Newbie in need of some lighting advice [Archive]

Casual77

10-02-2015, 10:57 PM

Hi,

I've been a bedroom dj for several years but have no experience of lighting and could do with some advice to help me get started.

I'm wanting to organise some private parties for friends playing mainly house and trance. I've also been asked if I would consider being the dj at my cousin's wedding. I've got all the dj equipment I am likely to need and a suitable PA system but could do with buying some lights that would be suitable for both types of event.

I'm going to buy a 4ft dj stand with a crossbar and am looking for maybe 2 or 3 lights that would work well together for starters. Unfortunately I've only got a fairly modest budget of about £200 for the lights to start off with and I could really do with some guidance on which type of lights I will need and which would work well together. I quite like the idea and simplicity of the Chauvet GigBar but don't have the budget for that. Other lights that I like the look of and are potentially in my price range are the Chauvet Swarm 5FX, Chauvet Mini Kinta, Acme Festival, Equinox Quadzilla, Equinox Quattro, ADJ Revo Sweep, Equinox Cyclops and ADJ Color Burst LED. Would any of these be good starter lights? Ideally

Could anyone recommend a suitable combination of lights that would cover all the bases and work well together and come in within my budget?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Excalibur

11-02-2015, 07:16 AM

Hello Allan. First off welcome to the forum, hope you benefit from the knowledge here. Secondly, we like folks to introduce themselves in the Newbies section, although effectively, you've done that already. :) It would still be nice if you could, we like to know who we're dealing with, and it can help us to give better advice.

To the matters in hand: The gigbar is in some people's opinion, a one box solution. On Sunday, I met a couple of DJs who had seen it in action and weren't impressed. Most folk think it looks awful, until you turn it on, and then it's great. £400 is a lot of money though.

You mentioned the Swarm, that's similar, but different. Smaller, neater, and cheaper, but not as versatile, perhaps. I'd say it's better used as a centrepiece between two other types of lights. Still £200 for one unit.

What's best for you? Hopefully, others will be along soon with their thoughts.
If you'd gone to Coalville last Sunday, you'd have been offered a load of " pre-loved " dj lights at keen prices. :D Also, you'd have heard over thirty PA systems, although probably at least twenty nine would have been outside your budget. :(

PA wise, I'd suggest two 15" active ( self powered, no external amp needed ) speakers would be the most versatile, cost effective answer for you. If you respect their capabilities, budget offerings like QTX will do just fine. Please remember that two £100 plastic cabs will never deliver the sound that can pin your customers to the back wall in a large sports hall, but they'll fill the dancefloor all night long in a small room. It's a lot like asking a Transit connect to move the same load as a big Merceded sprtinter in the same amount of time, it can't be done.

Keep asking, the answers will appear, and by all means let us know what you've found/been offered, we can soon give them a thumbs up or down.

Casual77

11-02-2015, 09:26 AM

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I'll be sure to stick a post on the Newbie forum to introduce myself later today.

I think I'm sorted on the PA system front. I bought a £500+ set-up for my dad a few years back and it's been stuck up in his loft most of the time since then. I can't remember off the top of my head what the spec was but I'm sure it will be powerful enough for anything I will want to do with it.

Its on the lights front that I'm struggling. It's a shame I didn't ask the question last week by the sound of things because Coalville wouldn't have been too far for me to drive down and have a look. I'm certainly not against the idea of picking up some keenly-priced second-hand lights if anyone has anything they are looking to sell?

I can probably pick up a Swarm FX5 for about £170 which would blow a big part of my budget, but I suppose I could buy extra lights later. Assuming I had a Swarm as my centrepiece light what sort of lights would be best to go either side? Would a pair of Equinox LED Par 56 Short Eco Par Cans do the job or is there something else I should be looking at?

I've been offered an Equinox Quadzilla for £75. Do you have any knowledge of that light? I also like the look of the Chauvet Mini Kintas at £65 and they seem to get a good review. I'm just not sure what combination of lights would work well together as a starter set-up. I'd probably also need something with good sound activated automation because I don't have any experience of DMX.

Benny Smyth

11-02-2015, 09:45 AM

When is your cousin's wedding? The reason I ask is because I would suggest that if there is time, you could save up a bit more for your lighting. There is obviously stuff out there available for your budget but if the option is there to wait, I would seriously consider doing that.

However, if there is no time to wait then the above answer is useless to you. So, with that in mind:

I've seen DJ's use the Kam Power Party Bar (https://www.djkit.com/kam/kam-power-partybar.html?cat=310) and it's nice enough. I think it needs an effect light with it, like the Jellydome (https://www.djkit.com/american-dj/american-dj-jelly-dome.html?cat=306), Vertigo Hex (http://www.rsdmusic.co.uk/products.asp?prodid=3525&catid=57&mcatid=8) or the Quad Phase (https://www.djkit.com/american-dj/american-dj-quad-phase-hp.html?cat=310) but you can do an entire gig with just the Kam.

Maybe try and buy two of the Mega QA Par 38 (http://www.rsdmusic.co.uk/products.asp?prodid=3007&catid=59&mcatid=8), or two Mega Tripar Profile (http://www.rsdmusic.co.uk/products.asp?prodid=2594&catid=59&mcatid=8) to act as washes for the room. Bear in mind that having two won't give off a great wash for the room, but it will be nice enough. With the remaining money, you can buy an effect light.

:)

Casual77

11-02-2015, 12:34 PM

Thanks for the replies. I’ll be sure to put an introduction on the Nebies section tonight. I was a bit torn as to where topost because I didn’t think it would be appropriate to put all my lighting questions in that section.

I think I’m sorted as far as the PA system goes. I bought one for my dad a few years back and it has been sat in his loft most of the time since then. I can’t remember the exact spec but it cost about £500 and I’m sure it will be powerful enough for anything I’m likely to need it for.

I must admit I like the look of the Chauvet Swarm and can pick a B-Grade one up for about £160 which would blow the bulk of my initial budget but I could always look to buy extra lights further down the line. Assuming I went for a Swarm as a centrepiece light, what kind of lights would I choose to put either side of it? Would I need something simple like some Equinox par cans or the Mega Pars that Benny suggested to create a wash or could I pair it up with something a bit more flambouyant? I quite like the look of the Chauvet Mini Kintas for £65 but I’m guessing a pair of those along with a Swarm would be much too ‘busy’. Would the Mini Kinta be consdered an effect light (see, I really am completely new to all this!). I suppose the problem that I’ve got is that my house/trance parties for friends want lights with significant nightclub style ‘Wow’ factor but I’m assuming that a wedding disco will need something considerably more sedate. Is it possible to get a ‘one size fits all solution’ or will I need to get a different lighting set up for each scenario?

Given that the wedding would likely be a one-off (unless I get the bug for it) my main priority would be get something for my private party club nights. Presumably that will have a significant bearing on the lights I should choose.

