MA Lighting

MA Lighting
Name	MA Lighting
Type	Private
Founded	1980
Founder	Wilfried Gebhardt
Headquarters	Erlangen, Germany
Products	Lighting consoles, dimming systems, media servers, networked control
Industry	Entertainment technology

MA Lighting is a German manufacturer of professional lighting control systems and networked entertainment technology used in live events, theatre, broadcast, touring productions, and installations. Founded in 1980, the company became known for its flagship grandMA series of lighting consoles, which have influenced industry standards in console ergonomics, distributed networking, and show control interoperability. MA Lighting products are widely adopted by designers, production companies, and venue operators across Europe, North America, and Asia.

History

MA Lighting was established in Erlangen, Germany in 1980 by Wilfried Gebhardt, emerging during a period of rapid technological change in the European Broadcasting Union and Theatre Royal sectors. Early growth occurred alongside developments at Siemens and partnerships with regional production houses in Bavaria. In the 1990s, MA Lighting expanded internationally as concert touring by acts associated with companies such as Live Nation and AEG Presents increased demand for robust touring consoles. The introduction of the grandMA series in the late 1990s and grandMA2 in the 2000s coincided with adoption by major venues like Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, and festival organizers such as Glastonbury Festival and Tomorrowland. Strategic alliances with manufacturers of fixtures from ETC (Electro-Voice), Philips (Signify), and Martin Professional helped solidify the company’s position in the entertainment technology ecosystem. MA Lighting navigated industry transitions including the migration to networked protocols like sACN and ART-Net and the rise of LED fixtures developed by companies like Robe Lighting and Chauvet Professional.

Products and Technology

MA Lighting’s product line centers on console hardware and networked control equipment. Notable hardware milestones include the grandMA, grandMA2, and grandMA3 console families, which succeeded legacy desk designs used in productions by designers such as Patrick Woodroffe and Robbie Williams tours. The company also produces dimming and distribution racks compatible with dimmers from Littelfuse partners and power products from Schneider Electric. MA Lighting developed proprietary approaches to multi-user show control, snapshot/cue management, and matrix-based programming that integrate with fixture libraries from manufacturers such as Claypaky and High End Systems. Networking features support protocols established by the Streaming Architecture for Control Networks community and interoperability initiatives promoted by organizations like the PLASA (Professional Lighting and Sound Association).

Software and Control Systems

The grandMA operating system provides multi-processor real-time control, backup redundancy, and remote programmer workflows used in complex productions such as opera houses like La Scala and television studios like BBC Television Centre. Software features include fixture mapping libraries referencing devices from Avolites, pixel-mapping modules used with products from Madrix, and timecode integration for shows tied to productions by companies like Cirque du Soleil. MA Lighting’s software supports third-party integration via protocols adopted by MIDI Manufacturers Association, Open Sound Control, and synchronization with media servers from disguise (formerly d3) and Green Hippo. Regular firmware and software updates have been distributed to address emerging fixture protocols, network topologies, and remote management features in collaboration with institutions such as Fraunhofer Society research initiatives.

Major Projects and Notable Uses

GrandMA consoles and MA Lighting systems have been used on high-profile tours and events including stadium tours by artists affiliated with Live Nation, broadcast productions for networks such as NBC and ZDF, and international events like the Olympic Games ceremonies. Productions at venues including Sydney Opera House, Wembley Stadium, and Carnegie Hall have specified MA Lighting for house rigs and touring packages. The consoles are also a choice for festival production teams at events like Coachella and Rock am Ring and for theatrical designers staging Broadway shows produced by organizations like Jujamcyn Theaters and The Shubert Organization. The brand’s consoles have been used in synchronized show control schemes for large-scale events engineered by companies such as TAIT and PRG (Production Resource Group).

Manufacturing and Global Operations

Manufacturing and engineering are centered in Erlangen, while sales, service, and distribution operate through regional offices and certified dealers across North America, Asia, and Europe. MA Lighting maintains regional support networks that collaborate with service providers like Stage Equipment LLC and rental houses including VER and PSAV. Supply chain relationships often involve component suppliers such as Intel (processors), ADI (Analog Devices, Inc.) (signal converters), and contract manufacturers in industrial regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Training programs for operators and technicians are run in partnership with educational institutions like Ravensbourne University London and industry bodies such as PLASA.

Awards and Recognition

MA Lighting products and their designers have received industry recognition including awards presented by LFI (Lighting and Sound International) and accolades at trade shows organized by Prolight + Sound and LDI (Live Design International). The grandMA series has been cited in coverage by Lighting & Sound America and received technical achievement mentions at events judged by professional bodies such as the International Live Events Association. Individual users of MA Lighting systems, including lighting designers inducted into halls of fame like the EMMY Awards and recipients of Tony Awards, have contributed to the brand’s reputation through high-profile, award-winning productions.

Category:Entertainment technology companies