DJs know that it’s not just about the music. A lively DJ event needs a vibrant visual vibe to get the crowd pumped. If you’re starting a deep dive into DJ lighting and want to get into the nitty gritty of how it all works, we recommend reading Best Gear for Mobile DJs: A Buying Guide to DJ Lighting. It will not only outline the different categories of lights available but will also get you acquainted with DMX lighting controllers and how they can work for your specific needs.
But if you already own some basic lighting gear and just need some special effects and atmospheric touches to elevate your performance, we’ve got some fun recommendations for you.
Strobe Lights and Blinders
Nothing is trippier than a powerful strobe light. Slow down time, do the robot and drape yourself with glowsticks. A great strobe effect is one of the best ways to get a crowd moving. The Mega Flash from American DJ is a powerful 800 watt strobe that gives you complete control over the flash rate and dimming. You can either manage the flash rate and dimming via your DMX lighting controller or adjust it manually using the knobs on the rear of the unit. There’s also a built-in sound activated mode if you want to sync the light with the beat of the music. This thing is damn bright and should provide reasonably large coverage.
For more experienced DJ’s who want to go bigger and who own an appropriate DMX lighting controller, a more advanced strobe fixture, like the American DJ Jolt 300 could considerably enhance your live show. The Jolt 300 works as a strobe, blinder or color wash, and it offers a bunch of features such as dimming modes, dimming speed, 32 programs, 64 color macros and 3 sections of LED control.
Disco Balls and Sphere Effects
It may not be 1977 anymore but disco never really dies. For under 200 bucks, you can get the Mirror Ball from Eliminator Lighting. With hundreds of reflective mini panels, this disco ball incorporates a ring that connects to an external motor to rotate in a continuous slow motion. All you have to do is shine a light directly onto the ball to see a galaxy of light specks spinning around you on the dance floor.
For a more colorful disco show, check out the Starburst form American DJ. It delivers a rotating sphere effect with sharp, multicolor beams. Your crowd will enjoy a combination of red, green, blue, white, amber, and ultra-violet lights that, when mixed, offer an even wider palette of colors. You can control the unit via your DMX controller, but it also has a standalone mode if you just want to plug it in and let it go to music.
Fog Machines
If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be glad to know that for around 50 bucks you can get a fog machine from CHAUVET DJ. The Hurricane 700 is a portable fogger that will not only create a thick, hazy ambience but will also lay the foundation for a bunch of thrilling lighting effects, laser effects and more. With a 0.6L capacity tank and fast heating time, this unit will fill a small to mid-size venue within minutes.
If you’re looking for something more powerful, consider the American DJ Fog Fury 2000. This high output fogger produces 7000 cubic feet of for per minute. You won’t be able to see your own feet. This unit also has a special heating element design that helps to prevent clogging. In addition, you’ll find handy features such as an LED heating indicator system that changes colors depending on whether the fogger is heating up, ready to use or running low on fluid. And if you’re looking for a fog machine that you can control via DMX, consider the Fog Fury 3000.
Laser Beams
Now that we’ve covered fog machines, we can bring in the laser beams. Lasers aren’t only fun for cats. They can work wonders at DJ venues when paired with a good quality fog machine. Powerful and pretty in pink, the CHAUVET DJ Scorpion Storm delivers a quad-color laser beam effect with 32 built-in auto-programs and can generate customized laser shows using programmable effects. Although you can use it with a DMX controller, it can also operate automatically or in sound activated mode. Still, if you want comprehensive control but can’t deal with a DMX controller, you can opt for the IRC-6 remote.
If you’re looking for a more affordable laser option, check out American DJ’s Ani-Motion. You’ll get 36 dynamic patterns and 22 static effects in red and green. It’s also super easy to use, since you can just plug it in and let it run automatically or in sound-active mode. But to make things more interesting, you can use the included Ani-Motion wireless remote control for extra creative flexibility.
Integrated Lighting Systems
A smart way to streamline your effects lighting setup is to invest in a multi-effect lighting fixture, like the CHAUVET DJ Swarm 5 FX. It will cover a bunch of effects, including an RGBAW rotating derby, a red and green laser and a white strobe effect. And it doesn’t have to be difficult to control; use built-in automated programs or sound-activated programs to save yourself some hassle. That said, if you own a DMX controller and want to go nuts with it, you can do that too. Multiple units can also be power linked together to save on cabling.
For an all-in-one solution to your lighting and special effects needs, take a look at the CHAUVET DJ GigBAR Move + ILS. It’s admittedly pricey, but it really has everything, including moving heads, derbies, washes, a laser, and a strobe effect premounted on a single bar that’s easy to pack up and take on the road. It includes IRC-6 and footswitch remotes, while also featuring automated and sound-activated programs to keep your DJ performance easy and straightforward. But it also features 3 DMX channel modes, allowing you to tinker away on your controller for deeper effects creations.
For more information about the DJ lighting gear listed, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out our detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