Ok…. So what have I been offered so far:

Well I’ve had an Equinox Quadzilla at £75 suggested and I can pick up the Mini Kintas for £65 each. I’ve had a suggestion of an Equinox comet at £54.99 as a centrepiece with a pair of QTX Twister III at £32 each. I’ve also had an American DJ Revo 3 for £115 suggested.

In fairness they all look good and I could happily buy one of each over time to add to my collection but I’m guessing you cant just throw a bunch of different lights together and hope that they will work well together. The other thing is that I have got no experience of DMX so initially I would want something that has good sound automation so that I can concentrate on the dj-ing and leave the light show to take care of itself…. Or is that unrealistic?

The wedding is in August so a fair way off yet but I’d like to start building up my lighting set up now so that I have got some time to experiment/practice with it all before the big day. Incidentally…. Its being held at an expensive castle wedding venue. Am I likely to need all my equipment PAT tested and have public liability in place to be able to do it? That would probably be a deal-breaker as far as the wedding goes because I won’t be getting paid and I’m guessing that wouldn’t be cheap.

I’m grateful for the comments I have received so far and would welcome input from anyone else on here who could help me spend my budget wisely. I’m not against the idea of buying ‘pre-loved’ either, if anyone has something that they are looking to sell that may tick all the boxes.

mattydj50

11-02-2015, 12:57 PM

For smaller functions, I have an ADJ Dotz TPar system I use, supplemented with a tri colour laser and a couple of mini kintas. I like the kintas as they can give an effect round the room and, when set on auto, they don't need sound, so the lights move around even on background music which, I think, gives added atmosphere. They run in master & slave configuration with a connecting DMSX lead.

I've had then since they first came out and like to replace lights on a regular basis, so, if you were interested, I could be persuaded to part with them both for a decent offer.

I also have a Revo 3 that I throw up too sometimes.

djdj

11-02-2015, 01:38 PM

Hi,

I've been offered an Equinox Quadzilla for £75. Do you have any knowledge of that light? I also like the look of the Chauvet Mini Kintas at £65 and they seem to get a good review. I'm just not sure what combination of lights would work well together as a starter set-up. I'd probably also need something with good sound activated automation because I don't have any experience of DMX.

I had a Quad for about a week, hated it not very good! the Mini Kinta is a room filler lots of dots and vey bright, My only concern is they are not the most reliable of units ( I have had 6).

I would keep an eye out for good second hand stuff, lots available. :)

Casual77

11-02-2015, 02:07 PM

Pe7e

11-02-2015, 02:57 PM

If I was starting up from scratch, the first lighting effect I would buy would be a 'Powerbar' type of fixture without any doubt whatsoever. They are virtually a complete lightshow by themselves, I know of several DJs doing £500+ weddings using just one of these as their complete lightshow, and many others using a 'Powerbar' with a couple of LED fixtures to give a little more movement. Several manufacturers have their versions of this effect, including KAM, Equinox, Chauvette and Stairville. My recommendation would be the Stairville Tri Led Bundle 'Click' HERE (http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_stage_tri_led_bundle_complete.htm) In my opinion at just £214 including delivery and a 3 year guarantee, is unbeatable value for money and within your budget.

Casual77

11-02-2015, 04:11 PM

That does look like an impressive piece of kit for the money Pe7e and the 3 year guarantee would be appealing.

Are there any particular LED units you would you recommend to go with it? Would the second-hand pair of Mini Kintas that mattydj50 has make a decent set-up or even something like the Equinox Quadzilla?

On a practical note.... if I had something like that would I need a pair of them for symmetry or would I just position it behind the dj stand?

Shaun

11-02-2015, 05:27 PM

If I was starting up from scratch, the first lighting effect I would buy would be a 'Powerbar' type of fixture without any doubt whatsoever.

+1 This type of effect would be my first choice too.

I know of several DJs doing £500+ weddings using just one of these as their complete lightshow, and many others using a 'Powerbar' with a couple of LED fixtures to give a little more movement.

:agree: I often just use a powerbar. And my standard wedding light show is a powerbar and 2 LED moving heads for movement.

Pe7e

11-02-2015, 05:46 PM

Are there any particular LED units you would you recommend to go with it? Would the second-hand pair of Mini Kintas that mattydj50 has make a decent set-up or even something like the Equinox Quadzilla?

On a practical note.... if I had something like that would I need a pair of them for symmetry or would I just position it behind the dj stand?

The Stairville units have 4 threaded mounting holes on the top surface where you can mount fixtures or attachments, Equinox have an even better arrangement, but are much more expensive. The most popular option with my clients, is a defraction laser mounted on one of the two centre holes, and a 1M LED UV lamp attached to the two end holes which then hangs over the front edge of the fixture. The system is very versatile and all manner of things can be done with a few simple brackets. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the Kintas so I'm unable to answer this part of your question.

In answer to your second question, these tri-led units are very bright and just one unit would suffice for the vast majority of jobs you are likely to get. You can have it on a tripod behind (or alongside) you, but a more elegant solution would be to utilise the mounting holes on top of the unit and mount it under the overhead lighting bar on your deckstand.

Casual77

12-02-2015, 09:11 AM

Thanks everyone for all the advice.

I’ve still got a learning curve to go through but I think I’ve got a better idea what my finished lighting set-up might look like now.

Based on the advice I’ve been given on here and from a couple of other people I’ve consulted this is what I’m going to work towards….

A Gorilla 4ft stand with lighting crossbar - £60

A pair of matching power/party bars by either Kam, Stairville, Chauvet or Equinox for either side of the DJ stand – I’ll probably look to go second hand on these and try to get both for £200-250

A matching pair of lights for either end of the Gorilla Stand such as the Chauvet Mini Kintas/ADJ Dekker/ADJ Aggressor or similar – £100-£200

A centrepiece light of some description – Possibly a Chauvet Swarm £100-200

A 4-Panel folding DJ Stand Screen - £80

A cheap haze machine such as the Stairville SH-150 - £65

A cheap DMX Controller such as a Chauvet Obey 6 - £50

Later down the line I might try to pick up a pair of second-hand moving heads for up to £200

I think I’ll look to spend my initial budget on the stand and power/party bars then buy the other lights etc on a one-a-month basis as and when I get some spare cash. That should ensure that I have a reasonable set-up by the time of the wedding in August.

How does that finished set-up sound? Is it likely to be suitable for the wedding and my house music parties? Is there anything I’ve missed that I should really think about including?

Again, I’d welcome any comments, suggestions or general advice.

mattydj50

12-02-2015, 11:46 AM

I could be interested in buying the Mini Kintas and I see you are pretty local so I could maybe collect them in person. I can get a brand new pair for £125 delivered.... so what would you consider to be a decent offer?

If I went for a pair of Mini Kintas would I just need something like the ADJ Dotz bar to go inbetween them?

If you could get over to Doncaster on February 28th you can see both of them working together. That's the next time I'll have both out together.

