POWA Productions has expanded its inventory with 24 Martin MAC Ones and 24 Martin MAC Viper XIPs with a rider-driven purchase.
“We had our eye on getting some, and then when lighting designer Daniel ‘Gordo’ Gordon requested them for the Paul Kelly run of shows, we leapt at the opportunity!” remarked Jason Henderson, POWA’s Lighting Tech. “Our Managing Director, Geoff Knight, was keen to purchase some IP-rated spots, and the MAC Viper XIPs are on everyone’s riders these days.”
POWA has established a reputation for delivering comprehensive production services for numerous outdoor festivals and events throughout Australia. Sourcing equipment that effectively balances brightness, durability, and flexibility with the demands of unpredictable weather, extended operating periods, and the requirement for optimal visual impact remains a complex challenge.
A fixture must be powerful enough to cut through daylight, but also tough enough to withstand the elements.
Jason explained, “Rain, heat, humidity, and dust present ongoing challenges for us. Outdoor fixtures accumulate dirt rapidly, which in turn diminishes their brightness.”
Jason says the IP-rating on the MAC Viper XIP has been well and truly tested over the summer, with the fixtures holding up without a hitch.
Jason was very impressed by the colour output of the MAC Viper XIPs. He commented, “These lights generate a wide spectrum of vivid colours. I’m lighting The Cat Empire set, which takes place in the afternoon and requires fixtures that can withstand sunlight. The MAC Viper XIPs handle this impressively, especially with their deep reds – they look bold and attractive. In general, the colour quality is better than any other moving lights I’ve used before.”
Jason adds that, speed-wise, the Viper XIP’s colour-mixing system delivers incredibly fast colour changes that handle colour bumps and near-snaps well.
Twin rotating gobo wheels, each with seven rotating and indexing gobos, plus open, is another feature favoured by Jason.
“I love the gobo range, especially the break-up wheels, both wheels rotate too, so you can get a very dynamic look,” he said. “The 5.7° – 54° zoom range is impressive too.”
On the Paul Kelly headlined show, the MAC Viper XIPs are spread out across the stage, whilst the Martin MAC Ones are located at the rear of the stage so that Gordo can light his white cyc and point them downstage.
In the world of stage lighting, innovation and versatility are key, and MAC One certainly lives up to that. Not only does it offer eye-catching effects, but it also delivers great output and beam range, with a small footprint.
Jason commented that the MAC One is so lightweight that nearly anyone can lift it with ease.
“This also allows it to be installed in locations where a moving head couldn’t previously be used due to its weight, opening up numerous opportunities to place fixtures in new spots and at different angles in shows.
“They are fantastic little fixtures, and they’re super quick. Again, the colours are amazing, especially the pastel colours, and they contrast well with the MAC Viper XIP.”
Jason says the 4° – 27° zoom allows both a tight beam and soft-edged wash, thanks to MAC One’s innovative Fresnel lens design.
