Macula

Remote Follow Spot System

Macula

Martin Macula is a remote follow spot system, used to make standard moving lights follow performers and/or objects on stage. It redefines precision follow spot operation and eliminates rigging limitations, operator fatigue, and safety issues traditionally associated with conventional systems. Engineered for absolute smoothness, pinpoint accuracy, and superior ergonomics, it represents a fundamental shift in how moving lights are transformed into high-performance tracking instruments for performers and objects on stage.

From a single base station, Martin Macula can control multiple moving lights with uncompromised responsiveness. The base station delivers a real-time operational perspective that places the operator virtually at the fixture, providing a visual reference “as if positioned next to the moving light itself.” Configuration and setup are deliberately streamlined, allowing efficient operation with minimal training while maintaining professional-grade performance standards. Movement control can be dynamically assigned, with operation handled by a standard lighting console during selected segments of the show and seamlessly transferred to the Macula base station for others.

Additional parameters such as Dimming, Colors, and Frost can also be managed by the Macula base station when required. Presets and Fixture Banks can be created to modify system behavior dynamically throughout the show, delivering a high level of customizability. A single Macula base station is capable of controlling one or multiple moving lights, enabling a performer to be tracked simultaneously by one or several fixtures with consistent accuracy.

Macula works extremely well with the Martin MAC Ultra Performance, MAC Viper XIP and MAC Encore Two fixtures, which have been optimized for smooth and responsive movement. But, Macula is fully brand-agnostic, allowing any suitable moving head fixture to be used as a follow spot and fitted with a camera. Network infrastructure is intentionally simplified, with camera feeds and control data running over a single network and no dedicated video cabling required between fixtures and the base station.

The system also supports PosiStageNet output, allowing XYZ position data for performers or objects to be shared with third-party applications, opening integration opportunities for advanced tracking and automation workflows.

Martin Macula delivers unprecedented control directly at the operator’s fingertips, significantly improving health, safety, and operational consistency. It unlocks new operational and creative possibilities for rental companies, lighting technicians, and lighting designers.

  • HIGH RESOLUTION FLUID HEAD ENCODER

    Offering extremely smooth movement control with precision and user comfort.

  • TOP-NOTCH ERGONOMICS

    The large touchscreen with intuitive user-interface, and handle-bars with the essential controls at your fingertips improve operator ergonomics.

  • ONE OR MANY FIXTURES

    A single base station can control a single fixture with camera, or toggle between multiple fixtures with camera or make fixtures without camera follow along.

  • FLEXIBLE MERGING

    Fixtures can be fully controlled by the base station or have some parameters handed over to the console. Changeable on a cue-by-cue basis, to support the most advanced shows.

  • EASY INFRASTRUCTURE

    No video cables to pull, all camera feeds run over the network. No dedicated cables to run between base station and fixture(s), it’s all merged in a single network infrastructure.

  • BRAND AGNOSTIC

    Any fixture from any brand can be used as a follow-spot and fitted with a camera. Any fixture from any brand can be controlled to follow along without camera.

HIGH RESOLUTION FLUID HEAD ENCODER

Offering extremely smooth movement control with precision and user comfort.

TOP-NOTCH ERGONOMICS

The large touchscreen with intuitive user-interface, and handle-bars with the essential controls at your fingertips improve operator ergonomics.

ONE OR MANY FIXTURES

A single base station can control a single fixture with camera, or toggle between multiple fixtures with camera or make fixtures without camera follow along.

FLEXIBLE MERGING

Fixtures can be fully controlled by the base station or have some parameters handed over to the console. Changeable on a cue-by-cue basis, to support the most advanced shows.

EASY INFRASTRUCTURE

No video cables to pull, all camera feeds run over the network. No dedicated cables to run between base station and fixture(s), it’s all merged in a single network infrastructure.

BRAND AGNOSTIC

Any fixture from any brand can be used as a follow-spot and fitted with a camera. Any fixture from any brand can be controlled to follow along without camera.

Features

  • High Resolution Fluid Head Encoder
  • Ergonomic Handles with controls at your fingertips
  • Large Touch Screen with an intuitive user interface
  • One Base Station can control one or multiple moving lights at once
  • Customizable Merging of controls from base station and controls from lighting console.
  • Can be used with or without a lighting console in the system
  • PosiStageNet Output (send XYZ position of performers/objects to third-party applications for advanced workflows)
  • Easy network infrastructure
  • Brand-Agnostic - any brand moving head fixture can be controlled, any moving head fixture can be fitted with a camera, any moving head without camera can follow along
  • Simple network cabling between camera on moving head fixture and base station

Common Applications

Martin Macula provides follow spots for sports, performance and live venues, eliminating the safety risks of height based systems for rental companies, lighting technicians, and lighting designers.

Specifications

  • Physical

    Macula Base Station
    Width: 835 mm (32.9 in.)
    Depth: 857 mm (33.7 in.)
    Height: 1450 mm (57.1 in.)
    Weight: 20.1 kg (44.3 lbs.)

    Macula Camera
    Width: 70 mm (2.8 in.)
    Height: 70 mm (2.8 in.)
    Length: 116 mm (4.6 in.)
    Weight: 0.6 kg (1.3 lbs.)

