MADRIX PLEXUS |
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Overview
MADRIX PLEXUS is a USB 2.0 DMX512 interface. The device can be used as a live controller (Live Mode) or stand-alone interface (Stand-Alone Mode). Contents of this chapter:
More Information About MADRIX PLEXUS You can find the majority information about the MADRIX PLEXUS in the MADRIX PLEXUS Quick Start Guide and the MADRIX PLEXUS User Manual.
Regarding the MADRIX PLEXUS, the MADRIX software license for 1024 DMX channels is already included. The MADRIX KEY is not necessary for the MADRIX PLEXUS.
Using A MADRIX KEY Instead Of A MADRIX Interface The Quick Start Guides describe which software elements should be installed when you wish to use the MADRIX NEO or MADRIX PLEXUS interfaces. If you want to use a MADRIX KEY (e.g. MADRIX basic), please re-install the software and choose the necessary software components. Please see the chapter Installation Of MADRIX for more details.
MADRIX 2 Minimum System Requirements
MADRIX 2 Supported Operating Systems
USB Drivers Please make sure to activate the driver for the USB connection in the MADRIX Options. To access the Options of MADRIX, first go to the menu "Preferences" -> "Options" (or "Ctrl+Alt+O"). Second, select the tab "Devices (USB/PCI)". Enable the "MADRIX PLEXUS interfaces" driver and press "Apply". Close the dialog with "OK".
Network Drivers Please make sure to activate the driver for the Ethernet (network) connection in the MADRIX Options. To access the Options of MADRIX, please press "Ctrl+Alt+O" or go to the menu "Preferences" -> "Options". Now go to the tab "Devices (Network)". Select "Enable PLEXUS / LUNA Networking" and press "Apply". Close the dialog with "OK".
The PLEXUS allows you to send or receive data via MADRIX using 1024 DMX channels per device. The MADRIX PLEXUS features two Female 5-pin XLR connectors. A Male to Male 3-pin or 5-pin XLR Gender Changer is required for DMX-IN. Learn more about DMX-OUT in the chapter DMX512.
Introduction Normally, a computer runs the MADRIX software live and thereby controls the LED installation. In contrast, the Stand-Alone Mode of the MADRIX PLEXUS can be used to control LED installations without the need for a computer during the show. The PLEXUS can use an SD card (SD or SDHC) on which a Stand-Alone Show can be saved. But first, it is necessary to create such a Stand-Alone Show. Please read the following chapter carefully in order to learn how to create a MADRIX PLEXUS Stand-Alone Show.
Basic Workflow (Step By Step) In order to create a show file, please follow these steps:
Step 1), Step 2), And Step 3) Please use the Matrix Generator or the Patch for Step 1). Please read the chapter Effects for Step 2). Please read the chapter Cue List if you wish to do Step 3).
Step 4) Recording Your Effects Overview To call up the Recording dialog, please go to the menu "Window" -> "Recording" (or "Ctrl+Alt+R"). Files Files, i.e. records, will be displayed in the large list of the Recording dialog. If you did not create any records yet, the list is empty (as shown above).
Path "Path" specifies a directory on your hard disk. All record files will be saved in this folder. By default, a useful folder is already chosen for you (For example C:\Users\USERNAME\Documents\MADRIX\records). You can change the folder. Use this button to browse for a different folder on your hard disk.
Filter Use this filter to search for specific files in the list. Simply enter a name/word and the filter will only show files that include these characters in their file name. Delete any input to show all files.
Managing Files And List Entries Shows MADRIX Record File (*.mrec) from the folder in the list. When activated, the button is green. Disable the option to hide all Record Files. Show DMX Data Files (*.dxd) from the folder in the list. When activated, the button is green. Disable the option to hide all DMX Data Files. Use this button to refresh the list of records. Please make sure to select your preferred records folder first. Delete the selected file or files from your hard disk. You can also use the "Delete" key on your keyboard.
Columns Of The List
Window Size In order to increase the size of the Recording dialog window, please drag the bottom border of the window until the best size is reached. In this way you can see more files in the list.
File Information Select the Tab "File Information" to receive detailed information about the files you have created. Please select a file in the list first. Recording Select the Tab "Recording" to create a new record. Preparation Please make sure to do Step 1), 2), and 3) before recording.
Important Note Please note: Only the Main Output will be recorded. Make sure that your content is displayed on Preview Window Output before you record.
