Martin Mania SCX500

[DJ Pop Rocket]

I went down to my local disco store the other day and I was speaking to one of the owners and he was showing me some of the DMX lighting he had in stock. He then showed me the Martin Mania SCX500 (They normally cost around the £280 mark). They were very impressive and he offered me a set of 4 for £800.

Basically I thought this was an excellent offer and I am very keen on taking him up on it, but I just wanted to know if any of you guys have any experiences with these lights. As I was only originally planning to spend £500-£600 but I could afford these scx500 lights. So I wanted to know if anyone uses them and what are they like and is it worth me streching my budget that bit more to buy these. Streching my budget would mean these would be my only lights (apart from a couple of my old lights).

Cheers.

(Even though I have seen them in the store I just wanted to know really what they are like in a large venue as the display room where they were was very small so I could not really get an idea of them working in a larger venue).

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sorry - I was thinking of the EFX500.. :embarasse

If you read what I posted, ignore it!

Doh!

[alexperrins]

I was going to ask that ;) How much lighting do you have already? The Martins are top of the range really and although I'm not saying you aren't professional, you might want to consider getting a few more less expensive lights before splashing out on the big guns!

[DJ Pop Rocket]

I was going to ask that ;) How much lighting do you have already? The Martins are top of the range really and although I'm not saying you aren't professional, you might want to consider getting a few more less expensive lights before splashing out on the big guns!

I have some light screens ( :embarasse ) and some non DMX lighting such as some showtec stuff (Rave Moon, Rave Barrel etc). I have other lighting such as light boxes etc that I dont really use but I just have them for back up.

[alexperrins]

Obviously it's down to you, just make sure you know what's best for you. If your going with the Martins, a DMX controller would defintely be a good investment, though this will be more on top and may stretch you further.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have some light screens ( :embarasse ) and some non DMX lighting such as some showtec stuff (Rave Moon, Rave Barrel etc). I have other lighting such as light boxes etc that I dont really use but I just have them for back up.

I really wouldn't be splashing out that much in one hit.

There are a lot of cheaper DMX lighting effects you can buy for that sort of money. The Dynatwins/party scans are very good, as are NJD Datamoons.

[DJ Pop Rocket]

I really wouldn't be splashing out that much in one hit.

There are a lot of cheaper DMX lighting effects you can buy for that sort of money. The Dynatwins/party scans are very good, as are NJD Datamoons.

Ok, I think I will leave these for now then and buy a more varied selection of DMX lighting which will cost less.

I did have a look at the Acme Dynatwins while I was down there and they were certainly impresive also and alot cheaper.

[alexperrins]

Excellent idea! The Datamoon and Dynamos/Dynatwins are very popular, but just make sure you do your research before you buy anything and try as hard as you can to see what your buying in action before you pay the cash. :)

[DJ Pop Rocket]

Excellent idea! The Datamoon and Dynamos/Dynatwins are very popular, but just make sure you do your research before you buy anything and try as hard as you can to see what your buying in action before you pay the cash. :)

The guy seemed very helpful in showing me all the lighting and also letting me examine the actual lights up close to see how to operate them etc. I have done quite a bit of internet research also.

He did not have any datamoons in stock so I will have to wait until he gets another delivery to view them.

[Sam]

You have to remember it is in his interest to sell them.. so be wary (I was ripped off when I was sold my sound system.. I was a very unexperienced then!)

It is worth looking around.. do you need DMX lighting yet? Or is it just something to play with?

I am just about to buy some moving heads plus master controller so I can have full control.. and I think it will expand my service etc but also it is a bit of a play thing.. and Im hoping it wont cost me more than 500.. so maybe shop around before buying.. you could go for 2 of the lights instead of 4?!

[DJ Pop Rocket]

You have to remember it is in his interest to sell them.. so be wary (I was ripped off when I was sold my sound system.. I was a very unexperienced then!)

