Haze Question

[ned911]

We play 4 45-minute sets, sometimes 3 1-hour sets.

 

Should I set the hazer on low output (10%) and just let it run during the set or should I kick it on a few times each set on a higher output.

[Bryan316]

Let it run consistently, on a low setting. See how that performs.

 

If you can, you should try a dry run at the bar you'll play next, to see how best to use it.

[BillESC]

The answer depends on a couple factors.

 

What brand of machine? Outputs vary greatly between brands.

 

What type of HVAC system is in place, how often does it replace the air volume in the room?

[HCRobe]

What's the likely hood of a hazer being OK if the club says a fogger will set off the fire alarms?

 

Any recomendations for one that is less likely to set off alarms as well?

[ned911]

My hazer is a Antari HZ-300 or maybe it's a 3000 - can't quite remember.

[BillESC]

 

What's the likely hood of a hazer being OK if the club says a fogger will set off the fire alarms? Any recomendations for one that is less likely to set off alarms as well?

 

 

Any particulate generator (fog or haze machine) can set off Ion Reading smoke detectors.

 

It is simply a function of PPM, Parts Per Million.

 

Over generation of particulate matter is the primary reason many hotels, clubs and other venues have stopped allowing the usage altogether. It really takes very little particulate matter to see beams of light, this is a case where less is better.

 

Le Maitre's Radiance set at minimum output uses less than a fluid ounce of fluid an hour, if you think about it, that's probably less than the evaporated sweat from the dancers on the floor. And it is still probably more than necessary in most venues.

[mcsdude]

Yeah - just run it until you see enough haze then shut it off. Most have at least a foot switch if not full dmx control. Just remember that most take a couple of minutes to start shooting haze and most take a couple of minutes to stop as well. It always varies on the unit and the size of the venue, the breeze blowing etc.

[ned911]

Sometimes you just don't need haze. The bar we played Friday had so much cigarette smoke you could see the beams from the Pearl about 3/4ths across the room.

 

Of course now the trailer and truck stink.

[soundlight]

Hopefully it won't stay smelling like smoke for too long - that's never a pleasant smell to smell coming from your fixtures when setting up your rig.

 

Even running it on low output, you'll need to turn it off at some point during the night when you've got enough haze for the time being. Haze generally has a much longer hang time than fog, so you'll have enough haze for a while once you get it to the coverage that you want.

 

And yes, no matter what type of atmospheric effect you use, there is always (always, always, always) the possibility of setting off particulate smoke detectors if the venue has these kinds of detectors. Sucks, doesn't it.