Single Unit DJ Lighting

Single Unit DJ Lighting

As a DJ, your job is to not only start the party, but to keep it going as long as the audience wants. DJs don't just play music, however; people also expect them to put on a show, and to respond and listen to the audience and their desires. Is it a younger crowd, who will want to hear current pop hits? What about middle-aged folks, who will love jamming to the 70's and 80's classics of their childhood with some disco lights? Besides music and your personal flair, you also need the basic DJ equipment, including a good laptop, software, and finally, lighting.

Why Do I Need Lights?

  • Sets the stage: Lights are an excellent way to set the tone of a dance floor; use fast, bright, pulsating lights and lasers for upbeat songs, and slower lights with muted colours for ballads.
  • Great visuals: Stage lighting acts as an exciting visual component to any dance floor, and provide a more fun, vibrant experience for the audience.
  • Edge over your competition: If you're a DJ who is a master of lighting as well as music, this gives you an advantage over other DJs in your area.

What Kind of Lighting Is Right for Me?

If you're looking for single-unit DJ lighting, you still have many options; it's a good idea to mix and match different kinds of lighting for more interesting visuals.

  • Wash lights: these create large "washes" of light that cover big areas.
  • Spotlights
  • Strobe lights: a strobe light will flash on and off extremely quickly, and are not suitable at all occasions.
  • Lasers
  • Blacklights
  • Gobo lights/projectors: with these, you can place different stencils to give the light specific shapes to wash over the audience and club.

What Venues Can I Perform at with These Lighting Options?

If you're looking to set up big light shows, chances are being a radio DJ is not for you. Still, almost any kind of DJ gig would welcome interesting lights and effects. Mobile DJs are entrepreneurs with DJ kits, often playing weddings, proms, and community events, and manage the entire show. If you exclusively perform at clubs, you need to be able to closely read audiences, and divine the varying themes, moods, and patrons. Finally, if you like performing on turntables, lights can only add to your inventive tricks and transitions.

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