Casual77

12-02-2015, 01:47 PM

Yeah I may well take you up on that.

Are you doing an event that night? I'd be happy to help you set up in return for a few pointers on how to set up and run a night. Its looking increasingly likely that I will be doing my cousin's wedding in Cornwall in August so it would be good if I could watch and learn from someone experienced before I go down there and drop myself in at the deep end!

Excalibur

12-02-2015, 06:00 PM

Right, here's my two pennorth.
If you could pick up a secondhand Ultimax stand ( and a curtain ) that would be more reliable than a gorilla and screens. Technically, the screens are more versatile, so that's open to debate.

Before buying two Powerbars of any type, just see one in action. My but they're bright. For 99.99% of events, one is quite enough.

Two moon flowers, scanners, or even moving heads would be good, but again, don't go overboard. Nine times out of ten, my lighting rig is my trusty Stairville Powerbar, and two moonflowers.

As to Swarm and the like, I'd say that's more of a luxury than a necessity. If you bought a secondhand cluster laser, and stuck it on top of the powerbar, in the middle, you'd have a roughly similar effect. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Swarm when I saw it, but I think its uses are a bit specialised. I reckon it would be perfect for teen parties ( including 18ths ), especially if you had a pair of them.

Ignore the hazer, because unless you buy a top end one, you're likely not to be able to use it in many venues. Also, you'd need more lights with beams to make best use of it.

A DMX controller won't be the most important thing on your list, either. If you get a pair of lights that will work from the handheld units like the CA8/UC3, you can do quite a bit with them. I run my Acme Cheetahs with one, and there's a pair of the lower powered Cougars on Ebay cased and with the controller.

And finally, the moving heads, well again, I'd class them as luxuries. If you were to get a Powerbar, two matching lights, and a cluster laser, you'd have a lightshow that could work anywhere.

Best of luck with the search, let us know how you get on.

mattydj50

13-02-2015, 01:20 PM

Yes, its a wedding at the Holiday Inn at Warmsworth so you are more than welcome to pop along. I'm also going to Cornwall, but in July, so won't be able to return the favour!!

PM me if you fancy it and I'll let you have some details.

Casual77

13-02-2015, 02:08 PM

Great, thanks. Just sent you a PM

Casual77

15-02-2015, 09:35 PM

I'm sold on the idea of picking up a second-hand power bar unit now and narrowly missed out on an Equinox Mega Bar on ebay earlier but I could do with some further advice.

I've been looking at various different models and notice that some have either seven or just three tri LEDs such as the Kam Power Bar and Equinox Mega Bar where others have a high number of small red green & blue LEDs such as the Kam Partybar and ParBar. I gather that the ones with the tri LEDs are generally a lot brighter than the other kind but is that generally a good thing? Assuming I can pick up a pre-owned partybar for about £100 is it worth paying considerably more (say £150-£200) for a tri LED model? Assuming it is, would I be better going for a model with seven or three LEDs or would it not make much difference either way?

Excalibur

15-02-2015, 10:37 PM

Tri LEDs all the way. No question. Do a search on here for ( Stairville ) powerbar. Here's one example. linky (http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?35315-Stairville-Stage-Tri-Led-vs-Kam-Powerbar).

If a unit has seven 3w LEDs per can, it's brighter than one with three 3w LEDs. Many of the three LED fixtures are designed for small size, as the full size ones are quite big.

I've just checked, and the Stairville offering from Thomann is now £213.36 delivered! :eek::eek: It's been somewhat overtaken by Equinox and the like, but it's still a fine unit.

Casual77

15-02-2015, 11:25 PM

Someone else recommended the Stairville unit and it does look a good buy. I must admit I'm kicking myself at missing out on the (very similar) Equinox Megabar in as new condition that sold on ebay today though.

I was considering buying a Kam ParBar Mk III but I think I will give it a miss if you think the tri LED units are definitely the way to go.

If I go for the Stairville one would the Chauvet Obey 6 be a suitable DMX controller to use with it or is there something else I should look out for?

Excalibur

15-02-2015, 11:32 PM

Casual77

15-02-2015, 11:46 PM

Just been looking at one of the bars with 3 LEDs and it states that they are 9W each rather than 3W. Is it safe to assume that 3x9W would be fairly comparable with 7x3W in terms of brightness if not a little brighter?

The light I'm looking at is the IMG STAGE LINE PARL-45SET, DMX RGB LED SPOTLIGHT BAR SET which I can buy new for £149 delivered. How would you say that compares to the Stairville offering? Am I right in thinking that IMG Stage Line is a reasonable brand?

yourdj

16-02-2015, 12:36 AM

I saw the trance + bedroom DJ and was then a bit shocked that you had been asked to DJ a wedding.
However looking at your age i am sure you can select the right music and do a reasonable job. :)
I thought it was dead easy at first but soon realised that it certainly was not. Depends on the wedding mind you.

I was imagining a teenager lol.

OK £200. I would get the following:

2 x second hand Tri Phases (about £50 each second hand)
http://www.pssl.com/American-DJ-Tri-Phase-Moonflower-LED-Effect

2 x second hand cluster lasers (green & red but ideally blue):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lanta-Quasar-Sapphire-Twinkle-Blue-Firefly-600mw-Cluster-Laser-Disco-Club-/171145260849

1 x CA8 to control the triphases.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ACME-CA8-Lighting-Hand-Controller-CONT10-/171676959128?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item27f8be8198

2 x cheap & as bright as possible par cans
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AMERICAN-DJ-ADJ-MEGA-TRIPAR-PROFILE-LED-RGB-DJ-DMX-FLAT-TRI-PAR-CAN-WASH-LIGHT-/291146137957?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43c9a98165

Haze machine (for your trance events):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ANTARI-FAZER-2-Z300-SERIES-SMOKE-HAZE-MACHINE-DJ-CLUB-BAR-EFFECTS-/291381123538?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43d7ab19d2

1 x DMX cable to link the triphases.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/QTX-177-919UK-Budget-DMX-Lighting-Cable-3-Pin-XLR-Plug-to-3-Pin-XLR-Socket-0-75m-/131403418171?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1e98410a3b

I would even look at getting a cheap DMX controller as it will make your lights 10 times more effective!

Pe7e

16-02-2015, 03:36 AM

OK £200. I would get the following:

I hate to point this out but the list you provided would cost in the region of £600 unless buying very cheap S/H kit with no guarantee or comeback, and S/H smoke M/Cs are notoriously unreliable (at least in my experience) I have 3 awaiting repair, (not ebay cheepo's, they're Jem and Martin units) If nothing else go to Thomann for a smoke M/C if you buy one, and get the benefit of their 3 year guarantee.

Regarding your other concerns I agree with Peter (Excalibur) Tri pars all the way, don't buy 10mm, or even worse, 5mm led pars, they're useless for anything but small venues!

