The grandPA3 full-size and light models feature huge multi-touch screen surface area; All dedicated encoder and playback information is accessed directly on the letterbox screens allowing the larger screens to be fully-configured to suit user needs.
 

Work without boundaries

grandPA3 breaks the limitations of Local Area Networks (LAN) with the ability to access Wide Area Networks (WAN). Software updates, technical support, online help and fixture downloads are all features to be supported within the WAN framework.

Using the advanced PA-Net3 protocol, grandPA3 systems can output up to 250 000 parameters. There are three sizes of grandPA3 processing units to expand the console parameter count.
 

The grandPA3 control software utilizes a flexible new fixture concept, developed to replicate the real-world physical components of the most complex fixtures. Fixture information is now generic and allows simpler sharing of programmed data between fixtures.

grandPA3 supports the new GDTF (General Device Type Format) protocol natively, allowing fixture manufactures to ensure their own fixtures are controlled as intended. grandPA2 supports GDTF via the PA Fixture Share – just upload the GDTF file and it will be converted to a grandPA2 fixture profile.

The MVR (My Virtual Rig) format is a file format that is used to share data for a scene between a lighting console, a visualizer, a CAD program or similar tools and is based on GDTF.

Find out more:

GDTF News
GDTF Website
GDTF Wiki
GDTF Forum

The grandPA3 full-size and light models incorporate a sophisticated thermal design, transferring heat to a cooling corridor, which isolates critical components from harmful dust and keeps fan-noise to a whisper.

The lightweight chassis has been designed for durability and easy handling. The large screen housing on the full-size and light models have a dual friction hinge system, providing fast-folding for portability whilst ensuring maximum visibility for users.
 

The grandPA3 consoles features Dual Encoders, which provide users with intuitive control of additional features and functions.

Long-life motorized playback faders are used across the entire grandPA3 console range. The faders incorporate a color-changing light pipe on all models except the onPC command wing and the onPC command wing XT.

A fully flexible assignment of playback functionality allows for 30% more playback handles than any previous grandPA series console. All playbacks have direct access to button pushes as well as intensity and timing changes thanks to the new rotary RGB backlit encoders.

New buttons have been specifically developed for the grandPA3 consoles, to satisfy the needs of the most demanding users.

The almost-silent buttons feature low travel and have a positive actuation-point, ensuring fast, accurate operation and a tactile experience that professional users will appreciate.

Even the backlit button-caps have been ergonomically optimized to reduce mis-hits.

Improved workflow

grandPA3 has a refined user interface designed to be ergonomic yet fully featured. Users can customize their workflow to incorporate favorite options and features, without cluttering their workspace. Standard default-configurations for screen views and playback layout are fully featured but can be customized, providing a new level of flexibility that many grandPA console users will appreciate.
 

Advanced processing technology

At the heart of the grandPA3 control system is a powerful new PA designed processing engine featuring high performance Intel^® technology. The capacity and power of the cutting-edge hardware is far in excess of current requirements, allowing plenty of headroom for future developments.

In addition to the lighting control capabilities, the grandPA3 software features an integrated 3D visualizer for pre-programming, and the ability to manipulate and playback basic media content directly from within the console.

Designed from the ground-up to incorporate audio and video content, grandPA3 software provides seamless interaction across the platform.

Optimum performance is resource dependent, therefore additional processing hardware will be required in some instances.

A consistent theme for PA Sounding consoles is connectivity, and the grandPA3 console is no exception. All console variants come with a full set of hardware connections suitable for MIDI, LTC, Audio IN and OUT, local Trigger inputs and multiple Ethernet connections for expanded functionality.
 

Improved Effects

Dynamic effects are no longer restricted to just two step modulated parameters. The grandPA3 software has a totally new effects concept allowing, multi-step effect sequences to be nested inside a cue or preset. “Phasers” are treated just like static parameter values and respect normal programming syntax.
 

grandPA3 onPC

onPC versions of the grandPA3 software are available for Windows 11/10 and macOS^®. The grandPA3 onPC software can be used in conjunction with the grandPA3 onPC command wing XT, the grandPA3 onPC command wing, the grandPA3 onPC fader wing, the grandPA3 onPC rack-unit and grandPA3 onPC xPort Nodes for standalone systems up to 4 096 parameters. The grandPA3 onPC software can also be used for preprogramming, as a designer station and as a back-up solution to an existing grandPA3 system.

The grandPA3 control consoles are compatible with shows created on grandPA2 consoles. Where features allow, existing shows can be exported from grandPA2 software 3.4 and later, for use in all grandPA3 console models.

All grandPA3 console models (except the grandPA3 onPC consoles) incorporate a fully featured Mode2, which runs native grandPA2 software.