mirrorball

[Dragonfly]

well ive set this up really quick in the living room and its phase one of the overhaul complete and im pleased with it (if my wife finds out ive set up a light show in the living room im a dead man)

please be aware this is not a show scenario it is quickly chucked up in the living room to have a look see what its like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yynN9sbSD-M

one or 2 stills also

[Jiggles]

Dragonfly: The Dead man walking :D:D:D

[Silver]

I think that's great mate, I appreciate as you say you've only set it up quickly but is it not going to be right in your line of sight?

[Dragonfly]

I think that's great mate, I appreciate as you say you've only set it up quickly but is it not going to be right in your line of sight?


I usually have the rig higher than that where possible so it won't be right in front of my face but if its a really low ceiling may have to rethink the contingency plan is a 3rd ishow in the middle as oppsed to the mirror ball

[Twinspin]

Tbh i dont like a lot of 70s disco gear anymore. But the only thing i can honestly say that i do like. Is Mirrorballs.

I still think theyre cool and look good.

[Silver]

I play retro and a mirror ball is something I've always thought about having. My biggest problem is that I don't use an overhead rig, just good old T bars.

Question time!

1. Is it powered, I'd guess yes.
2. How do you get the lights on it?
3. Errr..... cost please?

[Dragonfly]

I play retro and a mirror ball is something I've always thought about having. My biggest problem is that I don't use an overhead rig, just good old T bars.

Question time!

1. Is it powered, I'd guess yes.
2. How do you get the lights on it?
3. Errr..... cost please?

yes i have a 240v motor powering it mounted on a thick piece of wood strengthened with steel bits from b n q just incase £5-6 ebay

the lights are mounted on the uprights of the rig with screws and wingnuts ala Darrens suggestion ... thanks

cost ...... mirrorball - £25 total

motor - £6-7 total

lighting - 4x second hand martin robocolors from ebay of which i use only 2 - £160

total cost £190 - 195

dynamos that this will replace ....... sold for £350 but with 2 other source lights surplus to requirements

[ross@rds]

The mirror ball effect it good i like it.

P.S you could have added some music to the video Dave :) lol.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

the lights are mounted on the uprights of the rig with screws and wingnuts ala Darrens suggestion ... thanks



Dave

Can you take a close up picture, as it would be really usedful for everyone. Ta.:beer1:

[Dragonfly]

yep will take a couple of proper ones tomorrow at the friends wedding im doing with it all set up properly and post on sunday.

[Tony Scott]

Looks excellent Dave! :) :) :)

Welcome to the clan!

Is this with the martin colour spots?

[Penfold42]

Looking good Dave....I seem to remember having this conversation at the prom.......do like the look....;) :)

[Dragonfly]

welcome back tony ..... and yes its with the martin robocolor2s exactly what i hoped it would look like, and to be honest ........ not missing the scanners too much.

[Penfold42]

not missing the scanners too much.

I'll have them then......there i've said it.....:D :D :D


Just re-read the post's ....you sold them......what a twit I am....:)

[PropellerHeadCase]

School ball tonight. About 30 mirror balls and a half dozen Martin moving head thingies (forgot the model, sorry) - lighting set-up hired separately.

Oh, and yes, I like the white light/mirror ball look for slow dances especially.

[Arnold_disco]

well ive set this up really quick in the living room and its phase one of the overhaul complete and im pleased with it (if my wife finds out ive set up a light show in the living room im a dead man)

please be aware this is not a show scenario it is quickly chucked up in the living room to have a look see what its like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yynN9sbSD-M

one or 2 stills also

Cool. What lights are you using now?

[Dragonfly]

last nights gig ..... 2x imove 5 , 2x acme ishow 3 , 2x martin robocolor 2 , mirrorball , had 2 nice comments about the mirror ball and no complaints from the oldies at the front.



have done several discos in the past for this crowd .........................

don't think they missed the scanners??????

[Penfold42]

Looks good....:)

Did it work well for you as the customes?
Did it cut down or increase set up time?

BTW - I wen't with 3 scanners last night......worked no problem.
The others in the poorly shop now....:(

[Dragonfly]

Looks good....:)

Did it work well for you as the customes?
Did it cut down or increase set up time?

BTW - I wen't with 3 scanners last night......worked no problem.
The others in the poorly shop now....:(

better all over effect than the dynamos imo cut pack down time by 30 minutes ....... set up not sure as was setting up and trying to get in touch with a glass fitter at the same time. :D :D :D

just goes to show its you people respond to not your lights tony.

[BeerFunk]

I like that, well done, you get good dancefloor coverage with it ;) :thumbs_up:

[Dragonfly]

I like that, well done, you get good dancefloor coverage with it ;) :thumbs_up:


thanks yeah got really good coverage with it all the dancefloor and innoffensive light around the room.:D

[Penfold42]

Hot on the heels of Tony Scott and Dave.

I've managed to find 30cm mirrorballs for £18 each.
Motor - £7 each (for an extra £1, I can get battery but have been told they are rubbish?? Is that correct?)
Par can's - £15 each (60 watts - is that enough?) Don't want to melt the glue off.:D
Two speaker stands - £30 pair (brought these with my Class-D)

Brackets to attach - making these myself. (WIP)
Total cost - £110

Couple of question -
Par cans - enough light?
Battery motor? Good or bad?

I can also get 40cm mirror bal for £35.....I know you can get cheaper on e-bay but don't want to.

[Vectis]

Thomann is your friend.

30cm mirrorball £6.32 each here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/st_spiegelkugel_30cm.htm)

Mains motor £3.29 each
here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_spiegelkugelmotor_bis_30cm.htm) (plus £1 for a replacement plug/IEC)

PAR36 with bulb £6.65 each
here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_par36_pinspotset_schwarz.htm)

Gels 33p each
here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_par36_farbkappe_03.htm)

I have these and they're great, although I use two moving heads pointing at the ball under DMX control instead of the PARs.

Look around the site - there are various bundles that shave a few more pence off the price.

[Penfold42]

Thomann is your friend.

30cm mirrorball £6.32 each here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/st_spiegelkugel_30cm.htm)

Mains motor £3.29 each
here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_spiegelkugelmotor_bis_30cm.htm) (plus £1 for a replacement plug/IEC)

PAR36 with bulb £6.65 each
here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_par36_pinspotset_schwarz.htm)

Gels 33p each
here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_par36_farbkappe_03.htm)


I have these and they're great, although I use two moving heads pointing at the ball under DMX control instead of the PARs.

Look around the site - there are various bundles that shave a few more pence off the price.

WOW....thanks.
I didn't think of Thomann.......:beer1:

[Dragonfly]

Thomann is your friend.


but they don't do star cloth backdrops with stands :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: my next purchase lol ...... Thomann you have fallen at the final hurdle :D :D

[Vectis]

wot, like these?? (http://www.thomann.de/gb/showtec_sternentuch_led_farbig_3_x_2_m.htm) or these?? (http://www.thomann.de/gb/showtec_sternentuch_led_weiss_3_x_2_m.htm) :confused:

You obviously weren't looking for a sternentuch!!

[Penfold42]

but they don't do star cloth backdrops with stands :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: my next purchase lol ...... Thomann you have fallen at the final hurdle :D :D

Like you train of thought there.....now that would look good....:)

[Dragonfly]

im really going for a low impact classy lightshow that is both modern yet a play on the classic inoffensive less aggressive lighting effects of the past.

really getting there with it and on monday the bride and grooms gran and grandad were first on the dancefloor and last off it so i think its going in the right direction.

[Dragonfly]

wot, like these?? (http://www.thomann.de/gb/showtec_sternentuch_led_farbig_3_x_2_m.htm) or these?? (http://www.thomann.de/gb/showtec_sternentuch_led_weiss_3_x_2_m.htm) :confused:

You obviously weren't looking for a sternentuch!!

you sir are a gentleman ..... can't believe I didn't think to look for sternentuch!! must be tired today :D :D :D

[Penfold42]

Thomann is your friend.
30cm mirrorball £6.32 each here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/st_spiegelkugel_30cm.htm)
Mains motor £3.29 each
here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_spiegelkugelmotor_bis_30cm.htm) (plus £1 for a replacement plug/IEC)
PAR36 with bulb £6.65 each
here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_par36_pinspotset_schwarz.htm)
Gels 33p each
here (http://www.thomann.de/gb/stairville_par36_farbkappe_03.htm)


Thanks Victisvibe for the tip.....i've now got these.....but brought 4 pars instead of two. Only just got them as some of the gels were out of stock. gone for the full range of gels.

Looks cool.....even though i've only had them at arms lengh....:)

Of to work Monday to make the brackets for the motor and pars to hold in place.

Now then one more question....the leads on the pars and motor's are to short....so if i take them to a sparky and extend (this should be possibe?) and PAT we should be legal right?

I think so....

[Ricesnaps]

better all over effect than the dynamos imo cut pack down time by 30 minutes ....... set up not sure as was setting up and trying to get in touch with a glass fitter at the same time. :D :D :D

just goes to show its you people respond to not your lights tony.

I'm completely with you Dragon.

Last 3 gigs I haven't even got the I-Show's out of the van.

Just LED & PAR washes with the datamoons - much more classy

[pulsemobiledisco]

I'm completely with you Dragon.

Last 3 gigs I haven't even got the I-Show's out of the van.

Just LED & PAR washes with the datamoons - much more classy

And me, I'm starting to think less is more. For the last couple of months I have been out with 4 Puma's linked together and if it's a wedding which most have been I've put up the Wildtech Fiesta for the congratulations gobo.

I used to put up 4 dynamo's and 2 scimiters as well. It took forever to setup and looked a bit cramped on the rig.

I'm considering trying to sell the dynamos and scimiters and buying a pair of icolour floods, does anybody else use these?

Sam

[Key2]

I'm really pleased this thread is running. I will be doing my first gig this month and wondered about using a mirrorball. What about this, for a first-time rig?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Disco-Party-Light-Kit-Inludes-Mirrorball-and-Motor_W0QQitemZ140154934829QQihZ004QQcategoryZ1498 4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I thought the colour wheel would be useful as a floor/ceiling wash, when not using my XTC's or Vormas.

John:)


I'm really pleased this thread is running. I will be doing my first gig this month and wondered about using a mirrorball. What about this, for a first-time rig?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Disco-Party-Light-Kit-Inludes-Mirrorball-and-Motor_W0QQitemZ140154934829QQihZ004QQcategoryZ1498 4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I thought the colour wheel would be useful as a floor/ceiling wash, when not using my XTC's or Vormas.

John:)

I should have said:

Is the light too underpowered for a village hall type function, or is it enough due to being reflected. Thinking of things like Bride and Grooms 'first dance'.

[Vectis]

I use a 30cm mirrorball and point two halogen moving heads at it for the slow numbers, so 500W of light if you like. And I think that looks about right in your typical venue. For larger venues I'll stick a pair of datamoons on the same colour and have them on a very slow rotate just to bulk out the effect in the dancefloor area.

My suspicion is that a 20cm ball with a 60W light (especially through a gel so far down the projection path) will be little more than a token effort and probably only visible at all in a fairly dark room.

But not having tried it I might be wrong... so any other opinions?

[DMX Will]

I'd be inclined to agree there. I wouldn't bother unless your going to point anything more than 250w at it, as you simply won't get the throw on the reflections.

I think those systems (such as the one you've liked) are designed more for the bedroom DJ, or those just tinkering about.

[Key2]

I think those systems (such as the one you've liked) are designed more for the bedroom DJ, or those just tinkering about.

On reflection (no pun intended), I think I need something 'more'. Is a mirrorball the right effect for bride and grooms 'first dance' or should I consider something else. In case it makes a difference, work on a budget of £30 (new or used).

John

[Vectis]

Is a mirrorball the right effect for bride and grooms 'first dance' or should I consider something else
John

IMHO, yes most definitely IF it's a slow first dance AND you're in a reasonably dark room - then the effect is stunning.

BUT it needs to be a bigger ball than 20cm (I think 40/50 is probably best) AND pretty strong lighting to have an impact.

Unless you have a scanner or two that you can point at the ball, or maybe one or two PAR56's with the long throats, keep the £30 and start saving.


Edit

Couple of sample videos for you to decide if it's the right thing to do...

In a very light room, 30cm ball lit by two 250W moving heads (http://commutercentral.co.uk/VV/jpv/Comp%20First%20Dance.wmv)

Same setup but in daylight! (http://www.vectisvibe.com/video/21-07-07/mayo1st.wmv)

[Dragonfly]

I have 2 mirror balls a 30cm and a 40cm depending on the size of the venue , i find its a very nice effect and use 2 martin roboclors (colour changers) enc 250w lamps to illuminate them so the colour reflected constantly changes but it is in no way agressive or retina popping. it illuminates the dancing area and my end of the room but is less bright for those that just wish to chat and appreciate the music.

im really happy with my rig now and have had lots of comments on it which i never had before ..... and lots of people taking pictures of it too???

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm considering trying to sell the dynamos and scimiters and buying a pair of icolour floods, does anybody else use these?



Never used them, but saw a band using them on Friday at a wedding. They are very bright and gave the same sort of effect as the old spotbanks used to give - a lot of light, but they didn't appear to be very controllable.

[CRAZY K]

Never used them, but saw a band using them on Friday at a wedding. They are very bright and gave the same sort of effect as the old spotbanks used to give - a lot of light, but they didn't appear to be very controllable.

I worked with a Band like that a few years ago--they wanted the coloured lights full on themselves---bit of an ego problem:D

CRAZY K

[pulsemobiledisco]

Never used them, but saw a band using them on Friday at a wedding. They are very bright and gave the same sort of effect as the old spotbanks used to give - a lot of light, but they didn't appear to be very controllable.

Think I will need to have a rethink on that. I don't want somthing that is eye popping bright, just needs to be a subtle colour change but with control over chase pattern. But don't want to go down the route of old style par cans and gels. May look at a few LED pars instead.

