smoke or Haze?

[Paull 0]

Hi,

 

I am thinking of getting a smoke machine to enhance my lighting. (4 gobos and a lazer).

 

What are the pros and cons of smoke and haze machines and why do some venues not like them.

 

Thanks

 

Paul

[Gary 0]

Even though you've got a lazer, which really does need a smoke or haze machine to really get an effect, my advice would be not to buy either a smoke or a haze machine.

 

Neither type of machine is in favour at the moment with either venues or hirers it would seem. Also, some Public Liability Insurance policies have small print against the use of smoke, haze, foam, snow, bubbles etc,etc,etc.

 

On most previous posts here about smoke/haze, the thread normally includes replies along the lines of "I've only been able to use my machine a handful of times in the last XX years."

 

 

The primary problem with venues allowing smoke machines in, is that the venues smoke sensors and fire alarm can be triggered, and the false alarm is very disruptive. Newer (although not all that new anymore) smoke sensors are of the Optical type, which can even be triggered by haze.

 

I have a colleague who has a semi-mobile/semi-install sized hazer, and even with modifications to the fans, output systems etc,etc, used to easily trip smoke sensors even at bare-minimum output.

 

This continuing lack of demand has probably been a fundemental catalyst in the rapid dropping of prices for smoke/hazers.

 

I really wouldn't recommend anyone purchase a smoke or haze machine nowadays.

 

 

[Welsh Audio Man 21 0]

Ive used my smoke machine twice in this year. Most venues can't have them as Gary mentioned, they set off the smoke alarms!!!

[FDDJ 0]

I sort of agree with Gary and wouldn't recommend that anyone purchase a smoke machine, however, if you really want to add a little extra to your lightshow then a cheap hazer can be a happy medium.

 

Of course the number of venues that you can use them in will be limited, but not as limited as the use of a smoke machine, and if you only spend say £100 on something like the excellent Acme HP2S Stage Hazer then I think it is still a worthwhile investment.

 

http://www.discoworlduk.com/contents/media/l_HP2S.jpg

 

I have read a review of this product by another DJ and it appears spot on for mobile use. From the photos I have seen you can only see the effect it has on light beams, the "air" actually looks completely clear.

[Paull 0]

Thanks for the answers so far.

 

What do you do then to get your lasers working to their potential if you do not use smoke machines?

 

Paul

[DJ Marky Marc 0]

QUOTE

What do you do then to get your lasers working to their potential if you do not use smoke machines?

 

You dont...

 

the effect only works when the laser id reflected from particals in the air.. no particals in the air means no laser light show...

 

the best you can hope for in this situation is to draw a pretty patterns on the wall or celing..

 

laser lights are a total waist of cash on the average mobile disco...

[EdBray 0]

I have just bought a small Zoom Powerfog machine from DFB http://www.soundlightuk.com for the odd occasion where a haze machine will be allowed. Includes wireless remote control.

 

Not listed on the website, so you will have to ask for it.

 

Cost £30 and included 5 ltrs of Fog Liquid free (usually £15) so not too much of a loss if I don't use it much.

 

Seems to work very well, although it will set off a smoke detector.

 

Eddie.

[spudcooper 0]

To Be Honest I Have Often Thought About Getting A Smoke/Haze Effect (I Did Buy A Cheap One From Asda A Few Years Ago It Melted Its Self Which Was Funny.lol http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/oops.gif ) But Have Always Been Put Off From Threads Like These So Have Never Botherd.

 

But I Must Say I Find There Being No Point Of Me Using A Smoke Machine As I Find When Your In A Small Venue With Heavy Smokers They Do The Work For You

AND YOU THINK IM JOKING!!! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/laugh.gif

[Welsh Audio Man 21 0]

QUOTE (spudcooper @ Jun 12 2006, 05:17 PM)

But I Must Say I Find There Being No Point Of Me Using A Smoke Machine As I Find When Your In A Small Venue With Heavy Smokers They Do The Work For You AND YOU THINK IM JOKING!!! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/laugh.gif

Very true! I was asked once, what smoke machine i was using as it set a natural smokey atmosphere, not too much to get lost in. I didn't know how to explain to him that i had actually left my smoke machine at home! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/whistling.gif

[Kane 0]

Possibly not the brighest thing you have ever said Oxford DJ, especially as this is an open forum ! so I have editted it for you to save any re-procussions. Edited June 13, 2006 by ADS Entertainments

[nrgize 0]

I use a smoke machine Jem technofog, with a sparyed black fan. I find this better and the smoke lasts longer in the air.

 

 

I have never used a Hazer before, but have seen other people using them.

[Kane 0]

QUOTE (Oxford DJ @ Jun 12 2006, 08:54 PM)

Possibly not the brighest thing you have ever said Oxford DJ, especially as this is an open forum ! so I have editted it for you to save any re-procussions.