Options Please configure the following options before recording. "Synchronize With Cue List" will create a record according to your preprogrammed Cue List. If this option is activated, the Cue List will automatically start to play when the Recording is started (by pressing the button "Start"). "Start With Cue" allows you to specify which Cue List entry should be used first, when you wish to use the function "Synchronize With Cue List". "Frame Time (ms)" defines the frame rate of the record. Please adjust the setting to the requirements of your LED fixtures! A frame rate (FPS) that is too high might cause visual problems. Please adjust the setting to the requirements of your LED fixtures and devices!
Creating A Record File Please make sure to configure all available options before recording (see above). Step 1) Begin recording by pressing "Start". MADRIX will start to record the Main Output. Please note: When recording without a Cue List, you can change Storage Places, use the cross-fader, use the Master Fader, etc. in order to customize your record.
Step 2) Various information will be displayed. The Time is displayed in HH:MM:SS:FF (Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames).
Step 3) Simply press "Stop" to halt the process. Please wait a few seconds to let MADRIX process the data. Afterwards you will need to enter a name for the new record.
Step 4) Afterwards, you will see your record in the list. Edit Record After creating your record, you can edit your record. First, please select your Record File in the list. Second, change to the tab "Edit Record" in the "Recording" dialog. A small preview window is provided in the lower left to inspect the record. Please note: If you see the message !NO MADRIX KEY!, that means that you are using MADRIX in demo mode. However, this is no problem. Your record will NOT include this text! Use the provided controls to edit your record. That means you can preview, trim, and loop your record. First, select a list entry. Trim the record by setting up a new In Frame and a new Out Frame.
Step 5) Converting Files Overview Call up the Recording dialog again. Please go to the menu "Window" -> "Recording" (or "Ctrl+Alt+R"). First, select your MADRIX Record File (*.mrec) in the list. Second, switch to the tab "PLEXUS Conversion". The tab "PLEXUS Conversion" allows you to prepare the conversion. You can edit and configure how a MADRIX Record File (*.mrec) is converted into a DMX Data File (*.dxd).
Preparing The Conversion Please make sure that your virtual matrix (Patch) is configured correctly before generating DMX Data Files (*.dxd). Note: The PLEXUS Conversion tab only factors in the settings of the Patch and not the settings of the Device Manager. Automatically adds entries to the list. The number of entries will automatically calculated according to the number of DMX universes configured in your Patch. The name of your Windows account will automatically be used for the column "Author". The name of the record file will automatically be used for the column "Scene Name". The name of the record file and an additional number will automatically be used for the column "File Name". Adds a list entry. Do not forget to adjust the entry "DMX 1" and "DMX 2" as well as "Author", "Scene Name", "File Name" for each list entry. Removes an entry from the list. Select an entry in the list first. You can also use the "Delete" key on your keyboard. Duplicates list entries. Select one or several entries in the list first. The File Name will automatically be adjusted.
You may edit the each entry. "Author", "Scene Name", "File Name" can be changed. They define how the new DMX Data File will be named after the conversion. Select an entry. Double-click on the particular column and enter the values or characters using the keyboard. Use "Enter" to apply your changes. Please make sure that your "File Name" has the ending "*.dxd". "DMX 1" defines which DMX universe of your virtual matrix (Patch) will be used for the first output port of your PLEXUS. Select an entry. Perform a double-click and simply enter the number of the universe. Use "Enter" to apply the changes. Select "No" if the output port should be deactivated. "DMX 2" defines which DMX universe of your virtual matrix (Patch) will be used for the second output port of your PLEXUS. Select an entry. Perform a double-click and simply enter the number of the universe. Use "Enter" to apply the changes. Select "No" if the output port should be deactivated. "Use Master Values" can be activated if you have used the Master Fader during recording. Then, your converted record will include the brightness levels set by the Master Fader during the recording. Leave the option unchanged if your did not use the Master Fader during recording. Please note: If your are using more than 2 DMX universes and more than 1 MADRIX PLEXUS at the same time, please make sure to have a list entry for each PLEXUS (You will need 1 list entry for each PLEXUS of your installation).
Example: We have created a Patch for 6 DMX universes and we are using 3 MADRIX PLEXUS. PLEXUS number 1 should play DMX universe 1 and 2, PLEXUS number 2 should play DMX universe 3 and 4, PLEXUS number 3 should play DMX universe 5 and 6. Then, we need to create 3 list entries or use the "Auto" button. (We will also have to generate 3 DMX Data Files (*.dxd) in the next step.)
Generating DMX Data Files (*.dxd) Please make sure that your virtual matrix (Patch) is configured correctly before generating DMX Data Files (*.dxd). 1. Select your MADRIX Record File (*.mrec) in the list. 2. Make sure to have configured your list entry or several list entries in the tab "PLEXUS Conversion". 3. Press the button "Generate" to convert the MADRIX Record File (*.mrec) into one or multiple DMX Data Files (*.dxd). 4. The newly create DMX Data Files (*.dxd) will be added to the list above.
