PAR 64 LEDs

[RadaMagic]

Hey Guys,

I am thinking of adding 8-PAR 64 LED cans.

We play in smaller auditoriums (100-400 seats) and they often have no lighting really, so we are forced to travel with our own.

Essentially I am wondering if 8 PAR 64 LED cans would make the stage bright enough.

We would have 4 positioned to the front-left of the stage, 4 to the front-right; both on stands around 8-10ft in the air (T-Bar stands)

Here is the lights we would be getting (buying them used)
American DJ Homepage


The reason I want to go LEDs is because we dont want to worry about power issues nor do we want to get into power distributors and how complicated they can get. We have other equipment that uses a fair amount of power and LEDs would make life easier cuz of the low consumption.

Would these make the stage visible, as if we were using 8 regular PAR 56/64 cans (300w bulbs)....will this do the job?

[gpforet]

I don't think you're going to get the output you'd get from 300w PARs. While these units only draw 20 watts, their output is a bit shy.

The get the same equivalent output as 300w PARS, look at the 1watt led units. Colorkey makes units with 36 LEDs, draws about 60 watts, and the output is pretty darn close to that of a 300 watt PAR can with saturated gel. The colorkey units run about $240 ea. new. I haven't seen them on the used market yet. I tried quite a few of the low-priced led pars and the output just isn't there. Additionally, the cheap units do a really bad fade. Very step, step, step, and not smooth at all. Lastly, when fading the cheap units, they get down to about 20%, and then jump to 0%.

I am considering going the full led route, and I'll get more satisfaction with fewer good units, then buying more cheaper unit.

Originally Posted by RadaMagic

Hey Guys,

I am thinking of adding 8-PAR 64 LED cans.

We play in smaller auditoriums (100-400 seats) and they often have no lighting really, so we are forced to travel with our own.

Essentially I am wondering if 8 PAR 64 LED cans would make the stage bright enough.

We would have 4 positioned to the front-left of the stage, 4 to the front-right; both on stands around 8-10ft in the air (T-Bar stands)

Here is the lights we would be getting (buying them used)
American DJ Homepage


The reason I want to go LEDs is because we dont want to worry about power issues nor do we want to get into power distributors and how complicated they can get. We have other equipment that uses a fair amount of power and LEDs would make life easier cuz of the low consumption.

Would these make the stage visible, as if we were using 8 regular PAR 56/64 cans (300w bulbs)....will this do the job?

[BillESC]

You haven't mentioned what type of show you're doing. If realistic flesh tone is important, RGB LEDs will fall short. You'll want to get fixtures with RGBAW diodes.

[misterm]

i'm using some cheap LED PAR64s and PAR56s like that and the output just isn't there. They're really better for close pinspots or toplighting in a pinch. Plus, like Bill said, without the amber coloration, getting the right color mix is tough. Bill does have some good products he could recommend i'm sure, but as far as what you need for theatre purposes, don't buy lights meant for DJ's. I generally save ours for lighting prom and such because that's what they're really meant for. Spend the extra money and get better lights with more output rather than have to buy MORE lights.

[SHARYNF]

Are you looking for stage lighting in a theatrical setting or a band?

for a band the color saturation that you can get with the led's works well for the color washes etc. The cheaper led's are not there yet for prime time theatrical.

Sharyn

[Esoteric]

WDM makes some great LED units for bands that range from 252 10mm LED units up to 24 3W LED units. ColorKey are great little 1W units and they only run $139.99 each. Neo Neon makes good rip offs of the Color Kinetics units. There are lots of choices if you are just using them as color washes. I have used all three manufacturers products in installs and mobile rigs and would recommend them head and shoulders above any American DJ or Chauvet models.

I still will not spec LEDs as face light. Period. For the price you have to go to get a good one, go conventional.

Mike

[gafftaper]

I wouldn't touch used ADJ's there is a lot better stuff out there now and it won't cost a lot more. For $100-$150 each you can get some new fixtures that will do much better... IF your goal is NOT pro-theatrical quality lighting. In the theater we figure you need about 100 lumens of light on the stage to have adequate output and you won't get that much output without spending at least $500+ per fixture. The low budget LED's won't come close. BillESC is a dealer who handles a lot of the low end to mid range LED gear, send him a PM or call him at work.

GO TO A DEALER AND SEE A DEMO! Or RENT A FIXTURE!

[Sayen]

Anyone have experience with a PAR 64 LED light that they liked in a theatrical setting, not for a straight wash? I've been shopping around off and on, but haven't found anything I really like. The Colorblast is a neat toy, but the PSU arrangement isn't worth the hassle for my particular venue where I have to do any complicated wiring myself. I've heard good things about the Coemar Parlight, but no direct experience. Even knowing LEDs aren't a perfect substitute yet, I'd like to start experimenting.

[BillESC]

Longman's Parco6 can be had in a RGBW format with 3w diodes. Nice build quality.

[epimetheus]

In the near future I will have hands-on time with Mega-Lite's N-E Color Cannon. They look like decent units. We shall see. Maybe I'll try to do a mini review when we get them.