For years the lighting world has wrestled with one transition: grandMA2 or grandMA3? The grandMA2 is the beloved, mature workhorse of the 2010s; the grandMA3 is MA Lighting’s powerful new platform \u2014 and the future. Here’s an honest head-to-head of what operators report.<\/p>\n
A synthesis of recurring opinions across English-speaking communities (r\/lightingdesign, ControlBooth, MA forums) and operators who run both. See also our grandMA3 review<\/a> and grandMA guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n The grandMA2 dominated big shows for a decade. Operators praise its stability, familiarity and huge installed base<\/strong> \u2014 it’s proven, predictable and known by a generation of programmers. The catch: the hardware is discontinued, so it’s a sunsetting (if still everywhere) platform.<\/p>\n The grandMA3 brings new hardware<\/strong> (more faders and encoders, better screens) and a more powerful software architecture<\/strong>. The well-known caveat: early grandMA3 software lagged grandMA2 on features and stability, so many operators ran it in “grandMA2 mode” for years. It has matured significantly and native MA3 is now the path forward.<\/p>\n grandMA3 hardware can run in grandMA2 mode, which let operators adopt the new desks while keeping the familiar workflow \u2014 a key reason the transition was gradual.<\/p>\n The early-days bugs and missing features that fuelled scepticism have largely been addressed; native grandMA3 is now solid and capable.<\/p>\n Despite being discontinued, grandMA2 remains widespread on the installed and rental base, so knowing it still has value.<\/p>\n The community consensus:<\/p>\n grandMA3 is the future and is now mature<\/strong> \u2014 learn it natively for career longevity. grandMA2 remains a reliable, ubiquitous workhorse<\/strong> on the existing base, so it’s far from dead. If you’re starting fresh, commit to MA3 native; the MA2-mode crutch is no longer necessary. See our pro DMX controller guide<\/a>.<\/p>\ngrandMA2: the mature workhorse<\/h2>\n
grandMA3: the powerful future<\/h2>\n
The transition, honestly<\/h2>\n
1. MA2 mode eased the switch<\/h3>\n
2. MA3 native has matured<\/h3>\n
3. MA2 is still everywhere<\/h3>\n
Which should you learn or buy?<\/h2>\n
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My honest take<\/h2>\n