Backlighting - yes or no

[ppentertainments]

Having read a lot of threads and seen pictures about dj's lighting up or using starcloths behind them, am wondering what opinions are about doing this. I personally like being 'in the dark' and have never considered any backlighting. Whats your opinion and what do customers prefer ? Am now undecided !:bang:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I tried it recently using an American DJ Megabar and I think it looks fantastic. I'll try and get a decent picture to show you.

[ppentertainments]

I tried it recently using an American DJ Megabar and I think it looks fantastic. I'll try and get a decent picture to show you.

Would be great as not a lover of starcloths so if went ahead would be looking at something similar.

[Corabar Steve]

I've been known to use an Acme Hallucination on static as a back projection on occasion.

[JAMdisco]

I've just purchased 4 LED PAR 56's and one of the uses will be to 'back-light' (in the right venue).
I think it can look very classy when used correctly.

[Danno13]

I always put light behind the DJ booth, I don't think it looks right if people can't see the DJ and its just a voice coming from nowhere! Plus, it gives me a nice amount of light to see what I'm doing. I usually just use two of the Showtec Led par 56s.

[Adam_F]

This is something I've only just started doing (ie my last gig), using two LEDJ par 56's. Just looking into something like Darren has mentioned but a Prolight one (LEDJ Spectra Batten), so will be good to see some pics Darren.

[Boogie Boy]

Personally, I've always felt that backlighting is somewhat preferable to loads of lights in people's faces. In future I think I'm going to try and have a lightshow that throws as much light backwards/upwards as to the front. After last Friday night, I have been more convinced of this than ever before. Something like an impossibLED would make a great uplighting effect, especially angled up against a light coloured wall or ceiling.

Mind you, it's no good having lights trained on the DJ if he just stands there like a lemon.:p

[PropellerHeadCase]

But well lit impersonations of other citrus fruits would be fine? I might try a tangelo :D

[Candybeatdiscos]

I prefer no light at the back of the decks, personally, but i am willing to try it out and see how it goes, although par cans area a definate no no for me - personally i hate the things

[rob1963]

I always put light behind the DJ booth, I don't think it looks right if people can't see the DJ and its just a voice coming from nowhere!

Do you normally work in the pitch black, then?

:confused:

[theoloyla]

I always put light behind the DJ booth, I don't think it looks right if people can't see the DJ and its just a voice coming from nowhere! Plus, it gives me a nice amount of light to see what I'm doing. I usually just use two of the Showtec Led par 56s.
Quite agree. My illuminated deckstands have back light too.

[Danno13]

Do you normally work in the pitch black, then?


Sometimes.. when its one of those all-or-nothing type venues when one switch gives you the choice of the lighting as bright as an operating theatre, or as dark as a cave!

[robbiedj]

I've been known to use an Acme Hallucination on static as a back projection on occasion.

I use that too. Obviously best if you have a nice, light coloured wall behind you, although one venue locally has a silvered back wall which also looks good with the light.

[Andy Westcott]

I don't currently use any back lighting, but I used to. It consisted of 2 banks of 3 red spot lamps, each bank of 3 wired in series. (bulbs lasted for ever!) This would create a dim red wash on the rear wall and I think looked better than nothing.

I may sort out something similar again soon - currently trying to decide if it's worth carrying the extra stuff.

[Sam]

Having read a lot of threads and seen pictures about dj's lighting up or using starcloths behind them, am wondering what opinions are about doing this. I personally like being 'in the dark' and have never considered any backlighting. Whats your opinion and what do customers prefer ? Am now undecided !:bang:

Always get good comments about backlighting.
Normally use a iColour4 for the job which is all pre-programmed into the light show using a DMX Master.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't currently use any back lighting, but I used to. It consisted of 2 banks of 3 red spot lamps, each bank of 3 wired in series. (bulbs lasted for ever!) This would create a dim red wash on the rear wall and I think looked better than nothing.

I may sort out something similar again soon - currently trying to decide if it's worth carrying the extra stuff.

Buy a couple of pars or even easier an Amrican DJ Megabar. It just plugs straight in and is very lightweight.

[leighinstoke]

My gear is occasionally hired by a guy locally who is a 'personality DJ' - done local radio for years, etc - I simply setup, add a couple of his lights to the mix, etc, and he always uses backlighting as he does need to be seen and it's quite effective.

[yourdj]

Par can up lighting generally.