Advice on possible lighting change please.

[Excalibur]

I've had sterling service from two Swarm 5s, which are moving to pastures new. Compact, room filling lights, with variation. Light show in one box for younger events.
That leaves me short in that area. I also have one Chauvet Beamer 6, which is less manic,and has a place usually when you have high ambient light.

So, I need replacements for the Swarms, and I can either buy another Beamer at a very advantageous price, or sell the one I have and put it to the fund.

Replacement of choice is the Chauvet Swarm Wash, but it's not cheap. Not at all cheap. :( Many folk rate the ADJ Stinger 2, so that's on the table, although two would stretch the budget a bit.

Only things ruled out are the Gigbar, mainly because it won't fit between the uprights on a Micromax, and the ADJ family of strange looking rectangular Stinger Star/Gobo Star, etc.
Quad phase type are out too.

Anything else in my price range is in, I'm even considering a couple of Fusion scans. I want something that covers a lot of ground, and is aimed at younger crowds mainly. Bigger older events, the trusty EFX 500s come out to play.

OK folks, the floor is yours. Subject to financial constraints, and the bans above, nothing is ruled out.

[rth_discos]

These are just amazing:

https://www.djkit.com/chauvet/chauvet-intimidator-barrel-305-irc.html

They fill the room, and with replacement gobos can make them fit for any occasion.

2 of those, with some wash light with it, and you've got everything you'll need.

[Imagine]

These are just amazing:

https://www.djkit.com/chauvet/chauvet-intimidator-barrel-305-irc.html

They fill the room, and with replacement gobos can make them fit for any occasion.

2 of those, with some wash light with it, and you've got everything you'll need.

:agree:

These are fantastic little lights - they've pretty much retired my Wizards (except for one venue where I can stand those on the stage for a slightly different effect - photos after Friday night's wedding on that one).

In fact the vast majority of my work now is a pair of Kam PowerParty bars and a pair of the 305's - nothing else needed really.

I've just replaced a couple of the Gobos in mine and I'm really impressed. Thinking there might be some snowflakes appearing come Xmas time :)

There's a nice little 0% deal on them as well which seems to work....it's how I got mine and completely pain free.

[musicology]

+1 for the Chauvet 305's. Large coverage and nice gobos.

[rth_discos]

I've just replaced a couple of the Gobos in mine and I'm really impressed. Thinking there might be some snowflakes appearing come Xmas time :)


Yes, snowflakes look great, and are instant bonus points with the person who booked you, as you have effectively themed the room for them at no extra cost, so makes them look really good!

Same with the hearts for the first dance at a wedding.

And stars look really good for dancing.

Well, that's how mine is set anyway!

I don't really use the built in ones - and eventually will replace all the "standard" provided gobos, which effectively gives me a unique light.

[musicology]

As an aside, I'm actually completely clueless about changing gobos. Where do you get them from?

[Casual77]

I'm not sure if these would fit the bill but are a very cost effective option that I have just gone for....

http://www.ukdj.co.uk/pro-audio-lighting-c1/lighting-effects-c234/dj-lighting-effects-c236/kam-2-x-microglide-compact-8-x-3w-rgbw-sweeping-beam-lighting-effect-disco-fx-micro-glide-p5833

I know Kam lighting doesn't have the best of reputations for reliability but I figured that at less than £70 each delivered they would be suitable for kids parties/ teen discos etc. I actually used them for the first time on Saturday. I had a 7 hour 40th birthday party in central Birmingham where I knew I would be restricted for space. I stuck a pair on a T bar with a pair of mega tri pars and they performed admirably. They clearly aren't anywhere near as refined a lighting fixture as the intimidator barrels but a pair either side of your Beamer 6 would be a pretty reasonable no-frills set up I would have thought, particularly if you can add a bit of haze into the mix.

[Excalibur]

Thank you for your thoughts Gentlemen, a brilliant suggestion, but for two things.
1) One of them is nearly double my budget, so immediately disqualified on price.
2) Been there, done that. Different badge I think, but although fabulous lights, weren't what I was looking for.

[Casual77]

Might be a silly question but.... if the Swarm 5s provided sterling service and did what you needed them to do, why have you moved them on to pastures new and not just kept them?

[rth_discos]

As an aside, I'm actually completely clueless about changing gobos. Where do you get them from?