It is worth looking around.. do you need DMX lighting yet? Or is it just something to play with?

I know he is a salesman so of course I am wary, although I may come across as being "Oh Look thats nice I want" Im not like that I am very cautious on what I spend my hard earned cash on.

I have been to about 5 disco shops and on every occasion have spoke to not only the shop owners and staff but to fellow dj's who are just browsing in the shop for there opinions etc.

DMX lighting is not a necessity to me but its not a necessity to most other DJ's also, I would just like a nice set of lights to have as I really do not like the looks of my current set of lights. Some of it is quite old (I brought some lighting second hand) so I just would like to update it to something a little more modern and neater looking. I have had some lighting for over 4 years and it just seems dated to me.

[alexperrins]

Have a look on this forum for a few threads. There's one by DJ Ags about the "top ten lights to buy" and also one on a "starter light package".

[Danno13]

Its worth just getting DMX stuff to start with, else you'll only want it in the future and will have wasted money in the meantime.

The beauty of DMX is that even with simple handheld controllers you can make the lighting slow down or go fast to suit the music. Theres nothing worse than having lights randomly spinning and flashing everywhere during someones first dance...

I'd also recomend a Datamoon and Dynamo setup.. can't fault either and with 2 datamoons and 4 dynamos you'd have a great show for exactly your budget of £600.

[alexperrins]

Agreed. If you go with a simple controller like the CA-8, which is actually included in some packages, it might not be to everyone's taste but for the money it does what it says on the tin and allows some control over speed and changing colours/gobos etc.

[Ricesnaps]

Have a look on this forum for a few threads. There's one by DJ Ags about the "top ten lights to buy" and also one on a "starter light package".
You see, what a fantastic example of why we need to be putting together group and long term tests on gear. Need I say more, good case here!

[Sam]

:) Fair enough.. sorry if i was patronising or something
I'm only 16 myself so I know the feeling of wanting to buy something but not quite sure.. with these moving heads i must have spent hours and hours.. and i have managed to get the price down by about 200.. with a bit of talk and blagging:-)

Good luck with it.
Sam

[DJ Pop Rocket]

:) Fair enough.. sorry if i was patronising or something


Nah you wasnt patronising or anything (Helpful Infact), I really appreciate the help everypme. :)

[Sam]

Thats all right then :)
Would you get a controller too? - would be good say if you wanted to have a 'spot' for slow dances..im looking at getting the ACME DMX Master.. only 104 quid plus get 3m controller-light cabling with it!

[DJ Pop Rocket]

Thats all right then :)
Would you get a controller too? - would be good say if you wanted to have a 'spot' for slow dances..im looking at getting the ACME DMX Master.. only 104 quid plus get 3m controller-light cabling with it!

A controller is something I would also like to invest into. Comes in handy like you said if you ever want the lights on spot etc. I have seen a few controllers but have not really looked around for them yet. I am just researching up on them at the moment.

[Sam]

http://www.ebdj.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?product_id=12054

This is the one that draws my attention.. it seems to be really good and only 104 with free postage etc.

I have done a lot of reading up on it and seesms to be a good choice.

[Digitalsounds]

No please don't go there ACME :omg:

If your looking at the SCx-500 scanners and your going to get a dmx controller then have a look at the martin controllers , if your stuck then pm Whitehousejamie and he will give you some advice but i know the acme controller is not up to much

[Sam]

Why?
What experiences have you had with it?
Are you taling about the master or the ilead.

Sam

[Danno13]

Theres nothing wrong with Acme stuff.. the Winners and Rovers are nice lights and their newer iSolution stuff is fantastic!

[alexperrins]

Indeed, I've just bought a pair of winners, with the CA-8, they do everything I want them to do. :)

[Sam]

Good!
Lol.. go acme!!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Digital, I wish you'd stop coming on here slating Acme products without any real reason to do so.

We can't all afford Martin lighting, so please stop doing the gear snob bit please.