Please note:
Warnings: When generating *.dxd files, you may encounter two messages. 1) As described above, you need to configure your virtual matrix (Patch Size) correctly, before generating DMX Data Files. This message box is a reminder to check if your Patch settings are configured correctly. Press "Yes" if you would like to proceed with your current settings. Press "No" if you would like to change your settings. 2) As described above, the maximum recommended frame rate for the MADRIX PLEXUS is 40 FPS (a frame time of 25ms). This message box is a reminder to check if your frame rate settings are configured correctly. Press "Yes" if you would like to continue with your current settings. Press "No" if you would like to change your settings.
Step 6) Creating PLEXUS Configurations (Show Files) Overview To call up the PLEXUS Configuration dialog, please go to the menu "Tools" -> "PLEXUS Configuration " (or "Ctrl+Alt+P").
It is highly recommended to maximize the size of the PLEXUS Configuration dialog.
The upper section of the PLEXUS Configuration dialog is called "Devices". It can be used to manage your PLEXUS devices (see below). The lower section of the PLEXUS Configuration dialog has two parts. The left part is used to manage your PLEXUS Configurations (create a new Configuration, import/export a Configuration, etc). The right part is used to edit each PLEXUS Configuration individually (add Scenes, add Timers etc). Basically, when you create and configure a MADRIX PLEXUS Configuration, you create a Show for the PLEXUS Stand-Alone Mode.
How To Create And Manage PLEXUS Configurations In order to manage your PLEXUS Configurations, please use the lower left part of the PLEXUS Configuration dialog. Please note: A MADRIX PLEXUS Configuration is not one single file. A Configuration is a folder containing several files. Creates a new PLEXUS Configuration. Enter a name for the new PLEXUS Configuration in the second step. Removes an existing PLEXUS Configuration. Select the particular PLEXUS Configuration first. Duplicates an existing PLEXUS Configuration. Select one PLEXUS Configuration first. Enter a new name for the copy in the second step. Imports a PLEXUS Configuration. Press the button and select the directory or the source on which the Configuration can be found. Importing a PLEXUS Configuration is useful when receiving Configurations from someone else. Exports a PLEXUS Configuration. Select the particular PLEXUS Configuration first. In the second step, please select the directory or the source on which the PLEXUS Configuration should be saved. Exporting a Configuration is useful for exchanging PLEXUS Configurations with each other (on USB sticks, for example) and for uploading a Stand-Alone Show directly onto an SD card. Shows the content of a PLEXUS Configuration (View Directory). Remember that a MADRIX PLEXUS Configuration is not one, single file, but a folder containing several files. You will hence view the whole directory that includes all files of the PLEXUS Configuration. Uploads a PLEXUS Configuration onto an SD card that is inserted into a MADRIX PLEXUS. Learn more below. Please configure the column "AutoPlay" for each of your PLEXUS Configurations. This setting specifies what to do when a new Stand-Alone Show is uploaded to a MADRIX PLEXUS or when a newly recorded SD card is inserted into a MADRIX PLEXUS. Select "No" and nothing will be played automatically. Select "Last" and the PLEXUS will continue where it last stopped. Or you can select a specific Scene after you have created Scenes (Number "1", "2", "3", etc). Perform a double-click to change the entry. You may also change the name of your PLEXUS Configurations after you have created them. Simply perform a double-click on the column "Name" and enter the new description via the keyboard. Press "Enter" to apply the changes.
"Power-Up Delay" specifies a timeout in seconds for PLEXUS devices at startup for improved network behavior. Playback is delayed to ensure that all Slave devices are ready in the network after startup.
How To Edit PLEXUS Configurations In order to edit your PLEXUS Configurations individually, use the lower right part of the PLEXUS Configuration dialog. First, create a new PLEXUS Configuration as described above.
MADRIX can automatically control if your editing is logical and consistent within one PLEXUS Configuration. Enable this function in order to receive warnings if your editing may be false. Disable this function to hide such messages. You will automatically receive small warning symbols if your editing is inconsistent and illogical. MADRIX then indicates that you have created conflicts. You will receive these warnings even if you disable "Perform Consistency Checks". Click on a warning to display the message behind it.
Swaps places of list entries. Quickly change the order of Scenes and Timers using the up or down button. Select an entry in the list, press up or down and the entry will move one place up or down. The neighboring entry will automatically move one place down or up, respectively.
