You can purchase a low cost 4 way dimmer on the internet, from suppliers such as Thomann, into which you can plug 4 separate lights, or even pairs, depending on loading, to a maximum of 1000watts per channel, but only 3000watts in total. The dimmer will work both on base beat, with an inbuilt mic, or by a set time. The dimmer can also be worked from a smaller DMX board. I have a number of these dimmers and you can set up quite an effective show. Alternatively, you could use a number of three colour led parcans with inbuilt mics, would also be effective. Ultimately, you could use both. Ideal for set up and go.

I would keep the floods on a simple dimmer just for general lighting, but have two sets, one with a warm gel and one with a cold gel for different ambienence, depending on the music.

For bands, also use a smoke or haze machine, to help improve the lighting effects.

Des

We plan having a set of flood lights to be used as some back lighting and I was just wondering on how I can get them to flash with a hit from the drums.

Is it as simple as just using some sound activated lights?

Thanks for any information you have!

On the question of which is a better fixture type for side light it comes down to what you are trying to achieve, your rigging possibilities and all those other things that make up a design decision (including what you’ve got )

A light source is a light source and it either fits the bill or doesn’t. There may be a case for saying “I usually use x in this position because …”.

Things can work well in some set ups and venues for a particular reason. Fresnels are not as punchy as PARs and the oval CP62 beam might be just what you need to blast colour across stage and off into the opposite wing. With a fresnel you might barndoor off half the available light to get that same shape.

So, I’d be wary of trying to apply such “rules” unless you understand them. In lighting, we don’t do rules apart from the laws of physics

To date I have never had the need to work with gauze, either for spliting the stage front to rear, or for front or back projection.
I am therefore asking if you have any advice on these matters, such as the best type of gauze for which effect, where I can purchase same at a good price, and advice on gauze installation and between show storage, etc.

The production that I am considering using gauze is for dance, and to project a flame effect or water from the rear, and maybe interchangeable with moving light effects projected from the front, with dancers postioned both to front and rear of the gause but not necessarly at the same time.

I am happy to experiment, put with limited budget I feel that your advice would be invaluable.

Finally I am based in Spain, so cannot just pop into a local UK supplier, so all dealings will need to be completed via the internet and telephone.

Regards

Des

Yes it is possible to control any DMX fixture such as a moving head with a manual DMX desk – we used to do just that a while back. However, a manual control has no features to assist you and prioritise all channels on an HTP basis rather than LTP. A huge PITA for intelligent light control. But still possible.

regards
Raymond