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Along with the obvious audio equipment that DJs need to perform their craft, lights are an integral part of their setup. The visual aspect of DJing is arguably just as important to the overall performance as the music is.
With an abundance of DJ party lights and mobile lighting systems out there, identifying the ideal choice for your specific needs can be daunting.
Here’s a list of the five best lighting systems to take your DJ sets to the next level and ensure that the audience is fully engaged by your performance.
Contents
What are the Best DJ Lights
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DJ Lights & Party Lighting Setups Reviews
Chauvet DJ GigBAR 2
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Chauvet DJ GigBAR 2 Review
Chauvet is amongst the most prolific manufacturers of DJ lights in the world. Their range includes a plethora of strip lights, strobes, and LED systems, and one of their most popular offerings is this Chauvet DJ GigBar 2.
Costing just under $550, I am very impressed by the way that this four-in-one lighting system provides complete control over the visual side of a DJ performance. Chauvet has added UV to this lighting set, which expands the options for blending colors and using effects.
I also enjoyed the onboard programs, which utilize automation and responsiveness to sound. Combined with the IRC-6 remote control and a wireless footswitch, these features create endless possibilities, making it easy for DJs to match the mood of their audio with immersive, fluid lighting.
Pros
- Very easy to control and operate
- High-quality effects for visual variation
- Minimizes harsh lights through optimized color blending
Cons
- Fairly heavy and bulky in size
Chauvet DJ COLORband T3 BT
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Chauvet DJ COLORband T3 BT Review
Next up we have the affordable Chauvet DJ COLORband T3 BT. With an affordable price tag, this LED bar device is one of the best DJ lights for the money.
In my opinion, it is the perfect option for aspiring DJs who need high-quality lighting, but perhaps want to save some of their funds to invest in other essential equipment.
When I first encountered the DJ COLORband T3 BT, one of the things that stood out was its dynamism. Each of the 12 LEDs is capable of producing a trio of colors, which makes this system highly versatile. The tri-color design also keeps multicolor shadows, which can be a common issue with bar-style LED lights, firmly at bay.
Despite the seemingly simplistic design of this Chauvet lighting fixture, we were surprised by the wide range of customizable features it boasts. With several built-in programs including the popular DMX and Master/Slave, you can easily tailor the performance of the LEDs using an IRC-5 remote control.
Pros
- Designed to reduce multicolor shadow issues
- Very mobile and easy to set up
- Perfect for washer lighting or creating a chase effect
Cons
- IRC-6 remote is sold separately
ADJ Dotz TPar System
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ADJ Dotz TPar System Review
Chauvet’s main rival in the world of mobile party lighting setups is ADJ. The Dotz Tpar System is one of their best creations, with four high-powered, tri-color LEDs integrated into a single rack.
The clarity of each LED light included in this set is exceptional. I am also very fond of the addition of multiple DMX control features, which simplify the process of syncing the lights to certain aspects of the music, such as dynamics and frequency output.
With a foot controller included along with an RF remote that can be used up to 80 ft away from the system, it’s safe to say that ADJ has gone all out to ensure smooth and easy operation of these lights.
The lenses can be set to move with 90 degrees, or 25 degrees so that they can be optimized for the dimensions of the room.
Pros
- Wide range of customizable features and controls
- Ideal for larger rooms and spaces
- Reacts to the dynamics and tonal aspects of the music you play
Cons
- The included case is a little flimsy and may need to be upgraded
Chauvet DJ 4BAR USB
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Chauvet DJ 4BAR USB Review
Chauvet is heavily featured on this list of the best mobile DJ lights, not because we have any bias towards them, but simply due to the excellence that they consistently produce.
The DJ 4BAR USB is a great mid-priced option for DJs hoping to make their set more memorable and captivating for the audience.
Building upon the success of their 4BAR LED lights, the manufacturer has added the modern touch of USB connectivity to the original. This change, together with the inclusion of 108 blue, green, and red LEDs, culminates in a highly capable mobile lighting setup.
After analyzing the new USB feature, I discovered that it can be used to hook the lighting system up to the popular DMX program on your phone, or a D-Fi hub device.
This makes it very easy to adjust the lighting settings in real-time and allows you to quickly rectify any problems without disrupting the flow of your DJ set.
Pros
- USB connectivity makes it easy to adjust every aspect of the lights
- Portable yet sturdy design
- Easy to set up and pack away
Cons
- Zippers on the included case are prone to breaking easily
Chauvet DJ SlimPAR 56
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Chauvet DJ SlimPAR 56 Review
The final DJ lighting we’d like to draw your attention to is the compact DJ SlimPar 56.
While this single light may be the most primitive and low-powered option featured in this guide, it has an affordable price tag and is therefore perfect for DJs who are still developing their skills.
Compared to the majority of other PAR lights with an incandescent design, this Chauvet offering is much more reliable.
Blending powerful red, green, and blue LEDs, the DJ SlimPar 56 can create a surprisingly extensive number of combinations without degrading or wearing out mid-show.
Granted, this affordable light probably isn’t suitable for large venues if you were to solely rely on it.
However, it’s a great tool for DJs who play in smaller, more intimate settings, or it can be added to your existing rig alongside your DJ mixer, turntable, and other lights to broaden the options you have to work with.
Pros
- Incredibly easy to position and set up
- Simple operation thanks to onboard controls and programs
- Perfect for smaller venues or to add more options to an existing setup
Cons
- Unsuitable for larger venues unless used with other lights
Dj Lighting Systems – Buyer’s Guide
Several key aspects must be considered when choosing the best DJ light for your requirements. The specific type of lighting that you use will impact the overall atmosphere of the setting you perform in and must complement the music that you play.
Wash Lighting
Wash lighting is a popular variety used by DJs to inject color into their performances. Also known as “stage lighting” this type can be provided by bar systems, strips, or par can devices like the ADJ Dotz TPar System and the Chauvet DJ 4BAR USB.
The term “wash lighting” describes the way that the lights cover a specific area within the venue that you play, such as the stage, or a wall. It is most commonly achieved using LEDs, which are directed towards the area of your choice to draw the audience’s attention to the space, improving the clarity of your DJ lighting show.
Effects Lighting
The second type of lighting commonly used by DJs is effects lighting that can be provide by the Chauvet DJ GigBAR 2 or the Chauvet DJ COLORband T3 BT. This is effective for deliberately changing the mood of the setting that you’re performing in, and is characterized by variations that occur at different speeds and intervals.
Effects lighting is used in both small and large venues. If you’ve ever been to a large nightclub or watched a DJ set at a festival, this type of lighting was likely used heavily to engage the crowd and punctuate the musical aspects of the performance.
DMX Control
That brings us to DMX control, which is closely linked to effects lighting. DMX control is an onboard program that you might have noticed is featured on many of the aforementioned lighting systems in this guide including the Chauvet DJ SlimPAR 56.
The program allows you to customize many aspects of the lighting, causing it to respond to the dynamics of the audio, or manually trigger specific effects at certain points in your performance, making it more immersive and interesting to watch.
Mounting & Hardware
While it may not be the most exciting aspect of DJ lightings, the quality of the mounting systems and hardware that is included is very important and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Depending on the size and weight of the lights you choose, you’ll need to ensure that they can be easily set up and taken down to avoid any problems.
Most DJ lighting comes with the necessary mounting hardware and accessories, but it’s a good idea to check this before purchasing so that you’re not left disappointed when you go to set them up for the first time.