I very much doubt a Chauvette Obey 6 would be suitable for the Stairville Tri Par units, they are dedicated units to work with Chauvette (and certain LEDJ units) without the need for programming, they're not proper DMX desks. I also agree with Peter on why you would need to go down the road of full DMX control, unless you're an expert programmer with time on your hands and not subject to stress headaches LOL.

The Tri Par units have an easily selectable 'sound active' mode with 31 steps of sensitivity, a 'program' mode with many inbuilt programs which are useful if the venue has a sound limiter that's set so low as to not trigger the sound active mode. You also have a controllable 'auto rotate mode', and a foot controller which gives you the ability to select and display fixed colours, plus a 'black out pedal'.

IMO @ a little over £200 with the 3 year guarantee, they're unbeatable value for money, and at the last count I had 7 of them. BUT, I'm no longer a gigging mobile DJ, these days, I'm in the 'Dry Hire' business, and different priorities apply. If I was still gigging, and on a tight budget, the Stairville tri par bar would be my first choice without a doubt, as it represents tremendous value for money. However, if I was still gigging, and money was not a concern, I would certainly consider the Equinox 'Mega Bar', the build quality is better and it's versatility is certainly greater, but this comes at a price, and some of the 'bells and whistles' are not quite as good, or as useful as they first appear.

Casual77

16-02-2015, 07:57 AM

I was a bit shocked too but when I thought about it I felt confident I could do a half decent job as long as I have the right tools. I will have to leave the ego and trance collection at home but with some input from the bride and groom I think I can make sure that the music will tick all the boxes. As it's my cousins wedding a significant proportion of the guest list will be my family and given that they will know its my first gig I'm sure that will cut me some slack if it is less than perfect.

The £200 is misleading. That represents the money I have at my disposal at the moment and not my total budget. I fully expect that by the time of the wedding in August I will have spent at least double that and will continue to add to the collection over time. If you have seen the thread on the audio area of this forum you will know I have some sound system issues as well so will undoubtedly need to spend more than I initially thought. I'm still confident I can get at least a suitable sound system, a tri par unit, a dj stand and at least one effect light by the time of the wedding in August.

I appreciate all the recommendations though.

Excalibur

16-02-2015, 10:29 AM

Just been looking at one of the bars with 3 LEDs and it states that they are 9W each rather than 3W. Is it safe to assume that 3x9W would be fairly comparable with 7x3W in terms of brightness if not a little brighter?
Broadly speaking, yes. I have no personal experience of the IMG bar, but I think it's designed to be compact, which may be no bad thing for you. The Stairville offers an option which I don't know if the IMG does. It's threaded on top, and you can fasten lightweight effects on it, eg Lasers, or LED flowers. Saves using an overhead. Sometimes it's helpful, sometimes not.

I'd suggest some form of powerbar ( regardless of badge ), two moonflowers of some description, and a cluster laser. With that you'll have a rig comparable with what many of us take with us week in, week out. That won't need a DMX controller, unless you get ambitious.

Re the Chauvet, the 6 is short one channel for the Stairville. You ideally need seven. In effect, this really only gives you a dimmer, and a way to select programmes from the floor, rather than reaching up onto the bar itself. It's very very rare that I use anything other than the foot controller with mine.

IMO @ a little over £200 with the 3 year guarantee, they're unbeatable value for money, and at the last count I had 7 of them. BUT, I'm no longer a gigging mobile DJ, these days, I'm in the 'Dry Hire' business, and different priorities apply. If I was still gigging, and on a tight budget, the Stairville tri par bar would be my first choice without a doubt, as it represents tremendous value for money. However, if I was still gigging, and money was not a concern, I would certainly consider the Equinox 'Mega Bar', the build quality is better and it's versatility is certainly greater, but this comes at a price, and some of the 'bells and whistles' are not quite as good, or as useful as they first appear.

I agree with all of the above, and I'm sorry Toby, but although your suggestions are valid ( and dearer than a bar plus a couple of cheap lights) I feel that's over complicating things.

Casual77

16-02-2015, 10:56 AM

Couple more questions that I should have asked in my last post but didn't.....

yourdj - Would you revise your list of suggested purchases given that my total eventual lighting budget is likely to be £500+ or are there any things on there which you think would be worth me considering irrespective of my budget.

Pe7e - Like Excalibur you are a strong advocate of the Stairville tri par bar. Do you know how the tri par bars with only 3 9W LEDs compare in terms of effectiveness and brightness such as the IMG par bar and the Kam Power bar (which looks very similar). Given that I can get the IMG one for £149 brand new and delivered is that enough cost saving to make it worth considering instead of the Stairville? It only has a two pedal footswitch and presumably would only come with a 12 month manufacturers warranty. I can certainly see the value in the Stairville but I'm wondering whether the IMG would be a reasonable alternative and free up £60+ towards a new power amp/haze machine/lighting unit?

Excalibur - I can see the benefit of the threaded holes on the Stairville. I presumed I would be using them to under-mount the unit on the overhead cross bar on the DJ stand I'm planning to buy. I seem to recall you had done this on one of the photos I saw on your website. I had thought that from a symmetry point of view, if I only bought one tri par bar that I would want it to be positioned centrally rather than to one side. If I did that presumably I could attach some other lights either side of it. The question then is.... Is there some way that a centrepiece light such as the Swarm FX5 could be attached to the top side of the cross bar above the Stairville? Alternatively I had considered that I might buy two matching tri par bars down the line so I could have one either side of my DJ stand and leave the overhead cross bar free for other lighting units.

Excalibur

16-02-2015, 11:27 AM

. The question then is.... Is there some way that a centrepiece light such as the Swarm FX5 could be attached to the top side of the cross bar above the Stairville? Alternatively I had considered that I might buy two matching tri par bars down the line so I could have one either side of my DJ stand and leave the overhead cross bar free for other lighting units.

Oh yuss. (http://ultimax1.com/castings.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=75&category_id=8) These will allow you to hang your powerbar from a 25mm square overhead ( it fits between the uprights of a 4ft stand ) and mount one or more fixtures over the bar, albeit upside down. I don't know how heavy a swarm is, I don't expect it to be too bad. I've not handled one, only seen it.

yourdj

16-02-2015, 12:15 PM

Couple more questions that I should have asked in my last post but didn't.....

yourdj - Would you revise your list of suggested purchases given that my total eventual lighting budget is likely to be £500+ or are there any things on there which you think would be worth me considering irrespective of my budget.

Instead of 2 lights you could just get one of each. The triphases add a bit of movement and the pars add colour wash. :)
I don't think second hand units are a bad option assuming your half event on Ebay.
i have bought thousands of things off Ebay and rarely get something thats broken - often quite the opposite.
Having the lights on control is well worth it, especially when things are quiet or its first dance.

Taking Pe7e's advise you then get everything brand new too with a warranty.
You can also add some cheap lasers for circa £20 each, that are actually quite powerful especially with haze.
i agree on the used haze machine - get one new.

