The reason that I recommend the Quad 12 is because of improved lensing (the Quad 7 and Quad 18 have some lens-created color shadowing) and also because for a low-maintenance install, having an IP
fixture means that there's nothing to clean out. it's sealed from dust. I have not used the COLORdash Hex units on a show, but I have demo'd them, and their color shadowing is worse There's something about putting 6 colors through one
lens that doesn't work as well I guess. Same goes for the Elation SIXpars, there's some not insignificant color shadowing. They're okay for band backlight and such, but I would not use them for front or side light. The LEDs in the Q12 IP are also brighter chips, which probably means newer chips - the original COLORdash Quad fixtures came out quite a while ago in the grand scheme of quad-chip LEDs.
Interesting. I did notice that the quad 12s has a wider
beam angle, probably between a a MFL and WFL at first glance, though I did not look at them closely. Good to know that the beam is much smoother, I actually just bought some with the intention of using them as a DS
wash for outdoor concerts,
IP65 was my main need, so I figured being at least as good as the Q18s, would work. I'll for sure take a closer look at them Monday, sounds like they may actually be good for other applications too.
I don't know that I would Describe the 18s as having "shadowing", because its not the old days when fixtures has 100 individual Leds, but its more like "splotchiness." across the field. There are not distinct hard edges, but it looks kind of like when you mix a bunch of colors of
point together, but don't quite mix it all the way. But yes, Outside of a rock show, or as a
house light, scenic light in corporate setups, probably not a good choice, especially for
face lighting in theater. However, I have used them with great results, lighting scenic elements, and as hair light for theater type show.
To clatify, and give a full
disclaimer. I have not used any of the HEX products, I was just mentioning them that they were out there at a similar price. If you want a really good Theater
par, you are going to have to spend a more on one of the truly blended
LED source units from Elation, Chauvet, or apparently the old Christmas tree lights from
ETC still do a bang up job, but I have not used those either.