Choosing Stage Lights with Proper Control Options for Flexibility

As a senior procurement manager in the stage lighting industry, selecting lights with the right control options is crucial for providing dynamic and flexible lighting solutions for events, performances, and installations. Proper control options allow stage lights to integrate seamlessly into various setups, ensuring ease of use, versatility, and creative lighting effects. This article discusses how to evaluate DMX compatibility, wireless control, and other essential features when selecting stage lights, along with insights into flexibility and performance for different product types.

1. DMX Compatibility
One of the most important factors when selecting stage lights is DMX compatibility. DMX (Digital Multiplex) is the industry standard protocol for controlling lighting fixtures. Whether you’re setting up a moving head light or a pixel bar light, DMX compatibility allows you to control multiple lights from a central console, synchronizing movements, colors, intensity, and other parameters.

Example: A moving head light that is DMX512 compatible can be easily integrated into a larger lighting rig. You can control pan, tilt, color mixing, and effects from a DMX console, enabling precise control for live events. A typical moving head light, like the Martin Mac Quantum Wash, uses 16 or more DMX channels, depending on its features, to control different aspects of its performance.

Tip: Always ensure the DMX channels offered by the fixture match the complexity of your setup. For larger events or performances, investing in lights that support multiple DMX channels can provide you with more control over individual lighting effects.
2. Wireless Control
Wireless control options are increasingly important for flexibility and ease of setup, especially for outdoor events or performances where cables can be cumbersome or impractical. Wireless control systems allow you to manage lighting setups without the need for extensive cabling, reducing time spent on setup and teardown.

Example: LED PAR lights with built-in wireless DMX control can be controlled remotely using a wireless DMX transmitter, eliminating the need for long cable runs. This is particularly useful for events where the lighting setup changes frequently or for outdoor festivals where running cables across large distances is impractical.

Another common wireless feature is Bluetooth control. Many newer LED stage lights come with Bluetooth functionality, allowing operators to control lighting directly via an app on their smartphone or tablet. Chauvet DJ offers products like the Eve PAR Series, which allows for Bluetooth control, simplifying the management of lighting during small to mid-sized events.
Tip: When considering wireless control, assess the range of the system, as some systems can only function effectively within a limited range. Be sure the wireless system supports multiple frequencies to avoid interference in crowded environments.
3. Other Control Features: Built-in Programs and Automation
In addition to DMX and wireless control, many modern lights come with built-in control features that can simplify setup and increase versatility. These include pre-programmed effects, auto mode, and sound-activated modes, which can be useful for events where quick adjustments are needed without manual intervention.

Example: Laser lights and profile lights may come with built-in effects or preset patterns, allowing for automatic adjustments based on the rhythm of the music. These can be useful for concerts, where automated effects sync with sound. A laser light like the Chauvet Scorpion, which features built-in auto mode, can create stunning visuals without requiring constant manual control.

Many profile lights come with preset gobo effects, which can be rotated or manipulated using the onboard control system, creating intricate visual patterns on stage. For smaller events, having these features built-in can save both setup time and the need for external controllers.
4. Flexibility for Different Event Types
Choosing lights that are adaptable to various event types is essential for ensuring you meet different lighting requirements. Some lighting fixtures are more versatile than others, with adjustable beam angles, interchangeable lenses, or built-in features that can modify the light's appearance for different environments.

Example: Profile lights are often favored for their versatility in producing hard, focused beams, ideal for theater productions, concerts, and corporate events. When choosing a profile light, consider models with adjustable zoom and iris control, which allow the fixture to change its beam size and intensity. ETC Source Four fixtures are a popular choice in the industry due to their precise beam control and versatility.

For more dynamic setups, consider moving head lights that allow for pan and tilt adjustments, making them ideal for large-scale events like concerts or festivals, where lighting needs to change rapidly.
5. Evaluating the Product’s Integration with Other Equipment
For larger lighting setups, it’s essential to choose stage lights that easily integrate with existing equipment, such as lighting consoles, media servers, or video projectors. Look for products from stage light manufacturers that provide open architecture and are compatible with various control protocols beyond DMX, such as Art-Net or sACN.

Example: The ETC ColorSource family of lights, including PARs and profile lights, support both DMX and sACN protocols, ensuring they can be seamlessly integrated into a larger system with advanced control capabilities.

6. Evaluating Performance Across Different Product Types
When selecting stage lights, consider the specific requirements of the event or venue. Here's how different types of lights can benefit from proper control options:

Moving Head Lights: Essential for concerts and large performances, offering pan, tilt, color control, and zoom. Ensure that DMX control is supported for precise movements.
Pixel Bar Lights: Ideal for creative lighting effects, these lights work well with wireless DMX to create synchronized effects across multiple units.
PAR Lights: Used for general washes, wireless DMX control is highly useful for quick adjustments and flexible setups.
Laser Lights: Great for special effects, choosing DMX control or built-in sound-activated modes allows you to sync visuals to music effortlessly.
Profile Lights: Ideal for focused, precise lighting, these lights benefit from DMX control and adjustable beam options for detailed light manipulation.
Wash Lights: Used for broader coverage, wireless control is an added benefit for quick changes in brightness and color temperature.
Follow Spot Lights: For tracking performers, look for DMX compatibility and features like variable beam size and gobo effects.
Strobe Lights: Typically used for dramatic effects, these benefit from manual control or DMX control for fast, precise adjustments.
Flood Lights: Ideal for larger events or festivals, where you need flexibility in color temperature and intensity, wireless control or DMX integration is essential for on-the-fly adjustments.
Chase Lights: Often used for installations, where synchronized lighting effects are crucial, wireless control and pre-programmed effects offer convenience.

Choosing stage lights with the right control options is vital for delivering flexible, dynamic lighting setups across various event types. When evaluating lighting products, prioritize DMX compatibility, wireless control, and built-in automation features to ensure your lighting system can adapt to different creative needs. Assess the integration capabilities and ensure that the lights meet the specific performance requirements for your projects. By carefully considering these factors, you can enhance both the creative potential and operational efficiency of your lighting solutions, ultimately leading to more successful events and higher ROI.