What’s the Best Lighting Effect for Me? |
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Since there’s such an overwhelming range of different LED lighting effects to choose from, it can be tough for any beginner lighting tech to pick out the right thing. In this Guide, we help you get off to a good start. If you have a question and can’t find the answer here, feel free to contact us! 1. What is an LED Lighting Effect?Stage or entertainment lighting can be divided into three different types: effects, spotlights, and wash lights. These groups can then be divided again into lighting that can be controlled via DMX and lighting that’s not DMX capable (see Question 3). These days, most lighting uses efficient LEDs as their light source (see Question 2). Effect lighting can be generally described as lighting that uses multiple beams of light and movement to create a number of effects. Effect lighting is used to enhance a performance or create an atmosphere, so it’s not designed for picking out and illuminating a person, object or space on a stage. A few examples of lighting effects include moonflowers, gobo-projectors, and the classic ‘derby’. Then, there are ‘centrepiece effects’. These are effects that play a central role in a light show, like a moving head. Then there are other effects that use mirrors, like scanners and mirror balls. Another well-known lighting effect is the laser. All of these lighting effects have been given their own section on our site, so you won’t find them included in the LED lighting effects section. » LED Lighting Effects
2. Why Use LED Lighting?LED lighting (see an example on the left in the included image) is more efficient and economical than more traditional halogen-based lighting (seen on the right) or gas-discharge lamps. LED lighting also produces far less heat and doesn’t raise the environmental temperature, which is a plus when using it as stage lighting. Since it’s so efficient, it also has a much longer lifespan. It also offers an enormous range of possible colours. Most LED lighting offers red, green, and blue lighting (RGB) and these colours can usually be mixed to make an almost unlimited range of colour variations. LED lights are easy to control, can be dimmed, and are relatively visible in daylight so they can even be set up to support outdoor events and performances. » LED Lighting Effects
3. What is DMX?DMX capable lighting (most LED lighting has this) is also referred to as ‘intelligent lighting’. DMX is a ‘protocol’ that enables lighting fixtures to be controlled from a distance. If you want to use lighting that has a lot of different functions, then DMX can be really useful. Fixtures can be programmed or set up to respond and move in time to the beat of music, or to trigger special effects at specific moments. To use DMX functionality, a DMX controller is needed as well as DMX cables for linking the lighting to the controller. There is a difference between DMX control via software and hardware. Controlling DMX lighting using a ‘real’ hardware DMX controller can be more intuitive and offers a clean overview if you're only controlling one or a few fixtures. Software combined with a DMX interface is intended for more extensive lighting rigs, can be a little cheaper, and offers far more flexibility. Most lighting can also be used in standalone mode, so without DMX. Here, you simply select and trigger a program using some form of fitted controls. However, standalone mode tends to offer limited control over functions.
4. What’s the Best LED Lighting Effect for Me?It’s worth asking yourself a few questions to make picking out the right lighting effect a little bit easier:
5. What Kind of Hardware Do I Use to Install Lighting Fixtures?When installing any kind of lighting fixture, it’s worth using secure hardware that still allows flexibility. This way, the fixture can be placed and aimed as needed, and will stay in place, which is not only practical but safe. Suspending or mounting fixtures in a high position prevents accidents and damage. Using G-hooks combined with safety cables, lighting fixtures can be both securely and safely mounted onto a T-bar or truss. Exceptions to this rule are more simple lighting effects that can simply be placed on a tabletop. » G & C-Hooks
6. What Kind of Cables Will I Need?First of all, you’ll need a power cable per lighting effect, but these usually come included. You might also need an extension cord so that the power cable can reach a power socket. Then, if you’re planning to control your rig via DMX, you’ll need a DMX cable per fixture. Since you can usually chain lighting effects - linking one fixture to another with a shorter DMX cable - you’ll only need a single extra-long cable to connect the last fixture in your chain to the DMX controller. Standard XLR signal/microphone cables can be used for DMX, but for more professional setups, it’s recommended to use more specialised 110 Ohm XLR cables so you’re assured of no signal interference. Tip: it’s always wise to take a few extra cables to any event or show just in case one of your cables breaks or you only find out that you need some extra-long cables when you get there.
7. What Else Do I Need to Get With My Lighting Effects?In a dark space, a lighting effect is able to create a stunning atmosphere, but when you add a little smoke using a smoke machine, the light beams are even more visible. If you’re just starting out, then it can be handy to invest in a starter set. These sets usually include everything that you need and are often a little cheaper than getting everything separately. See Questions 3, 5, and 6 for information about DMX lighting control, installation hardware, and cables.
Links & More InformationProduct Categories» LED Lighting Effects Blogs & Buyer’s Guides» Moving Head Buyer's Guide Videos» See a Derby-Effect in Action (Video)
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