If you can double the budget something like this ticks all the boxes and can be controlled.
Its a less powerful version of what i was suggesting in my first post - Its only £30 a month if its a year away.

http://www.astounded.com/chauvet-gigbar-irc-4-in-1-dj-band-lighting-set.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAx4anBRDz6JLYjMDxoQYSJAA4loR mSKtL3G2iaeB0D1zS0-knFb9NdLhDVujBUaYxwxwoQBoCen7w_wcB

As per Djing for family, make sure you do a good job as it could jeopardise your relationship. I personally turned down my mums boyfriends daughter for her wedding as I would hate the responsibility of doing it myself. They know its your first as you say, so its their fault if they have a problem - they should have booked a more experienced DJ ;)

I really can't get some peoples thought processes when they just think a DJ is a DJ - especially someone they have seen in a club etc. Just talking from experience from stories i have heard, but with research and some examples its not too hard. I suppose I did my own floristry for my wedding LOL so the same though pattern applies, but people forget that their guests are being entertained for 1/3 of the wedding by the DJ.

Music wise just get them to supply 60-80 tracks. I get track lists off clients all the time and they are invariably the same.
The formalities and announcements are the most difficult part, once you have mastered the technical side.
Watching the dance floor is key, so forget about fancy mixing as track selection will dictate your success ;)

DazzyD

16-02-2015, 01:11 PM

If I was starting up from scratch, the first lighting effect I would buy would be a 'Powerbar' type of fixture without any doubt whatsoever. They are virtually a complete lightshow by themselves...

Some things never change!! My very first lighting purchase many moons ago was a set of 4 generic PAR56 cans with stand and controller. They have served me well and still feature from time to time in my shows (albeit they've had lamps replaced over time as well as the triacs in the controller). My second purchase was a set of 4 Acme Smart Gobo's with the linking cables. That was my lightshow for a while before I added some scanner and barrel effects before the advent of LED units.

Casual77

16-02-2015, 02:04 PM

I do like the look of the Chauvet Gigbar and the simplicity of it appeals but people have suggested that I could get something better for less money by buying individual lights.

My current thoughts are to buy a suitable tri par bar(probably Stairwells), a pair of Chauvet Mini Kintas, a Chauvet Swarm (although I might go with something cheaper like an Acme Festival initially) and a cheap laser unit. I'll also take advice and buy a cheap haze machine new from Thomann.

How does that sound as a setup? Is there anything I've missed that I should consider?

That should have said stairville. Predictive text strikes again!

Benny Smyth

16-02-2015, 02:13 PM

I do like the look of the Chauvet Gigbar and the simplicity of it appeals but people have suggested that I could get something better for less money by buying individual lights.

My current thoughts are to buy a suitable tri par bar(probably Stairwells), a pair of Chauvet Mini Kintas, a Chauvet Swarm (although I might go with something cheaper like an Acme Festival initially) and a cheap laser unit. I'll also take advice and buy a cheap haze machine new from Thomann.

How does that sound as a setup? Is there anything I've missed that I should consider?

Go to your local DJ shop and see if you can view all those lights in action.

Personally, I think it sounds like a bit of a cluster :Censored: but it may look better in real life.

Excalibur

16-02-2015, 02:20 PM

How does that sound as a setup? Is there anything I've missed that I should consider?

As much as I love the swarm, I'd say with a bar, two kintas and a laser, you're covered. Since the effects in a swarm are effectively a laser, two pars, and two kintas, it brings nothing to the party. It's designed to offer a ( small ) full lighting rig carried in one hand, which it does admirably.

Casual77

16-02-2015, 02:36 PM

Well that trims a couple of hundred pounds off my shopping list right away. So, a pair of Mini Kintas which I will be able to see in action (possibly) on the 28th, a tri par bar, a laser unit and a haze machine? That certainly sounds do-able. Thinking more about my private parties (house music) than the wedding do.... Is there anything else I need? Some kind of strobe unit maybe, or a gobo projector?

Pe7e

16-02-2015, 03:30 PM

Pe7e - Like Excalibur you are a strong advocate of the Stairville tri par bar. Do you know how the tri par bars with only 3 9W LEDs compare in terms of effectiveness and brightness such as the IMG par bar and the Kam Power bar (which looks very similar). Given that I can get the IMG one for £149 brand new and delivered is that enough cost saving to make it worth considering instead of the Stairville? It only has a two pedal footswitch and presumably would only come with a 12 month manufacturers warranty. I can certainly see the value in the Stairville but I'm wondering whether the IMG would be a reasonable alternative and free up £60+ towards a new power amp/haze machine/lighting unit?

In theory the light output should be very similar, but you will get a far better spread of light from the 7 x 3W bars, the specs on the 3 x 9W bar indicates that a narrower beam is to be expected. Like Excalibur I also have no direct experience of the stageline bars, but after searching the web came to the conclusion they have been built down to a price rather than up to a quality. While looking round the web I did find THIS (http://www.soundlightuk.com/shop/products/Stageline-PARL%252d47SET-LED-Power-Bar-Stage-Light-System.html) from the same company, this to me looks identical to the Stairville bar (and probably is) and is priced @ £399. The first question that came to mind was 'what have they taken out to sell the other bar at less than half price? Sometimes the important question to ask is NOT what it will do, but what it WON'T do. Personally I'd recommend caution, £60 spread over the 3 year guaranteed lifespan, is less than 40p a week, my oldest bars are now over 3 years old and have never had a problem, despite them being hired regularly to people who don't always treat them as well as I would, LOL. Another consideration is, you will use your lights every gig you do, the smoke M/C however, will only be used very occasionally as many venues won't allow them in. If I were going to compromise, it would be on the Smoke M/C not the lights.

Excalibur - I can see the benefit of the threaded holes on the Stairville. I presumed I would be using them to under-mount the unit on the overhead cross bar on the DJ stand I'm planning to buy. I seem to recall you had done this on one of the photos I saw on your website. I had thought that from a symmetry point of view, if I only bought one tri par bar that I would want it to be positioned centrally rather than to one side. If I did that presumably I could attach some other lights either side of it. The question then is.... Is there some way that a centrepiece light such as the Swarm FX5 could be attached to the top side of the cross bar above the Stairville? Alternatively I had considered that I might buy two matching tri par bars down the line so I could have one either side of my DJ stand and leave the overhead cross bar free for other lighting units.

I'll give you my take on this since I've actually done it, Depending on the stand you buy, the bar may not fit between the two uprights but it can still be attached centrally to the overhead bar with a couple of very simple to make custom brackets and drilling two holes in the overhead bar. A central LED light can also be mounted 'upside down' on the overhead, again, you may need to drill the bar to accommodate this, but it's all basic stuff and doesn't require much know how to do it

Casual77

16-02-2015, 04:00 PM

Thanks for that. That seems like a pretty compelling argument in favour of getting the Stairville then. With the three year warranty it does sound like a really good deal I was just trying to make sure I maximise my 'bang for buck' given my limited budget.