There's a few places.

This is one of the more user friendly sites and good value too

http://www.goboplus.com/stock-gobos/gobos.html

Lots to choose from!

[rth_discos]

1) One of them is nearly double my budget, so immediately disqualified on price. .

Out of interest how long did you have your swarms for?

Admittedly I've only had the 305s for 1.5 years but I doubt they've depreciated much if I wanted to sell them, but I don't, and I'm confident as long as the bulb lasts that I'll get 5 years out of them. I can easily update the look with new gobos for not much money.

In my mind excellent value for money. And when I come to sell them (should I need to), the total cost of ownership won't have been much at all.

[Casual77]

Ok.... I'll have another try

http://www.ukdj.co.uk/pro-audio-lighting-c1/lighting-effects-c234/dj-lighting-effects-c236/chauvet-dj-lighting-circus-2-0-irc-disco-led-effect-strobe-inc-bags-leads-controller-p4210

These look like they might fit your criteria and are in the right sort of price range.


(I'm not on commission with UKDJ by the way. They just seem to sell them cheaper than anywhere else and include bags which is always a bonus)

[Excalibur]

I'm not sure if these would fit the bill but are a very cost effective option that I have just gone for....

http://www.ukdj.co.uk/pro-audio-lighting-c1/lighting-effects-c234/dj-lighting-effects-c236/kam-2-x-microglide-compact-8-x-3w-rgbw-sweeping-beam-lighting-effect-disco-fx-micro-glide-p5833


Sorry Allan, missed this first time. Close, but no cigar I think. The ones where the bars are on a 360 degree rotator would be perfect, but also much dearer.


Might be a silly question but.... if the Swarm 5s provided sterling service and did what you needed them to do, why have you moved them on to pastures new and not just kept them?

Sensible question. Many factors involved, but the unit having big strobe lights round the outside never sat well with me ( The Stinger 2 has UV, and the Swarm Wash multicoloured ones. ) The smaller strobe lights in the Beamer are much nicer. Also, once I'd seen the Swarm Wash, I realised it was better, so wanted to swap.

[Excalibur]

Out of interest how long did you have your swarms for?

Admittedly I've only had the 305s for 1.5 years but I doubt they've depreciated much if I wanted to sell them, but I don't, and I'm confident as long as the bulb lasts that I'll get 5 years out of them. I can easily update the look with new gobos for not much money.

In my mind excellent value for money. And when I come to sell them (should I need to), the total cost of ownership won't have been much at all.

I had the Acme equivalent, I think. No idea how long I've had the swarms, but like my barrels, they were bought s/h, at good prices. Don't owe me a penny. I accept your economic theory without any question, it's cast iron. Problem is, I don't want one, I've already had an equivalent. Didn't do what I want.


Ok.... I'll have another try

http://www.ukdj.co.uk/pro-audio-lighting-c1/lighting-effects-c234/dj-lighting-effects-c236/chauvet-dj-lighting-circus-2-0-irc-disco-led-effect-strobe-inc-bags-leads-controller-p4210

These look like they might fit your criteria and are in the right sort of price range.

Allan, you've grasped the concept, and the parameters brilliantly. Good call again, but still no cigar.

[rth_discos]

Problem is, I don't want one, I've already had an equivalent. Didn't do what I want.


Would you mind expanding on that?

Often understanding what you didn't like about a product can help us understand better about what you are looking for :)

[Excalibur]

Would you mind expanding on that?

Often understanding what you didn't like about a product can help us understand better about what you are looking for :)

While I wanted wide coverage, I didn't want the absolutely manic coverage I got. They were only pointing at anything I wanted them to point at for a fraction of the time.
The fault could easily be partly mine, as I didn't expend a lot of time trying to tame them. That's exactly the same reason the first owner got rid of them.

The Swarms cover a wide area, but it's usually focussed mainly on the dancefloor. That's the sort of coverage I'm seeking.

[Casual77]

Sorry Allan, missed this first time. Close, but no cigar I think. The ones where the bars are on a 360 degree rotator would be perfect, but also much dearer.



Sensible question. Many factors involved, but the unit having big strobe lights round the outside never sat well with me ( The Stinger 2 has UV, and the Swarm Wash multicoloured ones. ) The smaller strobe lights in the Beamer are much nicer. Also, once I'd seen the Swarm Wash, I realised it was better, so wanted to swap.

