I have been looking at recent pictures and some not so recent of elaborate light systems. I can’t imagine ever using more that a rope light or mirror ball.
Obviously I am of another mindset. I even insist on my table work lamps not shining in customers’ eyes.
Do you ever get coplaints from your setups?
I can’t fathom BOSE quality sound being used with blinding light.
Also I can’t imagine the effort, cost and time to in and out these systems.
Is there an age group where you must have the lighting and another where it doesn’t matter and yet another where you leave it at home?
Really I would be intimidated to walk in and see these metal rigs and lights at my affair. Seems to smack of the same whipping that conventional speakers give to my hearing mechanism.
Will welcome your helping me understand this.
Thanks
no problems with my 2 cheapo lights 
Hey Dance Host, I guess it depends on the type of event it is. Here in Hawaii, where people go all out for 1st baby luau’s(parties)up to 500 guest, I use a lot of dj lighting. This also includes graduations or other big events. Where as weddings, I bring 4 or 5 different effect lighting all white, no color(my preference)which kind of sets-up an up scale romantic scene. For karaoke events, I bring a mirror ball, and a mace. I did have couple complaints with 700 watts of strobe lighting where guest complained about headaches and/or sore eyes. This prompt me to sell those lighting, probably good for school dances. I have pictures, but don’t know how to post it. Do you know how? mm
I’m really glad this topic has been raised. Living on the other side of the pond, British dj’s have a completely different take on lighting. In essence much more than you guys use. An absolute minimum I would suggest would be four lights, going up to ten maybe. Obviously not all lights are on at the same time. For slow dances only a couple of softer ones, for party time maybe six or so could be used.
Also uplighting is very much the ‘in thing’ with par cans.
Have a look at some of threads on here and you’ll get the drift. Look especially at the posts by Tony Scott.
Lighting options
I always use some sort of light show. It all just depends on what type of party it is like Magic Man said. The lights that I have found to be very versatile are the Revo 2 & 3. Some other lights I use are the Vue 6, the Mini Starball LED, the Galaxian 3D & the Chauvet 4Bar. For up-lighting I use the ADJ Par64 LED. I’ve found these lights to be real winners. Before I switched over to LED I was a huge Martin fan but once I learned about the new LED fixtures I was hooked. Between the low power consumption & the light weight & low heat it was a no brainier. My old lighting consisted of four Chauvet Trackscans, two Martin Ego 3’s, two Martin Efx500 & two Efx600’s & the ADJ Starball II. Heavy power sucking lights(except the Ego’s, I do however miss the Martins because of there cool effects. I still waiting for Martin to star making LED fixtures for mobile DJ’s. If they do I’ll probably have to get some.
I try not to go overboard lighting wise such as here:-
http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/for…771029184#2771029184
just two efx500’s and some led par cans
I do a variety of events and sometimes lighting is not necessary but for any kind of dance parties the lighting is part of the ambience. I switched over to all LED’s and small lasers with a fog machine. I can light up a very large ballroom with just mirror ball and flashing color effects. I usually start the evening with the mirror ball effects and when the bride and groom dance or whenever the dancing starts I kick on the colored lights and lasers. Just the small lasers in a big room can project up to a 20’ effect on the walls. I don’t use the fog all the time it depends on the party. With good lighting it transforms the room and dance floor to another world. I don’t see how you can have a good dance party without it unless you are playng rest homes. Randy
quote:Originally posted by Dance Host:
I have been looking at recent pictures and some not so recent of elaborate light systems. I can't imagine ever using more that a rope light or mirror ball.
Obviously I am of another mindset. I even insist on my table work lamps not shining in customers' eyes.
Do you ever get coplaints from your setups?
I can't fathom BOSE quality sound being used with blinding light.
Also I can't imagine the effort, cost and time to in and out these systems.
Is there an age group where you must have the lighting and another where it doesn't matter and yet another where you leave it at home?
Really I would be intimidated to walk in and see these metal rigs and lights at my affair. Seems to smack of the same whipping that conventional speakers give to my hearing mechanism.
Will welcome your helping me understand this.
Thanks
Good topic DH! I was just talking to my wife about my lighting concerns this morning.
I agree with you about the glare but respectfully disagree about going minimal or light free. I have tried it both ways and feel the need for some lighting to help enhance the ambiance and the mood. That said, I am not a fan of LED lights, which are harsh and limited in color.
Washing the dance floor with an LED is akin to doing it with a welder’s arc. I prefer a pair of, now extinct, Martin Mania DC1's. Their pastel colored lenses can't be touched by modern LED technology. But even the best wash light will become annoying in a room with a low ceiling. 8 ft above the dance floor is an acceptable minimum.
I don't like LED effect lights either. Limited colors and limited looks. The, also extinct, Martin Acrobat rules here. I have a Revo 3 but I only point it at the ceiling.
My lighting issue is not "to light or not" it is the way the light stand and T bar look with lights hanging on it. I'm looking at options with fewer lights or more stands. Either is a compromise. Any suggestions?
I would do lighting. It turns out amazing.
quote:My lighting issue is not "to light or not" it is the way the light stand and T bar look with lights hanging on it. I'm looking at options with fewer lights or more stands. Either is a compromise. Any suggestions?
I use lights, but I have them in a tastefull location. Behind me, where its not too gaudy looking. On this tripod I have a vue 6, 2 sparkles and 2 American DJ intellabeams.
http://www.adynamitedj.com/Bos... Center Cafe.jpg
http://www.adynamitedj.com/Bos...20Country Club.jpg
http://www.adynamitedj.com/Bos...eatre Hopewell.jpg
One of my biggest pet peves with dj lighting is not to let them see the ugly three legs at the bottom of the stand and tuck those wires. Dont' look like this: http://www.adynamitedj.com/Bos...l dj company.jpg , Also, be uniform or symetrical in your appearance on the stand, it makes a big difference.
It's all you really need for 300 or less people.