This is the stand I was going to go for because it looks to be a good price and has a lifetime warranty.

http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/dj-equipment/disco-stands/gorilla-gds-4-4ft-complete-disco-stand.htm

I've also got a flight case made by the same company and have been suitably impressed with the quality. I'm assuming that the Stairville bar would fit between the uprights of the stand on the bottom of the overhead crossbar and that I could put one of the Mini Kintas (or similar) on each side and then fix a centrepiece light or laser above in the middle using the method you outlined and the clamp that Excalibur kindly provided the link to.

I feel like I have got a pretty clear shopping list on the lighting side now. I just need to work what exactly I'm doing in terms of the PA system side of things and then I can start buying in some of the things I want.

Excalibur

16-02-2015, 04:36 PM

This is the stand I was going to go for because it looks to be a good price and has a lifetime warranty.

http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/dj-equipment/disco-stands/gorilla-gds-4-4ft-complete-disco-stand.htm

Tee hee. :) I remember Ford once stating that the cambelt on a particular engine was guaranteed for the life of the engine. Thing is, if the belt turned its toes up, so did the engine, with a loud bang. :eek:

When you see young Matty, ask him which stand he uses. If it's an Ultimax, have a climb on it, and hang from the overhead. Then try that with your Gorilla, and you'll probably be able to test the Lifetime Warranty. ;) The failing with all these other stands is the overhead and uprights aren't strong enough. Been there, done that.............................................. ...........................................

A Gorilla may well serve your purpose, but all parts of an Ultimax are available and interchangeable. The clamp I showed will fit the 25mm bar on an Ultimax, but I don't know about the Gorilla one. How the cheaper Ultimax Ecomax compares, I don't know. This one (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultimax-DJ-PA-Band-EcoMax-The-1-2m-DJ-Stand-/140777359626?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Stands_Supports&hash=item20c6fc090a) isn't too much dearer than your Gorilla.

A few threads on the subject:
One (http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?41911-Gorilla-GTS-01-Lighting-1-5M-Truss-Stand-Reviews&highlight=aardvark)

Two. (http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?40583-DJ-table-and-truss-overhead-bars&highlight=aardvark)

And Three. (http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?33663-WANTED-A-Deck-stand-for-mobile-gigs&highlight=aardvark) Take particular note of Angela's words on the matter, she's absolutely bang on.

Casual77

16-02-2015, 08:57 PM

Ha.... Just when I thought I'd got my shopping list sorted I've inadvertently opened up another can of worms!

I've had a read through the links you sent and I can see the argument for the Ultimax is strong but I think I'm still going to go for the Gorilla. As much as I would like to have the best of everything there comes a time when I have to be pragmatic and I'm not sure the ecomax model will be any more robust than the Gorilla despite being £45 more given that the load rating of the ecomax is considerably lower than the Gorilla (70kg vs 90kg). I anticipate that the top end Ultimax models will be considerably better but at three times the price you would expect that. I will take the view that the Gorilla one will only last a couple of years but then I'll be in a position to buy a better one if I need to. Presumably the lifetime warranty, whilst not guaranteeing that it will last a lifetime, means that at least I should be eligible for a replacement if it falls to bits.

If I'm back on here in a few months complaining about how poor it is you will have every right to say 'I told you so'.

Excalibur

16-02-2015, 10:37 PM

Ha.... Just when I thought I'd got my shopping list sorted I've inadvertently opened up another can of worms!

If I'm back on here in a few months complaining about how poor it is you will have every right to say 'I told you so'.

You must cut your coat according to your cloth, undoubtedly. ;) Many of us on here, myself included, tend to recommend tried and tested professional kit, even if it's not going to be used professionally.
Conversely, if your Gorilla gives you years of trouble free service, feel free to tell me " Ner, ner,ner". :D

Two things, firstly, the figures. In real life, they may perhaps not be as far apart as they are on paper, cough, cough. ;)
Secondly, keep an eye out on Ebay for a secondhand Ultimax. In the past I've found a secondhand one with bag, shelves, and a few extras for £125, and a brand new one for £100. They do come up from time to time. Good luck, whatever you get.

Jem

17-02-2015, 09:52 AM

If it's not too late may I refer you to a 'For Sale' thread of mine here on MDD:

http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?42263-2-x-Kam-Powerbars-for-sale/page2

It may be a little outside your budget, but these are like brand new.

Regards

Jem

Casual77

17-02-2015, 09:58 AM

I have seen your listing and as much as I would like to have them they are considerably out of my price range. It's a shame really because I live between Barnsley and Wakefield so you're pretty much on my doorstep.

Jem

17-02-2015, 10:48 AM

No Worries at all :)

yourdj

17-02-2015, 05:52 PM

I could get something better for less money by buying individual lights.

That is the best way. Those bars are designed for bands who have no time for lighting and want an easy life.
Get some good deals on Ebay and a DMX controller and you can make yourself a very compact but effective lighting rig.

This is one I built.
I am changing it soon to two wireless DMX pars in the middle.
All pre mounted in a case with a wireless DMX receiver.

V1:
17048

V2:
17045

V3:
17047

Casual77

17-02-2015, 09:10 PM

That looks like a pretty effective set-up. I'm thinking I might try to do something similar, although I will use the overhead bar on the DJ stand I buy instead of a T bar.

I was all set to go for the Stairville tri par bar but I came across some individual American DJ mega tri pars for £47 each delivered and I'm thinking I might just get a couple of those with a remote control and DMX lead for starters. They may not be quite as bright as the Stairville units because they only have 5 LEDs rather than 7 but they should still be bright enough for small venues and I'm assuming they will be fairly comparable to the Stairville bar if I buy two more later and connect them all up?

fullcontact68

18-02-2015, 07:47 AM

I was all set to go for the Stairville tri par bar but I came across some individual American DJ mega tri pars for £47 each delivered and I'm thinking I might just get a couple of those with a remote control and DMX lead for starters. They may not be quite as bright as the Stairville units because they only have 5 LEDs rather than 7 but they should still be bright enough for small venues and I'm assuming they will be fairly comparable to the Stairville bar if I buy two more later and connect them all up?

I used 4 x ADJ Mega tri pars on the overhead bar on my old booth, never had an issue with them, and they are more than bright enough.

I control them with an Obey 4 controller.

I use the Tri pars for my wash, and add other lights depending on the gig.

Usually either the ACME Mirrage, or a couple of LED moonflowers which I have.

Just purchased a new booth, so currently thinking about my new lighting solutions.

Benny Smyth

18-02-2015, 08:48 AM

I was all set to go for the Stairville tri par bar but I came across some individual American DJ mega tri pars for £47 each delivered and I'm thinking I might just get a couple of those with a remote control and DMX lead for starters. They may not be quite as bright as the Stairville units because they only have 5 LEDs rather than 7 but they should still be bright enough for small venues and I'm assuming they will be fairly comparable to the Stairville bar if I buy two more later and connect them all up?

