Members tim_7string Posted September 3, 2011 Members Share Posted September 3, 2011 Hi all. I'm looking to get some modern lighting (LED) and I'm not really sure where to even start. I want to stay under $1000 for starters, so what would you guys suggest as essential that would do the job within that budget? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BillESC Posted September 4, 2011 Members Share Posted September 4, 2011 Starting with nothing, you should consider the following. 3 tripods w/T bars $ 237.00 (one each downstage left and right on up center) 4 Puck RGBAWs $ 716.00 (two each downstage tripods) 1 Strip style fixture $ 199.99 (upstage tripod) 1 Obey 40 $ 199.99 1 Set DMX cables $ 80.00 Total at MAP pricing $ 1432.98 Can probably be had at or near your budget if you shop around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tim_7string Posted September 4, 2011 Author Members Share Posted September 4, 2011 Thanks for the help! I truly didn't know what I should buy first (other than the light stands), so at least I have something to go on now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Mutha Goose Posted September 4, 2011 Members Share Posted September 4, 2011 If you follow Bill's advice, you will have a great starter system that you can easily add upon and expand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stangconv Posted September 24, 2011 Members Share Posted September 24, 2011 Another option would be 2 Chauvet 4 bars. Or similar equivalent. We used to toss one on each corner of the stage. Can be linked together via dmx ( we used a 50' xlr) and controlled via footswitch. The footswitch doesn't give you the level of control the obey 40 does, but it is way easier. I would love some of thesehttp://www.microhpro.com/ledquadparmk2.html I saw them at Axe music in Edmonton and they looked pretty slick as they fold in half. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BillESC Posted September 24, 2011 Members Share Posted September 24, 2011 The 4Bars won't come close to the output of the system I suggested and the tripods they come with don't reach 8'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jwlussow Posted September 25, 2011 Members Share Posted September 25, 2011 4Bar is really not a great option for live music. They are OK for DJs but have low output and short stands for stage use. Bill's suggestion is a great option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members wardjames Posted September 26, 2011 Members Share Posted September 26, 2011 My system that I just put together includes the following: 2 Chauvet Colorstrips: $3202 Chauvet Colorstrip Mini's: $1801 On Stage Truss: $2001 Elation DMX Operator: $150 (normally these are about $200, I got one off the open items table at Guitar Center4 Par 38 Cans plus amber gel sheet: $502 Chauvet Stands (used on craigslist): $501 Behringer FCB1010 MIDI Foot Controller: $150 1 Global Trust Backdrop: $100 Total is $1200. If I HAD to stay under $100 I'd lose the Colorstrip Mini's and Backdrop, but they're pretty cool, so I'd save up to add them later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BillESC Posted September 26, 2011 Members Share Posted September 26, 2011 I suspect you forgot to mention a couple hundred in DMX cables and AC distribution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members wardjames Posted September 26, 2011 Members Share Posted September 26, 2011 I suspect you forgot to mention a couple hundred in DMX cables and AC distribution. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm using XLR's right now, but will be ordering the DMX's shortly, so you're right. So cut out the truss as well, and convert to regular lighting stands, and I think I'd be under $1000. Also, I plan to spend an additional $300 or so on cases for the colorstrips and pars before I get anything else. Eventually I'd like to swap the par cans for some Pucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members steveosplace Posted September 26, 2011 Members Share Posted September 26, 2011 I'm surprised people dont mention the colorrails much anymore... are they out of favor? I have the 4bars and like them but they are for small stages in dark bars (which we have a lot of up here), so I have no complaints with them in this regard. All the other suggestions here will net you a lot more brightness. Very easy to setup and get going. For a front wash nothing beats old fashioned par38's on a stand with amber gels. Great price and performance. Wardjames probably has the ultimate bar band starter set, the colorstrips are best bang for your buck (dont know if you need the back drop). There is some setup involved with programming the controller and pedal so you'll need some tech skills, but not a whole lot. I like Bills too but have no experience with pucks myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stangconv Posted September 27, 2011 Members Share Posted September 27, 2011 We have never had an issue with the 4bars. Small stages and dark bars. We did upgrade to larger stands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BillESC Posted September 27, 2011 Members Share Posted September 27, 2011 By the time you upgraded to taller stands, you could have afforded the brighter Puck system from the get go.... Just saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members stangconv Posted September 27, 2011 Members Share Posted September 27, 2011 Haha you are probably right.... I got a killer deal on mine (Lumi's not chauvets) plus I am in canada I have an obey 40 and I find it hard to program, it sits unused in favor of just using the auto, sound, and blackout settings on the footswitch. But I also have mild A.D.D. So maybe that's some of it...lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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