Moving Heads

[Charlie Brown]

After seeing Darren's & Shaun's superb podiums with moving heads, I've decided I want some. :o

I'm not going to copy there idea of the trussing but would like a pair of moving heads to run alongside the EFX's. I think that would make quite an effective lightshow.

I don't really know anything about makes/models/DMX etc so any tips and advice would be really appreciated.

I'd rather spend a bit more money on a pair of decent lights, then opt for the cheap iMove range.

I wouldn't mind buying second hand off eBay but I need to know what to look for and what to avoid.

Thank you in advance. :beer1:

[SC Events]

Martin Mac 250's

I know of a hire company that has about 100 in stock and I have heard they are selling them ;)

[Charlie Brown]

Have you got a link mate?

[Cowlinn]

What sort of budget are you looking at, Charlie?

[SC Events]

Link: AT Comms (http://www.atcomms.co.uk/)

They are about 5 minutes away from my house. The arts club I am a member of uses them to hire Mac's, trussing etc as I am the Lighting Assistant.

[Danno13]

I use Showtec Phantom 250s, they do pretty much everything a Mac 250 does, for about a 1/6th of the price :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

After seeing Darren's & Shaun's superb podiums with moving heads, I've decided I want some. :o

I'm not going to copy there idea of the trussing but would like a pair of moving heads to run alongside the EFX's. I think that would make quite an effective lightshow.

I don't really know anything about makes/models/DMX etc so any tips and advice would be really appreciated.

I'd rather spend a bit more money on a pair of decent lights, then opt for the cheap iMove range.

I wouldn't mind buying second hand off eBay but I need to know what to look for and what to avoid.

Thank you in advance. :beer1:


So you don't know anything about makes and models and yet you don't want to go for the cheap Imove range...

Slight badge snobbery there Mr Brown.

[Charlie Brown]

So two of them and two efx's would make a good show Danno? :)


So you don't know anything about makes and models and yet you don't want to go for the cheap Imove range...

Slight badge snobbery there Mr Brown.

TBF - I have seen them in action in a few clubs and the DJ at our school prom used them. I didn't really rate them. :o

[Danno13]

So two of them and two efx's would make a good show Danno? :)

Two of them with a couple of LED pars makes a good show if they're programmed well :)

[Jiggles]

Well after all the headaches the Martin Mac 250s I have used they would be the last ones I would use. xD Plenty of sticky heads, gobo errors, random hissy fits. Martin do better heads. I wouldn't turn you nose up at the Thomann heads! They will give you the best bang for buck over all.

[Charlie Brown]

Cheers Danno. 'Programmed well' - scares me. :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Cheers Danno. 'Programmed well' - scares me. :D

You would be better off getting a cheap pair that run master and slave or off something like a CA-8.

Oh, wait, that would be the cheap Imoves that you don't want, even though you don't know what any of the heads do or what you really want....

[Danno13]

Yup, I agree - generally only the cheaper heads have simple controllers and you won't get the most out of anything a step up from that, unless you DMX them.

[Cowlinn]

What sort of budget are you looking at, Charlie?

...

[Charlie Brown]

...

Grand?

[Cowlinn]

Grand?

Each or for two?

[Charlie Brown]

Each or for two?

For two! :)

[Cowlinn]

Have you looked at American DJ X-Move? I know a few people that swear by them.
Or if you're looking for something with a bit more "oomph" these (http://www.visionstagelighting.co.uk/2-showtec-giant-xl-LED-moving-heads-free-dmx-cable) look rather nice for the price. :)

[Shaun]

Grand?

I only paid 1400 a pair for my movers, new. They are 'budget' lighting, but for the price they give a nice selection of fuctionality which was important to me (interchangeable rotating gobos, prism effect, remote focus, dimmer etc). They may not be Martin Macs but I absolutely love them.

