Introduction

Madrix is a powerful lighting control software used for creating dynamic and professional light shows with LED installations. By pairing Pixel LED Animator with Madrix, you can craft visually stunning pixel LED effects and display them with precise control and synchronization. This tutorial will guide you through integrating Pixel LED Animator with Madrix to enhance your LED performances.

Step 1: Set Up Madrix Software

  1. Begin by downloading and installing Madrix from the official Madrix website. Madrix supports various protocols like DMX, Art-Net, and SPI for controlling LED systems.
  2. Launch Madrix and configure the Output settings to match your LED hardware. Ensure that the correct protocol (e.g., DMX, Art-Net) is selected based on your setup.
  3. Verify that Madrix is communicating correctly with your LED panels by performing a test run. You should see the panels respond to commands from Madrix.

Step 2: Create Animations in Pixel LED Animator

  1. Open Pixel LED Animator, a tool designed for generating pixel-based LED animations, including text effects, images, and dynamic patterns.
  2. Design your custom pixel animations by adjusting colors, transitions, and timing to match your desired effects. Pixel LED Animator allows you to create detailed effects suitable for large installations.
  3. Once your animation is complete, export it as an AVI video file. This is a compatible format for importing into Madrix, enabling you to display the animation on your LED setup.

Step 3: Import AVI Files into Madrix

  1. Open Madrix and navigate to the Media tab.
  2. Click on Import Media and browse for the AVI file exported from Pixel LED Animator.
  3. Once imported, the animation will appear in the Media section, ready to be applied to your LED output.

Step 4: Configure Playback Settings

  1. After importing your animation, drag and drop it onto the Timeline within Madrix. Madrix allows fine-tuning of playback settings such as speed, looping, and brightness.
  2. Use Madrix’s built-in controls to adjust the playback to match your show’s requirements. You can also adjust the video’s timing to ensure synchronization with other elements of your performance.
  3. Test the playback on your LED panels to ensure the animation runs smoothly and in sync with your other light elements.

Step 5: Synchronize and Test

Before going live, perform a thorough test to ensure synchronization:

  • Ensure that the timing between the animation and the LED panels is precise.
  • Check that the frame rate and resolution of the AVI file are optimized for your LED display.
  • Use the Preview function in Madrix to check for any discrepancies and make adjustments as needed.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  1. Playback Issues: If the AVI file does not play, ensure that you have the required codecs installed. Madrix supports popular video formats, but additional codecs like ffdshow may be needed.
  2. Synchronization Problems: Verify that your LED panels are properly connected and that Madrix is configured to output the correct signal for the type of LEDs you’re using, whether via DMX, Art-Net, or SPI.

Tips

  • Optimize Video Quality: Before exporting from Pixel LED Animator, adjust the video’s resolution to match your LED display’s specifications to avoid visual distortion.
  • Test Before the Event: Always preview the animations in advance to ensure they are working as intended. This is essential to avoid surprises during the live performance.

Conclusion

Integrating Pixel LED Animator with Madrix enables you to create stunning, synchronized LED displays. By following these steps, you can harness the full potential of both tools to design and control high-quality animations for any event. With the ability to easily import and fine-tune video files, you can elevate your LED installations to professional levels.

For more information on Madrix, visit the Madrix official website.