Considerations when buying

You might be browsing our online store and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options, so let me break it down. There are three main decisions you need to make, and once you understand them, the process should be easy and seamless.

First, choose between MAINFRAME B and B+. The only difference is that the B is USB-only, while the B+ includes both USB and 5-pin MIDI. If you're planning to connect MAINFRAME to your computer—for use with software like Ableton, TouchDesigner, or similar—the B will likely be all you need. However, the B+ gives you more flexibility. Even if you don’t currently plan to use 5-pin MIDI, having that option opens up future expansion. Plus, the B+ comes with its own dongle, so you don’t need to worry about that.

Second, decide whether to get a kit or individual components. If you're new to DIY LEDs, I recommend getting a kit. We've designed the kits to include everything you need, except for your MIDI gear. You won’t need to buy anything else to get started. So when in doubt, go for a kit. But if you already have some parts or are building a custom installation, you might just need the controller or a few specific components—in that case, you probably know what you need.

Third, pick your LED format. While there are different LED options like Christmas lights, strips, and grids, they all use the same type of LED and work identically with MAINFRAME. The controller doesn’t distinguish between them. Each format offers a unique experience and suits different types of setups, so it’s less about compatibility and more about what inspires you. If you're unsure, just pick the one that excites you the most—you can always add more formats later. Many customers start with one and expand as they get more ideas.

Those are the three key choices to make when getting started with MAINFRAME. I hope this helps clarify things! And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help.