grandMA3 Consoles and the NPU Explained

MA Lighting's grandMA3 series includes a range of hardware consoles (compact, light, full-size) and the onPC software, which turns a standard computer into a programming and playback station. The core of the system is the grandMA3 software, which runs on all platforms and provides a unified user experience.

Each console or onPC station can control a certain number of parameters (e.g., 2,048 for compact, 4,096 for light, up to 8,192 for full-size). However, large shows often require more parameters, more DMX universes, or redundant processing. This is where the Network Processing Unit (NPU) comes in.

The grandMA3 NPU (Network Processing Unit) is a dedicated hardware device that offloads parameter processing and DMX output from the console. It connects to the network via Ethernet and can be added to a grandMA3 session to increase the total number of available parameters and DMX universes.

The NPU does not have its own user interface; it is controlled entirely from a grandMA3 console or onPC station within the same session. It provides additional processing power for running complex show files, handling large numbers of fixtures, and outputting multiple universes of DMX, Art-Net, or sACN.

You need an NPU when your show requires more parameters than your console can handle on its own. For example, a grandMA3 compact can handle 2,048 parameters, but a large festival rig might need 8,000 or more. Adding NPUs scales the system to tens of thousands of parameters.

Another common scenario is redundancy. By using multiple NPUs in a session, you can configure backup processing so that if one NPU fails, another takes over seamlessly. This is critical for high-stakes productions where downtime is not an option.

NPUs are also used to distribute processing load across multiple locations. For instance, you might have one NPU at front-of-house and another backstage to reduce network latency and cable runs.

A grandMA3 session is a network of devices (consoles, onPC stations, NPUs) that share a common show file and synchronize in real time. When you add an NPU to the session, its processing power is pooled with the other devices. The session master (typically a console) assigns parameters and universes to each NPU automatically or manually.

NPUs communicate via MA-Net3, MA Lighting's proprietary protocol, which ensures low-latency and reliable data transfer. They can also output DMX directly via built-in ports (depending on model) or through Art-Net/sACN over Ethernet.

You can mix different NPU models (e.g., NPU 2-port, NPU 4-port, or the newer NPU with higher parameter counts) as long as they run the same grandMA3 software version.

Every grandMA3 console and NPU can output DMX512 via physical XLR ports, as well as streaming protocols like Art-Net and sACN over Ethernet. The NPU expands the number of available universes. For example, a single NPU might add 4 or 8 DMX universes, depending on the model.

In a session, you can assign specific universes to specific NPUs to optimize network traffic. This is especially useful when you have fixtures spread across a large venue or multiple stages.

For large-scale productions, using sACN (E1.31) over a dedicated lighting network is recommended for its efficiency and compatibility with modern fixtures.

One of the key benefits of using NPUs is the ability to create a redundant system. You can configure two NPUs to process the same parameters simultaneously, with one acting as a hot backup. If the primary NPU fails, the backup takes over without any interruption to the show.

Similarly, you can have multiple consoles in a session with one as master and others as backups. This level of redundancy is standard in broadcast, touring, and high-end corporate events.

MA Lighting's session management ensures that all devices stay synchronized, and the system can be designed to survive multiple hardware failures without losing control.

When selecting an NPU, consider the total number of parameters you need, the number of DMX universes, and your redundancy requirements. The grandMA3 NPU lineup offers various parameter capacities (e.g., 2,048, 4,096, 8,192 per NPU) and port counts.

For small to medium shows, a single NPU might be enough to supplement a compact console. For large festivals or touring productions, multiple NPUs in a redundant configuration are common.

Always ensure your network infrastructure (switches, cabling) can handle the data load. Use managed switches with IGMP snooping for multicast protocols like sACN.