Sounds to me as though you need to find a decent pair of second hand Swarm washes then. I think anything new that would do the job would be out of budget and anything in budget just wouldn't cut the mustard.

I've just bought myself a Ninja 5rx and I think all my bases are covered now in terms of lights although I wouldn't mind a pair of FX Par 9s to go with the microglides. I get what you mean about the Swarm 5 by the way. I've recently sold mine for similar reasons.


Sorry Allan, missed this first time. Close, but no cigar I think. The ones where the bars are on a 360 degree rotator would be perfect, but also much dearer.

Presumably these would be out of budget?

https://www.astounded.com/shop/american-dj-crazy-pocket-8-led-moving-head-disco-light/?gclid=CNbo7f7grtMCFUeVGwod_qYHAQ

[rth_discos]

While I wanted wide coverage, I didn't want the absolutely manic coverage I got. They were only pointing at anything I wanted them to point at for a fraction of the time.
The fault could easily be partly mine, as I didn't expend a lot of time trying to tame them. That's exactly the same reason the first owner got rid of them.

That's fair enough - they are "room filling" lights. So any form of scanner/barrel or moving head is out unless you're going to do lots of DMX work to "control" them.

Out of interest, why is the Quad Phase HP out?

Could the new Twister 5 be suitable for you? https://www.djkit.com/abstract/abstract-twister-5.html

[Excalibur]

Presumably these would be out of budget?

https://www.astounded.com/shop/american-dj-crazy-pocket-8-led-moving-head-disco-light/?gclid=CNbo7f7grtMCFUeVGwod_qYHAQ
Strong contender. Closest yet, ta.


That's fair enough - they are "room filling" lights. So any form of scanner/barrel or moving head is out unless you're going to do lots of DMX work to "control" them.

Out of interest, why is the Quad Phase HP out?

Could the new Twister 5 be suitable for you? https://www.djkit.com/abstract/abstract-twister-5.html

Quad phase just doesn't appeal to me. I know many folk love them, but again, not for me.

Currently, the poor man's Swarm Wash (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122449216230?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) is leading the field.

[Nakatomi]

Strong contender. Closest yet, ta.


I've seen a pair in action. They certainly live up to their name - crazy. DMX or remote control will be a must.

[Steven]

If you could afford them the 305 Barrels are one of the best value lights there is.

I have a pair of Swarm Wash FX and they are a very good light, with lots of features.
The Derby effect is decent, just like the the swarm 5.
The Strobe is very good, i like that feature a lot.
The Laser i dislike and turn it off, but only because i think red and green lasers are cheap it does fill a room very well though and if i did Kids parties i'd leave this on.
The Wash is very Good, it could have been one of the best lights available if the LED's could be colour mixed individually. In DMX you can only set it to be RGB or UV, not a mixture. If it could have been colour mixed you could do some truly amazing things with the wash via DMX and it could look much nicer from the front.
For example if you want to wash the B & G in Pink, 4 of the LED's will need to be on Blue and the rest on Red.

Probably worth its price tag if you are going to use them all the time as they do a lot.

[sweetie]

Sorry for the digression :zip:

Are the Intimidator 305s at all controleable with the IRC-6 for first dances etc or is dmxing a must?

thanks

[Steven]

i think any with the full colour LCD display are yes.

the 255 spot's certainly are.

but even if they are not im 99% certain you can set anyting via the screen, (pan, tilt, rotate, colour, gobo, prism etc) just like the 255's.

- - - Updated - - -

Actually of course they are. their full title is Chauvet intimidator Barrel 305 IRC lol

[Excalibur]

Gentlemen: For the final time, I have owned 50w LED Barrels, and they didn't suit me. I have the chance of some 60w Barrels,and/or scanners at an advantageous price. I don't want them either.

Imitations of the Crazies or Swarms are currently in the lead, but nothing is yet set in stone.

[rth_discos]

I may have found the answer...

Have you seen this one?

http://www.adj.com/boom-box-fx2

Quite nice that it includes gobos too (but only focused on the dancefloor).

Looks like you get a lot of different effects from one box.

[Excalibur]

I may have found the answer...

Have you seen this one?

http://www.adj.com/boom-box-fx2

Quite nice that it includes gobos too (but only focused on the dancefloor).

