There’s no doubt about it: good venue lighting can make the difference between a memorable evening and one that falls flat. But truly great venue lighting makes a mark on us. It immerses us in alternative worlds. It takes us outside ourselves and drops us headfirst into the impactful events we inhabit. If you want a fantastic way to achieve unforgettable events, then Sweetwater recommends harnessing the electrifying effects of gobos!
From engaging, textural world creation to elegant wedding script to crisp, sleek venue logos, lighting gobos can take your space to new heights and capture the attention of your audience. Concert halls, hole-in-the-wall venues, weddings, churches, and many others can utilize these fantastic lighting implements to knit their occupants closer to their space. Let’s dive into the world of gobos!
Gobos and Gobo-equipped Fixtures
Gobos, those objects placed in front of a light source to create a pattern of shadows in the light, are easily integrated for fantastically engaging effects. By blocking out a section of light, these glass or steel lighting implements cast captivating shadows upon your stage. A quick online search will show you the unlimited number of possible designs and configurations — you can even make your own! Just be mindful of what material you use; some lighting fixtures output a lot of heat, so make sure your gobos are noncombustible. Other than that, the sky’s the limit with these!
With gobos, you can truly customize your space by casting intricately reproduced images or quilting textures. Some fixtures provide preinstalled gobo wheels, while some offer a slot or two to slide a gobo into. Depending on your budget, there is a wide range of gobo-equipped fixtures perfectly suited to your needs. In fact, many fixtures outfitted with gobos employ other lighting effects like color wheels, prisms, and alluring programable movement, as well!
A Great Gobo Fixture for the Novice
If you’re looking to get into the gobo game but don’t want to spend your life savings on a top-tier fixture, then something like the Chauvet DJ Gobo Shot may be right up your alley. For starters, its compact size makes it easily manageable when it comes to fitting in with your existing rig. It also comes packed with 10 popular holiday gobos, setting you up for success right off the bat. Its easy-access gobo door allows for quick gobo changes, and its rotation capability will keep your gobos at the center of attention! A great first gobo light, you can experiment with making your own gobos, 37.3mm outside and 22mm image, to truly get into the gobo craft!
Theatrical Applications, Mobile Entertainment, and More
For theatrical applications, many lighting gurus here at Sweetwater trust their stage to Chauvet DJ. Just take a look at the Chauvet DJ EVE E-100Z ellipsoidal spot for some seriously crisp gobo action that’ll fill your stage with radiant magnetism. It comes equipped with a 100W warm white lamp, framing shutters, and a gel slot, and this ellipsoidal spot features a gobo slot made for theatrical applications and daring stage setups. Manually zoom and focus your size “M” steel or glass gobo to get your setting just right. These lights fit right in at church presentations and for theaters that put on a varying range of productions. With glass gobos, you can achieve incredibly detailed imagery; and, with steel gobos, you can splinter your stage into engrossing textures.
If you’re looking for a little more movement on your stage, then the ADJ Pocket Pro Pak can cover your space with a wide range of gobos combined with killer movement and exciting colors. These easily programmable lights enhance your space with lighting that looks like you spent hours programming. They’re sensational! From DJing to churches to gigs, these lights pack a radiant punch with 11 total gobos for enthralling effects. What’s more, lighting designers can easily replace gobos in the gobo wheel, meaning you can even make your own as long as they have a diameter of 18.4mm with a 13mm visible area. Customize gobos for weddings, special birthday parties, unique gigs, and even more. Gobos bring that kind of personalization to your lighting show!
All-around Projectors
When it comes to gobo projection, Sweetwater lighting techs often trust their spaces to ADJ and Chauvet DJ — for years, both have been trusted names in the game. If you’re looking for a solid gobo fixture to project crisp, detailed gobos into your space, then the ADJ Ikon IR gobo projector is calling your name. The LED light provides dynamically bright luster that brings your gobos to life. Project a venue logo during an important awards ceremony, radiate a glowing moon for a church theatrical production, or throw out a shatter of light onto a performing band for rocking, psychedelic vibes. If you can find or create 54mm gobos, then you can take the stage your way through unique customization.
In terms of projectors with a trick or two up their sleeve, Chauvet DJ packs the goods with the Obsession HP LED gobo effect light. When you need a fixture that can really take your stage to animated wizardry, opt for the Obsession HP. Multicolored, rotating gobos knit the perfect scenes for DJ extravaganzas and intimate gigs. One thing’s for sure: the 100W LED Obsession will elevate the energy of your stage to masterful proportions. Outfitted with seven metal interchangeable gobos, and 10 specifically for holidays, you’re furnished with the tools for excellent shows right out of the box. The Obsession HP also heaps on impressive features like a mirror dish for all-encompassing effects that outstrip other gobo fixtures. Your audience will remember this one!
For the Outdoor-lighting Buff
Want to use your cool gobo gear outside? Some of your fixtures may not be suitable for that. But, luckily, that’s a problem solved by the hands of Chauvet DJ! Just plant the IP54-rated Freedom Gobo IP outdoors for any event, and you’ll see why it’s popular at Sweetwater. This small projector adds a wealth of professionalism to your lighting rig, and its remote-control capabilities like IRC-6 and D-Fi receiver make it a breeze to operate. Fit any size “E” gobos into this fixture for masterfully illuminated projections no matter where your shows take you. Outdoor gigs, receptions, or even permanent indoor installation, the Freedom Gobo IP can take your space to new heights with lavishly engaging textures or stage-setting luminance.
The Sky’s the Limit!
At Sweetwater, our favorite aspect about using gobos is how truly open and customizable the experience can be. Whether you use gobos for theatrical applications, worship settings, DJ nights, or even weddings, these lighting effects can take a drab setting and transform it to spectacular. Given the ability to craft your own gobos for many of these fixtures, you can translate your imagination into reality and capture the look you’ve always wanted! We hope you’ve enjoyed this foray into the illuminative world of gobos. If you have questions about any of these fixtures, then give us a call at (800) 222-4700 to talk to one of our many expertly trained Sales Engineers!