Karaoke Forums

I've been asked to do a gig next weekend and they want some type of a light show to go with it.  I need something small and easy to set up for my little one man show.  What would y'all suggest?  I've posted before and was referred to a couple web sites, but the problem is that I don't know exactly what type of lighting to buy.  Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Marty

I tried to start simple, and got a 4 light package with 4 par can lights with color gels, and a controller that is sound activated, on a tripod stand.  I reversed a couple of the plugs so it wasn't just a straight 1-2-3-4 sequence, which gave it a little something diff from the norm.

and then added a Sunray III type color star ball (not heavy, but a little bulky, but well worth the effects.)

I also added a couple of police type beacons and a strobe light.  

They make lighting controllers but in a pinch you can do like I did to start, I got a multi-switch power controller made for PC's and plugged the lights into it.  It worked great as each switch controlled a seperate plug on the back.  It is small and flat enuf that I can set it under or on top of my cdg player.

I have added more over time, but that was the basic lights I started with.

Kinda depends on if I am doing strictly karaoke, or mixed with a little dj music, and depends on the location, and the room arrangements on what I take.  Just be sure and get quality lights and not the smaller power look-alikes from chain stores like Walmart (my wife works there, so I can say that).  Just using the lights above, since they are bright enuf, worked great at an outdoor private party we did, the colors from the Sunray really lit up the trees!

If you are going to need it for one performance why not add it to all your performances. I have had many light systems, but not intelligent lighting. It looks so hokey when you have 3 intelligent lights that give off a sporadic pattern. My most recent system was from MBT lighting with a 4 scene, 4 channel, chase, etc. foot controller, 8 par 56 cans, stands, etc. and had the best light show in town for not big bucks. If you are going to invest in lighting do it up front rather than piece meal it together. One light tree with 4 lights look pathetic in my opinion. Try www.activemusician.com . I plan on replacing this system as I had sold it off when I left live performing, setting up my recording studio.

We also added 2 of the CH-214 Tetra Four Light System ($299.99) This system has many great features, such as full on, which is useful when aiming the heads, and audio chase, which allows the system to interact with the music. The system is bright and can easily light a large venue. Set up couldn't be simpler.

If you want something slighty more affordable, try the Eliminator Lighting E-145 Double Double Light Effects ($99.99) 80 multidichroic colored beams crisscross the room responding to sound via an internal microphone. Oval lens produces enormous coverage. Uses 2 - 300W lamps (EL-64514).