Looks like you get a lot of different effects from one box.

I have indeed seen it, and it ticks a lot of boxes. It's under consideration. :approve:

[mattydj50]

These are just amazing:

https://www.djkit.com/chauvet/chauvet-intimidator-barrel-305-irc.html

They fill the room, and with replacement gobos can make them fit for any occasion.

2 of those, with some wash light with it, and you've got everything you'll need.

I bought two of these at BPM last year at under £600 for the pair. Excellent lights and I have since added the matching scans for the larger venue.

[rth_discos]

I bought two of these at BPM last year at under £600 for the pair. Excellent lights and I have since added the matching scans for the larger venue.

Out of interest, what benefit do you get from the scans?

I like the spread of the barrels - how much "loss" of spread do you get from the scanners?

[mattydj50]

Out of interest, what benefit do you get from the scans?

I like the spread of the barrels - how much "loss" of spread do you get from the scanners?

The scans have a spread of 180 degrees plus, so left to right, up and down, they cover a good area. I rarely use both at the same time, switching between the two as I see fit, to get two differing effects. Though they too are rated 60 watt, the scans do appear significantly brighter than the barrels.

[Excalibur]

Well folks, just to tie this one up, I'll tell you what I got. In some ways I have backtracked on parameters, so limited apologies to folk who suggested 50w barrels. As I said, I've had them,. they're bigger than I wanted, and I didn't get on with them. That's partly my fault, so hands up again.

Recently, I had the Beamer 6 out on the Micromax, and I realised what a coverage it can have, and also that it can be easily tamed merely by selecting appropriate programmes. This prompted me to believe I ought to use it more as a centrepiece. So what to pair up with it?

Well the cheaper Hadrons were only Swarm 5 equivalents, and the Wash equivalents were significantly dearer. Added to which, I couldn't see the Beamer going out much if I got them. Nothing I had seen was screaming " buy me" ! :confused:

Then, the goalposts moved. A long time ago I had seen the Acme Dynamic 25 range, and nearly bought some at one point, they really impressed me. I didn't fancy any of the 12w versions from other folks, and then Equinox came up trumps.

Fusion Max Rollers. (https://prolight.co.uk/product/fusion-roller-max) 30w, not 12, and light and compact enough for me. A certain Cumbrian dealer will be bringing me a pair down at the end of the month, and I'll let you all know how I get on with them.

Many thanks for all the advice given here, it's appreciated.

[rth_discos]

Fusion Max Rollers. (https://prolight.co.uk/product/fusion-roller-max) 30w, not 12, and light and compact enough for me. A certain Cumbrian dealer will be bringing me a pair down at the end of the month, and I'll let you all know how I get on with them.


They look nice: as you say, far more compact than the more powerful versions available.

My frustrations with ADJ equivalent "micro" barrels is 1: the brightness isn't enough, but 2: the non-changeable gobos are often a bit too industrial looking. Whereas they look like a good selection of gobos.

If they were changeable gobos, I'd be buying a pair. Just a shame the changeable gobos never seem to appear on the cheaper fixtures :(

[Excalibur]

Just a shame the changeable gobos never seem to appear on the cheaper fixtures :(

Indeed.

[DJWilson]

They look nice: as you say, far more compact than the more powerful versions available.

My frustrations with ADJ equivalent "micro" barrels is 1: the brightness isn't enough, but 2: the non-changeable gobos are often a bit too industrial looking. Whereas they look like a good selection of gobos.

If they were changeable gobos, I'd be buying a pair. Just a shame the changeable gobos never seem to appear on the cheaper fixtures :(

I've been looking at them too. The only downside I see compared to the ADJ version is the very limited CA-8 controller. The ADJ controller has a nice trick of 'slow dance' mode with complete colour, gobo control without buying a third party controller to programme.

EDIT: Also, if I was to get the moving heads to match they don't appear to support a CA-8 controller directly.

Also they don't have a totem mode like the ADJ Inno Pocket version. (From what I've seen).

[Excalibur]

I've been looking at them too. The only downside I see compared to the ADJ version is the very limited CA-8 controller.

