Lighting Products And Manufacturers

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ahoustondj

Mac Daddy DJ
Aug 13, 2007
20,235
3,465
Texas
I have done a lot of thinking and want to branch out into some lighting for small private shows up to Medium size clubs/venues. I want to do this right in all aspects of that sector of the business. My main objective is to have someone as a Roadie/rigger/operator who not only will handle the lighting part (Client will be billed separately) but also assist me with the Audio Setup. Two JBL SRX 728s are on my "To Buy List" and those suckers are heavy, so manual help would definitely be needed.

Question is, products and manufacturers. I am leaning towards Elation Products. I have a friend who uses them and he claims he has not had any issues with their performance and reliability. Has anyone on here used these products? Experiences?
 
Bump! Nobody has used this product/manufacturer?
 
We're all still in disbelief that you're crossing over to the dark side. (snicker snicker)
Well like I explained, I do not want to be doing lighting and sound by myself.
I do not want clients to know that I provide both because I want to be compensated separately for each, no free lighting thrown in just to get the gig.
I do not want the stress of having to deal with lighting while I am doing an announcement or a mix. If something goes wrong there will be someone else to handle that and they will be compensated.
Up until now, whenever I got requests for Lighting I passed it on to my buddy and he came along and billed the client separately. The Client did not get sticker shock from seeing a Total bill for DJ services.
This way I can continue focusing on sound. If they see lighting at my shows, they will be seeing two separate vendors. I would not have to do any package deals.
 
...and you wonder why you're not getting responses (applause to all)

From : one of those dj's who throw lighting in to get the gig (as if)
If the shoe fits then wear it! I was looking for answers from those who charge extra for their lighting. Maybe there are not any! :trirolleyes:
 
Houston, I look at it as providing complete entertainment service. Lighting goes hand-in-hand in my biz model. I can understand where you're coming from, trying to specialize in audio-only, but I do applaud you for testing the waters. Once you get your feet wet on it, I think you'll find that you've been handing a significant piece of change to your old lighting buddy, vs taking the responsibility (and profit) yourself.

Good on ya.
 
Elation is American DJ's high-end brand (sort of what like Lexus is to Toyota). They're very good lights, but they're not what most DJs are using primarily because of the price points. You're more likely to find Elation in club installs.
 
Elation is American DJ's high-end brand (sort of what like Lexus is to Toyota). They're very good lights, but they're not what most DJs are using primarily because of the price points. You're more likely to find Elation in club installs.

Okay i'll bite.....B-Sharp is correct, Elation is American DJ's Upper Line. For what you need you should look at American Dj's line of products. I've never had a problem with any product made by American DJ ( The same quality is in most of their products that they use in their Elation line). What types or types of lights were you considering buying?
 
Back in college we had a pair of Elation scanners that when I used them were almost 10 years old. Never had a problem with them, other than the weight. Would I use them again, yes, but I would also look at Omnisistem. I've owned a few of their products and have always been pleased.
 
Okay i'll bite.....B-Sharp is correct, Elation is American DJ's Upper Line. For what you need you should look at American Dj's line of products. I've never had a problem with any product made by American DJ ( The same quality is in most of their products that they use in their Elation line). What types or types of lights were you considering buying?
I had asked a similar question before in another thread and I thank those who have given me previous replies. I don't want a whole array of stuff. I am looking for high quality, things that will be elegant and make the highest impact with some variety included.
Centerpieces:
Mood Lighting:
Washes:
Scanners/Moving Heads:
Effects:
 
Le Blanc you are an up and comer in French Comedy stops dont forget us when you get famous for your Dumb humor.

I have been tremendously busy providing overpriced SPeaker systems and Over priced lighting fixture according to most DJs standards. However my clients get what they pay for. Canute. I use the Design SPot 250's for my Platinum and Gold Packages. They are very nice and have been awesome for all the needs I use them for. I am looking to move towards newer LED type movers in the future but until they compare at even my reasonable price level and these no longer provide great service I will continue to use them.
 
Ahh, something I can contribute too!

Having been the Western Canada Rep for Elation and American DJ a few years back, I can tell you that the Elation product is solid. Contrary to the comment from Loneavenger that they are basically the same quality as ADJ, they are not. They aren't made in the same factories, and they use higher quality parts. Unfortunately, due to their connection with ADJ, they are seen a budget line, not in the same league as the likes of Martin, however, I'd argue that many of their fixtures are the same quality. They like to push the envelope with new products, and do tend to put out some items that aren't quite ready at times, in an effort to be first to market, but overall, they are a solid brand.

I don't know how many dealers and production houses I demo'd the Design Spots series to that were blown away with not only their performance, but also their construction.

In my mind, the only thing holding Elation back is their connection to ADJ. I'd feel comfortable with almost any of their products.

Good luck!
 
Ahh, something I can contribute too!

Having been the Western Canada Rep for Elation and American DJ a few years back, I can tell you that the Elation product is solid. Contrary to the comment from Loneavenger that they are basically the same quality as ADJ, they are not. They aren't made in the same factories, and they use higher quality parts. Unfortunately, due to their connection with ADJ, they are seen a budget line, not in the same league as the likes of Martin, however, I'd argue that many of their fixtures are the same quality. They like to push the envelope with new products, and do tend to put out some items that aren't quite ready at times, in an effort to be first to market, but overall, they are a solid brand.

I don't know how many dealers and production houses I demo'd the Design Spots series to that were blown away with not only their performance, but also their construction.

In my mind, the only thing holding Elation back is their connection to ADJ. I'd feel comfortable with almost any of their products.

Good luck!
Whats up homie? I was hoping to see you out here at PAL in Toronto as I saw several from BC. We have four Design Spots in our arsenal and four Microhs. I also have a few Chinese knockoffs I kind of inherited(similiar to the Q SPot 250's) I prefer the quality of the Design Spots and overall the best. All of ours are run by Light Jockey.
 
Whats up homie? I was hoping to see you out here at PAL in Toronto as I saw several from BC. We have four Design Spots in our arsenal and four Microhs. I also have a few Chinese knockoffs I kind of inherited(similiar to the Q SPot 250's) I prefer the quality of the Design Spots and overall the best. All of ours are run by Light Jockey.

Hey Bro, No, I'm out of the game completely, on to other things, so not going to any of the shows anymore. Good to hear that your growing the gear! Can't beat LightJockey for a controller, love that program.

Now, if could just sell off the rest of my gear, I could ride off into the sunset...
 
I think Martin is by far the best in lighting. Having said that, I also have Chauvet, American DJ and Elation. My order of preference is:

Martin
Chauvet
Elation
American DJ