Scenes are based on a DMX Data Files (*.dxd). Scenes are smaller parts of a whole show. All Scenes together create your Stand-Alone Show. First, please select one PLEXUS Configuration you wish to edit. Creates a new Scene. When creating a new Scene, a new window will open and you will be asked to select a DMX Data File (*.dxd). Select a file from the list of Data Files. Or you can simply "Import" a *.dxd file from your hard disk. If the list is empty, please import a file. Removes a Scene. Select the particular Scene first. Duplicates a Scene. Select the particular Scene first. Enter a new name for the copied Scene in the second step.
In addition, please edit the following columns according to your requirements.
Timers: The tab "Timers" allows you to add specific events to your Stand-Alone Show. First, please select one PLEXUS Configuration you wish to edit. Creates a new Timer. Removes a Timer. Select the particular Timer first. Duplicates a Timer. Select the particular list entry first.
A maximum of 1000 Timers can be configured per PLEXUS Configuration to ensure performance. In addition, please edit the following columns according to your requirements.
Extension Ports: The tab "Extension Ports" allows you to configure the individual pins of the extension port. First, please select one PLEXUS Configuration you wish to edit. Resets all settings of the currently selected Ports to their default value. This will discard any changes you have made.
Please edit the following columns according to your requirements.
The tab "Data Files" shows all DMX Data Files (*.dxd) that are used in the selected PLEXUS Configuration. It represents a database of your DMX Data Files within one PLEXUS Configuration. (Remember that you need DMX Data Files (*.dxd) in order to create Scenes.) First, please select one PLEXUS Configuration you wish to edit. Adds a new DMX Data File (*.dxd). Removes an existing DMX Data File from the PLEXUS Configuration.
Step 7) Uploading A Stand-Alone Show Onto The SD Card (Press "Scan" to find your connected PLEXUS. Learn more on how to manage your PLEXUS devices below.) You can either A) directly save your Stand-Alone Show on an SD card Please make sure to use an empty, formatted SD card! First, select your Configuration. Second, press "Export". In the third step, choose your target source. Or B) you can save your Stand-Alone Show on the SD card that is inserted into your MADRIX PLEXUS. Your PLEXUS must be connected via USB or via Ethernet (network). First, select your MADRIX PLEXUS. Second, select your PLEXUS Configuration. Third, press "Upload" and the PLEXUS Show will be saved on the SD card of your device.
Step 8) Activating Stand-Alone Mode Last but not least, you will have to activate Stand-Alone Mode on your MADRIX PLEXUS. A) Activate Stand-Alone Mode manually on the device using the menu (LCD graphics display) and the 5 control buttons (menu Playback). B) "Call" your device and activate Stand-Alone Mode remotely (menu Playback). Learn more below. C) Use the "AutoPlay" option to automatically start playing a Scene.
Managing Your MADRIX PLEXUS Devices To call up the PLEXUS Configuration dialog, please go to the menu "Tools" -> "PLEXUS Configuration " (or "Ctrl+Alt+P"). It is highly recommended to maximize the size of the PLEXUS Configuration dialog. The lower section of the PLEXUS Configuration dialog consists of two parts for the Stand-Alone Mode. The upper section of the PLEXUS Configuration dialog is labeled "Devices". The upper section can be used to manage your PLEXUS devices further. Scans the USB ports of your computer and the network (Ethernet) for connected PLEXUS devices. If devices are found, they will be shown in the list. Re-scans already connected devices and brings the information in the list up to date. Enables remote access to your device. The PLEXUS needs to be connected via Ethernet (network connection required). First, connect your computer and the PLEXUS to one and the same network. Second, select your PLEXUS in the list. Third, press "Call". A web browser opens automatically. Downloads a saved PLEXUS Configuration directly from a connected PLEXUS to your harddisk. You can use this feature to create backups, for example.
Imports the MADRIX PLEXUS Device Settings from an external file (*.mpds). Use this option to easily restore all device settings from a file (as described in the table below). Exports the MADRIX PLEXUS Device Settings to an external file (*.mpds). Use this option to easily store all device settings in a file (as described in the table below). Synchronizes the internal clock of the PLEXUS with the clock of your computer. The computer clock will define the time that is used. First, select your PLEXUS devices in the list. Then, press "Sync Time". Updates the firmware of your MADRIX PLEXUS (USB connection required). Please read the MADRIX PLEXUS User Manual for more information!
In addition, please edit the following columns according to your requirements. For more information about each PLEXUS menu, please see the MADRIX PLEXUS User Manual.
(Perform a double-click to change their values. Press "Enter" to apply your changes. Press "Escape" to cancel.)
More Information A complete guide about the PLEXUS interface can be found in the MADRIX PLEXUS Quick Start Guide and in the MADRIX PLEXUS User Manual.
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