Martin P3 System Controllers FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
Brand:
- Martin
Models:
- P3-175
- P3-275
What are the Martin P3 System Controllers?
Martin P3 System Controllers are advanced video processing and pixel-mapping platforms designed for Martin LED fixtures, video panels, and both P3-enabled and non-P3-enabled moving lights.
How do the Martin P3 System Controllers work?
Rather than controlling fixtures as individual DMX devices, the P3 system allows users to manage all compatible fixtures as a single visual canvas, enabling seamless video mapping, effects creation, and synchronized lighting control.
What components are needed for a P3 system?
• Media Server (optional)
• Lighting controller (optional)
• Martin P3 System Controller
• Full HD (1920x1080) or better monitor (VGA, DVI, HDMI or DP) with DisplayPort adaptor
• USB keyboard and mouse
• Martin P3 PowerPort
• Gigabit Ethernet switch
• Martin P3 compatible fixture
What are the differences between the Martin P3-175 and P3-275 System Controllers, and how do I determine which model is best suited for my application?
The primary differences between the two controllers include:
• Supported video resolution
• HDMI capabilities
• Pixel processing capacity
• Fixture capacity
• Active capture area
• Number of P3 data ports
Recommended Applications:
P3-175: Ideal for small to medium-sized installations and productions.
P3-275: Designed for large-scale touring productions, arenas, and stadium applications.
What type of power supply is used for the system controller?
Auto-ranging electronic switch-mode power supply.
AC Power: 100-240 V AC nominal, 50/60 Hz.
What resolutions and frame rates are supported, and what is the maximum processing capacity?
P3-175 System Controller:
• Resolution: Full HD (1920 × 1080)
• Pixel Processing Capacity: 520,000 pixels
• Maximum Frame Rate: 75 FPS
P3-275 System Controller:
• Resolution: Up to 4K (4096 × 2160)
• Video Inputs: HDMI and NDI
• Pixel Processing Capacity: 1,040,000 pixels
• Maximum Frame Rate: 75 FPS
What is the maximum number of DMX universes supported?
P3-175 System Controller: Up to 256 Art-Net / sACN universes
P3-275 System Controller: Up to 1,024 Art-Net / sACN universes
Can P3 controllers be used together within the same production?
Yes, multiple P3 controllers can be integrated and operated within the same production environment.
Are the P3 controllers rack-mountable?
Yes, they are rack-mountable.
• P3-175 occupies 1U of rack space.
• P3-275 occupies 2U of rack space.
Which Martin fixtures are compatible with Martin P3 controllers?
• Martin Moving lights
• Martin Creative LED fixtures
• Martin Exterior and architectural fixtures
• Martin LED video panels
Which PowerPort devices are compatible with the Martin P3-175 and P3-275 System Controllers?
• P3 PowerPort 2000
• P3 PowerPort 500 IP Rental
• P3 PowerPort 500 IP Install
• DCE PSU 240 IP
• Legacy P3 Powerports
Do the controllers support third-party visualization software?
Yes, through MVR import/export, mapping mask export and real-time visualization via the Martin P3 Visualizer Protocol.
What types of CAD data can be imported into the P3 system?
• .DWG
• .3DS
What cable types are required or recommended for the P3 controllers, and what is the maximum supported cable distance?
• Shielded Cat5e Ethernet cable or higher
• Up to 100 m (328 ft) between devices
• Distances can be extended using Ethernet switches
• Power cable
• HDMI cable
• DisplayPort cable
Which networking protocols and configurations are supported?
• Martin P3 Protocol
• sACN (E1.31)
• Art-Net
• Kinesys K2 input
Can fixtures be remotely addressed and configured?
Yes, P3 System Controllers can remotely configure and assign P3-compatible fixtures, but only for networked P3 video/pixel fixtures.
They do not provide full remote addressing or full parameter configuration for all lighting fixtures, which still requires a lighting console or RDM for non-P3 devices.
Do the controllers support DHCP?
No, P3 controllers require manual IP addressing and do not support DHCP.
Which video input formats are supported?
• HDMI
• NDI
Which file formats are supported?
• .MVR
• .GDTF
• .P3S
• .P3SH
Are fixture parameters adjustable through the Martin P3 control system?
Martin P3 System Controllers will allow you to adjust certain fixture-related parameters, but it depends on the fixture type and how it is configured in the P3 system.
For P3-compatible Martin fixtures, you can control or influence:
• Intensity (dimming)
• Color Correction (RGB / pixel values depending on fixture type)
• Color temperature (on supported fixtures)
• Gamma and image response (via P3 processing)
• Global image adjustments (brightness, contrast, saturation, hue)
• Fixture mapping and pixel layout behavior
Can I preview content without fixtures connected?
Yes. The P3 system allows users to preview input content without requiring any physical fixtures to be connected.
Can P3 controllers operate standalone without a lighting console?
Yes, P3 controllers can operate as standalone systems without a lighting console.
Can presets be triggered from a lighting console?
Presets and cues can also be triggered from a compatible lighting console when integrated into the control system.
Can show files be exported and transferred between different P3 system controllers and P3-PC?
Yes. Show files can be exported and transferred seamlessly between Martin P3 System Controllers and the P3-PC System Controller software.
Where can I download and update firmware for my controller?
Firmware Update File is available in the Martin website.
P3-175/275 Software File
Is there a Recovery Wizard?
Yes. Download and install the P3-175/275 Recovery Tool, you can download the tool on the following link:
What warranty coverage is provided for the product?
Martin P3 System Controllers are backed by a 2-year limited warranty.
Are spare parts available for the controllers?
Please reach out to our HPRO Parts Department for spare parts availability and pricing.
Phone: 844-776-4899 Option 1
Email: HPROPartsUSA@harman.com
Additional Information:
P3-175 - Spec Sheet P3-275 - Spec Sheet
P3 Visualizer Protocol Specification P3-175/275 System Controller - Quick Guide
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