[Charlie Brown]

And can you control them easily Shaun? By budget, I meant these - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/iSOLUTION-iMOVE-5S---INTELLIGENT-MOVING-HEAD-LIGHTING_W0QQitemZ230404169060QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_i d=223339489909&rvr_id=223339489909&cguid=24c5a7ef12f0a47a26a761f7ff818489

[Shaun]

By budget, I meant these - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/iSOLUTION-iMOVE-5S---INTELLIGENT-MOVING-HEAD-LIGHTING_W0QQitemZ230404169060QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_i d=223339489909&rvr_id=223339489909&cguid=24c5a7ef12f0a47a26a761f7ff818489

I know you meant those. I have 4 of them too. I was just saying that my more expensive iMoves are definitely classed as budget lighting too. :)


And can you control them easily Shaun?

It depends what you mean by control. The in-built programmes work great, but a cheap basic DMX controller will allow you to control gobo selection, rotation, focus, prism etc, . Should you you want more advanced control such as generating your own scenes and movements then it's the same as every DMX capable light...you'll have to put in the extra work and do some programming.

[funkymook]

After seeing Darren's & Shaun's superb podiums with moving heads, I've decided I want some. :o


Putting a cold calculating business head on - are they going to get you anymore bookings? Will they actually make you money? You seem to get quality bookings with what you have already.

They are lovely things to have, and give an impressive lightshow, but are they an essential purchase or a new toy?

Nothing wrong with new toys of course, but could the money be put elsewhere to improve your business? (rather than improving your lightshow).

Or even save/invest/ISA the money?

[Charlie Brown]

Putting a cold calculating business head on - are they going to get you anymore bookings? Will they actually make you money? You seem to get quality bookings with what you have already.

They are lovely things to have, and give an impressive lightshow, but are they an essential purchase or a new toy?

Nothing wrong with new toys of course, but could the money be put elsewhere to improve your business? (rather than improving your lightshow).

Or even save/invest/ISA the money?

Very true. :o

I don't really need them. It's just another toy at the end of the day. I always tell people on here not to waste their money, so I'm being very hypocritical.

That grand could pay for my driving lessons which would probably be a better investment.

This is where I'm not business minded. As soon as I've got some money to spend, I blow it. I can't/don't seem to save anything. Hopefully I will grow out of this mentality soon.

[hammy]

Very true. :o

I don't really need them. It's just another toy at the end of the day. I always tell people on here not to waste their money, so I'm being very hypocritical.

That grand could pay for my driving lessons which would probably be a better investment.

This is where I'm not business minded. As soon as I've got some money to spend, I blow it. I can't/don't seem to save anything. Hopefully I will grow out of this mentality soon.

Was that really you typing then Charlie??????? :D

[Spirits High]

Putting a cold calculating business head on - are they going to get you anymore bookings? Will they actually make you money? You seem to get quality bookings with what you have already.

They are lovely things to have, and give an impressive lightshow, but are they an essential purchase or a new toy?

Nothing wrong with new toys of course, but could the money be put elsewhere to improve your business? (rather than improving your lightshow).

Or even save/invest/ISA the money?

:agree:

They won't get you anymore bookings as such. I should know I've got 4 that don't get used myself :D

If you do find there's a gig you need them for then dry hire could be your way ahead. There's enough of us near you that have them (Me, Ben) so always a deal to be done.

[Mark Wild]

That grand could pay for my driving lessons which would probably be a better investment.


2 moving heads or the ability to drive yourself to gigs, tough decision for a mobile DJ that one ;)

[funkymook]

Very true. :o

I don't really need them. It's just another toy at the end of the day. I always tell people on here not to waste their money, so I'm being very hypocritical.

That grand could pay for my driving lessons which would probably be a better investment.

This is where I'm not business minded. As soon as I've got some money to spend, I blow it. I can't/don't seem to save anything. Hopefully I will grow out of this mentality soon.

