Moving head lights cast impressive beams of light around a venue, making them popular with mobile DJs and in clubs, bars, and theatres. Each features an in-built rotating mechanism that enables the head of the device to rotate and move in a variety of directions, creating an eye-catching display. However, the visual effect produced varies between types.
There are three main types of moving head light; wash, spot and beam, and each creates a different effect. Washer lights highlight a larger surface area, making them ideal for lighting up an area at events such as weddings, parties and stage shows. While, moving head spot lights provide a narrow beam of light in a cone-like shape, perfect for creating a spot effect at stage productions and at party venues. In comparison, moving head beam lights produce the tightest ray of solid light, and are often used for eye-catching aerial effects, for example in nightclubs.
Below we have taken a more detailed look at each type of moving head light, helping you decide which is best for your requirements.
Moving Head Washer Lights
We begin with moving head washer lights, which produce a wide bright wash of colour with smooth edges. These lights feature a wide lens and multiple LED lights. They are perfect for lighting up larger surface areas and they cover a much greater surface than spot or beam lights. One unit is capable of lighting up a significant floor area, and the further away the light is, the larger the area it will cover.
Moving head washer lights are ideal for events such as weddings, parties and stage shows, and they are popular in bars and clubs. They can be used to light up an entire stage, or the audience, and can be mounted on truss or lighting stands or placed free standing.
A variety of moving head washer lights are available, and models differ in the number and power of included LED lights, the effects offered, surface coverage and colours produced. For example, there are larger, high-powered professional lights designed for spacious venues, and more compact models for portable use and smaller venues. Most include useful features such as pre-programmed light shows, sound-to-light reactivity and DMX channels so they can be operated by a DMX controller.
Key features at a glance:
- Wide lens and multiple LEDs
- Highlights a large surface area
- LED colour mixing
- Pre-programmed light shows and sound-reactive
- DMX controllable
Moving Head Spot Lights
In comparison, moving head spot lights produce a tight spot effect, rather than a wider wash. The spot light features a small lens and a single high-powered LED, that produces a bright focused beam of light in a cone shape. They are popular for creating a spot effect at stage shows, as they can light up a specific person or object on a stage. They are also used at live music performances, and for creating atmosphere in clubs, bars and event halls.
We recommend that moving head spot lights are used with a smoke or haze machine. This allows the beams of light to be visible in the air as well as on surfaces, such as floors and ceilings, creating an impressive light show.
A range of moving head spot lights are available to suit different requirements, varying in their size and power. There are large powerful models suitable for permanent installation in large venues, and compact, portable units that are perfect for mobile DJs and smaller venues. Many models include gobo patterns and a rotating wheel with various patterns to choose between, allowing you to create eye-catching effects.
Key features at a glance:
- Small lens and single powerful LED
- Produces tight single spot
- LED colour mixing
- Pre-programmed automatic light shows and sound-to-light mode
- DMX controllable
- Many include gobos to produce a range of effects
Moving Head Beam Lights
In addition, there are moving head beam lights, which produce the tightest ray of light. These lights feature a single high-powered LED that create a focused beam of solid light which can travel over a long distance. The beam is ideal for highlighting a specific object or individual, causing them to also be popular in theatre productions and live performances. Furthermore, beam lights create an impressive effect when combined with a mirror ball, and can produce an impressive aerial light show in nightclubs and at festivals.
A selection of moving head beam lights are available, varying in brightness, size, effects and range of colours. As with the other types, there are larger models suitable for sizeable bars and night clubs, and compact units for mobile performers and small venues. Some models focus on producing a solid static colour, while others include gobos, providing the option to achieve different patterns and shapes. As with spot lights, we recommend using the light with a smoke or haze machine, so you can see the beam of light in the air, as well as on surfaces.
Key features at a glance:
- High-powered single LED
- Produces tightest beam of light
- LED colour mixing
- Pre-programmed light shows and sound-to-light reactivity
- DMX controllable with external controller
- Some include gobos to produce range of patterns
Hybrid Moving Head Lights
Lastly, there are hybrid moving head lights that combine different effects. For example, there are lights that combine a wash and spot effect, such as the BeamZ MHL75 Hybrid DJ Moving Head Light, which provides a versatile visual performance.
There are also hybrid designs that have a beam or spot mode, enabling you to adjust the width of the light beam to suit different requirements. An example is the BeamZ Professional Tiger 18R Moving Head Light which can be used in beam, spot or wash mode.
Which Moving Head Lights are right for me?
All moving head lights produce an impressive visual display, ideal for stage shows, entertainment venues, and nightclubs and bars. Most include a range of useful features, such as; LED colour mixing, pre-programmed light shows, sound-to-light reactivity, and the ability to control with DMX. However, the visual effect varies significantly between types.
Moving head washer lights create the widest beam of light, perfect for highlighting a large section of a stage or audience. While, a moving head spot light produces a tighter beam of light, ideal for lighting a specific person or object. In comparison, a moving head beam light creates the tightest beam of light, producing impressive aerial displays. There are also hybrid lights that combine effects. In each type a range of sizes are available to suit different venues and needs.
If you would like additional information on moving head lights, or would like advice on the best lights for your requirements, please get in touch with our helpful Electromarket team.
Call us: 0203 326 0900
Email: sales@electromarket.co.uk