    Control/User Interface

    Pan/Tilt Encoder: Fluid Head Encoder with adjustable drag
    Left Handle: Motorized Fader, Action Button & Z-Roller
    Right Handle: Motorized Fader, Action Button, 15 Shortcut Buttons & Z-Roller
    Monitor: 15.6” Touch Screen

    Camera Video Input

    Standard: NDI
    Resolution: Supporting all standard resolutions up to 1920x1080 (Full HD)
    Framerate: Supporting frame rates up to 75fps

    Position Processing

    Method: Real-world XYZ position tracking
    Multi-Fixture Support: Yes, one base station can control multiple fixtures

    Fixture Controls

    Base station can control parameters of fixtures autonomously, or merge with controls from lighting console.
    Controllable Parameters: Pan, Tilt, Shutter, Dimmer, Color, CTC, Tint, Frost, Zoom, Iris & Focus.

    Presets

    User-definable presets containing any combination of parameters for easy recall of looks and/or positions.
    Presets can be assigned to shortcut buttons on right handle.

    Banks

    User-definable banks containing a fixture or combination of fixtures to be controlled.
    Easy recall of different fixtures or fixture combinations for dynamic followspot assignment.

    DMX Controls

    Recall presets via DMX
    Recall banks via DMX

    System Output

    Autonomous output of full fixture controls via Art-Net or sACN.
    Merged output with controls from lighting console via Art-Net or sACN.
    PosiStageNet output towards 3rd party control systems.

    Art-Net Input & Output

    Up to 4 universes of Art-Net Input & Output.

  • sACN Input & Output

    Up to 32 universes of sACN Input & Output.

    Construction Housing: Steel and aluminum Color: Black Protection rating: IP20
    Installation Mounting: Free-standing using supplied adjustable tripod Location: Indoor or outdoor protected from elements
    Connections

    Macula Base Station
    Power input: IEC C14 socket
    DC Power through (towards monitor): Neutrik 4-pin locking XLR
    User interface monitor: Neutrik HDMI
    USB Touchscreen Out: Neutrik USB
    Peripherals and USB memory devices: Neutrik USB
    Left Handle Interface: Custom 8-pin connector
    Right Handle Interface: Custom 8-pin connector
    NDI Video Network (Camera and PSN): 1x etherCON socket (100/1000Mbit)
    EtherDMX Network (Art-Net, sACN and PSN): 1x etherCON socket (100/1000Mbit)

    Macula Camera
    NDI Video Out and PoE In: 1x RJ45 socket

    Electrical

    AC power: 100-240 V AC nominal, 50/60 Hz
    Power supply unit: Auto-ranging electronic switch mode
    Typical half-cycle RMS inrush current at 230 V, 50 Hz: 120 A
    Typical earth-leakage current: TBC mA
    Power Factor: TBC @ 100V / 120V / 208V / 230V / 240V
    Max current draw: 2.0 A @ 100V / 120V / 208V / 230V / 240V
    Typical current draw: 2.0 A @ 100V / 120V / 208V / 230V / 240V *
    Power Consumption
    Maximum: 72 W
    Typical: 72 W *
    Idle: TBC W *
    * Measurements made at nominal voltage. Allow for a deviation of +/- 10%.
    Typical: machine running at full capacity.
    Idle: no showfile loaded.

    Thermal Cooling: Convection Maximum ambient temperature (Ta max.): 40° C (104° F) Minimum ambient temperature (Ta min.): 5° C (41° F) Typical heat dissipation (calculated, +/- 10%): 246 BTU/hr
    Environmental RoHS: Compliant REACH: Compliant WEEE: Compliant Proposition 65: Compliant
    Included Items

    Macula System in Flightcase
    Macula Control Unit and Encoder Head
    Adjustable Tripod
    15.6” Touch Screen
    Pole for Touch Screen placement
    Control Unit to Touch Screen loom (HDMI + 12Vdc + USB)
    Left motorized handlebar
    Right motorized handlebar
    Control Unit to Left motorized handlebar cable
    Control Unit to Right motorized handlebar cable
    EU-type IEC C13 power cable with Schuko connector
    US-type IEC C13 power cable
    UK-type IEC C13 power cable
    Flightcase
    Multi-Language Safety and Installation Manual

    Macula Camera Kit
    NDI Camera
    PoE Injector for Camera with IEC C6 input
    EU-type IEC C5 power cable with Schuko connector
    US-type IEC C5 power cable
    UK-type IEC C5 power cable
    Multi-Language Safety and Installation Manual

    MAC Ultra Performance Camera Mount Kit
    Camera Mount Ring for MAC Ultra Performance
    Snoot upgrade for MAC Ultra Performance
    Camera attachment screws
    Safety Cable
    Multi-Language Safety and Installation Manual

    MAC Viper XIP / MAC Encore Two Camera Mount Kit
    Camera Mount Ring for MAC Viper XIP / MAC Encore Two
    Camera attachment screws
    Safety Cable
    Multi-Language Safety and Installation Manual

    Accessories

    MAC Ultra Performance Camera Mount Kit: P/N MAR-90770001
    MAC Viper XIP / MAC Encore Two Camera Mount Kit: P/N MAR-90770002

    Ordering Information Macula System in Flightcase: P/N MAR-90770000 Macula Camera Kit: P/N MAR-90770003

News

Support/FAQs

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