Go on, book the driving lessons, it's the boring but sensible option (and driving must help you advance in your day job). In a few months you'll be ready to buy a car and imagine all the posts you can get out of that :D

[funkymook]

2 moving heads or the ability to drive yourself to gigs, tough decision for a mobile DJ that one ;)

Think Charlie misunderstood the 'moving' part!

[Mark Wild]

In a few months you'll be ready to buy a car and imagine all the posts you can get out of that :D

LMFAO !

[DJ Tony McQue]

If you can live without the rotating gobos then the American DJ X Move is a great light for the money. I bought the original versions (not the plus) from another forum member a few months back, I was going to sell them but they are now booked out for a couple of weddings that require a slightly bigger rig. I believe the plus versions are supposed to be slightly brighter although having seen them in action, I am not so sure.

The in built programs are excellent, I actually rarely bother hooking them up to a DMX controller as the programs are that good (I just master/slave them sound to light without even a basic controller once the party is in full swing). Seriously bright for an LED light too - would look great with your EFXs.

I am a TOTAL gear snob yet I can safely say all the American DJ stuff I have bought has turned out to be brilliant (well written instructions, good support etc). I even replaced my Denon MC6000 with an American DJ DP2 controller although I did have to spend weeks creating a decent Traktor mapping for it.

I am very wary about buying budget gear after having very bad experiences with the likes of Db Technologies and Acme so I don't blame you for wanting to buy the best you can for your money, my advice woudl be to try demoing your shorlist if you can get to a decent retailer.

[soundtracker]

Go on, book the driving lessons, it's the boring but sensible option (and driving must help you advance in your day job). In a few months you'll be ready to buy a car and imagine all the posts you can get out of that :D

Especially in view of the fact that last week you were retiring, and next week, you probably will be again!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

And can you control them easily Shaun? By budget, I meant these - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/iSOLUTION-iMOVE-5S---INTELLIGENT-MOVING-HEAD-LIGHTING_W0QQitemZ230404169060QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_i d=223339489909&rvr_id=223339489909&cguid=24c5a7ef12f0a47a26a761f7ff818489

My other points appear to be ignored...

I have these and they create a good show.

Why are you discounting them if you don't know what you want, how they work or how to control them? It makes no sense.

[Booche]

I had a pair of the imove5s and i must say there were a good unit, eay to operate and good vibrant colors and gobos on them.

why you are ignoring them is beyond me to be honest.

They were easy enough to operate with or without a DMX controller i tried both and was impressed.

[Cowlinn]

I had a pair of the imove5s and i must say there were a good unit, eay to operate and good vibrant colors and gobos on them.

why you are ignoring them is beyond me to be honest.

They were easy enough to operate with or without a DMX controller i tried both and was impressed.

Why did you get rid of them, Dave?

[Booche]

Why did you get rid of them, Dave?

TBH i couldn't see the point in moving heads as they looked weird on my frame and was bothered about them being on the floor and getting booted :eek:

BUT in one way i wish i had kept them now due to seeing the Truss Podiums Darren & Shaun have made :(

Also as mentioned they were not something that i needed to earn money :)

[Charlie Brown]

The reason I'm dismissing them, is because they don't create effects like what Danno posted or this http://www.yourweddingdisco.com/gallery.html#

[Cowlinn]

The reason I'm dismissing them, is because they don't create effects like what Danno posted or this http://www.yourweddingdisco.com/gallery.html#

Why don't they?

[Spirits High]

Why don't they?

I was thinking that myself :confused: :confused:

I've got 4 of the "Budget" imoves and when called upon do exactly what I need them to.

[Larry B Entertainment]

I'd rather spend a bit more money on a pair of decent lights, then opt for the cheap iMove range.




Well our 8 "Cheap" iMoves are used several times a week for shows and sometimes all day for rehearsals, they are moved around and re-rigged regually depending on the performance / gig and they still keep going. They have a good selection of gobos and colours and the lamps last a good while. When used with an Elation SD2 they are "Spot" on and have been a good investment for us for saying all 8 only cost us 2 grand.
Even in master / slave mode they are excellent.

