FREE SHIPPING on qualifying orders $50 and up*

DJ Lighting 101: Light Up Your Events Like a Pro

by Peter Dods

So you're a DJ?

Creating an unforgettable experience is key, and lighting is a major player in setting the mood and atmosphere. This guide will help you navigate the world of DJ lighting, from essential gear to creative ideas.

Why Lighting Matters

Lighting goes beyond just illuminating the dance floor. It can completely transform a venue, energize the crowd, and set the vibe for the entire event.

Equipping Yourself for Success

Let's break down the different types of lighting you might consider to achieve the perfect ambiance:

  • Stage & Wash Lighting: The foundation of your rig. Wash lights bathe the room in a consistent color. They can be placed on stands or hung from a truss.  Cielo Notes: Also known as uplighting.  It will be most common light you see.  Also called "ParCan" since the old school lights were in a metal can shape. This is the light to recommend when the main goal is to light up the room/stage with enough lighting that the main house lights can be turned off. It can also be used as effects light because they can do auto/sound mode (Basically just change colors on their own). Easy Music's Selection of Wash Lights  

    • Colors: R = Red, G = Green, B = Blue, A = Amber, W = White, UV = UV All wash lights will be labed with the colors they offer.  These labels are pretty much universal. 

      • RGB T =Tri

      • RGBA Q = Quad

      • RGBAW+UV H = Hex

  • Moving Heads: These dynamic lights move and project beams or patterns around the room. They work best with a smoke or haze machine for maximum impact.  Cielo's Notes: The light unit spins.  Smaller coverage. Easy Music's Selection of Moving Heads

  • Effect & Party Lights: Spice things up with effect lights that create various patterns and movement. Many also have sound-activated modes that react to the music.  Cielo's Notes: Effects Light Fun moving lights.  Doesnt light up the area ( do not confuse it with washlight) Most effects lights will have a spinning mirrior inside that movies the lights(the fixture itself doesnt move but the mirror inside is what moves the light).  Whan customer as if the light move then explain "moving head" vs spinning mirror.  .  Easy Music's Selection of Effect & Party Lights

    • Nice-to-Have Effects: Strobes can add energy to a party atmosphere, while UV lighting makes white and neon clothing pop. However, use these strategically as they might not be suitable for every event. 

  • Lasers: Fun and eye-catching, lasers come in multi-point and scanner varieties. Remember, a smoke or haze machine is essential to make laser beams visible.  Cielo's Notes: Most comman lasers are Red and Green only.  Other models have will have RGBY.  Highly recommend fog machine. Easy Music's Selection of Lasers

  • All-in-One Solutions: Want a lighting package that's easy to set up and use? Consider something like the Chauvet Gigbar Move. It combines multiple effects, wash lighting, moving heads, and more into one convenient unit. Easy Music's Selection of Lighting Packages

  • Smoke & Haze Machines (ATMOSPHERE): These machines take your lighting rig to the next level by creating a magical atmosphere. Smoke machines produce thick bursts, while haze machines create a lighter, ethereal effect that lingers in the air.  Cielo's notes for the different type's of liquids: Fog = Lingers longer in the air, Haze = Quick disipatting, Low-Lying = Stays on the ground, and Snow = snow. Easy Music's Selection of Athmospherics

  • Gobo:  A DJ gobo light, also known as a gobo projector, is a versatile lighting tool that projects images or patterns through a stencil, or "gobo", into a space. Gobos can be custom-made or selected from a variety of pre-designed patterns. They can add texture and patterns to a space, enhance mood, direct attention, and create intricate scenes. DJs can use gobo lights to boost brand visibility and credibility, and create a unique lighting experience for their set: Easy Music's Selection of GOBO Lights

  • Lighting Mixers:  Chauvet DJ Obey and XPRESS lighting controllers are devices used to control stage lighting fixtures   They are like the brains of your lighting setup, allowing you to turn lights on and off, change their colors, and create lighting effects.   Easy Music's Selection of Lighting Mixers

Building Your Rig

There's no one-size-fits-all solution for DJ lighting. The best setup depends on the size of the venue, type of event, and your budget. Here are some tips:

  • Start with essential wash lighting and consider adding moving heads or effect lights as you expand your rig.

  • Focus on versatility. Look for lights with multiple functions or color options.

  • Consider renting equipment for larger events or if you're unsure about your needs.

Remember: Lighting is an investment that will enhance your DJ performances and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Back to News