Gear Review

 

Search DJzone


Daily News
Features
MP3
Mobile
Club
Radio
Karaoke
Reviews


Calender


Chat
Issue Archives
DJ Games
DJ Musiclists
DJ Book Store
Gear Mall
DJ Software

 

    

Martin MC Lighting Controller
By Jason DeMoe


When I started in this industry nearly 10 years ago I cut my teeth in the teen club market.  I was hired as a DJ's apprentice and was responsible for keeping the play list, taking requests and working the light show.  Back then each of the clubs many lighting fixtures were controlled with a simple switch.  It was my responsibility to turn a variety of light switches on and off to the beat of the music.  We had a pretty spectacular light show then but it was a lot of work to remember which switch went to which effect and operate each in rhythmic manner.

When I decided to start my mobile DJ company I was hoping to find a lighting system that could provide a dazzling show with minimal effort and control simplicity.  I decided that the versatility of the Martin MX-4 would serve me well as the foundation of my lighting system.

Although the MX Series can run in a stand-alone mode I decided to take advantage of it's DMX capability and began the search for the perfect controller.  At the time of my purchase the MX-4 was available in a package that included four MX-4's and one of Martin's rack mountable controllers.  The controller seemed adequate but I wasn't interested in lugging around a rack.  I was determined to find a nonrackmountable DMX controller and I did in the Martin MC-1 controller.

The MC-1 met all of my required specifications.  It can control numerous fixtures at the same time.  It is very small (fits in my coffin) and allows me to select slow, medium, fast, strobe, blackout, music trigger, and manual trigger functions.  The unit will also control several other Martin fixtures like the Acrobat, CX color changers, Synchrozap to name a few.  For the mobile jock this controller couldn't be beat, or could it?

Just when I thought the MC-1 couldn't get any better, it did.  Utilizing the same footprint as the MC-1, Martin introduced the MC Showtime.  The Showtime works with all of the same Martin fixtures as its' predecessor and brings with it several new features.

The new controller is loaded with 30 built-in programs.  The programs are separated into three different categories.  Category one (programs 1-10) uses slower color and gobo scene transitions to tantalize dancers.  Category two (programs 11-20) are considered medium.  And category three (21-30) will captivate any raver.  The current scene is displayed on the units LED screen.  Although each program falls into the category of slow, medium, or fast, this does not mean that the mirror movement is slow, medium or fast.  The user can manually adjust the mirror movement by tapping the "manual" button or simply press the "music" button and the built-in microphone will keep up with the beat automatically.  Each scene can also be modified to transition from "slow", "medium", or "fast" by changing the scene transition rate using the LED display.  The "strobbing" and "black out" effects were carried over from the MC-1 and an aiming tool added.  This new feature is very useful during the set-up process.  It is an invaluable way to make sure your fixtures are properly spaced and helps you to maximize your rooms' potential.

The unit can be set to run the same program throughout your event or run through all 30 programs consecutively if you like.  Each program is different from the other so you are sure to find the right mood for any tune.

In summary, the MC-Showtime is easy to use (I was up and running in less than five minutes), extremely versatile (will work with the MX-4 and the Synchrozap, Acrobat, and the CX Color Changers, or the MX-1 and the Synchrozap, Acrobat, and the CX Color Changers), very small (same footprint as the MC-1), and with the new aiming tool it is much easier to "fill up a room" by properly spacing and aiming your fixtures.

If you like the MC-1 you will love the MC Showtime.

The only way I see Martin improving on this design is by adding even more built-in programs or a joystick feature to allow for "follow spot" control.

 

 

web hosting | how to advertise | submit an article  

  about DJzone


DJzone network:
DJzone.com | Partypros.com | DJchat.com | DJ-mall.com | DJgearbid.com | MDJU.com | DJTalk.com | DiscJockeydirectory.com | 411dj.com


   DJzone | letters to the editor | features | reviews | daily music news | classifieds | resources


Copyright © 2001 DJzone, Inc. All rights reserved.