Related Articles
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
When it comes to lighting systems, every DJ needs visuals that are just as versatile – and full of energy – as the music being played. Whether you’re playing a house party or setting up on stage, the best sound-activated lighting systems help to keep the audience’s senses engaged on the dancefloor.
With sound-activated mode turned on, you no longer have to put time and energy into planning out the light effects that will create visual shows to match your set. Based on the music, the lighting systems will determine the speed and color of the lights, and flash and strobe accordingly. The quality of the system’s lightbulbs, the available colors and the range of modes will determine the variations across different lighting systems.
High-quality systems will use LED stage lights. However, just because LED lights are utilized across models does not mean that the aesthetics will be the same. Some are designed to resemble disco lights, while others give off a four-beam laser effect. If you don’t want to commit to a specific aesthetic, standard LED stage lights give off a classic look, and are still able to be manipulated.
Most lighting systems emit red, green, and blue light. The fourth color is often subject to change. Some models emit white, while others utilize yellow. It is less often that you will find a high-quality amber hue as the fourth color, but the option is widely sought after for its warm, rich glow and the uniqueness it can bring to color combinations.
To get the most out of the system you choose, you’ll want to select a model that has other modes in addition to the sound-activated setting. These can include anything from a rave-friendly strobe setting to pulse, fade, or static effects. These modes will come in handy during those times when you’d prefer a little more control over the visuals of your set.
