Used GrandMA Consoles and Nodes: What to Check on MA2 and MA3

GrandMA is a professional lighting control platform by MA Lighting. GrandMA2 (MA2) is the established generation still widely used, while GrandMA3 (MA3) is the current platform. Nodes and processing units extend a console’s output across a network.

GrandMA is a standard in professional lighting control, and used consoles and nodes are in steady demand for theatres, productions and studios. The main question buyers face is MA2 versus MA3, followed by what to actually check on second-hand hardware. Here is how to approach both.

MA2 versus MA3

GrandMA2 is the established generation, mature and still used on countless productions, with a deep pool of programmers who know it inside out. GrandMA3 is the current platform, with new hardware and a different software architecture, though it can run in a MA2 mode. If your crew and your show files live in the MA2 world, a used MA2 console is a sensible, cost-effective buy. If you are investing for the long term, MA3 is where the platform is heading.

Check the console hardware

On a used console, test the faders, encoders, buttons and touchscreens. These are the parts that wear with heavy programming. Confirm the screens are bright and responsive, and that no faders are scratchy or dead. Check the outputs and network ports, and confirm the software version and licensing.

Nodes and processing units

Nodes and NPUs extend a console’s parameter count and distribute DMX across a network. If you are buying these, confirm they power up, appear correctly on the network and pass data on every port. They are workhorses with few moving parts, but a dead port is still a dead port.

Buy the system, not just the surface

A console is part of a network. Make sure you are getting the pieces you actually need to run your rig, consoles, nodes, and the right connectivity, rather than a surface with gaps you discover later.

Why buy from CUESale

We test consoles and nodes before they ship, check the surfaces and the ports, and photograph the actual units. Real condition upfront, in stock, priced excluding VAT. We have carried GrandMA2 consoles, nodes and NPUs from stock before, and we tell you exactly what shape they are in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy a used GrandMA2 or GrandMA3?

If your crew and show files are in the MA2 world, a used MA2 console is cost-effective and well supported. If you are investing for the long term, MA3 is the current platform where development is heading.

What should I check on a used GrandMA console?

Test the faders, encoders, buttons and touchscreens, since these wear with heavy programming. Confirm the screens are responsive, the ports work, and the software version and licensing are correct.

What do GrandMA nodes and NPUs do?

They extend a console’s parameter count and distribute DMX across a network. When buying used, confirm they power up, appear on the network and pass data on every port.

Does CUESale test GrandMA gear before selling?

Yes. We test consoles and nodes, check the surfaces and ports, and photograph the actual units so the condition is clear before you buy.