complex visual content in real time. It has become an essential reference in the entertainment industry, where it drives high-impact LED scenography for television, concerts and live events, as well as top-tier clubs. However, limiting its use to entertainment alone would be an understatement: its 24/7 reliability, outstanding flexibility, and the ability to create generative content without additional software make it an ideal solution for permanent, architectural and artistic installations as well where creative, highly customisable lighting control is required.
Choosing the right lighting controller is crucial to turn a project from simple lighting into a complete visual experience. In today’s landscape, MADRIX clearly stands out for its ability to manage complex LED installations with a strong visual impact. But its capabilities go far beyond that and in this article, we will explore the applications where it truly makes a difference.
An overview of MADRIX
Now in its 5th generation (release 5.7i at the time of writing), MADRIX is a powerful software solution developed in Germany and widely regarded as a global benchmark for creative LED lighting control. It stands out for its ability to combine video, graphics and lighting effects within a next-generation control system an essential tool for high-end productions as well as dynamic lighting effects in permanent installations.
The software can run stand-alone on a Windows PC and generate visual effects for LED systems; however, an external hardware interface is still required in order to output DMX or Art-Net data to the lighting fixtures.
Thanks to its advanced platform and a range of dedicated hardware tools, MADRIX can control and animate using video-based graphics both the simplest LED strips and the most ambitious 3D scenic projects, while maintaining an intuitive programming workflow. Its key strength lies in its ability to control LED fixtures of any type, handle large volumes of DMX/Art-Net data, and integrate seamlessly with audio and video sources (NDI, Spout). This enables real-time dynamic effects and remote management, including stand-alone operation via devices such as MADRIX AURA.
The software can also be used in demo mode without a licence, but with significant limitations: to enable DMX or DVI outputs, a licence is always required (available in six different versions, with the option to upgrade progressively).
On the hardware side, the manufacturer offers a complete range of dedicated devices, divided into controllers, stand-alone units and trigger devices, along with accessories. This includes AURA, LUNA, STELLA, NEBULA, ORION and more, enabling functions such as stand-alone recording of Art-Net data or sACN streams sent from any lighting console or software, DMX/Art-Net distribution and conversion, SMPTE Time Code synchronisation, and much more. In particular, AURA allows effects to be stored on an SD card and played back independently, bypassing the need for a PC.
MADRIX’s key strengths therefore include:
- Advanced pixel mapping to manage complex LED matrices
- Real-time dynamic effects synchronised with audio and video
- Large-scale lighting installation control, with the ability to operate as a true media server—routing graphic effects, video footage and custom clips to projectors and LED devices via DMX, Art-Net, sACN, Color Kinetics, or DVI video output
Potential applications
As we know, MADRIX was originally designed as a controller for large-scale live productions concerts, festivals and major lighting installations where precision and visual impact are paramount. A striking example was the dynamic lighting project at the Ferrari circuit in Fiorano, where MADRIX transformed the track into the largest outdoor LED scenography of its kind ever created, earning a Guinness World Record.
If MADRIX is therefore the perfect choice when the goal is to amaze an audience, it can also be effectively used to create lighting scenography in many other applications.
In multi-purpose spaces, for example, an RGBW LED strip can be used to provide a warm white lighting look for operational activities (offices, meeting rooms) and then turn into dynamic scenography when the venue is not dedicated to a specific function through colour transitions and lighting distributions designed to enhance the environment. MADRIX makes these hybrid approaches easy to design and manage.
Looking at larger-scale scenarios, think of building façades that switch on and off at set times with dynamic lighting, convention centres, stadiums, and the entrances of museums and airports, made more attractive through these lighting designs. Or even complex scenarios inspired by landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower often recreated within lighting design workflows for professional simulations as well as major lighting installations in shopping malls in Las Vegas and Dubai, or at the Küçük Çamlıca TV-Radio Tower in Istanbul, the tallest tower in Europe, where MADRIX was used to drive a massive LED media façade.
Abroad, dynamic lighting that moves in sync with music shifting colour and intensity according to precise programming logic is an integral part of architecture and visual communication. In Italy, this type of application is currently far less widespread, but it is gradually gaining ground. MADRIX is the ideal solution to support and anticipate this evolution, offering the power and versatility required.
Conclusions
Beyond the applications MADRIX is already known for and where it has earned a reputation for excellence, such as live events, large-scale concerts and shows, and television the system can also be successfully deployed in permanent installations where dynamic, scenographic lighting is required. Thanks to its dedicated software and hardware architecture, it enables the creation and management of lighting and video effects on 2D/3D LED pixel surfaces, integrating with audio and video sources to deliver immersive experiences without compromising ease of programming.
In more complex environments, a hybrid architecture can also be considered, with MADRIX acting as the effects engine while other controllers handle automation and integration with third-party systems.
For this reason, we reiterate, MADRIX should be considered a controller capable of managing LED pixels in the broadest sense of the term. Its applications cover an extremely wide range: artistic and architectural installations, live events, clubs, media façades, theme parks, shopping centres, and even cruise ships. MADRIX fits seamlessly into these scenarios: the software is intuitive, effects are ready to use, and an operator can programme even complex setups in under an hour. Furthermore, thanks to MADRIX AURA, it is possible to record and play back scenes in stand-alone mode without a PC while integrating the system with building automation and apps via TCP/IP or HTTP.
As the official distributor, Audio Effetti provides expertise and support to help professionals select the right components and make the most of the MADRIX ecosystem.
Want to learn more?
Email us at international@audioeffetti.it
