Thomann LED PAR 56

[guy.joseph]

Hi

 

I'm looking at buying about 12 of the Thomann LED Par 56's. Specifically, I'm looking at the 5mm version. I'm just wondering if you'd be able to tell me if they'll actually be any use in terms of brightness. We've got a 7.5x5m stage, and I'm looking at trying to light about 2m's depth across the whole width.

 

There is a bar 4.5m high, vertically above the stage, which from my calculations will give a beam size of 2.25m.

 

The question is - will they be any use over that throw distance?

 

Also, has anybody got a good way of daisy chaining power on these units (or others similar)?

 

Cheers

[maxjones2000]

Hi

 

I'm looking at buying about 12 of the Thomann LED Par 56's. Specifically, I'm looking at the 5mm version. I'm just wondering if you'd be able to tell me if they'll actually be any use in terms of brightness. We've got a 7.5x5m stage, and I'm looking at trying to light about 2m's depth across the whole width.

 

There is a bar 4.5m high, vertically above the stage, which from my calculations will give a beam size of 2.25m.

 

The question is - will they be any use over that throw distance?

 

Also, has anybody got a good way of daisy chaining power on these units (or others similar)?

 

Cheers

 

I doubt they would throw that far to be honest, as PAR56's arent really made for that distance (let alone cheap LED ones! :D ). I personally would spend an extra £15 ish for the LED PAR64's. They would probably do that nicely.

 

Dont quote me on that though - I'm just saying the bloke from our local hire company said when we were looking at getting some for our stage which is very similar to yours! I'm sure someone will correct or confirm what I have said! :D

 

HTH

 

 

EDIT: I'm assuming you meant these? Just a thought if I'm looking at the wrong one!

[guy.joseph]

I doubt they would throw that far to be honest, as PAR56's arent really made for that distance (let alone cheap LED ones! :D ). I personally would spend an extra £15 ish for the LED PAR64's. They would probably do that nicely.

 

Dont quote me on that though - I'm just saying the bloke from our local hire company said when we were looking at getting some for our stage which is very similar to yours! I'm sure someone will correct or confirm what I have said! :D

 

HTH

 

EDIT: I'm assuming you meant these? Just a thought if I'm looking at the wrong one!

 

Hi Max

 

Thanks for a quick reply! Those were the ones I was talking about, and there are a few variants, all discussed in other threads. There is a 64 version, but they have 3 LED's less! So from reading what people are saying on here it doenst make any difference. They do also make a 10mm LED version, but I'm lead to believe they aren't as good.

[adam2]

It is not easy to advise in these circumstances, since what is fine to one person or in one venue, may be considered unacceptable in a different venue, despite similar size etc.

Also depends on what colours you will most often use. Even a cheap LED light can be suprisingly bright on saturated deep primary colours. The performance on white or light pastel shades tends to be less impressive, in both total output and accurate colour rendering.

It would be best to borrow or hire some if at all possible before deciding.

Otherwise, consider purchasing just one for trials. If found unsuitable it wont be a complete waste, some use is bound to occur for the odd one.

[Richard CSL]

I once installed 8 of the Thomann Par 56 led's in a club to illuminate the band. the distance from the band was less, about 4M ceiling height about 2.5M. The light was so bright I had to reprogram and reduce overall brightness for all scenes as the band complained about the light in their eyes. So I would think that 12 of these even at a distance, as long as the other light in the room was dim, should be fine.

the only drawback with these lights is that they only go up to channel 128. not the full 512, as they use the last switch for audio and stand alone functions.

[Brian]

... as the band complained about the light in their eyes.

However, that's often a problem with LEDs; they are uncomfortable to look at even if the amount of light they chuck out is relatively dim.

[guy.joseph]

I once installed 8 of the Thomann Par 56 led's in a club to illuminate the band. the distance from the band was less, about 4M ceiling height about 2.5M. The light was so bright I had to reprogram and reduce overall brightness for all scenes as the band complained about the light in their eyes. So I would think that 12 of these even at a distance, as long as the other light in the room was dim, should be fine.

the only drawback with these lights is that they only go up to channel 128. not the full 512, as they use the last switch for audio and stand alone functions.

Hi

I was aware of the 128ch limit and it won't be a problem for my situation. So from reading that I think they'd be useful for some of the effects I was looking at. My other thought is that if I was to fill the room with haze, I'd be able to get a better effect.

Cheers

 

 

[Brian]

If they are the only source of illumination then you'll probably be fine as the punters eyes will adapt. Stick even a small amount of 'conventional' light on the stage and they will struggle.

[guy.joseph]

... as the band complained about the light in their eyes.

However, that's often a problem with LEDs; they are uncomfortable to look at even if the amount of light they chuck out is relatively dim.

 

From where I'm looking at hanging them, it won't be a problem at all. I might take some pictures on Monday so you can see what I'm on about!

