CREATING SPECIAL EFFECTS
CREATING SPECIAL EFFECTS
STAGE
WATER
CHEMiSTRy
INSTALLATIONS
THE NEW PROTEC FAMILY
THE proTEC SAFETY SYSTEM is the leading safety architecture for all types of stage SFX devices – from flame projectors to complex effect installations. Based on the proTEC SAFETY PROTOCOL, an industry-unique, Ethernet-based safety protocol ensures reliable communication with all devices in the proTEC family.
Third-party units can be integrated into the Emergency-Stop / Halt chain via secure SIL3 load disconnection up to 63 A.
ALL SHOW CONTROL SIGNALS are supported – the system extends existing control structures (DMX, ArtNET, sACN) with a digital safety architecture, usable through DMX or network cabling. It also includes integrated node functionality for seamless network integration.
EMERGENCY-STOP / HALT functions can be flexibly installed at any position around the stage. Emergency Halt provides short-term, safe shutdown, while Emergency Stop performs a complete shutdown with mandatory restart.
MULTIPLE DEVICE GROUPS can be assigned and switched independently through dedicated emergency-stop functions.
DEVICE LIST OVERVIEW – at the core of the system, the proTEC Safety Controllers continuously monitor all connected devices in real time. An integrated device overview displays status, fixture ID, PTSC (proTEC Safety Channel), and error codes for technical diagnostics – also accessible via the integrated web server.
Learn more under “STAGE”.
The proTEC Safety Architecture is a network-based safety system for controlling and supervising professional flame and SFX installations. All proTEC devices communicate via the proTEC Safety Protocol, forming a unified safety infrastructure within the show network.
The system provides a compliant safety structure for stage environments. Secure SIL3 load disconnection integrates proTEC and third-party devices into a single Emergency Stop / Emergency Halt chain, meeting the requirements of safety authorities and fire inspectors.
Effect devices are assigned to proTEC Safety Channels (PTSC). Up to eight channels allow devices to be grouped and controlled independently.
Two safety reactions are available. Emergency Halt temporarily interrupts effects while the system remains active. Emergency Stop performs a complete shutdown and requires a manual reset before operation can resume.
The system supports DMX, ArtNet, and sACN, adding a digital safety layer to existing show networks. Device status and safety states are monitored continuously and can be accessed locally or via the integrated web interface.
The modular architecture allows Controllers, Flexline Controllers, Stageboxes, and Powerguard units to be combined within the same safety network, supporting both touring setups and permanent installations.
Learn more under “STAGE”.
At TBF-PyroTec, we design and manufacture high-quality, reliable special effects equipment for professional use. Driven by innovation and technical expertise, we help shape the SFX industry with cutting-edge ideas and tailor-made solutions.
We operate in four key areas:
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Stage Equipment – Mobile SFX systems for touring and live productions
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Fixed Installations – Certified stand-alone systems for permanent use
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Water & Fire Installations – Integrated fire effects in fountain and water shows
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SFX Chemistry – Professional consumables developed in our in-house laboratory
Trusted Worldwide.
Our customers include leading pyro and SFX professionals across the globe.
TBF systems have been featured at major events such as the Olympic Games, Eurovision, and the Super Bowl – and are relied upon in theme parks, theaters, and live shows worldwide.
The Pioneer of Flame Projectors
Since 2000, TBF-PyroTec GmbH has stood for spectacular special effects and innovative flame projectors for stage, entertainment, and live shows.
With the development of the Flamemaster – the world’s first serially produced and certified flame projector – TBF created an entirely new market for safe and reproducible flame effects. Presented at Prolight & Sound, the Flamemaster quickly became an international success.
In the following years, founders Michael Graba and Christoph Müller expanded the product line with additional gas- and cartridge-powered systems. With the legendary 5-Master, featuring five fanned flame jets, TBF achieved a milestone in flame design – technically precise, visually distinctive, and instantly recognizable as the “TBF flame.”
