A DMX Rippling Water effect unit similar in style and size to the popular Chauvet Abyss 2 (non dmx) but with more colours and with the addition of DMX control - all at a very competitive price.



These units are ideal for Mobile DJ's and 'Chill Out' style effects in pubs and clubs. When in use the light projected looks very much like rippling water, which changes colour, it is especially effective when projected onto white walls or ceilings and makes an excellent stage backdrop for DJ's and Bands or for relaxing decorative lighting.

The effect has three modes of operation. Stand Alone, Master - Slave Link and full DMX-512 compatibility for use with a controller using the same protocol.

The unit uses an ELC 24v 250W A1/259 Lamp and is supplied complete with an ELC-3 300 Hour long life version. The lamp is fan cooled and suitable for continuous operation.

There colour wheel contains 9 Colours + White and 1 split colour. The colours are as follows:-

Magenta, Orange, Dark Red, Green, Cyan, Blue, U.V Violet, Yellow, Pink and white. The split colour is Yellow & Green combined.







In stand-alone mode there are two different options. You can set the unit to automatic, whereby it scrolls through it's built in program at one of three preset speed options. There is also a manual mode of operation, where the operator can simply set the unit to remain on any one colour,

Download the Video (Right Click and 'Save as')

The above video and pictures were shot using a standard 1.3m pixel digital camera onto a wall 4 feet away from the effect, so it doesn't really do it justice when compared to being used on a large wall in a venue. However it does show the type of effect and the colours.

Master-Slave operation is similar to the above, but having two or more units linked together using a XLR DMX Lead. When in M-S mode the first unit in the chain is designated as master, and the additional units are configured as 'slaves'. When in use, the slave unit(s) automatically syncronise and change colour with the Master Unit.

DMX Operation allows the colour change to be controlled remotely using a DMX-512 controller. The unit has 3 pin XLR Style Input and Output sockets for connection.



Verdict:-

One of the cheapest water effects around which has DMX capabilities, and for only a few ££'s more than a Chauvet Abyss 2, you not only get the DMX and Master - Slave compatibility but more colours, and a far more flexible unit. The unit may be realistically priced, but no sacrifice has been made with regard to quality and construction. The unit is very similar in size to an NJD Datamoon or Constella Chameleon, and the image projected is sharp and clear with no fuzzy out of focus edges which some effects do tend to suffer from.

If you are looking for an ambient effect for a stage backdrop, or for ceiling projection then look no further. This type of effects can also be used to give an ambient colour changing effect during the end of evening smoochies, or as guests are arriving.

Price:-

At the time of reviewing this unit was priced at £79.99

Great review Chris.

I have one of the abyss ll's and think it's a great effect and was looking at some point to upgrade to the abyss dmx mainly to master slave them but this looks like a much more affordable option.

Have you had a play with the abyss dmx? and if so how would you rate this unit compared to the abyss dmx??

Thanks again for the review



Vinnie

There is very little difference between the two. They have the same modes of operation. Both work on 1 DMX Channel, and both use the same type of ELC Lamp. So other than quite a significant price difference, with the Soundlab DMX version being only slightly more expensive than the Non DMX Version of the Abyss then for me it would win on price.

From a quality point of view, there isn't any difference either, both the Chauvet and Soundlab are well made, robust and offer good image quality.

Thanks mate, I think that kind of swings it.

Now where did I put that list to santa????????????????




Vinnie

Hi,

I may have to have a pair of them off you in the new year Chris.

How much for a pair with link lead? also do you do flightcases for them from adda or from another flightcasing comanay

Daniel

REF THE DMX ABYSS FROM CHAUVET,i HAVE 2 WHICH I RUN ON MY SHOW (duo)
I think they have more colours and stand alone programs than the soundlab one,When i bought mine we checked them out and although it did cost me a little more per unit ,I though it was worth the difference.

we got one of these from chris p and used it last weekend and was very impressed with it use these on a large white surface such as a ceiling for best effect

great review chris, i didn't know you could get these effect lights so cheap, but personaly im not a great fan of soundlab, i have had trouble with there products in the past

Dave

can the colours change fast on these or is it a slow crossfade type like the Abyss II?

The colours change directly, similar to other DMX effects which use stepper motors where one colour moves directly to another.

Bought two from Chris at the DJU Max. Got a great deal from Chris

Now working on a DMX program for them. Master slave works well. Very simple but very effective. Left them running for 6hrs Saturday night. No problems at all.



Jimbo

Is this the same effect Gary had running in the evening?

i also have one from chris , good little unit and great value.

I have a couple of these, although I cannot get them to change the speed at which they change colour without using a DMX control unit.

Anyone else found this?

yes, the dip switch label must be wrong.... swap your off and on's