Tracking 01099 on Tour with zactrack SMART
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German rap group 01099's latest tour comes complete with a colourful lighting design, a life-size shoebox-inspired stage structure, and automated tracking via zactrack SMART.
Known for tracks such as Frisch and Durstlöscher, 01099 has established itself as one of Germany's most successful rap groups, amassing hundreds of millions of streams across digital platforms. From December 2025 to April 2026, the group toured across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, performing in 20 cities.
The creative concept and stage design were developed by Studio Clemens Loeffelholz. Lighting programming and operation were handled by Daniel Friedl (Steel Blue Studios), while LED content was created by Lichtgestalten Stuttgart, with additional motion graphics by Bewegtbildgrafik. Technical planning for the tour was handled by Laura Jozefiak and Dominik Müller (GHOST Productions).
zactrack SMART: Tracking 01099 Across 20 Cities
To support the production's automation requirements, Ghost Productions specified a zactrack system supplied by tracking specialist TrackingPRO, who also provided system training for the touring crew ahead of rehearsals.
Throughout the tour, the team used zactrack SMART to track the three main performers, enabling automated follow lighting and position-based effects. Depending on the venue and production setup, the support act was also equipped with a Tracker.
Each main artist used two trackers. Guest artists used Trackers 4, 5, and 6, allowing for up to three guest performers at a time. During rehearsals, the Trackers were attached to lanyards. “We charge them between rehearsal and the concert, just to be safe,” says Dominik. After testing different options, the team ultimately settled on carrying the Trackers in the artists’ jeans pockets.
Side Lighting as a Creative Choice
Side lighting was particularly important to the artists,” explains Dominik. As a result, Studio Clemens Loeffelholz created a lighting concept centred around side lighting, with zactrack also enabling the team to create looks that would be much more difficult to achieve using conventional methods.
Dominik says, “There’s one scene, for example, where one of the main artists stands in the orange beams of our frame and is highlighted solely by a single Viper from behind in the same colour. Looks like this can only be achieved when you have tracking or a follow system operating from the rear. That’s exactly what creates creative freedom.”
In total, 24 fixtures were integrated into the zactrack system. To cover the entire performance area, including the stage and parts of the front-of-house audience area, Dominik and Laura deployed 10 Anchors across the venue at each stop.
How Touring with zactrack really works
As with any touring production, fast setup and teardown were essential. With back-to-back shows across the tour, efficiency was key for Laura and Dominik. Upon arrival at each venue, the team set up the lighting while simultaneously running the network cables to the zactrack Anchors along with their looms, checking that everything was in place before moving straight on to system setup.
The complete setup typically took around 1.5 hours, followed by 20–40 minutes for just zactrack, with 20 minutes being the fastest turnaround achieved during the tour.
Calibration was equally straightforward. “Calibration is fast: we place the pucks and activate auto-calibration,” says Laura. Additional time was only required for configuring automation functions.
“During this tour, we performed in everything from small clubs and concert halls to large arena venues. At each stop, we adapted the zactrack setup to suit the venue and stage configuration. Every stage was different – from traditional straight stages to semi-circular layouts, multi-level stages with staircases, and even catwalks,” explains Dominik, adding, “At times, we had to work with dimmer zones as narrow as 50 cm.”
At the Console with Dominik
The zactrack system was integrated with grandMA3 for automated lighting control. “We received support from Raphael at TrackingPRO, but it’s quite straightforward – patching, creating child fixtures, and you’re good to go,” says Daniel. “I don’t really have any major to-dos regarding zactrack.”
Each side of the stage was equipped with six fixtures, with three fixtures assigned to each main performer depending on their position. One of the biggest advantages for the team was the use of auto-dimmer zones. “I don’t have to follow movement manually or ride faders – it switches on and off automatically,” explains Daniel.
“What proved to be the biggest advantage of using zactrack was the combination of precise tracking, fast setup and the flexibility the system provides,” summarises Dominik. “These are exactly the qualities that matter most when you're touring.”
Copyright all photos: © GHOST Productions
