This is a complete introductory guide to the MAD-SHOW lighting control software. Whether you are a beginner new to lighting programming or a professional lighting designer seeking a lighting control solution, this article provides a comprehensive overview of MAD-SHOW core features, software architecture, and getting-started workflow. This guide is demonstrated based on version v3.0.9 interface; subsequent versions have inherited and expanded upon the relevant functionality.
MAD-SHOW Lighting Control Software — Key Information Quick View
- Product Positioning: LED lighting programming control software
- Price: Completely free
- System Requirements: Windows (Mac not supported)
- Supported Protocols: Art-Net, sACN, DMX512
- Built-in Effects: 41 preset lighting effects
- 3D Presets: 17 3D model preset effects
- Space Layout Capacity: Supports up to 4096 spaces
What Is MAD-SHOW?
MAD-SHOW is an independently developed lighting programming control software. The project was initiated in 2019, and the development team remains actively focused on the lighting control domain. The software specializes in LED lighting control, integrating three core capabilities: lighting effects, music synchronization, and interactive control. MAD-SHOW is completely free to download and use.
Core Capabilities Overview
| Dimension | Description |
|---|---|
| Lighting Programming | Professional-grade pixel mapping with DMX512 and Art-Net protocol control |
| 3D Effects | Built-in 3D effects module with one-click import of all major 3D model file formats |
| Interactive Control | Neuron Interaction plus depth camera, enabling sensor-driven lighting interaction |
| Music Synchronization | Real-time audio spectrum analysis with music rhythm-driven lighting changes |
| Price | Completely free; ready to use immediately after download |
| Design Philosophy | Intuitive interface engineered for ease of use, suitable for both professional and beginner users |
Application Scenarios
- Stage Performance: Concert, music festival, and theater lighting programming
- Nightscapes for Cultural Attractions: Architectural facade lighting, landscape light shows
- Commercial Spaces: Nightclub, bar, and shopping mall lighting atmospheres
- Exhibitions and Displays: Trade show and museum interactive lighting installations
- Professional Enthusiasts: Personal lighting studios, creative lighting projects
Software Installation and System Requirements
Operating Environment
- Operating System: Windows (Mac not supported)
- Recommended Configuration: Dedicated graphics card recommended for optimal 3D preview performance
- Network Configuration: LAN IP configuration required when using Art-Net or sACN protocols
Core Features Detailed
MAD-SHOW feature set is organized around four core modules: the effects system, layout and pixel mapping, workspace and scene management, and the preview viewport.
Effects System
MAD-SHOW includes multiple categories of built-in lighting effects:
- Basic Effects: 41 preset effects including color gradients, flashing, breathing, and chaser patterns
- Audio Effects: Real-time spectrum analysis with music rhythm-driven lighting changes
- Interactive Effects: Depth camera body motion recognition and sensor-triggered interaction
- 3D Effects: Import 3D models for stereoscopic imaging and 3D visualization effects
- Scene Effects: Preset scene configurations for rapid switching between looks
- Blended Effects: Different effect types can be layered and combined for creative outcomes
Each effect category features a dedicated control panel for adjusting parameters including color, speed, brightness, size, and position.
Layout and Pixel Mapping
Layout functionality is the core of lighting control software. MAD-SHOW supports the following layout methods:
- DXF Format Import: Import fixture layouts from CAD drawings with automatic fixture position recognition
- Manual Drawing: Add fixtures using built-in drawing tools within the layout interface
- Fixture Library Presets: Built-in multi-specification fixture library; supports custom fixture library creation
- Matrix Layout: Quick creation of LED matrix light layouts
- Space Management: Left-side panel displays per-space fixture information in real time, supporting up to 4096 spaces
For a complete walkthrough of the layout system, including drawing tools, DXF import, and fixture library management, see the MAD-SHOW Layout System Guide — Part 3.
Workspace and Scene List
- Workspace: Dedicated area for storing effects; each workspace can hold multiple effects simultaneously
- Layer Management: Supports copy, paste, cut, and delete operations on effects with adjustable layer ordering
- Scene List: Plays workspace effects according to configured sequence and timing
- Zone Control: Different output zones can play independent effects concurrently
Preview Viewport
- Real-time Preview: Lighting effects are visible in real time immediately upon being dragged into the workspace
- Brightness/Speed Adjustment: Left-side sliders control overall brightness and playback speed
- Pixel Spacing Adjustment: Right-side controls modify the visual distance between adjacent pixels
- Multi-angle Switching: Right-click to cycle through different camera views, including 3D perspective
The viewport is one of the 9 functional areas of the MAD-SHOW main interface — the interface guide covers each area in detail.