Focus on Water and Fixed Installations
With the development of the Fountain Flame in 2012 – a unique combination of water fountain and flame, where fire travels along the water jet and continues burning at its peak – TBF entered the international market for water-fire installations.
Further combinations followed, establishing TBF as a leading expert in permanent SFX installations for theme parks, attractions, museums, and large-scale shows worldwide. These innovations opened the door to the market for fixed special effects, including flame, SFX, and water-fire systems up to Olympic-style flames.
Since then, the company’s focus has evolved toward highly reliable installations combining strong visual impact with outstanding technical performance.
TBF Is Back on Stage
In 2025, a new chapter begins.
Fabian Gehricke, a key driving force at TBF-PyroTec for more than 15 years, becomes co-owner and joins founder Christoph Müller in a dual leadership team. Gehricke brings extensive experience in stage and show technology – and above all, passion. A true stage maniac.
With him, TBF returns to where it all began – the stage.
The proTEC Family – SFX and Show Technology. Redefined.
With the new proTEC Family, TBF expands its portfolio specifically for stage productions, touring setups, and live events.
The devices in the proTEC series combine intelligent control, multi-layered safety systems, and the distinctive TBF flame design – engineered for the live operation of tomorrow.
TBF-PyroTec designs and manufactures professional special effects systems engineered for reliability, control, and certified safety.
Since 2000, we have developed flame projectors with the distinctive TBF flame design and SFX technologies that meet the highest technical and regulatory standards. Our systems are built for demanding live environments, permanent installations, and large-scale productions worldwide.
Four Fields of Expertise
STAGE SYSTEMS - Mobile SFX equipment for touring and live productions.
FIXED INSTALLATIONS - Certified stand-alone systems for permanent use in theme parks, attractions, museums and public spaces.
WATER & FIRE INSTALLATIONS - Integrated fire-on-water systems for fountains and aquatic shows.
SFX CHEMISTRY - Professionally developed consumables from our in-house laboratory.
Our equipment is used by leading pyro and SFX professionals worldwide.
TBF systems have been deployed at international events including the Olympic Games, the Eurovision Song Contest, and the Super Bowl, and are installed in theme parks, theaters, museums and live productions globally.
The Pioneer of Flame Projectors
In the early 2000s, TBF developed the Flamemaster — the world’s first serially produced and certified flame projector. It marked the beginning of certified, reproducible, and controllable flame effects for professional stage use.
In the following years, founders Michael Graba and Christoph Müller expanded the product line with additional gas- and cartridge-powered systems. With the 5-Master, featuring five precisely fanned flame jets, TBF established a distinctive flame geometry — technically defined, visually structured, and widely recognized as the “TBF flame.
Focus on Water and Fixed Installations
In 2012, TBF introduced the Fountain Flame, integrating hydraulic fountain systems with certified flame technology, marking TBF’s entry into the international market for permanent water-fire installations.
This development expanded TBF into permanent SFX installations for theme parks, attractions, museums, and large-scale productions, laying the foundation for fixed flame, SFX, and water-fire systems designed for long-term, certified operation.
TBF Is Back on Stage
In 2025, TBF reinforces its focus on stage-based systems.
Fabian Gehricke, part of TBF for more than 15 years, joins founder Christoph Müller as co-owner in a dual leadership structure. Coming from the stage industry as a show designer and active user of SFX equipment, he brings first-hand production experience and the perspective of the operator into the company’s leadership.
The stage has always been part of TBF’s origin. In 2025, it moves back to the center — not as a trend, but as a conviction.
The proTEC Family – SFX and Show Technology. Redefined.
With the proTEC Family, TBF expands its portfolio specifically for stage productions, touring setups, and live events.
The devices in the proTEC series combine intelligent control, multi-layered safety systems, and the distinctive TBF flame design — built on 26 years of experience developing touring SFX systems and complex permanent installations. This accumulated engineering expertise forms the foundation of proTEC, engineered for the demands of modern live operation.
