Just wondering - i was thinking of getting a pair of moonrays to compliment my galactic stars - however someone has suggested i get a set of 4 futurescans or somilar instead to have
scan - galactic - scan - centrepiece - scan - galactic - scan. on the crossbar (or whatever)
what do u guys think of scans for disco use? ive never really considered them a mobile dj kinda light but thinking about it they would be quite good
which in your opinion should i go for - 4 scans or 2 moonrays?
bear in mind that this is gonna be used for things form school disco - wedding - party in someones front room - marquee etc.
Thanks in advance
Full Version: Opinions on scans for disco use
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I use martin scans (218s, 518s and 812s) which I run off a computer. I only tend to use these for large shows such as universities. My opinion is that they are "wicked". The down side is the cost of new lamps!!!..... They are great when used in conjunction with motorised mirrorballs too!
Hmmm tricky dilema...(cue Nelly & Kelly...with that annoying "ooohh!" every 4 seconds...)
Multiples are good...
I'll re-phrase that... having several lights performing syncronised looks "modern" and so up to date...some lighting effects even have settings which utilise in-built programs specifally designed for 4 head shows...(2 go left as 2 go right etc)...
However, variety is the spice of life...(or is that Heinz?)....having two scans on for a few minutes (or seconds) then swapping to two Moonrays for a short time, might be beneficial too...
However, as with any purchase, its a good idea to think "will the audience appreciate the purchase?" "will they notice it?". NOT that you're trying to get them to notice a single item (or pair) and go home saying "oh yes that pair of "Neutron Stars" (now there WAS an effect) looked great, it made the evening"... at best, if someone goes away smiling saying, "wasnt it nice and colourful..." its a start...
You're obviously thinking along "audience benefits" by telling us what sort of functions you'll be doing. If many of your venues restrict/deny the use of smoke, or even haze...then scans with a single mirror, rather than a fast spinning barrel might be a consideration. Barrels tend to offer a better "mid air, in-smoke" effect, whereas the single mirrors that I've seen, offer better wall, floor, ceiling displays of gobos.
Multiples are good...
I'll re-phrase that... having several lights performing syncronised looks "modern" and so up to date...some lighting effects even have settings which utilise in-built programs specifally designed for 4 head shows...(2 go left as 2 go right etc)... However, variety is the spice of life...(or is that Heinz?)....having two scans on for a few minutes (or seconds) then swapping to two Moonrays for a short time, might be beneficial too...
However, as with any purchase, its a good idea to think "will the audience appreciate the purchase?" "will they notice it?". NOT that you're trying to get them to notice a single item (or pair) and go home saying "oh yes that pair of "Neutron Stars" (now there WAS an effect) looked great, it made the evening"... at best, if someone goes away smiling saying, "wasnt it nice and colourful..." its a start...
You're obviously thinking along "audience benefits" by telling us what sort of functions you'll be doing. If many of your venues restrict/deny the use of smoke, or even haze...then scans with a single mirror, rather than a fast spinning barrel might be a consideration. Barrels tend to offer a better "mid air, in-smoke" effect, whereas the single mirrors that I've seen, offer better wall, floor, ceiling displays of gobos.
Excellent Lighting is a must for the younger generations, for the middle aged it's purely a bonus and for the 50+ they are possibly indifferent 
.
I find that to some degree Scans annoy your audience especially at more formal social gatherings, to the point where I no longer use them at weddings, unless the larger functions.
"Non Scanning" effects are easier to control, when you point them at a dancefloor, wall or ceiling they stay put. Scans on the other hand, by default are likely to scan at least 180 degrees i.e the entire width of the room, and also move up and down. This means that wherever seated, your audience are, at some point, going to get blinded. With modern optics and 150W discharge , 250W Halogen and 575W Metal Halide lamps, this can be extremely annoying to your audience, who can't look at the person across the table at them for your Scans randomly hitting them right in the eye without warning!.
If you do a lot of Teenagers Disco's, Clubs, 18th's etc then you are likely to reap the benefits, if like me, the majority of your functions are Weddings, 40ths etc, then consider the cost, along with the potential to lose work because you are annoying your audience.
Like Sound I carefully make sure that I aim all my lighting into the area of the dancefloor. This leaves a quiet, darker area for the older generation, or people not interested in the disco to sit and talk, without too much inconvenience.
.I find that to some degree Scans annoy your audience especially at more formal social gatherings, to the point where I no longer use them at weddings, unless the larger functions.
"Non Scanning" effects are easier to control, when you point them at a dancefloor, wall or ceiling they stay put. Scans on the other hand, by default are likely to scan at least 180 degrees i.e the entire width of the room, and also move up and down. This means that wherever seated, your audience are, at some point, going to get blinded. With modern optics and 150W discharge , 250W Halogen and 575W Metal Halide lamps, this can be extremely annoying to your audience, who can't look at the person across the table at them for your Scans randomly hitting them right in the eye without warning!.
If you do a lot of Teenagers Disco's, Clubs, 18th's etc then you are likely to reap the benefits, if like me, the majority of your functions are Weddings, 40ths etc, then consider the cost, along with the potential to lose work because you are annoying your audience.
Like Sound I carefully make sure that I aim all my lighting into the area of the dancefloor. This leaves a quiet, darker area for the older generation, or people not interested in the disco to sit and talk, without too much inconvenience.
mmm- thats right about the audience appreciation chris. Basically i have at the moment a pair of galactic stars, a pro twin and a motivator.Was planning to sell the galactic stars but no serious interest. so I am looking to get more lights so that they are all in sync via dmx - so abstract is a bonus due to same software as in teh galactics.
I dont want 100% controll over the lights - just a mini remote (slow/strobe/show select) will do for me - so i thought of a pair of moonrays inbetween my galactics and link em all up (as gary said - some set to do the "inverse") would look lovely - then i can either keep the protwin as a centrepiece or sell both the constealla ones.
I never thought of scans since most of what i do is mixed - yeah there are alot of 18ths but i cant see granny appreciating a fantastic scanning strobe display!
Hmmm - looks like im just answering my own question here! still like more opinions tho
Thanks for hte advice
Steve
I dont want 100% controll over the lights - just a mini remote (slow/strobe/show select) will do for me - so i thought of a pair of moonrays inbetween my galactics and link em all up (as gary said - some set to do the "inverse") would look lovely - then i can either keep the protwin as a centrepiece or sell both the constealla ones.
I never thought of scans since most of what i do is mixed - yeah there are alot of 18ths but i cant see granny appreciating a fantastic scanning strobe display!
Hmmm - looks like im just answering my own question here! still like more opinions tho
Thanks for hte advice
Steve
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