Quick Start: Experience MAD-SHOW in Three Steps
Getting started with MAD-SHOW requires three sequential steps: software installation and device connection, layout creation with fixture placement, and effect playback.
Step 1: Software Installation and Device Connection
Go to mad-show.com to download and install MAD-SHOW for free. Open the software to access the main interface. To connect hardware devices, click "Search" in the "Device Manager" to discover compatible devices on the local network.
Step 2: Create Layout and Add Fixtures
Enter the "Layout" interface and create a layout using drawing tools or by importing a DXF file. Select the corresponding fixture type from the fixture library and click to add it to the layout. Adjust fixture position, orientation, and quantity as needed.
Step 3: Add Effects and Play
Select a preset effect from the right-side effects panel and drag it into the workspace. The effect is immediately visible in the preview viewport. After adjusting parameters, use the scene list to sequence and arrange a complete light show.
Advanced Features Overview
MAD-SHOW includes several advanced capabilities developed through continuous software iteration since 2019, including 3D model import with comprehensive format support, Neuron Interaction via multiple sensor types, and sACN multicast mode for large-scale deployments.
- 3D Model Import: Supports all major 3D model file formats (*.3dc *.3ds *.ac *.bsp *.bvh *.dxf *.fbx *.lws *.md2 *.obj *.osg *.osgb *.osgt *.ply *.pov *.stl) with one-click import for lighting mapping. For the full workflow from import to effect layering, see the MAD-SHOW 3D Model Import Tutorial — Part 4.
- Neuron Interaction: Supports distance detection, heart rate detection, gesture sensing, and infrared triggering across multiple sensor types. See the Neuron Interaction Guide — Part 5 for hardware setup and sensor configuration.
- sACN Multicast Mode: Low-latency, high-stability data transmission for thousands of DMX channels in large-scale projects
- Z-axis Multi-selection: Enables direct Z-axis manipulation within 3D layouts
- Optimized Layout Operations: Space list allows direct deletion of selected fixtures; workspace effects display in real-time synchronization with the physical layout
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is MAD-SHOW suitable for professional lighting designers?
MAD-SHOW offers professional-grade pixel mapping capabilities, supports mainstream lighting control protocols including DMX512, Art-Net, and sACN, includes 41 preset effects and 17 3D model presets, and when paired with compatible hardware, can meet lighting control requirements ranging from small-to-medium projects to large-scale performances.
Q2: Which protocols does MAD-SHOW support?
MAD-SHOW supports DMX512, Art-Net, and sACN. The sACN multicast mode is specifically designed for large-scale projects, ensuring low-latency stable transmission for thousands of channels of data.
Q3: Can a complete beginner learn MAD-SHOW?
Yes. MAD-SHOW is designed around the principle of ease of use, with an intuitive and approachable interface. The software includes 41 preset effects and extensive fixture libraries, enabling users without a programming background to start creating lighting effects in a short time.
Q4: What types of fixtures can MAD-SHOW control?
MAD-SHOW controls a wide range of LED fixtures through DMX512, Art-Net, and sACN protocols, and is compatible with mainstream standard-protocol fixtures on the market. The software includes an extensive built-in fixture library that adapts to different fixture specifications and product types.
Q5: Can programmed effects be saved for future use?
Yes. MAD-SHOW supports full effect saving functionality. Edited effects can be saved as project files for later recall and reuse. Additionally, effects can be exported to compatible devices for offline standalone playback without a computer.
Conclusion
MAD-SHOW is a completely free lighting programming control software designed around the principle of ease of use, balancing professional-grade capabilities with beginner accessibility. Whether you are a lighting designer, system integrator, performance team manager, or nightlife and cultural attraction professional, MAD-SHOW provides an efficient and flexible lighting control solution.
Series Navigation
This article is Part 1 of the MAD-SHOW Complete Tutorial Series:
- Part 1: MAD-SHOW Lighting Control Software: A Comprehensive Guide (this article)
- Part 2: MAD-SHOW Interface Guide: 9 Functional Areas Explained — detailed breakdown of every main interface region
- Part 3: MAD-SHOW Layout System: Pixel Mapping and Fixture Positioning — complete layout workflow from drawing tools to DXF import
- Part 4: MAD-SHOW 3D Model Import: LED Matrix Visualization Tutorial — slicing-free 3D model import and effect layering
- Part 5: MAD-SHOW Neuron Interaction: Sensor-Driven Lighting Control — hardware setup, sensor configuration, and trigger logic
Related Videos:
· MAD-SHOW Software Introduction
· Feature Overview (Part 1)
· Feature Overview (Part 2)
· Feature Overview (Part 3)
· 4.0.1 Interface Overview
Official Website: https://www.mad-show.com/mad-show/
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