Biggest downside for me with the ADJ is a 12w light source. :(

[Nakatomi]

Biggest downside for me with the ADJ is a 12w light source. :(

We had a lighting comparison & demo night.. the inno pocket spots on show there were indiscernable from my (allegedly) 35W LED movers. The pocket spots will always seem brighter than the inno pocket rolls though, because the light isn't being split so many ways. I love my 4 little mini movers (KAM gobotracer) to bits. Literally. I've had half of them in pieces on my kitchen table since I bought them - fixing the blighters. Blinking KAM - no wonder they went to the wall with build quality like that. Rrrr.

[Excalibur]

We had a lighting comparison & demo night.. the inno pocket spots on show there were indiscernable from my (allegedly) 35W LED movers.

Not only can you not hear Watts, you can't see the little blighters either! :mad::) Two different light sources of equivalent power usage may have wildly varying lumen outputs. The 25w Acme dynamic range I mentioned earlier seemed to my untrained eye to match my old 250w Spin 3s.

I accept unreservedly my colleague's assertion that the numbers on the box are no direct indication of the brightness of the gobo on the floor.

[Nakatomi]

All sorts of things can account for variances in brightness. The 12W LED powered inno pocket stuff absolutely trounced my old 25W led scanners.

Here's why: optics quality isn't always the same. Better lenses & mirrors don't absorb as much light. But I think the biggest difference in light output comes simply from the LEDs themselves. A CREE 12W LED of today can easily beat a 30W LED from a different manufacturer which is slightly older. Efficiency of LEDs is being improved all the time (meaning more output in smaller packages which waste less energy as heat).

What you need to look for is the light output in LUMEN for any given fixture. Tip: if the manufacturer doesn't quote lumens, IT'S A TOY. Well. Pretty much.

The KAM fixtures of mine originally retailed at nearly 200 quid a pop. Having seen inside the things there's no way I'd be happy if I'd paid that kind of money for them. Best build quality I've seen in budget kit so far: definitely a tie between ADJ & Chauvet - though when I bought my 2nd Quad Phase HP the 1st one had to be opened up to swap the red & white LED cables around. I always thought it odd the QPHP dmx colours went WHITE GREEN BLUE RED not RED GREEN BLUE WHITE :lol:

Regarding controlling this stuff there's no getting away from the fact that DMX is the only true way. Even if you're only setting program number & speed with faders.

[mattydj50]

I have a pair of ADJ Inno Pocket Scans and a pair of ADJ Inno Pocket Rolls that I have hard wired onto a T-Bar that I use in a (very) small room. They are ideal for t here as they are not blindingly bright and suffice for the job in hand.

For the larger of my two venues I have a pair of Chauvet 305 rolls and a pair of Chauvet 305 scans. These are seriously bright and, again completely satisfactory for the size of the room. The Innos would hopelessly inadequate in this one. I supplant these with a pair of ADJ X-Move 25's (on a CA-8) which I absolutely love to bits.

Not everything is on at the same time, I try to select which best fits during the night and change the effect from time to time.

[Excalibur]

And in the time honoured fashion of life in general, after taking advice from all of you, pondering the pros and cons of all the lights under consideration, and not rushing into a purchase, what happens the instant you make that decision?

Somebody brings out a new light which would have fitted the bill admirably on its own at less than £200. Fortunately, it's unlikely to hit the shelves before September, I believe, which is some consolation. Look out for the Equinox Shard.

And for good measure, one of the lights I discounted has not only been fed some very powerful steroids, and in large amounts. The Crossfire XP has a 56watt power increase over the standard Crossfire, tripling it's power output, and it lit the back wall of a venue even when the house lights were up.

Ah well. :(

[Imagine]

Look out for the Equinox Shard.

Got any info on that one Peter (links/specs).

I just Goooooogled it and all I can find is information on a pointy building in London :daft:

[Excalibur]

Got any info on that one Peter (links/specs).

I just Goooooogled it and all I can find is information on a pointy building in London :daft:

Snap, which is why I could give no links, sorry. :o :(
Imagine if you will an invincibled with a whacking great quad colour light source inside, and pretty impressive coverage and movement. No gobos, just beams, but for less than £200 it's a lot of centrepiece.

Unless you get young Bert from Prolight displaying his wares at a meeting near you, it looks like you'll have to wait till BPM for a peek at it.

[DJWilson]

Got any info on that one Peter (links/specs).