We even use them for spots on individual performers and we like the auto gobo scroll set on fast for a good special effect.

I dont think you should do them down If you have never seen them in action.
OK, they dont have the advanced stuff on them like more expensive heads such as focus and gobo rotation but I find it is easy to live within these limitations for the price.


Sure, if they money was there I would have Clay Parkys or Robes but for £1000 budget you will not find anything as good for the money.

[Booche]

Why don't they?


I was thinking that myself :confused: :confused:

I've got 4 of the "Budget" imoves and when called upon do exactly what I need them to.

Exactly and unless you have experiance of them Charlie how do you justify saying they dont do what you want :daft:

[Mark Wild]

The reason I'm dismissing them, is because they don't create effects like what Danno posted or this http://www.yourweddingdisco.com/gallery.html#

There's an awful lot more to that guys setups than just buying 2 moving heads man! Really nice gallery though, quality.

[wensleydale]

I'm also a big fan of the x moves.
Do exactly what I need them to and the built in programmes are great.
I can't really see how any mobile can need MAC 250s unless they have some pretty specific needs or high paying gigs.

[Larry B Entertainment]

I'm also a big fan of the x moves.
Do exactly what I need them to and the built in programmes are great.
I can't really see how any mobile can need MAC 250s unless they have some pretty specific needs or high paying gigs.

Or unless your name is Jamie Whitehouse :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

The reason I'm dismissing them, is because they don't create effects like what Danno posted or this http://www.yourweddingdisco.com/gallery.html#

What effects did you want to create?

How are you going to control them?

[djtrev]

Very true. :o

I don't really need them. It's just another toy at the end of the day. I always tell people on here not to waste their money, so I'm being very hypocritical.

That grand could pay for my driving lessons which would probably be a better investment.

This is where I'm not business minded. As soon as I've got some money to spend, I blow it. I can't/don't seem to save anything. Hopefully I will grow out of this mentality soon.

That really is a shocking statement.
You are probably a very nice young man and I have no doubt our paths will never cross but every now and then you come out with statements that make me really angry.
Sorry rant over

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That really is a shocking statement.
You are probably a very nice young man and I have no doubt our paths will never cross but every now and then you come out with statements that make me really angry.
Sorry rant over

Why does it make you angry Trev? Were you never young and impetuous?

[anthf]

I have a pair of lanta midi spot 30 & i find these are better than the adj xmoves heres the link http://www.lantalighting.com/products.asp?productcode=J81785&imageid=235&display=effects.

[djtrev]

Young-yes.Impetuous-I very much doubt it.
But that's got sod all to do with this,because here we have a young man who proclaims to be on the threshold of being a businessman who can admit to wanting to spend a vast amount of money on a 'toy' simply because 'it's there'.
He has admitted to not needing them and could find something better to spend his money on.Bloody irresponsible.

[Matty12]

Why don't you buy some martin scx lights.

[Shaun]

Why don't you buy some martin scx lights.

Perhaps because we're discussing Moving Head effects.....as opposed to Scanners?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Young-yes.Impetuous-I very much doubt it.
But that's got sod all to do with this,because here we have a young man who proclaims to be on the threshold of being a businessman who can admit to wanting to spend a vast amount of money on a 'toy' simply because 'it's there'.
He has admitted to not needing them and could find something better to spend his money on.Bloody irresponsible.

Sorry, but this sounds like professional jealousy to me.

Though Charlie has to learn to be more of a businessman, the way he spends his money is up to him. He is 17, lives at home and doesn't have any real responsibilities, so why shouldn't he spend his money on what he wants?

We can try and advise, but ultimately it is up to him and not for us to tell him he is being irresponsible for spending his own money.

