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PlugIn Pioneer – Smart Command for gMA3

What the Testers Say:

A cutting-edge plugin tailored for Professionals and advanced users is making waves with its intuitive design and robust performance. Praised for its user-friendly interface, the plugin excels in simplifying cue management, proving invaluable for swiftly adapting to last-minute set changes. Initial challenges in grasping its workflow were swiftly overcome by its straightforward operation once users became familiar. Highlights include its reliability and efficiency, seamlessly integrating into show preparation without performance hiccups. While users appreciate its affordable pricing under £20, they also anticipate further enhancements in cue selection options and clearer documentation. Overall, the plugin receives glowing reviews for significantly enhancing productivity and reliability in managing intricate cue sequences, marking it as an essential tool for modern stage management.


Our testing procedure for the plugin spanned over a three-week period, during which experienced programmers utilized and evaluated its functionality. The evaluation was conducted based on predefined, specific parameters, serving as guidelines to ensure a precise and objective analysis of the plugin’s performance. This assessment was considered independent, as it was conducted free from external influences or biases.


Summarized evaluation

The plugin received positive feedback for its user-friendly interface and efficient performance, particularly in quickly organizing songs and managing cues for live performances. Users appreciated its straightforward setup and efficient operation once familiar with its features. However, feedback highlighted areas for improvement, such as the need for more comprehensive examples and use cases in the user manual to clarify workflows and maximize utility.

A notable concern was with the “goto cue” command, which defaults to selecting the next sequence instead of allowing specific sequence and cue selection, potentially complicating cue management. Despite these issues, the plugin performs reliably without major flaws, supporting time-saving functionalities like the “exact match” cue option and efficient command execution.

Users expressed satisfaction with its overall functionality and effectiveness in enhancing productivity during timecoding and show preparation. Suggestions included improving cue selection options by number and adding more detailed cue information for mass assignment.

In conclusion, while the plugin offers significant benefits like ease of use and time savings, it could benefit from clearer documentation and refinements to specific commands to further improve user experience and functionality.


Installation Process and Instructions

The installation of the plugin generally went smoothly across all five tests. One user noted the need to rename the plugin due to spaces in the version numbering. Others reported a straightforward process, with one highlighting that everything worked as expected after following the instructions. Another mentioned the process aligned perfectly with the PDF manual. Overall, the installation was described as easy and problem-free by all testers.

User Manual

The plugin received generally positive feedback with some suggestions for improvement. Testers found the plugin user manual clear and easy to understand, but noted a lack of examples and use cases. One user mentioned that it took some time to figure out the workflow due to the slim example use-case, but recognized its benefits for editing long timecode sequences. Another tester suggested that the menu could include more use cases for better utility. One issue was highlighted regarding the “goto cue” command, which always selects the next sequence instead of asking which sequence and cue to use. Additionally, while the plugin provides a list of options with examples for those needing them, the “Resolve” option is missing from the user manual. Overall, the plugin is seen as useful, but could be improved with more comprehensive examples and clarification in the documentation.

User-Friendly Interface

The plugin received positive feedback for its basic yet functional interface. Users appreciated its simplicity and ease of use, noting that once familiar with the system, no additional explanatory text is necessary. The user interface was praised for being straightforward, with settings easy to locate. Several testers highlighted that the interface is fast and efficient once you understand its functionalities. However, a recurring issue was mentioned by multiple users: the “goto” command should prompt for the specific sequence and cue, as it currently defaults to selecting the next sequence. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the plugin is effective and user-friendly, with room for minor improvements in specific commands.

Functionality

The plugin demonstrates solid functionality, performing reliably as described with no significant criticisms regarding its operation. Users appreciate its efficiency in saving time when timecoding and quickly assembling shows. The plugin meets all necessary requirements and works perfectly, offering interesting features that enhance its utility. One user mentioned the benefit of the “exact match” option between cues, highlighting its cool functionality. However, there’s a desire for the ability to choose cues precisely by number rather than just by matching names, which some users found challenging to locate if it exists. Another suggestion was to implement additional cue information to mass assign other features, which would further enhance the plugin’s capabilities. Overall, users are satisfied with the plugin’s performance and functionality, finding it particularly useful when working with multiple executors, though minor improvements and clearer documentation could enhance user experience further.

Performance

In my testing, I found this plugin to be fast and efficient, working exactly as intended. There were no speed or performance issues. The plugin is reliable, meeting my expectations for speed and quality with no issues encountered. It’s a great plugin, and I look forward to using it for building cues. Please fix the functionality for “goto cue xx” and specify which sequence to use. The plugin is super reactive, creating multiple commands in just a few seconds. I experienced no crashes during 10 days of usage. Overall, it’s a highly effective and dependable tool.

Pro and Cons

This plugin is highly beneficial for quickly organizing songs, especially with last-minute set changes, saving users a lot of time. Priced under £20, it offers excellent value. Key advantages include a user-friendly interface, efficient and consistent performance, and time-saving features that reduce errors in cue management. Installation and use are straightforward, with clear and easy navigation. The “Resolve” option enhances its functionality.

However, the user manual could benefit from more examples and use cases. Limitations include the inability to select exact cues by number and the inability to delete multiple commands at once. Despite these, the plugin is highly efficient and reliable.

Conclusion and Personal Opinion

This plugin is highly recommended for users who frequently need to insert commands into multiple sets of cues, especially for cue-stacked shows requiring consistent command execution. It eliminates the need for lengthy macros or repetitive typing, ensuring efficiency and consistency throughout performances. The tool is particularly beneficial for quickly organizing songs, such as when receiving a set list late or adding a song last-minute, saving significant time. The user-friendly interface and improved workflow are notable advantages. Despite these positives, the reviewer feels that this functionality should have been included by MA initially. The plugin proves extremely helpful when managing numerous executors and writing commands for cues. Overall, it enhances productivity and reliability, making it an essential tool for those who need to manage complex cue sequences consistently.

Our PlugIn Pioneers


I’m a professional lighting and video director with significant experience on grandMA2 consoles. I have been migrating to grandMA3 in the last year, having invested in a Compact XT and a Light. I cover several corporate and live shows in the UK.

In the words of our plug-in pioneer

Rafael Le Bras

Hello, I’m a student passionate about programming. I have been exploring lighting programming since I was young and developed a passion for it. I have experience with the Grandma3 lighting console, working on small projects and learning its features through online tutorials.

In the words of our plug-in pioneer

Hello, I am a Denver based Lighting Designer. Been in the MA game since 2009. Looking for fun complex programming solutions for punting my life away ! 

In the words of our plug-in pioneer

ı am user of grand ma3. ı did alot project. and loving much this console.

In the words of our plug-in pioneer

I’m lighting designer and operator in France. I used MA1 and MA2 since a long time, and I’m now doing the transition on MA3. I’m not on tour on MA3 yet because I need to work on it to be faster on programming, but I use it on every “one shot” gig I have and I work a lot with OnPC so as to do my next tour on it (I hope !).

In the words of our plug-in pioneer

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