I just Goooooogled it and all I can find is information on a pointy building in London :daft:


Snap, which is why I could give no links, sorry. :o :(
Imagine if you will an invincibled with a whacking great quad colour light source inside, and pretty impressive coverage and movement. No gobos, just beams, but for less than £200 it's a lot of centrepiece.

Unless you get young Bert from Prolight displaying his wares at a meeting near you, it looks like you'll have to wait till BPM for a peek at it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfUKYIlF6t4

[DJWilson]

Fusion Max Rollers. (https://prolight.co.uk/product/fusion-roller-max) 30w, not 12, and light and compact enough for me. A certain Cumbrian dealer will be bringing me a pair down at the end of the month, and I'll let you all know how I get on with them.

Many thanks for all the advice given here, it's appreciated.

How are you getting on with the Max Rollers? Currently eyeing these up for next month along with the Fusion Spot XP's from Equinox (50w)

[rth_discos]

Somebody brings out a new light which would have fitted the bill admirably on its own at less than £200. Fortunately, it's unlikely to hit the shelves before September, I believe, which is some consolation. Look out for the Equinox Shard. (

Is it not just their version of the Quad Phase HP, which you ruled out in the very first post? :daft::daft:

[Excalibur]

Is it not just their version of the Quad Phase HP, which you ruled out in the very first post? :daft::daft:

Almost. I actually ruled out the original Quad Phase, which only had a 10w light source. I'll own up to that not being the one I thought it was, I was thinking of the various ones with this (http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/ADJ-Monster-Fun-LED-Light-Effect/1A9I?origin=product-ads&campaign=PLA+Shop+-+GENERIC&adgroup=GENERIC&medium=vertical_search&network=google&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=59958d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=139417310239&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz_TMBRD0ARIsADfk7hS_sHeS1C9b1ciObB2G cVMn67bdD_MHWVhFB5SM0KQew2skpVyKZfQaApFPEALw_wcB) type of configuration.
Also, the Quad Phase HP, has only a 32w source, against the 60w from the Equinox version. I will admit though, that I didn't explain well enough, and also I hadn't checked out some of the options carefully enough. My mistake.
In my defence ( yeah, I'm desperately scrabbling for weak excuses, OK. :o:o ) the two I've just enthused over weren't available then, and one may not be available yet.
Also, while they're both great lights, and I was impressed by both, I'm still not sure they're the answer I was looking for, and in all honesty, the Swarm Wash and its equivalents are really the only ones which fit my original criteria.


How are you getting on with the Max Rollers? Currently eyeing these up for next month along with the Fusion Spot XP's from Equinox (50w)

Cons:
Not as bright as I'd hoped. :(

Mounting bracket seems to suffer from " Brewers Droop " :eek:. I'm going to have have a look at that, and see what I can do.

Barrels don't have full movement.

Pros:
Barrels don't have full movement. The more observant among you will have seen that I put this as a con, which it is if you've got them under DMX and want to point them in specific directions.
However, if you simply let them run wild of their own accord, it becomes a good thing, as they spend much more time pointing in the general direction of the dancefloor.

Small, and relatively light.


I'm not sure about the sockets being at the bottom, it's one of the factors pushing me to lose the crossbar, so I can run the cables down the uprights. I've got another idea for when I use the bar, involving mounting them horizontally, not vertically. Piccies if and when that happens.

To sum up, they're doing the job I need them to do, I'm fairly sure that the Chauvet 305s wouldn't suit me better, and having recently seen Rush Wizards in action, there's no way on God's Green Earth they're going on my booth ever again. ( Until September 2018 probably, when John will doubtless wheel the :Censored: things out for his gig in Hull I'm helping with. )

Anything better? Well the Acme Dynamic 25 range impressed me immensely when I saw them ages ago, but they're not easy to find, or maybe discontinued. Hope this helps, I've been absolutely honest.

[Imagine]

I'm fairly sure that the Chauvet 305s wouldn't suit me better....


Fantastic fixtures - use mine every single week :)



...and having recently seen Rush Wizards in action, there's no way on God's Green Earth they're going on my booth ever again. ( Until September 2018 probably, when John will doubtless wheel the :Censored: things out for his gig in Hull I'm helping with. )

DMX is your friend.
I've got a pair of the Jaguar rip-offs (identical in every way). A nightmare until they're under control....I can make them do whatever I want these days including slow dances

[DJWilson]

Cons:
Not as bright as I'd hoped. :(

Mounting bracket seems to suffer from " Brewers Droop " :eek:. I'm going to have have a look at that, and see what I can do.

