What were the initial goals of the MAC One when it came to designing the fixture?
“Our goal was to create an extremely compact and lightweight fixture that fits truly everywhere. and gives designers freedom to have a moving head in places typically not possible. We also wanted to create a fixture that can easily be used in large quantities, thanks to its weight, size and price-point. Development of the accessories (fourbar system and grid mount system) was also aimed at facilitating easy deployment in large quantities. it was crucial to have a fixture with an impressive narrow beam and usable wash output. There is no point in creating a compact light if it doesn’t deliver the output.”
What features of the MAC One do you think are going to really appeal to Lighting Designers?
“The size, weight and price-point should enable LDs to use more fixtures than before. The rigging accessories will enable large and easy to deploy rigs, even on productions where there is no budget for custom fabrication. The looks of the Fresnel lens will definitely excite LDs as well as the RedGreenBlueLime source creating a beautiful rendering of costumes, faces and décor and the extremely snappy pan, tilt and zoom movements will appeal to LDs.”
What are some of the design elements that set it up to be a robust fixture for the rental market?
“The MAC One was designed as a versatile fixture offering wash, beam and eye-candy features: this should enable the fixture to be robust and not a one-trick-pony. Despite being compact and lightweight, the MAC One still went through the same rigorous testing and validation process as all of our Martin products which guarantees years of reliable life on the road. In terms of transport, the rental market was a key element with many fixtures being able to fit in a flightcase. Fixtures can then remain assembled on fourbar in flight cases.”
What are some of the ways you’ve been able to save weight on the fixture?
“Being lightweight seems to be one of the major selling points of the MAC One. For the yoke-chassis a composite material was used, which saved a lot of weight versus the traditionally used metal structure. The front lens is also a Fresnel lens, made out of plastic, which helps massively with fixture weight and the base is made out of a single cast aluminium shell. This removes the need for multiple heavy parts to be assembled and provides passive cooling.”
Where do you see the MAC One sitting in the wider family of Martin fixtures?
“The MAC One is definitely the smallest Martin moving head, so within the portfolio it sits at the bottom. It almost takes the place of the legacy MAC 101, but in a much more modern fashion with many more features.”
What responses did you get from those who got to see the fixture at LDI?
“The response was overwhelmingly positive, designers really love to see a fixture with a Fresnel lens again. We were not sure if our ideas with the Fourbar and Grid Mount System would resonate with the market, but both rental houses and LDs told us they absolutely love these accessories and will make them part of their fleet and designs. We were also honoured to receive the LDI Best Debuting Product Lighting award and based on the feedback we received at LDI alone, the MAC One is definitely off to a good start.”