Hmmm....it's almost as if somebody suggested something similar earlier in the thread (http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?42350-Newbie-in-need-of-some-lighting-advice&p=642895&viewfull=1#post642895).

:p

I stand by my original idea for a £200 idea though - two pars, plus an effect light such as a Revo 4 or another moonflower. Or as an alternative to the pars, maybe buy one of these (https://www.djkit.com/lanta/lanta-orion-link-v2.html?cat=310).

Benny Smyth

18-02-2015, 10:16 AM

Ok. May have slightly marked out over the fact that Toby has Revo Raves. :approve:

yourdj

18-02-2015, 10:34 AM

Ok. May have slightly marked out over the fact that Toby has Revo Raves. :approve:

Did have them, but they are very limited as an effect light.
Got the small Triphase (V3) on a whim and the coverage/brightness is excellent for the price.
Cant remember the name of them now? Nice to have a complete ADJ lighting rig.

The bursts are great for dots and colour on the cleiling, but I am changing them to two black wireless DMX 135 watt pars.
It gets rid of my DMX receiver and the second par can act as a sender to the up lighters. Being up high it in a perfect position.

Benny Smyth

18-02-2015, 10:40 AM

Did have them, but they are very limited as an effect light.
Got the small Triphase on a whim and the coverage/brightness is excellent for the price.

Cant remember the name of them now? Nice to have a complete ADJ lighting rig.
The bursts are great for dots and colour on the cleiling, but I am changing them to two black wireless DMX 135 watt pars.
It gets rid of my DMX receiver and the second par can act as a sender to the up lighters. Being up high it in a perfect position.

I used to have two Revo Raves, two ADJ Comscans and a Revo 4 as my centrepiece. Looking back, it was awful but my setup was a lot simpler. Just seeing the Raves made me smile.

Casual77

18-02-2015, 10:44 AM

Yes.... credit for that. I think back when you made that post I was sold on the idea of the Tri Par bar and your suggestion washed over me a bit. It must have sewn a subconscious seed though.

The individual Mega Tri Pars at £46.50 each delivered seems to good to pass up though. It means I can build up to as many as I want but just one at a time making it more affordable, and I like the idea of being able to just remove a faulty one from my set-up and replace it quickly and cheaply rather than an all-in-one bar where one fault could render the whole thing useless. I also like the idea of a small cheap hand-held remote to control the lights rather than a wired footswitch.

I haven't seen the Lanta Orion unit before. How effective would that be compared to a couple of ADJ Mega Tri Pars for similar money?

I'm thinking that I will probably get two ADJ Mega Tri Pars now and a couple more later down the line, a couple of Chauvet Mini Kintas (or similar) and some centrepiece effect light that would go with them (Revo 4 as you suggested maybe?). Hopefully all that would fit on the overhead bar on the DJ stand I'm getting and I'll be good to go.

Benny Smyth

18-02-2015, 10:58 AM

I haven't seen the Lanta Orion unit before. How effective would that be compared to a couple of ADJ Mega Tri Pars for similar money?

Both would do the same job (or, at least, incredibly similar). Personally, I'd pick the Tripar out of the two.

mattydj50

18-02-2015, 11:24 AM

Benny Smyth

18-02-2015, 11:28 AM

I didn't like the Revo 4, it gave quite a narrow field of light for me. I do have the Revo 3 which I much prefer.

He is right about it being narrow, but I personally preferred it to the Revo 3.

Here's a old video from when I used it - it's the light in the middle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvzp6601weI

Casual77

21-03-2015, 12:19 AM

mattydj50

22-03-2015, 07:16 AM

All, I'm guessing from all of this then that, unless your next gig is at the Royal Albert Hall, you'll no longer be wanting my Chauvet Mini Kintas.

Casual77

22-03-2015, 08:06 AM

Hi Matthew. No, I'd still like your mini kintas if you are still happy to sell them. I'm thinking of training my step-son up to do small gigs so I want to be able to have decent lighting rigs that can be used concurrently.

I'm planning to sell the butterfly quads and the adj Inno pocket spots to raise some extra funds so will be able to buy your mini kintas in a couple of weeks if that's ok with you?

funkymook

22-03-2015, 11:35 AM

Just re-read the posts in this thread and can't believe how quickly my plans to keep things cheap and simple changed. I've now amassed a pair of Chauvet GigBars, an Equinox mega Bar, a pair of Acme butterfly Quads, a Chauvet Swarm, a pair of Acme 25 Spins, a Chauvet 4Play, a pair of ADJ Mega TriPars, a pair of AdJ Inno Pocket Spots and an Equinox Nimbus! I just need to figure out how to use them all now!

Hi Matthew. No, I'd still like your mini kintas if you are still happy to sell them. I'm thinking of training my step-son up to do small gigs so I want to be able to have decent lighting rigs that can be used concurrently.

I'm planning to sell the butterfly quads and the adj Inno pocket spots to raise some extra funds so will be able to buy your mini kintas in a couple of weeks if that's ok with you?

And you’re well down the slippery slope of buying and selling lights and never being 100% satisfied (which is exactly what the manufacturers want of course). Unless you’re selling an amazing lightshow (with top quality fixtures, full bespoke DMX for each event etc) swapping around lights from the lower and mid range will make hardly any difference to your show - they all do basically the same sort of thing.

The best investment is probably a high quality haze machine, they make any lighting look fantastic.

My advice is check the gallery for pictures and videos and copy a look that you like (it’s unavoidable that whatever you do will look similar to someone’s set-up anyway) and make it as quick and easy to set-up as possible with pre-wiring etc. Then forgot about changing it for at least a year and concentrate on marketing and getting bookings or practising mixing or whatever else DJ related you fancy doing.

Casual77

22-03-2015, 12:49 PM

Yeah, I probably am on that slippery slope although I've only got so many lights because I bought most of them as a job-lot and I'm looking to sell on some of the lights I don't need. I had a think about what else I could possibly need this morning and apart from an active sub and few relatively inexpensive items I've got almost everything I need. After the next few weeks i don't envisage buying anything else until something stops working. A half decent haze machine is certainly on my shopping list though. Will a £100 machine do a reasonable job or do I need to be looking at spending significantly more than that?

I had a think about different possible lighting rigs and I'm feeling fairly confident I have everything I need to put on a decent show from small kids' parties through to reasonably large wedding events. The next step is to do what you suggested and find ways of making the set-up of different stand/light combinations as quick and easy as possible. I've just bought a load of Rhino quick release clamps and I'm hoping that they will be a good start. What can I do by way of pre-wiring to speed things up?

funkymook

22-03-2015, 01:29 PM

A half decent haze machine is certainly on my shopping list though. Will a £100 machine do a reasonable job or do I need to be looking at spending significantly more than that?

