Martin MAC Aura Raven XIP

Ahead of ISE, Martin decided not to deviate from the premiere race. We got another device classified as part of the Aura series, but are we sure?

The Martin MAC Aura Raven XIP is theoretically the younger sister of the Aura XIP, which generated an output of 6,000 lumens; the Raven, according to the manufacturer, generates 24,000 lumens. The aforementioned discrepancy immediately suggests the size of the device which may be at odds with the "Aura" we know.

Key features

• 37 main LEDs independently controllable and 234 effect LEDs.
• Dark 13.5″ lens, providing a much more discreet appearance and greater contrast for pixelated effects
• Very quiet and fast zoom from 6*-50*
• RGBL (red, green, blue, lime) LED engine
• XIP smart weatherproof technology for temporary outdoor use
• NFC interface, supporting configuration and diagnostics via Companion Mobile App
• Universal Connect module slot, supporting third-party wireless modules
• CRI ≥ 75 in default mode and ≥ 86 in "optimized" mode

Rear Panel

On the rear panel we have everything we need to work with the device, connectors, buttons, screen and USB port. Power is classically fed through the PowerCon connector, and we also find TrueCon on board.

To control the device, we have installed DMX (input and output) 5 Pin ports and 2 RJ45 (10/100 Mbit) ports. We will change the settings using the familiar rubber buttons and the usual LCD display.

Firmware update is done via a USB port or using the companion application with an Ethernet connection. All installed ports have rubber caps which makes the device more resistant to weather conditions.

Housing and physical data

The dimensions of the device in the position as you see above are:

• Base 528mm (if you invert the panorama by 90* you will get 429mm)

• Height 603mm (if the lens is turned "up" the height will be 588mm)

• Depth 241mm (if the lens is turned "up" the depth will be 285mm)

The device's housing is made of high-impact thermoplastic. All in black with XIP protection rating - that is Martin's IP54, but a little better.

The weight of the device is not "compact" because it is almost 30Kg! (28.8Kg).
Compared to its sister which weighs 8.95Kg the difference is considerable.

LED optics and motor

In Raven we get 37 main LEDs, each separately controlled. The power of a single diode is 40W. The luminaire also has effect LEDs of which there are as many as 234. Each of the tiny chips has 0.25W and together they form quite an interesting effect matrix.

The ZOOM range for the "pans" is 6.5* - 34.2*, while for the effect LEDs it is 9.7* - 50*. The total power of the main light source is 830W RGBL while the power of the effect LEDs is 70W RGB. What not to do after summing up the total we have an intake of 900W from light sources + computer then we come out with an intake beyond 1kW.

A little more about control and power supply

We will control the Raven using the available protocols:

• DMX
• RDM
• Art-Net
• RDM Over Art-Net
• sACN
• Martin P3

There are device modes on board:

• Compact
• Basic
• Extended
• Ludicrous
• Plaid & Compact Direct

Which translates into available channel versions: 22, 38, 149, 266, 851 & 22

Raven as it is a classic wash controlled in pan reaches a range of 540* and in tilt 250*. Parameters such as Pan, Tilt, Color, Dimmer, Zoom, Beam Shaper are controlled in 16 bits. To set the address, mode or other parameters we will use RDM, a phone app and connection via NFC or classically with buttons on the housing. The whole thing consumes 1120W and in hibernation mode only 6W.

Brief summary

Martin, as a respectable and professional company, provides a great deal of data about its devices. In this short news item I have only tossed up some of the most important features. The whole thing is available on the manufacturer's website LINK

Is Raven the successor to the already popular Aura XIP? The appearance, LED engine and physical features would tentatively suggest yes. However, the device certainly has nothing to do with the associated compactness of the "Aura" series, which is a key criterion for me. Therefore, I am rather inclined to think that it is a continuation of the Mac Quantum Wash.