Music venues, bars and clubs will frequently have stage or disco lights to enhance the atmosphere for concerts and live performances. Using standard equipment such as spotlights, can lights or beamed box lights will give a basic show and range of effects. A more professional and spectacular display can be achieved with professional led moving head stage lights.

These units can be bought in a number of sizes and vary in design considerably so selecting the most appropriate unit for your venue is of utmost importance. Some types can be used as a standalone floor rig, but most will need to be attached to either the ceiling or specialized metal racking. The effects themselves can be controlled manually, programmed to a specific routine or through sound activation when linked to the music system.

Moving heads are extremely versatile due to the way they are designed to rotate and spin in any direction. Many colors can be obtained from a single unit by fitting different led bulbs but better effects are obtained by using multiple light units. Extra features may be utilized when connecting them to a DMX control box and programming different sequences.

When the sound activation is the chosen method of operation, the beams move and rotate in time with the beat of the music and enhance the rhythm of the track being played. The volume of the music can affect the direction and spin with the overall effect seeming quite random. By connecting them to a control unit a technician can pre-program sequences to achieve the effect desired for that track or the whole performance.

This type of lighting can be controlled manually via a box as well and this is often very useful when lighting a performer who moves around on stage. Single beamed spotlight effects can be used to illuminate a solo performer and can be moved and kept on them as they move around the stage. Various colors and shapes can also be controlled by the person operating the control unit.

For better effects these moving head units can be connected to a DMX box enabling different combinations of movements and patterns to be programmed. Pictures and shaped objects can also be projected on to various areas of the room and this creates some interesting effects. The amount of led lights in the unit and channels used to program the light will determine the complexity of the effects that may be obtained.

To install a full programmable, complex system, you will need to purchase cabling and connectors to ensure everything that needs to "talk to each other" can do so. The best person to do this work is a qualified electrical engineer who can also make sure the wiring is safe and not a hazard to the public, operator or performers. High quality connectors and cable can be expensive, but always buy the best you can afford.

Like all things, your rig will require some routine maintenance. LEDs will fail after a time and require replacing. Lenses need cleaning of dust and grime to keep a sharp image. Within the unit itself the motors that swivel the heads will also need inspecting to ensure they continue to function properly.