From pixel-mapped precision to weather-ready versatility, Jay Productions’ Martin-powered lighting rig stole the spotlight at Sydney’s exclusive “Ignite” showcase

Universal Music’s “Ignite” event in Sydney is designed to put a spotlight on emerging talent—and this year’s showcase, featuring Olivia Dean, Sebastian Schub and Sienna Spiro, found itself equally lit by a stunning visual display courtesy of Jay Productions & Events. At the core of this vibrant spectacle was a carefully deployed array of Martin Professional’s MAC Aura XIP moving head wash lights – all of which were purchased through Show Technology Australia & New Zealand – Martin Professional’s official partners in the region.

Held at the atmospheric Beta Bar, the event called for a sophisticated yet intimate lighting treatment that could shift effortlessly between styles—from sleek pop polish to raw, tungsten-toned rock realism. Lighting designer Ziggy Ziegler, working from a brief shaped by Universal Music and creative director Natalie Vincini, embraced the challenge of creating show-stopping, camera-friendly moments within the close confines of the venue.

To fulfil this vision, Jay Productions deployed 20 units of the Martin MAC Aura XIP fixtures, rigged vertically from floor to truss behind the performers. Known for their radical aura filament effect and full pixel control—including video mapping capabilities for both beam and aura zones—the MAC Aura XIPs proved the perfect choice. “We were looking for a reliable and bright IP-rated wash light,” said Jay Productions General Manager Phillip Dearle. “The most outstanding feature for us was its impressive size-to-light output ratio. Despite its compact and lightweight design, it has delivered exceptional performance.”

The MAC Aura XIP’s tight integration with Martin’s P3 System Controller and its seamless compatibility with the Martin VDO Sceptron build made it a natural fit for Jay Productions’ broader visual ecosystem. “It perfectly filled a gap in our inventory for a mid-range fixture,” Dearle added. “Until now, we didn’t have a moving wash that was IP-rated, and this addition has significantly enhanced our capabilities.”

For Ziegler, the Aura XIPs became the flexible workhorses of the rig. “They had to be beams, wash, floods, strobes, blinders, and be small, light and easy to rig… and they nailed it,” he noted. “The ability to pixel map them whilst still using them as a regular wash or beam light was great. The flower Aura effect is fabulous eye candy. I can get a lot of looks out of them, no matter how many I have.”

With no rehearsal or plotting time and fast changeovers between four-song sets, flexibility and speed were paramount. Jay Productions even enabled real-time switching between lighting control and video-mapped effects using a console macro, allowing Ziegler to animate the fixtures’ aura filaments via Resolume during select moments.

The broader rig also included 20 units of the four-way LED blinders and 42 units of the Martin VDO Sceptron LED strips installed as a canopy above the stage and audience, fully pixel-mapped to mirror the Aura XIP effects. “Using about four layers on Resolume, this worked a treat,” said Ziegler.

The result? A seamless fusion of music and motion, where visual design elevated every beat and beam into a cinematic frame. Thanks to Jay Productions, Show Technology and the Martin MAC Aura XIP, Ignite was nothing short of electrifying.