Newbie Advice

[skittles]

Hello all,

 

Have decided to post here after reading many posts but still not sure how to proceed as completely ignorant in this area.

 

I have recently taken over a pub here in Notts and need advice on lighting a small raised area to the rear of the pub as our varied music nights are in dire need of atmosphere.

 

After looking into installing Par cans, my main concerns are:

 

(a) what would be good for the space as the ceilings aren't that high;

(b) there is nowhere for a lighting desk.

 

Would these lights be too strong? Get too hot? How many would be ideal for the space? Do they need to be dimmable?

 

I don't have a huge amount of cash to spend on this although I can be flexible as I realise how important and beneficial the lighting will be.

 

I have created a small plan here which I hope can be interpreted.

 

Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.

 

Many thanks from a complete novice.

 

EDIT: the link should now work.

[tom_the_LD]

Hello Skittles,

 

Welcome to the Blue Room. Just to let you know that your link doesn't work ;)

[paulears]

The link goes to the pub website - but where is the plan?

 

You might well find that as they are all going to be close to the performers some of the cheap (less than £50) LED Pars might be good - close in, the lowish light levels wont matter too much, they are cheap to run, have long lifepan and don't act like an elecric fire - making a warm room hotter!

 

A very basic lighting control is required, or they will even work on their own, cycling through colours, or flashing in time with the music - No complications at all. If you choose the silver ones, they even look quite good - and as they are light weight, hanging them from the ceiling isn't such an issue as with something heavy and made of glass that gets really hot!

[tom_the_LD]

You could also run them from a laptop should you ever want to.

[skittles]

Cheers for alerting me. Have now fixed the link.

[tom_the_LD]

Would mounting some LED Par's in the beems be a possibility? IE Screwing them? Maybe four on each beam pointing at the stage? Par 64's or 56's.

 

I'm quite happy to be corrected it's just a sugestion - people on here know much more than me and I always like to learn!

 

 

EDIT: Or maybe some LED cans on two T-Bars at the back of the stage?

[niclights]

Yes. Link works fine now. I might be missing it but I couldn't see details of stage height?

 

I think I will give another vote for the LED pars regardless. They're as cheap as it gets: No heat, no dimmers, no bulbs, very low power requirements & you get any colour you want (sort of!) with ability to fade between or instantly snap.

Of course they have their downsides - not the brightest, colour rendering is quite basic etc. but I think perfect for your requirements.

 

You can also give the stage depth by putting some white cloth on the back wall and uplight with some of these. Like magic!

 

A cheap control desk will make all the difference, even if left on a static look or running a chase all night.

 

Thomann's the place to find best price for all these things.

 

 

A very basic hazer would be something to consider to enhance this further if budget allows.

[Ynot]

Yes. Link works fine now. I might be missing it but I couldn't see details of stage height?

Bit of maths...

 

Height floor to ceiling 3m 15cm

Height stage to ceiling 2m 80cm

ergo Stage height = 35cm.:D

 

I'll pitch in for taking a look at LED pars as well, but the best bet for you is to try before you buy.

 

There should be somewhere local that can hire you a handful of the lanterns for a weekend - maybe even a short loan, if you say that if suitable you'll buy through whoever supplies them.

 

I'll also second looking at using some as both backlights and wall lights (up or downlight).

 

The same goes for a controller, though it sounds as though you won't need anything too complex.

Cheap DMX controllers come up on Ebay quite regularly, so maybe try them. Or Thomann carry quite a few options.

 

Look for something that is simple to operate and can be screwed/bolted to the wall behind the bar, maybe.

 

EDIT - sorted the screwed layout!

[niclights]

Height floor to ceiling 3m 15cm

Height stage to ceiling 2m 80cm

 

Ahh. Didn't spot the two measurements were different. Just read the description - both say 'floor to ceiling' (excepting typo) :D

[skittles]

Just want to say a very big thank you to all the guidance I received.

Thanks to the great people on here we should have some atmosphere on our next music night.

Sorry to have taken so long to post my appreciation.

[musht]

Let see some pics :-)

[menghini222]

Hi Skittles

 

I work in a "disco" shop part time and we currantly stock the chaeper £50 ones theese I think are the Par 56 Leds

 

We tend to find that theese throw off a fair bit off light and would be ideal for a pub.

 

But I also think that leds are the way to go for you because :

 

A) Heat isnt really a issue

B) You would not have to install a dimmer

C) you can leave them on to go sound to light and ot have a controller

 

 

I hope this have helped :)

 

 

Menghini221

 

Hi Skittles

 

I work in a "disco" shop part time and we currantly stock the chaeper £50 ones theese I think are the Par 56 Leds

 

We tend to find that theese throw off a fair bit off light and would be ideal for a pub.

 

But I also think that leds are the way to go for you because :

 

A) Heat isnt really a issue

B) You would not have to install a dimmer

C) you can leave them on to go sound to light and ot have a controller

 

 

I hope this have helped

 

 

Menghini221

[mjriley]

Cheers for alerting me. Have now fixed the link.

 

No you haven't well at least not for me anyway