I was talking about the professional £600+ machines (Le Maitre etc). Anything less is pretty much a smoke machine with a fan. What you’re after is an invisible haze that shows up the beams of light, similar to what you’ll see (or not see) on TV. Less chance of setting alarms off and whatever lighting you have will look great (that’s why all lighting videos from manufacturers are shot with haze or smoke).

The next step is to do what you suggested and find ways of making the set-up of different stand/light combinations as quick and easy as possible. I've just bought a load of Rhino quick release clamps and I'm hoping that they will be a good start. What can I do by way of pre-wiring to speed things up?

Prewiring - set up your lighting on whatever stand you’re using, then neatly cable tie all the wires in place, then when you take the lights down the wires stay in place.

I had a think about different possible lighting rigs and I'm feeling fairly confident I have everything I need to put on a decent show from small kids' parties through to reasonably large wedding events.

How many bookings do you have coming up? Far better to plan around the work you've actually got than try and predict and cover every eventuality. You’ve more than enough lighting already - you now need to be out there using it and gaining actual experience.

Shaun

22-03-2015, 04:57 PM

Far better to plan around the work you've actually got than try and predict and cover every eventuality. You’ve more than enough lighting already - you now need to be out there using it and gaining actual experience.

Excellent advice!

---------------------------------------

Looking back to when I started I focused too much on lighting and not enough on the equipment that really counted. I scrimped and saved on speakers and amps, opting to buy cheap PA's and upgrade later so I could concentrate on buying those few extra lights. Looking back now I realise it was false economy. Sure I had pretty lights but I had no end of problems with my sound in the early days.

I don't think you really need to worry about different lighting rigs for different eventualities. A few good 'all-rounders' is all you really need.

Anyway, best of luck. :)

Casual77

22-03-2015, 05:50 PM

Excellent advice!

---------------------------------------

Looking back to when I started I focused too much on lighting and not enough on the equipment that really counted. I scrimped and saved on speakers and amps, opting to buy cheap PA's and upgrade later so I could concentrate on buying those few extra lights. Looking back now I realise it was false economy. Sure I had pretty lights but I had no end of problems with my sound in the early days.

I don't think you really need to worry about different lighting rigs for different eventualities. A few good 'all-rounders' is all you really need.

Anyway, best of luck. :)

I inherited a diary full of bookings last week. There are a fair few that I can't do or don't fancy doing but I've probably got about 10 I can have a go at. I've got my maiden gig (an 18th birthday party) coming up this Friday.

As you probably know If you've read my threads on the on the audio forum I've been deliberating for weeks over what sound system to buy. In the end I went for a pair of new Yamaha DBR12s which should hopefully arrive tomorrow. I'm on the lookout for a decent active sub to pair them up with but I'm hoping with the 7 year warranty I won't need to be buying any more speakers for quite a while.

I took some time convincing myself that spending £600+ on speakers was a good idea but I can't see me ever bringing myself to spend that on a haze machine unless my euro lottery numbers come in. Realistically, I think £150 for a reasonable smoke machine with a fan might be the limit of my ambition in that regard.

funkymook

22-03-2015, 06:19 PM

I inherited a diary full of bookings last week. There are a fair few that I can't do or don't fancy doing but I've probably got about 10 I can have a go at. I've got my maiden gig (an 18th birthday party) coming up this Friday.

I have to ask - how are you cancelling the ones you won’t be doing, are there deposits to be refunded etc?

Casual77

22-03-2015, 10:04 PM

I've been left with the unenviable task of letting everyone in the book know, which has unfortunately meant letting down several mums of young children with birthday discos booked. Its not my fault that it's happened and not really my responsibility to do the ringing round but I've tried to give everyone as much notice as I possibly could and arranged an alternative DJ for two of the bookings I can't do. Under other circumstances I would have done whatever I could to fulfil the bookings myself but I don't have the necessary equipment, music, public liability cover etc in place yet to have done gigs this weekend. Besides even if I did, a 100 mile round trip to do a £40, 2 hour kids party wouldn't have made any financial sense. As far as I know the only booking where a deposit has been paid is one that I will pick up the baton for.

In fairness, all the people I've had to cancel on so far have been understanding that I'm only the messenger and that it's not my fault. They have even been appreciative that I went to the trouble of letting them know rather than leaving them to be stood up on the day. Having said that there was one hard-sounding bloke who took it quite badly and said he would turn up on the DJ's doorstep and "rip his head off" unless I provided his current phone number. I thought that was probably the more sensible option all round and complied with his request. It was little surprise when he rang me back a few minutes later saying the DJ had decided to do his gig after all!

funkymook

23-03-2015, 12:21 AM

mattydj50

23-03-2015, 12:24 AM

Sods law. I was free this weekend so could have helped if necessary. April is a bit quiet too so if there's anything I can help with, let me know.

Kintas still have your name on by the way,just say when.

pitdiver

16-04-2015, 08:45 AM

As a newcomer I also had an issue with lights. As most of the work I do is in small village halls and other small venues. I don't really need anything too OTT.
I have two Chauvet 4 plays, a KAM Partybar plus some old skool light boxes plus a Chauvet Fog machine. This small set up covers most of my needs but I am hoping to get one or two Mini Kintas.
Plus possibly an ADJ Micro Galaxian. Forgot to mention a very cheap and cheerful pseudo glitter ball. I use that for the Ballroom dancing events. It works very well.

Rob H (Pitdiver)

mattydj50

16-04-2015, 12:57 PM

Kinta's still available. First one to PM me and come up with the cash gets them.

Andy P

16-04-2015, 02:18 PM

what are kinters?

Excalibur

16-04-2015, 03:26 PM

what are kintas?

Linky. (http://www.chauvetlighting.co.uk/mini-kinta.html) A form of lighting fixture I normally hold a healthy dislike for. These however are quite acceptable.

Andy P

16-04-2015, 03:45 PM

They are quite nice those - Im looking for a stronger/brighter replacement for my lex boxes

Nakatomi

17-04-2015, 10:29 AM

This time next week I should have taken delivery of my first lights. I'm opting for the ADJ Dotz Tpar system. Initially I'll team it up with a couple of fx, one gobo based, maybe LED & a laser. I'm not a huge fan of cluster lasers but they can fill a wall or ceiling nicely & look grand with haze.

I'm opting for the tpar because I've seen bands who have lesser lights & they seemed puny to me. My reasoning is why risk being disappointed? It's not that much more cash for extra power.

The tpar will also simplify powering the other 2 lights & give me a degree of control I've never had with the boss' setups. If I find the programs of the tpar limiting, a dmx controller won't add much cost.

Regarding frontage, I'm going to have a crack at making a facade which I'll backlight. I'm pondering options there but it'll likely be a h20 or similar. It could look really neat I think. I used to make all my own gear years ago, even down to the light controllers so it shouldn't be hard.