Led Follow Spot Lights
Follow spot lights are used in theatres to illuminate actors and presenters with a narrow beam of light. They can be controlled by an operator from the floor.
Compared to older halogen followspots, LED models are much smaller, lighter, cooler and more flexible. They also come with multiple control options and features like a built-in CTO filter and smooth LED dimming.
Intensity
Follow spot lights are used to highlight performers and presenters with a beam of light. They are traditionally operated by a spot operator who uses a plot sheet to keep track of where the spotlight needs to be on stage. They have a variety of mechanisms that allow them to control the intensity of the beam, including mechanical dimming shutters and internal color gels.
Intensity is one of the most important attributes for any follow spot, as it determines how tightly the spotlight follows a performer or presenter. However, it is not something that can be easily changed during the run of a show, as most follow spots appropriate for use in large theatres utilize arc-source lamps that cannot be dimmed.
The Chauvet LED Follow Spot 75ST is far smaller, lighter, cooler and more flexible than traditional incandescent follow spots. It offers a wide range of features that let you adjust the intensity, color and onboard strobe effect with a click of a button. It also features manual zoom, 5 or 6 dichroic colors plus white and mechanical dimming to give you more flexibility when creating a unique lighting design.
Edge
The edge of a followspot is an important attribute to keep in mind when considering which light to purchase. A soft edge can give a more graceful, flowing effect, while a sharp edge can look more dramatic and imposing. It’s also important to make sure that the edges of a followspot are clean and smooth, so that you don’t get any shadowy spots on the performer.
Some follow spots have a built-in option to alter the edge by opening and closing shutters on Led Follow spot lights the sides of the lantern. This can have a significant effect on the appearance of the light and how it looks on stage.
Larger modern followspots use a discharge lamp, which cannot be dimmed, so they have mechanical shutters that can cut off a portion of the beam. This allows the operator to have more control over the intensity and edge of the spot. Usually, this is done using a plot sheet, created by the lighting designer or lighting team, and sometimes written out by the follow-spot operator herself during technical rehearsals.
Color
The color of a follow spot can have a significant effect on the lighting effect. It can change the overall look of a scene, or even create a specific mood. Choosing the right color for your show can be a challenge, but there are many solutions to help you achieve the look you want.
The first follow spots were powered by limelight, which made them a popular choice for theatre shows. This is why the phrase “being in the limelight” comes from a follow spot beam. Today’s follow spots are powered by LEDs, making them more energy efficient and reducing operating costs.
In addition to their power efficiency, LEDs also produce less heat than traditional bulbs. This reduces the risk of overheating and improves work conditions for followspot operators. LEDs also have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs, making them more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Dimming
The light can be dimmed to control the intensity of the beam. This can be especially useful when the lighting stage light manufacturer requires a specific focus. The light can also be dimmed to change the size of the beam, allowing you to highlight different parts of your stage design. This feature is especially useful for highlighting performers and making them stand out from the rest of the stage.
This LED follow spot from Chauvet features a 75-watt white LED for a focused, hard-edged beam. The light is easy to set up and tear down with an included tripod, and it can be used indoors or out. It also offers a mechanical iris to reduce the diameter of the beam and a single gobo slot for projection of patterns.
The LED Followspot 75ST offers DMX connectivity for controlled operation from your main board. You can set the color, intensity, and onboard strobe effect from your central DMX controller. This lets your operators concentrate on tracking performers and delivering perfectly-timed cues. The lights offer instant on/off capabilities and generate less heat than traditional incandescent fixtures.
DMX
DMX (Digital Multiplex) is a lighting control protocol that allows multiple lights to be controlled by one controller. A DMX controller sends a digital signal through a cable that connects to each fixture via either a 5-pin or 3-pin XLR connector. The lighting fixtures are addressed with a unique number of channels that define the attributes you want to control (color, movement, etc.). A 512 channel DMX universe is a common starting point.
Changing your follow spot light’s attributes to match the mood of a song in your set is just one example of DMX control. You can also use a DMX controller to change your stage lighting to reflect the action in your production, or adjust facade and interior lighting in real time to align with daylight, circadian rhythms, and other environmental factors.
If you have more fixtures than can fit on a single daisy chain, consider using a DMX splitter. A DMX splitter can take the same signals and distribute them amongst up to 32 additional fixtures, eliminating the need for multiple controllers.