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wacko.gif just wondered why that was inappropriate if you dont mind me asking?

 

 

[Andy Westcott 0]

.... Love to know what he said...... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif

 

AAAnyhow, I find the most use for my smoke machine is at teenagers' parties, where they seem to revel in a nice, thick veil of anonimity (sp?). Obviously the hall has to be a run-down dump with no fire alarms, but there are plenty like that around here....

 

For all that, my smoke machine sees more use at home than 'at work', mainly to keep it working, as it is a good idea to pump a bit of fluid through them once every month or two.

 

Oh, my young lads love it too when I fog the lounge up completely! The only drawback to this practice is letting the smoke out afterwards without alerting the local fire service, so I usually open the front door and stand there, grinning like an idiot so people can see there's nothing wrong. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Welsh Audio Man 21 0]

QUOTE (Andy Westcott @ Jun 15 2006, 09:32 PM)

For all that, my smoke machine sees more use at home than 'at work', mainly to keep it working, as it is a good idea to pump a bit of fluid through them once every month or two. Oh, my young lads love it too when I fog the lounge up completely! The only drawback to this practice is letting the smoke out afterwards without alerting the local fire service, so I usually open the front door and stand there, grinning like an idiot so people can see there's nothing wrong. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

I run mine out my back garden! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif

[Andy Westcott 0]

Ahhh... I hadn't thought of doing that.... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wacko.gif

[Welsh Audio Man 21 0]

QUOTE (Andy Westcott @ Jun 15 2006, 09:52 PM)

Ahhh... I hadn't thought of doing that.... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wacko.gif

Just looks like your having a brief bonfire or barbie' then! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

 

[Gary 0]

QUOTE (Andy Westcott @ Jun 15 2006, 09:52 PM)

Ahhh... I hadn't thought of doing that.... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wacko.gif

What?

 

Any minute now, you'll be telling us that you've never got one of those long bend hoses off of a tumble dryer venting kit, laid it on the ground, raised each end of it up with a brick, tipped loads and loads of ice cubes evenly along its length, waited 10 minutes for the ice cubes to lower the ambient temperature throughout the tubes entire length, then fired smoke down one end to see it come out the other end hugging the ground, like some old black & white horror movie graveyard scene. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Welsh Audio Man 21 0]

QUOTE (Gary @ Jun 15 2006, 10:53 PM)

QUOTE (Andy Westcott @ Jun 15 2006, 09:52 PM) Ahhh... I hadn't thought of doing that....  http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wacko.gif What?   Any minute now, you'll be telling us that you've never got one of those long bend hoses off of a tumble dryer venting kit, laid it on the ground, raised each end of it up with a brick, tipped loads and loads of ice cubes evenly along its length, waited 10 minutes for the ice cubes to lower the ambient temperature throughout the tubes entire length, then fired smoke down one end to see it come out the other end hugging the ground, like some old black & white horror movie graveyard scene. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif Thats good, at least im not the only crazy person to try that! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif   It really does work too!!!

[Kingy 0]

QUOTE (Gary @ Jun 15 2006, 10:53 PM)

Any minute now, you'll be telling us that you've never got one of those long bend hoses off of a tumble dryer venting kit, laid it on the ground, raised each end of it up with a brick, tipped loads and loads of ice cubes evenly along its length, waited 10 minutes for the ice cubes to lower the ambient temperature throughout the tubes entire length, then fired smoke down one end to see it come out the other end hugging the ground, like some old black & white horror movie graveyard scene. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

Erm.....NO!

 

Gary, you really need help.... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif

[otronics 0]

I'm saying sod it and get a fog machine.

 

Too many restrictions in the world and our trade as it is.

 

Only been told ONCE in six and a half years that I can't use it due to smoke detectors etc (bar a few times where client has asked not for it to be used) - and that's a lot of gigs!

[qifop 0]

I find my beams are still visable without smoke anywhere, until they ban smoking in public places you can use consumer provided "smoke!"

 

Saying that cant wait for when they ban smoking in public places no more stripping roboscans down most weekends removing fag residue from optics!

[buskersball 0]

i use a hazer and a smoke machine (plus I smoke fags!). Actually last week I went to set up in the afternoon, and the guy behind the bar wanted to slip out for an hour.

I set my gear up and tested everything, and left everything switched on apart from amp and pc, then left for an hour as the place was to be locked up....unfortunately I'd left the smoke machine on, which is no bad thing in itself apart from the fact that I had accidentally pressed the 'constant on' button. I hadn't noticed this when we left as the machine hadnt warmed up :o)

 

When I returned barman ...well you can guess! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/oops.gif

 

Still it just about cleared by the time the guests arrived...lights didnt half look good http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif