Looking to streamline and improve my lighting rig

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logisticalstyles

logisticalstyles

DJ Extraordinaire
Nov 7, 2018
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Over the past 2 years I've been constantly looking to improve my lighting system. I've gone from using a pair of ADJ Vertigos and Chauvet Derby X running in Sound Active mode to my current system which includes 4 Stagg Headbanger moving heads and 2 Venue Thin Par 64s controlled by ADJ MyDMX buddy. I sold the 2 Derby X to get 2 of the Stagg moving heads. It was an even swap and I didn't loose any money but I now realize that I don't need 4 of the Stagg moving heads because they are just wash lights and when combined with the Thin Par 64s I have too much wash lighting and zero effect lighting. I'm kind of regretting getting rid of the 2 DerbyX, but I also feel like there are better options out there when it comes to effect lighting. I want to replace 2 of the Stagg moving heads with either 2 small moving heads that have gobos, or 2 mini kintas.
Currently 2 of the moving heads and the 2 Thin pars are mounted on a T-bar, and the other two moving heads are on separate speaker stands. That is a lot of setup time just for the lights. I'm a one man show and I need to be able set up and break down quickly. So, with all of that background info here are my questions. 1. Are there any other effects lights that I should consider? 2. Should I keep all 4 moving head wash lights and just add a pair of moving head gobos? 3. Is there a better solution for hanging my lights besides using a T-bar? I'm always worried about looking like the DJ that has too much gear especially lights. I am open to suggestions.
 
I have 2 Blizzard Flurry 5 movers which are nearly identical to the Staggs .. they aren't really useful for spotlighting. Thinking of going to 2 true movers with adjustable gobos and either a color wheel or RGB LED (less lumens).

I do like the Chauvet Wash FX for true wash lighting and they might be in the running to replace my 4Bars as they are brighter and have more effect patterns.

I also have 2 ADJ Inno Pocket Scanners and they make nice patterns, but aren't really bright and you can't separate the gobo from the color.. though for small events they work fine.

There is no "right" setup and styles constantly change. For upscale image, movers on totems is the current "in" thing, and probably will be for a the next few years.
 
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I too recommend the wash fx!!!! Especially when used with my MyDMX Go ....it makes great use of the pixel mapping and makes them double as either color wash or eye candy lights.

i think all anyone would ever need is 2 to 4 good movers (gobos) and 2 to 4 wash fx

if u want to stick with what u have...id go with 2 of the Staggs...and get 2 spot movers...put one of each in each tree and call it a day... nice symmetry...and a nice spread of color and excitement

and GET THE MYDMX GO!! lol

wash fx in action with 2 intimidator 355s


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Thank you both for the replies. You've given me something to think about with the Wash FX. I guess I should also mention that my mobile gigs are usually smaller gigs with no more than 100 people but I am working on getting bigger gigs. I've been seeing a lot of totems over the past year and I think you are right about that being the trend for the next few years.
 
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djcrazychris said:
I too recommend the wash fx!!!! Especially when used with my MyDMX Go ....it makes great use of the pixel mapping and makes them double as either color wash or eye candy lights.

i think all anyone would ever need is 2 to 4 good movers (gobos) and 2 to 4 wash fx

if u want to stick with what u have...id go with 2 of the Staggs...and get 2 spot movers...put one of each in each tree and call it a day... nice symmetry...and a nice spread of color and excitement

and GET THE MYDMX GO!! lol

wash fx in action with 2 intimidator 355s


cc
Click to expand...
As bright as the Wash FX's are, having four of them I can't see you having them set very bright at all. Even with 2, my rig runs on a pretty dim setting.
 
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BlueLineDJ said:
As bright as the Wash FX's are, having four of them I can't see you having them set very bright at all. Even with 2, my rig runs on a pretty dim setting.
Click to expand...

Hehe yeah...i keep them at around 40% ....nice to have the headroom if ya need it tho!

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logisticalstyles said:
Thank you both for the replies. You've given me something to think about with the Wash FX. I guess I should also mention that my mobile gigs are usually smaller gigs with no more than 100 people but I am working on getting bigger gigs. I've been seeing a lot of totems over the past year and I think you are right about that being the trend for the next few years.
Click to expand...

Trend, Yes, but you must factor in the costs/investment of totems, and the corresponding moving head lights into your pricing. ...Is this something your clients will pay for so you can recooperate the costs? Will this light show be something you bring out included in your price, or an addition? Are you willing to spend the additional 30 to 45 minutes on set up for 2 totems/moving heads, and additional tear down time? Or are you willing to pay an assistant to help with this? Do you have the necessary room in your vehicle?

All questions you should answer before jumping into it!
 
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