When German Light Products hands you their brand-new Mad Maxx fixtures, you don’t overthink it—you hit the road. So, we packed up and made our way to Sandy Valley, California. Nestled just across the Nevada-California border lies the abandoned Kingston Ranch Airport runway. It’s quiet, remote, and—let’s be honest—the perfect spot to fire up some massive lighting fixtures without any neighbors complaining.
What is the GLP Mad Maxx?
If you've been anywhere near the lighting world, you've probably heard the buzz about GLP's Mad Maxx. It debuted at GLP's 30th Birthday celebration earlier this year. LD's recently got hands-on demos of it at LDI. So, it's made some waves. This isn't your everyday wash fixture. It's a colossal LED wash designed to replace ancient xenon beam lights. Whether you need a sky beam that cuts through the night or the boldest, fattest beams you can imagine, this is your fixture.
We weren’t just going to take GLP’s word for it, though. So, we teamed up with GLP Americas, loaded up the gear, and took the Mad Maxx on the ultimate road test.
Mad Maxx Details
The face of this massive fixture is an array of nineteen 90-watt LEDs, combining to produce what we can only describe as an actual column of light. To be honest, we were skeptical about being able to really see any noticeable output until after the sun went down. However, even with the California sun blazing, the Mad Maxx managed to flex.
The Mad Maxx boasts a 750 mm beam diameter. Its defining feature is the ability to project a solid, fat beam that is completely uniform. For added flexibility, it includes a virtual iris, allowing users to adjust the beam diameter as needed. You can also run pixel effects through the array of LEDs. There is a color wheel and a CTO adjustment tuning down the native 6500K to 2500K.
Despite its size, setting up the Mad Maxx is refreshingly simple, thanks to a thoughtfully designed custom case. For floor package mode, you just remove the top lid and are ready to go. Brave enough to fly it? Flip the case, take off the bottom lid, and you'll be good to rig it. The case is a thoughtful design that makes the logistics of such a massive fixture... not so massive.
The Mad Maxx delivers massive output with a power draw of 2500W, making it efficient for its scale. Its IP65 certification ensures it’s weatherproof and low-maintenance, ready for demanding environments. Unlike laser-based fixtures, it poses no additional health risks or regulatory challenges, making it a safe and versatile choice.
GLP Mad Maxx Road Test
Then, it got dark. And naturally, the next reasonable thing to do was try light up a nearby mountain. And... we were actually lighting up a MOUNTAIN! (pic below, make sure and watch the YouTube video for more clips) The light wasn't just bright; it was sharp and consistent, showing off the fixture's impressive range.
Next, we took the test to the runway, tracking the beam's reach. Even over the long stretch, the light stayed rock solid, creating a defined column that didn't fade or scatter. It felt like the beam could stretch endlessly, maintaining its structure and intensity no matter the distance.
Final Thoughts
The GLP Mad Maxx is all about output and optics. Its ability to throw a massive, solid beam with precision and consistency is what it does best. Also - its huge! It's a spectacle to have technology this large that exists... period. So whether you’re shooting sky beams, lighting distant landscapes, or just trying to claim the title for “world’s largest floor package,” this fixture delivers all of that.
Big thanks the crew!
And thanks to GLP Americas for letting this adventure happen! Thanks for plugging in with @LimeLightWired.
Comments