[Matty12]

Sorry, but this sounds like professional jealousy to me.

Though Charlie has to learn to be more of a businessman, the way he spends his money is up to him. He is 17, lives at home and doesn't have any real responsibilities, so why shouldn't he spend his money on what he wants?

We can try and advise, but ultimately it is up to him and not for us to tell him he is being irresponsible for spending his own money.

:agree: :beerchug:

[Matty12]

Perhaps because we're discussing Moving Head effects.....as opposed to Scanners?

Yes I know but I find scanner's are allot better then moving heads for djing because I've owned both in the pass and there allot easier to put on the rig.:o

[Cowlinn]

Yes I know but I find scanner's are allot better then moving heads for djing because I've owned both in the pass and there allot easier to put on the rig.:o

Charlie doesn't want to put them on a rig. Try reading the whole thread.

[Paul James Promotions]

Or unless your name is Jamie Whitehouse :D

Not anymore, recently shifted all the MACs and replaced with LED based units :)

[djtrev]

Sorry, but this sounds like professional jealousy to me.

Though Charlie has to learn to be more of a businessman, the way he spends his money is up to him. He is 17, lives at home and doesn't have any real responsibilities, so why shouldn't he spend his money on what he wants?

We can try and advise, but ultimately it is up to him and not for us to tell him he is being irresponsible for spending his own money.

Couldn't agree more

[Javlingames]

Young-yes.Impetuous-I very much doubt it.
But that's got sod all to do with this,because here we have a young man who proclaims to be on the threshold of being a businessman who can admit to wanting to spend a vast amount of money on a 'toy' simply because 'it's there'.
He has admitted to not needing them and could find something better to spend his money on.Bloody irresponsible.

Jeez pal, calm down. It wont affect you what ever he does? Im not sure why its wound you up so much?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What a surprise....

[djtrev]

What a surprise....

Why should that be a surprise

[djtrev]

Just an opinion and a reaction to a post.As you say he can please himself,he's young and impetuous.Me?I'm older and value money a little more.Can't be bothered to argue the toss.

[Shaun]

Not anymore, recently shifted all the MACs and replaced with LED based units :)

What LED movers did you replace them with.

Good to see you back on the forum. :) :)

[Excalibur]

Putting a cold calculating business head on - are they going to get you anymore bookings? Will they actually make you money? You seem to get quality bookings with what you have already.

They are lovely things to have, and give an impressive lightshow, but are they an essential purchase or a new toy?

Nothing wrong with new toys of course, but could the money be put elsewhere to improve your business? (rather than improving your lightshow).

Or even save/invest/ISA the money?

Excellent advice. Boring, but excellent. :thumbs_up:


. As soon as I've got some money to spend, I blow it. I can't/don't seem to save anything. Hopefully I will grow out of this mentality soon.
Just so you know, Charlie:



I'm not holding my breath. :D :D :D :D :D


Why does it make you angry Trev? Were you never young and impetuous?

Could be worse. He could be like me, Old and impetuous. :o :o


At the risk of being shot down, ( because I don't have, or have used moving heads, ) are they the best adjunct to a pair of Wizards? Would not some form of colour wash and perhaps a laser as a centrepiece be a more balanced rig? :confused:

[TONYTIGER]

Charlie here is some advice from Grandpa if you want a pair of moving heads that are easy to mount nice and bright lots of functions no lamp to replace and easy to operate a pair of ADJ Vizi spots will do the job nicely.

[flatliners]

Charlie if you really want moving heads take a look at the new I solution 50w led moving heads you can get 2 for a grand and they have rotating gobos .
Problem solved I think

[mattydj50]

Selling of items is only for senior members or supporters. Newbies are asked to introduce themselves in the newbies section.

Thank you

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Hi matty, please pop along to the newbie thread and introduce yourself. You will find that people on the forum will be more reponsive to someone they know something about.

[mattydj50]

Consider it done.