What Sets MadMapper Apart from MADRIX?

Key Differences Between MadMapper and MADRIX

• MadMapper best serves projection mapping with 16K video capabilities, while MADRIX is an ideal tool for 2D or 3D LED light shows.
• MADRIX offers a voxel mapping feature, a capability absent in MadMapper.
• While both allow real-time controls, MadMapper offers a built-in material editor for generative images, while MADRIX presents an extensive effect generator.
• MADRIX has a broader range of industry standard protocol support, including DMX512, DVI, Art-Net.

If your focus is projection mapping with sophisticated visual effects and high-resolution needs, MadMapper is your best bet. However, if 2D or 3D LED shows with a rich variety of visuals and effects are your priority, MADRIX secures the win.

What Is MadMapper and Who’s It For?

Madmapper is a versatile application for projection mapping that’s capable of creating powerful visual effects. It’s well-suited for use in theaters, theme parks, festivals, and anywhere ‘wow’ is the expectation. Offering high-resolution video support up to 16K, real-time control, and compatibility with multiple projector types, MadMapper is a dream-tool for visual artists, VJs, and stage designers. It’s tailor-made for those who love to experiment with visuals on irregular and out-of-the-box surfaces.

Pros of MadMapper

• High-quality streaming with a fast video player
• Space scanner, 3D calibration, and real-time LED control
• Community shareability of generative images

Cons of MadMapper

• Can be complex for beginners
• Commercial licenses start at $399, may be priced higher for certain audiences

What Is MADRIX 5 LED Control Tool and Who’s It For?

MADRIX 5 LED control tool is a comprehensive solution for 2D or 3D pixel mapping. This award-winning software has been leading the LED controller field since 2005. Crafted in Germany, MADRIX creates ethereal LED light shows from your everyday computer or laptop. It is the go-to tool for lighting designers, VJs, installers, and everyone looking to blend creativity with LED technology for sublime visual experiences.

Pros of MADRIX 5 LED Control Tool

• Award-winning software that drives LED shows effectively
• Flexibility with output connections, supporting various protocols
• Impressive volume rendering for real 3D LED matrices

Cons of MADRIX 5 LED Control Tool

• May require time to master the advanced functionalities
• Necessitates the MADRIX KEY USB dongle for activation

MadMapper vs MADRIX: Pricing

MadMapper offers a commercial license starting at $399 with discounts for students and owners of Modul8 license, while MADRIX’s pricing is based on the number of DMX universes you need to control, as specified through the purchased license.

MadMapper

Frequently used in various events and shows, the licensing for MadMapper begins at a base price of $399. This is the cost for a commercial license, which offers the user total access to the full range of features and control settings the software presents. However, concessions are given for students or proud owners of a Modul8 license, offering them discounts on the commercial license. An additional hardware companion, MiniMad, for video and light mapping requires a Madmapper license and costs an extra $180.

MADRIX

The MADRIX 5 software, an award-winning LED control tool, sets its pricing based on the user’s output requirements. Here, licensing is decided by the number of DMX universes one needs to control. Each license is activated via the MADRIX KEY USB dongle, that accompanies the software. Limitlessly upgradeable, this software allows users to expand their control outputs as needed, providing additional flexibility in their lighting designs. Despite lacking a definitive pricing guide, the Amazon listing for a two DMX universes license provides a general idea of the product’s cost.

Code Examples for MadMapper & MADRIX

MadMapper

This code snippet illustrates a nuanced technique to control multiple miniMADs from the same interface, using Python and OSC, simplifying the simultaneous control of multiple projections.

#MinimadControl.py
import argparse
import osc4py3
from osc4py3.as_eventloop import *

# Start OSC system.
osc_startup()

# Make client channels to send packets.
osc_udp_client("127.0.0.1", 8000, "minimads")

command = {"/pause": 0, "/play": 1, "/blackout": 2}
trigger = command[argument.trigger]

def send_trigger(miniad):
    """Send selected command to specific miniMad"""
    osc_send_message_to(miniad, trigger, "minimads")

parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Control miniMADs via OSC.')
parser.add_argument('trigger', help='AV command to send: /pause, /play, /blackout')
args = parser.parse_args()

# Request trigger on each miniMad.
for i in range(0, 4):
    minimads = "/minimad" + str(i)
    send_trigger(minimads)

# Check for system timeout.
osc_run()

MADRIX

This example demonstrates a unique way of controlling MADRIX LED lighting via DMX/Art-Net using an Arduino, providing room for more play with lighting effects.

#include <ethernet.h>
#include <ethernetudp.h>
#include <artnet.h>

byte mac[] = {0xDE, 0xAD, 0xBE, 0xEF, 0xFE, 0xED};
byte ip[] = {192, 168, 1, 100};

EthernetUDP Udp;
ArtNet artnet;

void setup() {
  Ethernet.begin(mac, ip);
  artnet.begin(mac, ip);
  Udp.begin(6454);
}

void loop() {
  if (Udp.parsePacket() > 0) {
    artnet.read(Udp);
    int ledstripvalues = artnet.getUniversesReceived(0);
    int dim0 = (ledstripvalues >> 8) & 0x00FF;

    for(int i = 0; i < 16; i++){
      analogWrite(i, dim0);
    }
  }
}
</artnet.h></ethernetudp.h></ethernet.h>

MadMapper vs MADRIX: The Final Judgment

When it comes to choosing a projection mapping and LED control tool, two platforms reign supreme in the tech world – MadMapper and MADRIX. So, which one should you adopt?

Projection Mapping Mavericks

For those in the theater industry or game makers who rely heavily on projection mapping visuals, MadMapper is the tool to beat. Equipped with a high-resolution video support up to 16K, real-time control, and a cue system to trigger a show, MadMapper stands out for creating vibrant effects in diverse environments. Additionally, the support for unique shapes and irregular objects give it another edge.

LED Customization Buffs

If you fancy stunning LED shows and is all about the customization, MADRIX will be your undisputed pick. It features an advanced pixel mapping with 2D/3D capabilities, flexibility in LED design, and the ability to combine both 2D and 3D projects. Bringing colorful solutions to the table, MADRIX is a thrill for LED application developers and AR creators.

Merged Tech Connoisseurs

For those who appreciate a blend of both worlds, MADRIX is the tool you shouldn’t miss. It offers exceptional real-time audio analysis and video streaming capabilities, making it a versatile solution. But MadMapper steps up when it comes to integrating with real-time graphic applications via Spout, Syphon, NDI.

For the match of MadMapper vs MADRIX, MadMapper is a dream for projection enthusiasts, while MADRIX takes the crown with LEDs. If you crave a hybrid solution, MADRIX offers an edge.