 

If they are the only source of illumination then you'll probably be fine as the punters eyes will adapt. Stick even a small amount of 'conventional' light on the stage and they will struggle.

 

Even through smoke?

 

I once installed 8 of the Thomann Par 56 led's in a club to illuminate the band. the distance from the band was less, about 4M ceiling height about 2.5M. The light was so bright I had to reprogram and reduce overall brightness for all scenes as the band complained about the light in their eyes. So I would think that 12 of these even at a distance, as long as the other light in the room was dim, should be fine.

the only drawback with these lights is that they only go up to channel 128. not the full 512, as they use the last switch for audio and stand alone functions.

 

Having just done a bit of maths on your figures, I recon the throw distance is about 4.7m. That's actually further than mine, because I'd be throwing the light pretty much (+- 10 degrees) vertically down. What else was being used in that venue? Also, what was the width of the area being lit? I'm looking at a width of about 7.5m giving me a spacing of 60cm between cans.

 

Cheers for your help!

[Richard CSL]

led par cans are not a particularly good mid air with smoke effect. stick to focused beam effects for that.

[guy.joseph]

Well I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get a quote done. I'm sure we'll be able to find some use for them!

 

One thing that would really help though, has anybody got a way of daisy-chaining power to these?

[Richard CSL]

the stage was about 7M wideand the other lighting used was some scenners but these were mainly used for effects lighting rather than to illuminate the band. I did also have an octopod 6 head led fitting above the band on the ceiling, but this was mainly to illuminate around the raised drummer.

 

I think you will find the leds are sufficient and my spacing was about the same every half a meter or so. some facing up and others down.

[guy.joseph]

the stage was about 7M wideand the other lighting used was some scenners but these were mainly used for effects lighting rather than to illuminate the band. I did also have an octopod 6 head led fitting above the band on the ceiling, but this was mainly to illuminate around the raised drummer.

 

I think you will find the leds are sufficient and my spacing was about the same every half a meter or so. some facing up and others down.

 

Yea I recon we'll be alright - If I'm ever going to do it then now is best - I have a bit of a budget!

 

Also,

is quite interesting.

[Nicktaylor]

I doubt they would throw that far to be honest, as PAR56's arent really made for that distance (let alone cheap LED ones! :D ). I personally would spend an extra £15 ish for the LED PAR64's. They would probably do that nicely.

 

Dont quote me on that though - I'm just saying the bloke from our local hire company said when we were looking at getting some for our stage which is very similar to yours! I'm sure someone will correct or confirm what I have said! :D

 

HTH

 

EDIT: I'm assuming you meant these? Just a thought if I'm looking at the wrong one!

 

Hi Max

 

Thanks for a quick reply! Those were the ones I was talking about, and there are a few variants, all discussed in other threads. There is a 64 version, but they have 3 LED's less! So from reading what people are saying on here it doenst make any difference. They do also make a 10mm LED version, but I'm lead to believe they aren't as good.

 

Why would a 10mm led be not any good. the light output is maybe four times the smaller led one. I have both, the 10mm you can light areas, the smaler maybe flats

 

Hi

 

I'm looking at buying about 12 of the Thomann LED Par 56's. Specifically, I'm looking at the 5mm version. I'm just wondering if you'd be able to tell me if they'll actually be any use in terms of brightness. We've got a 7.5x5m stage, and I'm looking at trying to light about 2m's depth across the whole width.

 

There is a bar 4.5m high, vertically above the stage, which from my calculations will give a beam size of 2.25m.

 

The question is - will they be any use over that throw distance?

 

Also, has anybody got a good way of daisy chaining power on these units (or others similar)?

 

Cheers

 

they are low power. Maybe put an IEC plug on and use one of the many multi IEC sockets available. Tip buy a shucko to 13A adaptor socket to plug to test kit before cutting off plug. Then if it does not work you have not damaged the unit

[guy.joseph]

Why would a 10mm led be not any good. the light output is maybe four times the smaller led one. I have both, the 10mm you can light areas, the smaler maybe flats

I spent quite a long time looking at this issue on the forum. It seemed to me that there was little or no difference, but I'd be interested to see if you think that there is that much of a difference. Are they both the Thomann (Stairville) LED Par 56? Is there any chance of a comparison picture? I'd love to see the differences. Although it looks like I'm going to have to put the order in soon.

 

 

they are low power. Maybe put an IEC plug on and use one of the many multi IEC sockets available. Tip buy a shucko to 13A adaptor socket to plug to test kit before cutting off plug. Then if it does not work you have not damaged the unit

I was aware that the power draw on this unit was very low, so my novel solution to powering them is going to be buying 6 shucko extension leads and one shucko 13A adapter. The advantage of this is that I wouldn't alter the units, so I could return them on the 3 year guarantee - which I've had an excellent experience of before!

 

Cheers