Moving Head Beam and DMX Controllers for Stage Lighting
When lighting designers plan a theatrical production, moving head beams create focused and directional illumination that shapes the mood and ambiance of a performance. They can also create visually stunning effects that captivate audiences.
These lights can be programmed with DMX control to create complex movement sequences and color transitions that play out during the show. The type of movement they can perform varies between models.
Functions
The functionality of moving head beam lights allows for a level of precision and creativity that can elevate a stage performance to an extraordinary event. The ability to customize and craft visually stunning lighting environments for every moment of a performance is truly unprecedented in the world of professional productions. In order to harness this power, however, it is important for lighting designers and operators to familiarize themselves with the capabilities of their equipment. Performing an in-depth analysis of each fixture’s pan and tilt ranges, color options, and available gobos will allow them to maximize their effects and design complex and captivating lighting shows.
The most common type of moving head is the Spot. With their relatively-narrow, sharply-focused light output, Spots are great for illuminating the focal points of a scene or projecting GOBO patterns. Washes are another very popular and versatile moving head type that are ideal for creating a wide variety of effects and visuals. Lastly, Beam fixtures are the latest addition to the moving 3 in 1 moving head light head family. These specialized units are designed to create tight beams of light that can be used in conjunction with artificial fog to create impressive fan effect and beam show looks.
Additionally, most moving heads feature multiple effect features that can be utilized during a show. These include pattern wheels with static gobos for spinning effects and dynamic gobos for special movement, and color wheels that can transform the beams’ tone via dichroic filters or subtraction-color mixing.
Beam Angles
Beam moving heads use a combination of a light source, mirrors, and lenses to produce narrow beams of light. These lights are ideal for highlighting performers and creating exciting visual effects. They are also versatile and can be used in a wide variety of situations. They are lightweight and durable, making them a great option for events of any size.
These lights are ideal for illuminating the stage and enhancing the performance of a band or performer. They are easy to use and require little maintenance. However, it is important to choose the right light for your needs. There are many different types of moving head beams available, each with its own unique function and features.
The most common types of moving heads are beam lights, wash lights, and spot lights. Beam lights focus on highlighting specific elements, while wash lights create a colorful and dynamic ambiance. Hybrid lights can combine the functionalities of all three types, giving you endless possibilities for staging your event.
The main difference between beam and wash lights is how the light is projected. Beam lights have a narrow, precise beam of light with sharp edges. Wash lights, on the other hand, have a wider, more gradual wash of light. Both can be customized to suit your event by adding gobo wheels and color filters.
Movement Ranges
Moving head beams can vary in terms of the movement stage light manufacturer ranges they offer. Some models have limited movement capabilities, offering a single range for both pan (horizontal) and tilt (vertical). These lights are ideal for venues with space constraints or for users who prefer a more hands-on approach to lighting control. Others feature extensive movement ranges, allowing users to create dynamic light patterns and effects with ease. These are ideal for professional lighting designers and technicians.
While there are many different types of moving heads available, the two most popular are wash and beam. The former produces a wider wash of color, ideal for illuminating large areas of the stage or audience, while the latter offers tighter beams that can make for impressive aerial displays.
Most of these lights are capable of being controlled via DMX, and many come with built-in effects like prisms, gobos, and focus. Some also include a color wheel and dimmer, providing an array of customizable options that can be tailored to the tone of the event. For events with music, it can be a good idea to synchronize the lights with the beat and rhythm of the music, creating a more immersive and cohesive experience for the audience. This will also allow you to create visually stunning effects, such as strobe speed changes and color mixing.
DMX Control
A DMX controller acts as the brains of your lighting system, broadcasting DMX signals over a network of shielded cables wired in twisted pairs. The signals are sent from a lighting console, through a DMX receiver (also called a decoder) to the LED fixtures in your light rig.
There are a number of different DMX controllers on the market, each with its own features and capabilities. Think about your specific needs in terms of the size of your rig and the type of lighting you plan to use before choosing a controller. Some come with a touchscreen for easy control of basic functions such as a simple color selector, while more advanced models may be able to trigger chases, memories and cue stacks.
Each fixture will have its own unique DMX address, which is the starting point for the data it sends out. A fixture can be re-addressed at any time, but once it starts sending out data from the new address, that data will be reflected on all of the other fixtures that are set to the same starting point.
To prevent a signal from bouncing back through your rig, a DMX terminator must be connected to the last fixture’s DMX output. This will stop the “shadow signal” from creating a flicker or even preventing your lights from operating at all.