Barrels don't have full movement.

Pros:
Barrels don't have full movement. The more observant among you will have seen that I put this as a con, which it is if you've got them under DMX and want to point them in specific directions.
However, if you simply let them run wild of their own accord, it becomes a good thing, as they spend much more time pointing in the general direction of the dancefloor.

Small, and relatively light.


I'm not sure about the sockets being at the bottom, it's one of the factors pushing me to lose the crossbar, so I can run the cables down the uprights. I've got another idea for when I use the bar, involving mounting them horizontally, not vertically. Piccies if and when that happens.

To sum up, they're doing the job I need them to do, I'm fairly sure that the Chauvet 305s wouldn't suit me better, and having recently seen Rush Wizards in action, there's no way on God's Green Earth they're going on my booth ever again. ( Until September 2018 probably, when John will doubtless wheel the :Censored: things out for his gig in Hull I'm helping with. )

Anything better? Well the Acme Dynamic 25 range impressed me immensely when I saw them ages ago, but they're not easy to find, or maybe discontinued. Hope this helps, I've been absolutely honest.

The 305s looks good but at twice the cost I wouldn't say their worth it in comparison.

The 25 range is in stock at my local dealer (https://www.djdealer.co.uk/shop/acme-dynamic-barrel/). Would you say they are brighter from memory, as they have a 'cree LED'.

[Excalibur]

. Would you say they are brighter from memory, as they have a 'cree LED'.

At my age I can't remember what I had for breakfast yesterday!

[DJWilson]

Aha, fair enough!

Just found these...

Now it's a 3-way duel for these, the Fusion MAXs or the Dynamic 25 (after a test run).

All around the same price but the Beamz has more features and a separate gobo/colour wheel!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9yzhOzH75U

[rth_discos]

Almost. I actually ruled out the original Quad Phase, which only had a 10w light source.
Also, the Quad Phase HP, has only a 32w source, against the 60w from the Equinox version.
I owned the Quad Phase HP (I kinda regret selling it now). For 32w, it's very powerful... in fact, I'm not sure I'd want a 60w version of it.

Even at 32w, it cut through absolutely everything.

But agree, the original 10w version was a little lacking.


Also, while they're both great lights, and I was impressed by both, I'm still not sure they're the answer I was looking for,

I agree, compared to the swarms you were mentioning, the Quad Phase and Shard are a little bit of a one trick pony, and very much have to be used alongside other effects.

But for a simple, relatively low cost set up, some form of "par bar" wash plus Quad Phase HP makes a very effective setup.

[Excalibur]

But for a simple, relatively low cost set up, some form of "par bar" wash plus Quad Phase HP makes a very effective setup.

Agreed. I used to use Powerbar and two moonflowers as default show.

[Imagine]

The 305s looks good but at twice the cost I wouldn't say their worth it in comparison.

The 25 range is in stock at my local dealer (https://www.djdealer.co.uk/shop/acme-dynamic-barrel/). Would you say they are brighter from memory, as they have a 'cree LED'.

OK - I've just purchased a 25 (crikey they're hard to get hold of).
I deliberately got one from the Bay for £80 second-hand, mainly because the moment it arrives it's going to be sprayed with white enamel for a little project I'm working on ;) (see the subscriber's section for more details....)

One question which I don't seem to be able to find an answer to....are the gobos replaceable in these things or not? It's not a biggy if they're not - would just be nice to know.

[DJWilson]

One question which I don't seem to be able to find an answer to....are the gobos replaceable in these things or not? It's not a biggy if they're not - would just be nice to know.

As far as I'm aware you can't change them, all stuck onto one wheel.

[Nakatomi]

As far as I'm aware you can't change them, all stuck onto one wheel.

Individually no. But I've got a cunning plan!

[Excalibur]

Well, guess what I've just bought. I can't be arsed to check, but I'm sure someone will have suggested it earlier. A Crossfire XP (https://prolight.co.uk/product/crossfire-xp)
Good heavens! My, but it's bright. :eek:

It seems less " violent " than the old Swarms ( although someone at the show agreed with me that the new improved version was the bees knees ) and useful at more functions. It's going out next gig, and I can't wait. I'm confident that it will be an excellent addition to the armoury.