Also think after reading this thread I will be getting a mirror ball as well. At the wedding I done tonight (had a panicked phone call at 8pm this evening from my agent, will explain in another thread.) I had my four Pumas concentrated on the dancefloor and was looking at the walls thinking they were a bit bare, perfect answer is a mirror ball. It looks classy and perfect for first dance.

[Vectis]

just needs to be a subtle colour change but with control over chase pattern

One or two of these perhaps? (http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/Audio,+Video+&+TV/Light+Effects+&+Controllers/LEDJ/RGB+DMX+FLOOD/displayProduct.jsp?sku=DP29791&_requestid=122960)

[pulsemobiledisco]

One or two of these perhaps? (http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/Audio,+Video+&+TV/Light+Effects+&+Controllers/LEDJ/RGB+DMX+FLOOD/displayProduct.jsp?sku=DP29791&_requestid=122960)

Now there's food for thought. I think a couple of those would give the effect I am looking for.

Cheers Vectis.

[wensleydale]

apparently the mirror ball led light is not a good combo.

i've just stocked up on old style pinspots from thomann- £6 a pop- you can go for several and go for it that way.

[BrightLights]

Now there's food for thought. I think a couple of those would give the effect I am looking for.


I had a unit very similar to this, although I think it was an earlier model with the smaller 5mm LEDs, and I found the light to be a bit too concentrated in one spot rather than being a true flood effect. I'm now using LED PARs, which are much better. I've no idea whether the above applies to the one CPC are selling but thought I'd mention in just in case...

[Key2]

IMHO, yes most definitely IF it's a slow first dance AND you're in a reasonably dark room - then the effect is stunning.

BUT it needs to be a bigger ball than 20cm (I think 40/50 is probably best) AND pretty strong lighting to have an impact.

Couple of sample videos for you to decide if it's the right thing to do...

In a very light room, 30cm ball lit by two 250W moving heads (http://commutercentral.co.uk/VV/jpv/Comp%20First%20Dance.wmv)

Same setup but in daylight! (http://www.vectisvibe.com/video/21-07-07/mayo1st.wmv)

Thanks. That was very helpful. Maybe companies that sell lights should do more of this, so prospective customers can see what each light actually does!

Cheers

John

[Vectis]

Now there's food for thought. I think a couple of those would give the effect I am looking for.

Cheers Vectis.

Well I'm going to get 1 (then maybe another) to light up to the rear of the rig - strap it to the "wrong" side of the goalpost or gantry - and leave it on a slow fade or colour-match it to the occasion. I like the effect Rice got from a couple of floor-standing PAR64's but don't have the room in the van.

These are available from a few other sources - do a quick google - for about the same price; some places do free delivery so might tip the balance.

[Ricesnaps]

Well I'm going to get 1 (then maybe another) to light up to the rear of the rig - strap it to the "wrong" side of the goalpost or gantry - and leave it on a slow fade or colour-match it to the occasion. I like the effect Rice got from a couple of floor-standing PAR64's but don't have the room in the van.

These are available from a few other sources - do a quick google - for about the same price; some places do free delivery so might tip the balance.

The LED PAR's really really don't take up much room - really light as well. Go on, buy a couple!

[Corabar Steve]

...........and buying a pair of icolour floods, does anybody else use these?

Sam

Yep we've got them on all our rigs, they'rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre gggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat! http://www.fiftiesweb.com/pop/tony-new.gif

[Corabar Steve]

Never used them, but saw a band using them on Friday at a wedding. They are very bright and gave the same sort of effect as the old spotbanks used to give - a lot of light, but they didn't appear to be very controllable.They obviously don't know how use them properly. They are completely dimmable & have a very good sound to light capability.

They are very bright when full on though (which is handy after your last song & the light switches are the other end of the room & there's no venue staff about)

[Corabar Steve]

Think I will need to have a rethink on that. I don't want somthing that is eye popping bright, just needs to be a subtle colour change but with control over chase pattern. But don't want to go down the route of old style par cans and gels. May look at a few LED pars instead.

They can be extremely subtle, dim them, you can hold colours, they'll do a nice scroll through colours on spectrum mix mode (which you can speed up or slow down). Sound to light sensativity can be altered too. If you bother to have a play & get used to them, they are very versatile indeed.

[pulsemobiledisco]

They can be extremely subtle, dim them, you can hold colours, they'll do a nice scroll through colours on spectrum mix mode (which you can speed up or slow down). Sound to light sensativity can be altered too. If you bother to have a play & get used to them, they are very versatile indeed.

Thats really useful to know. I really like the look of the icolour's and now I know you can dim them I'm back on track to buying a pair.

Thanks for that Steve.

[Corabar Steve]

You're welcome