LED with color gels

[chevelle1970]

Hello this is my question American DJ has a Pro Par 56www LED can light. The light has color gel clips installed, could this light work to light a stage throu the gel or will the gel block most of the light? The distance from stage to lights would be 20' and the thought is to start with eight and build on more next year. Right now we have 4 par 38 outdoor flood lights on light switches, looking to upgrade. TKS

[RickR]

That is exactly the intent of the gel holder clips. As a white source the use of gels is normal.

All gels, frosts and even clear glass blocks some light. How much depends on the color and material details. Very dark blues usually block about 95%, light ambers are in the 20% range.

For the distance question try a calculator like this: http://www.bucknell.edu/x20304.xml

If your lights are 20' out and 20' up from the stage the they are throwing 25' to a persons face. The fixture has a 10 degree beam so you get under 4.5' pool. Fine for a pastor that doesn't move from the lecturn. I would expect 8 to cover a 16' stage with enough overlap to limit shadows.

Par38 floods are often 25-35 deg. beams, so these will be much narrower. Of course you can use some frost to spread them out. These might not have enough light to make it work. My suggestions is to be prepared to get more fixtures, or use your existing lights as well.

[timato]

I would not trust anything from ADJ to throw more than 15' in a completely dark room...except maybe their Punch LED Pro, but that's nearly $2k on it's own...I would recommend the Seladors from ETC. Better color mixing, INSANE throw power, and much higher quality.

You're probably trying to save $$ by going with ADJ equipment, but trust my experience that the company operates under the philosophy of selling equipment that is cheaper to replace than to repair...this means that when it does break down (and it will), you will have to replace rather than repair and in the long run, are you really saving money?

At least look at Elation! Stay away from ADJ stuff...just my two cents.

[Esoteric]

The American DJ ProPAR56 is a quality light at a good price.

We sell tons of them without problems.

Besides, if I read this thread right he already has the lights.

The Selador's don't really impress me for the price. I much prefer Selecon units in that price range.