Today, many high-end venues and superstar shows demand the highest quality from stage lighting. It's not just about illuminating the scene or creating different levels of brightness; it's about forming shapes and crafting dreamlike stage effects.
Kinetic lights achieve this by combining multiple units. Using hoists to raise and lower them, these lights create spectacular visuals by arranging themselves at varying heights.
A kinetic light system primarily consists of two parts: the hoist and the flown object.
1. The size of the hoist depends on the required lifting height. For instance, some stages are very tall, requiring hoist ropes of around 12 meters. For lower venues, ropes of 6 or even 3 meters might suffice. Generally, the longer the rope, the larger and heavier the hoist unit needs to be.
2. Additionally, the hoist size is determined by the weight of the flown object. Heavier objects like large LED rings require more powerful hoists, which in turn are larger and heavier.
3. The flown object itself can vary. The most common is the kinetic balls. These RGB balls can stay lit, strobe, or change colors.
4. Other flown objects include kinetic tubes, rings, soccer balls, water drops, etc. They can be luminous or feature mirror-finish surfaces for reflection. The possibilities are diverse.
So, how do you control multiple kinetic lights?
1. For a Few Devices: DMX Master/Slave Control (Entry-Level)
When you only need to control 3 to 10 kinetic lights for simple, synchronized movement, DMX Master/Slave mode is the most economical and straightforward choice.
How it Works:
- Set one sphere as the "Master," the others as "Slaves."
- The Master receives signals from a DMX controller.
- The Slave units automatically copy the Master's movements.
- All spheres rise and fall simultaneously, maintaining perfect sync.
Best For:
- Small Theaters
- Wedding Stages
- New Year's Eve Parties
- Bars & Clubs
Pros: Low cost, easy setup, no complex programming needed.
Cons: All lights move identically; they cannot create waves, patterns, or complex effects.
2. For Large Arrays: Professional Programming with Madrix
When your project involves dozens or even hundreds of kinetic spheres and requires intricate, choreographed performances, professional software control becomes essential.
This is why events like the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and major world tours use platforms like Madrix.
Madrix: Turning Mechanical Control into "Pixel Painting"
Imagine Madrix treating 100 kinetic spheres as 100 "pixels" on a computer screen—except these pixels move up and down in 3D space instead of just lighting up.
The Core Control Process (Four Steps):
Creative Design → Madrix Programming → Network Distribution → Sphere Execution
Step 1: Virtual Modeling (Building a "Digital Stage" on Your PC)
In Madrix software:
1. Create a virtual grid (e.g., 10x10 for 100 spheres) matching your physical layout.
2. Assign a unique control address to each grid point.
3. Preview the motion effects in real-time within the 3D view window.
Step 2: Effect Programming (As Easy as Making a PowerPoint)
This is Madrix's magic—you do **NOT** need to program each sphere individually!
Common Effect Examples:
- Wave Effect: Select the "Wave" effect, adjust direction → instantly generates a rolling wave.
- Text Display: Import an image like "LOVE" → automatically converts it into height variations.
- Music Sync: Link the wave speed to the music's BPM → the array pulses to the beat.
- Spiral Rise: Select the "Circle" effect → creates a stunning rotating ascent.
All these operations are done through an intuitive graphical interface—drag, drop, click—no coding required.
Step 3: Signal Distribution (One Network, Controls Everything)
Madrix outputs signals using standard stage protocols:
Madrix Software → Art-Net Network Signal → Individual Sphere Motor Drivers
Network Advantages:
- One Ethernet cable carries control data for all 100 devices.
- Real-time monitoring of each sphere's status.
- Supports primary/backup system switching for non-stop performances.
Step 4: Live Execution (One-Click Start, Perfect Synchronization)
During the show:
1. Timecode Sync: Sphere movements are perfectly aligned with music, video, and lighting.
2. Live Adjustments: Fine-tune motion range and speed based on the atmosphere.
3. Safety: Dual-layer protection with software control and hardware limit switches.
A Real-World Case: From Concept to Reality
Project Background: A product launch required 64 kinetic spheres in an 8x8 matrix for a 3-minute dynamic performance.
Our Implementation Workflow:
Week 1: Design & Simulation
- Client provided the creative concept: "Tech-inspired waves + Brand LOGO reveal."
- We created a virtual model in Madrix.
- Delivered a preview video for client approval.
Week 2: On-Site Installation & Calibration
- Installed the 64 kinetic sphere mechanical systems.
- Individually calibrated the zero position for each sphere (ensuring uniform starting height).
- Set up the network system, verifying each sphere's address was correct.
Day 3: Programming & Debugging (48 Hours Before Show)
- Imported the brand LOGO image, creating a "LOGO reveal" effect.
- Programmed wave sequences: left-to-right → center-outward → random ups and downs.
- Conducted timecode sync tests with the show's music.
- Established emergency procedures: auto-switch to a safe position if the program faults.
Show Day:
- Afternoon dress rehearsal with final speed adjustments.
- Evening performance, triggered automatically via timecode.
- Flawless, synchronized execution resulting in high client praise.
Conclusion: Technology Unleashes Creativity
Controlling hundreds of kinetic lights was once "black magic" known only to top-tier teams. Today, with professional software like Madrix, this technology has become visual, standardized, and replicable.
Whether you're creating a stunning focal point for a small venue or planning a large-scale national gala, choosing the right control solution is key to success.
We hope this article helps you better understand the magic behind kinetic light control. If you have a specific project to discuss, KDJ Light's technical team is ready to assist.