MA Lighting is one of the main players at ISE. The company knows that the industry closely follows its innovations. That is why, when the Barcelona trade show opened its doors, the German manufacturer introduced a new tool designed to expand access to its professional lighting control ecosystem.
MA chose ISE 2026 to launch the grandMA3 onPC DMX-key, a compact device designed to simplify the workflow of designers, programmers and integrators by offering the full power of the grandMA3 platform in a portable and easy-to-deploy format.
The new solution was conceived for environments where flexibility, limited space and fast installation are key factors, while maintaining the performance and reliability that characterize the grandMA3 family.
Daniel Kannenberg, Brand Manager and Product Management at MA Lighting, presented the new device during the exhibition and explained how it works. “I would like to introduce the newest member of the MA family, a new product that we are launching here at ISE 2026 this year, which is the grandMA3 onPC DMX Key,” he said.
The device operates through a direct USB-C connection to a computer or laptop running the free grandMA3 onPC software. Through this connection, the system unlocks up to 4,096 control parameters, allowing users to operate professional lighting systems without the need for a dedicated console.
“It’s a very simple USB-C connection to your computer or laptop where the free grandMA3 onPC software is running, and through this you get 4,096 parameters,” Kannenberg explained.
The design of the unit aims to eliminate technical complexity and simplify system deployment. Thanks to its plug-and-play operation, it does not require network configuration or prior setup, allowing users to start working immediately.
On the rear panel, the device features two DMX outputs that provide direct access to control universes, while the remaining parameters can be managed through network protocols commonly used in the industry.
“On the back it has two DMX outputs to directly access DMX universes for control, and the remaining parameters can be handled via network protocols such as Art-Net, streaming ACN or MA-Net, for example, to control your fixtures,” he detailed.
This combination of local connectivity and network control significantly expands the range of possible applications, allowing the device to be used in both compact setups and larger-scale systems.
“So it’s a very versatile device for many different applications,” the executive added.
Among the environments where the grandMA3 onPC DMX-key can be deployed are clubs, small theaters, studios or cruise ships—spaces where the ability to implement a professional control system in a compact format represents an important advantage for technicians and operators.
“It can be used in small venues like clubs, cruise ships or small theaters,” Kannenberg noted.
At the same time, the device was also designed with system integrators and designers working on permanent installations in mind. The unit incorporates mounting rails on the back that allow it to be easily integrated into racks or technical infrastructures.
“But it also has mounting rails on the back so you can install it in a system or installation rack, which means it can easily be used in architectural projects or fixed installations where you need central intelligence for your MA system rack,” he explained.
In addition to the main model, MA Lighting also presented the grandMA3 onPC DMX-key starter, a version designed as an entry point into the brand’s control ecosystem. This compact device unlocks 1,024 parameters through two DMX outputs, allowing users to access the capabilities of the grandMA3 onPC software through an accessible and portable solution.
With these new launches, MA Lighting reinforced at ISE 2026 its strategy of bringing its technology to an increasingly broader spectrum of users. By reducing implementation complexity and offering compact tools that maintain the power of the grandMA3 system, the company continues to focus on solutions that simplify the workflow of designers, technicians and integrators within the world of professional lighting.
