Hi All,
I'm new to this tribe and I like to just say HI.
I also would like some suggestions on some intelligent lighting. This is what I need: A simple set and forget lighting system, Along the lines of a Highend Trackspot(In fact right along the lines of a Trackspot.) No more than 250 watts, scanner type(moving mirror), no need for a controller(sound to light movement), and of course inexpensive, and this is for a night club, No American DJ or Pro Audio.
The reason is the 10 Trackspots I have now are 12 years old and Highend has discontinued that line(why I don't know, great light). So the owner of the club doesn't want to fix the Trackspots do to the fact that they are now discontinued. So I need to get some new lights. I was looking at the Martin MX-10, Does anyone have any other suggestions?
I'm new to this tribe and I like to just say HI.
I also would like some suggestions on some intelligent lighting. This is what I need: A simple set and forget lighting system, Along the lines of a Highend Trackspot(In fact right along the lines of a Trackspot.) No more than 250 watts, scanner type(moving mirror), no need for a controller(sound to light movement), and of course inexpensive, and this is for a night club, No American DJ or Pro Audio.
The reason is the 10 Trackspots I have now are 12 years old and Highend has discontinued that line(why I don't know, great light). So the owner of the club doesn't want to fix the Trackspots do to the fact that they are now discontinued. So I need to get some new lights. I was looking at the Martin MX-10, Does anyone have any other suggestions?
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Re: Need some suggestions
Tue, January 3, 2006 - 5:11 AMWe've used the Martin's MX1 (smallest version of the MX series). Very simple to use and good quality for a reasonable price. Multiple units can be slaved to one master light while using the built-in mic of the master for controlling the others via DMX. Or you can control all very easily with a simple DMX controller. The downside was the low light output level and the color & gobo quality are not the best.
We went back to PAR64 cans with DMX dimmers/controller but would consider the MX10 if we determined that the light output and color & gobo quality were better than the MX1 -
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Re: Need some suggestions
Wed, January 4, 2006 - 9:52 AMDo not forget projections!
And strive for what is called digital signage with
appropriate messages/symbols.
I think the trackscan was discontinued because the market almost exclusively uses moving heads.
Why?
The trackscan takes up twice the truck space of a M.H. after they are road cased. And it weighs twice as much!
High end has a cool next generation light, you cannot afford.
www.DL2getit.com
But back to earth....
I agree with the par cans suggestion. You can transition to a full moving head system slowly if you replace the trackscans with a bank of par cans.
Do not forget that more mirror balls will ease the transition also.
----stop resisting, you will have to buy moving heads.
And you will like it! -
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Re: Need some suggestions
Wed, January 4, 2006 - 5:07 PMHernan,
My preferred design would be 6 Highend Studio Spot 250 and a WholehogII(desktop) system(no room for a full size console). But the owner won't hear of it(bad experience with Light Jockey). So since he holds the money I'm stuck with making a compromise. And as far as I can tell he's not going to change his mind.
But keep those ideas coming. -
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Re: Need some suggestions
Thu, January 5, 2006 - 11:26 AMSee if you can get a 'stop gap' budget.
install more mirror balls and some cans.
iN THE MEAN TIME TAKE HIM (THE REAL GOLD IS TO HAVE him TAKE YOU)
to a real concert. Then go to a club with a lighting package like yours for drinks afterwards.
Also try the old line . About good lighting -selling- drinks.
I usually say "Bass sells Beer" but that does not always work. -
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Re: Need some suggestions
Thu, January 5, 2006 - 11:36 AMI well never stop tiring but he just did a major remodel on the club and bought the whole building. So I have to give him some slack, (But not to much). And like ALMOST all nightclub owners he's cheap, But he's a nice guy so... But I'll post what happens with this.
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Re: Need some suggestions
Wed, January 4, 2006 - 4:56 PMThanks Jackie, sounds like the MX10 is the way to go. Glad to hear some input on the MX's. I don't like dealing with Martin Lighting, I'm more of a Highend lighting person.But I have a month still, so if you think or hear of anything else I would appreciate it. The owner and I both want movement on the dance floor so the Par64 idea is not going to work. But thanks for the Par64 idea.
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Re: Need some suggestions
Thu, January 5, 2006 - 7:30 PMI'd keep the Trackspots and invest in HogPC, as half the usability of your lights comes from good programming. If you want to buy into current gear then go ahead, the Martin MX series isn't too bad, but I haven't heard much about reliability since they are a fairly new fixture.
Trackspots are great, parts are still available from a number of sources, and once you get them working in top shape they are very reliable. The lamp is cheap to replace ($8 compared to $100+ on some newer fixtures), very simple and straightforward light. Depending on the condition of the ones you have, if you spend a little on repair and maintenance, they'll run trouble free for a long while.
The only other small moving mirror fixture I like is the Clay Paky Miniscan HP3, but they cost a bit more.
I understand the set and forget mindset very well. It is hard to pull it off inexpensively though. The audio trigger mode never gets any points in my book, the results are totally random and don't ever work well with the music. I have yet to sind a simple, useful, idiot proof controller that is relatively cheap. The HogPC is the best I've seen, but you do have to program it and using it isn't always straightforward, but it does aid in creating a much better light show. There are a few other pc based controller products out there, some good and some bad, a lot depends on budget. -
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Re: Need some suggestions
Fri, January 6, 2006 - 12:58 AMI arggeare with you 100% I would love to repair the two down Trackspots, But the owner it total agagest it(I guess $500.00 for a new crucit board is too much for him) So much so that if I bring it up to him again he will find a new lighting tech. So that idea is out. Personlly I think he is making a HUGH mistake, But it's his money and his club.(I'v been told this MANY times by him.)
Yes he is a asshole but hey it's work.
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