[mattydj50]

Well, guess what I've just bought. I can't be arsed to check, but I'm sure someone will have suggested it earlier. A Crossfire XP (https://prolight.co.uk/product/crossfire-xp)
Good heavens! My, but it's bright. :eek:

It seems less " violent " than the old Swarms ( although someone at the show agreed with me that the new improved version was the bees knees ) and useful at more functions. It's going out next gig, and I can't wait. I'm confident that it will be an excellent addition to the armoury.

You will love it. One of my favourites now.

[Excalibur]

You will love it. One of my favourites now.

Highly likely. There's now the nagging feeling that I should have bought a pair, for symetry, and the option to have something else as a centrepiece. That may yet happen. :confused:

[Excalibur]

Replacement of choice is the Chauvet Swarm Wash, but it's not cheap. Not at all cheap.

However, a certain North West Dealer who advertises his wares on here is doing a " Killer Deal " on Hadron 4-in-1, which bear an astonishing resemblance to the Swarm Wash. Suffice to say, I shall soon have a pair of these in my hands,and Andy ( for it is he, Mr Neen, of Cumbria DJ store ) has been playing with one all week, and proclaims them to be excellent. Mainly due to a 60's gig soon, I have purchased an Equinox Kaleido, which impressed the hell out of me at Liversedge.

Anybody want a pair of Fusion Max Rollers cheap? :whistle:


Edit:
Highly likely. There's now the nagging feeling that I should have bought a pair, for symetry, and the option to have something else as a centrepiece. That may yet happen. :confused:

It did indeed happen. I do indeed now have two Crossfire XPs.

[mattydj50]

Mainly due to a 60's gig soon, I have purchased an Equinox Kaleido, which impressed the hell out of me at Liversedge.
.


Pah! I've just decided to flog mine.

[Excalibur]

Pah! I've just decided to flog mine.

Yes, but mike's the 100w led, with free welders goggles.

[mattydj50]

Yes, but mike's the 100w led, with free welders goggles.

I thought it probably would be. I got mine when the original one first appeared. Did the job then, but then the Crossfire came along and you know the rest....

[Excalibur]

These are just amazing:

https://www.djkit.com/chauvet/chauvet-intimidator-barrel-305-irc.html

They fill the room, and with replacement gobos can make them fit for any occasion.

2 of those, with some wash light with it, and you've got everything you'll need.

Might be time for some 'umble pie. :o Guess what is my default wedding rig? Two Chauvet 305 scanners ( not barrels ) and two hadrons, one each side on the uprights. The Hadrons cover wash( plus laser, derby and strobe for good measure )

Gavin and Wayne, I sort of took your advice, but not hastily. :D

[Imagine]

Might be time for some 'umble pie. :o Guess what is my default wedding rig? Two Chauvet 305 scanners ( not barrels ) and two hadrons, one each side on the uprights. The Hadrons cover wash( plus laser, derby and strobe for good measure )

Gavin and Wayne, I sort of took your advice, but not hastily. :D

Now all you need is a pair of ADJ Dotz Matrix instead of those Hadron dot-spewer things ;)
Oh.....and some plastic ivy on the rustic booth :whistle::whistle:

[Excalibur]

Now all you need is a pair of ADJ Dotz Matrix instead of those Hadron dot-spewer things ;)
Oh.....and some plastic ivy on the rustic booth :whistle::whistle:

Do those Dot Matrices come with health insurance, for the punters you'll blind with them? And I put my ivy on the PA system, not the booth.

Funnily enough you know, one of my favourite lighting effects would be perfect, the Kam 800 panel.

[Imagine]

Do those Dot Matrices come with health insurance, for the punters you'll blind with them? And I put my ivy on the PA system, not the booth.

Funnily enough you know, one of my favourite lighting effects would be perfect, the Kam 800 panel.

That's where full DMX control is a MUST!
To be fair, I'm likely to use just one of them on a rear Gravity stand for the majority of gigs. In marquees (especially the size I was in last week) - then the two will come into play (I have ideas for mounting them slightly differently to last weekend as well).

As for the Kam 800 LED, I've got a pair of the ADJ panels in my lockup that rarely go out. They're just not bright enough.

[rth_discos]

Gavin and Wayne, I sort of took your advice, but not hastily. :D

I don't even own mine any more!