LOS ANGELES --Elation Professional has come up with a brighter idea in stage dimmers. The company’s new MDP-1219 is a modular 12-channel digital dimmer pack for theaters and large auditoriums, which incorporates a 32-bit high-speed microcomputer with a time processing unit and big LCD display.
The MDP-1219’s microcomputer, timer and LCD work together to bring valuable information to the user, as he/she operates the dimmer console. For example, the LCD provides readouts on input and output signals, phase voltage, channel setting, memory and more.
Having this information readily available makes it easy for the lighting operator to set the stage and get exactly the type of effects they wish to achieve. In fact, with the “smart” MDP-1219 dimmer, running a stage lighting presentation is almost a no-brainer!
“The MDP-1219 brings new level of user control to stage dimmers,” said Ron Ramirez, national sales manager for Elation Professional. “It’s the first unit of its kind to feature a microcomputer and LCD. This puts a wealth of information right at the operator’s fingertips.”
Ideal for theaters, schools, churches or any establishment that requires a large multi-channel dimming console, the DMX-compatible MDP-1219 is also great for touring shows. In addition to its microcomputer and LCD, the 12-channel dimmer offers many cutting-edge features that make it easy for users to program and control a large, elaborate professional lighting presentation.
Each of the MDP-1219’s 12 channels can be individually programmed, and there is separate DMX addressing for each channel. Chase scenes can be programmed into the MDP-1219, including chase speed, fade time and the number of steps (1-12). The unit’s 12 internal memories can be instantly recalled and activated to fade in, fade out or chase as required.
In addition to being controllable via any standard DMX-512 controller, the MDP-1219 can call up a chase or memory on its own via manual operation. The unit features a handy DMX Off/DMX Failure button, which will instantly start a chase or activate a memory.
“The DMX Off/DMX Failure Button is a really great feature to have in the event of a controller breakdown. It gives the operator a ‘fail-safe’ to continue calling up programs and chases,” explained Ramirez.
To ensure that the “show goes on,” the MDP-1219 has been equipped with fail-safe features to protect against other contingencies as well. Among these features are: power failure memory; short circuit protection for each channel with the use of 10A circuit breaker; and power surge and over-temperature alarm with switch off.
Capable of accepting DMX and MIDI input, the versatile MDP-1219 dimmer will also work with analog input without any adjustment. For very large lighting presentations, communication can be established between several MDP-1219 dimmers for operation in Master/Slave mode.
The MDP-1219 dimmer is no dim-wit when it comes to economy and value, either. Priced at $2399.95 suggested retail, it is less expensive than many other stage dimmers with far fewer features.
The MDP-1219 dimmer pack weighs 60 lbs. and measures 18” x 19” x 7”.