Timecode interface
MADRIX USB SMPTE brings the SMPTE timecode generated by audio and video systems into MADRIX 5; the light show plays to the same time as the music, video and other show elements.
Authorized dealer and solution partner
At an opening ceremony, music, video, lasers and light must change in the same second. The common language that makes this possible is SMPTE timecode: the audio or video system broadcasts the time, and every other device runs to that time. USB SMPTE brings this timecode into MADRIX 5.
The timecode arrives at the 3-pin XLR input and reaches MADRIX 5 via USB. In MADRIX 5’s Cue List, each scene is linked to a timecode; as the timecode advances, the scenes change automatically and right on time.
In concerts, theater and musicals, show venues, museum and trade fair installations; in any project where light must follow a pre-programmed timeline exactly. If the timecode arrives over the network as Art-Net or MIDI, MADRIX 5 also receives it without additional hardware.
Highlights
The light show plays to the same timecode as audio, video and other devices.
In MADRIX 5, scenes are linked to timecodes; the show advances automatically.
3-pin female NEUTRIK XLR input; USB 2.0, 2-meter cable.
About 50 mA; no separate adapter needed.
Once the driver is installed, just plug it into the computer.
Average failure and return rate 0.00% (MADRIX, August 2025); 5-year warranty.
Comparison
The 3 products in the Inputs and interfaces family side by side with the same criteria; the USB SMPTE column is highlighted. If you're undecided, tell us about your project and let's choose the right device together.
| Criterion |
 ORIONAnalog input device
|
 USB ONEUSB DMX interface
|
 USB SMPTETimecode interfaceThis page
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Converts sensor and button signals into light control | Drives or reads a single DMX512 line from the computer | Brings SMPTE timecode into MADRIX 5 |
| Input | 8 analog inputs (0–12 V) | 1 × DMX512 (instead of output) | 1 × SMPTE timecode |
| Output | Art-Net or sACN (8 or 16 channels) | 1 × 512 channels DMX512 | None (read only) |
| Connection | 2 × 6-pin screw terminal | 5-pin NEUTRIK XLR | 3-pin NEUTRIK XLR |
| Computer connection | Ethernet or USB 2.0 | USB 2.0, 2 m cable | USB 2.0, 2 m cable |
| Power supply | 5–24 V DC, USB or via the port | From USB | From USB |
| Mounting | DIN rail or wall | Not required | Not required |
| Use without a computer | Yes (over the network, e.g. with MADRIX AURA) | None (with MADRIX 5) | None (with MADRIX 5) |
Technical specifications
Complete the system
LED control software
USB DMX interface
Analog input deviceFAQ
If you can't find the answer to your question, write to our technical team; let's evaluate it together for your project.
It is a time signal carrying hour, minute, second and frame information. Audio and video systems broadcast this signal; light, laser and video devices run to the same time and stay in sync with one another.
If the timecode arrives over the network as Art-Net or MIDI, MADRIX 5 receives it without additional hardware. USB SMPTE is used when the SMPTE signal has to be received over an XLR cable.
No. It only reads the timecode; lighting data to the luminaires goes from MADRIX 5 via network nodes or USB ONE.
It works with MADRIX 5; timecode-linked scenes are set up in MADRIX 5's Cue List.
MADRIX® is a registered trademark of inoage GmbH. Motto Aydınlatma is an authorized MADRIX dealer and solution partner.
