ADJ Focus Profile

I entered the Focus Profile in the rider, and then... changed my mind. I didn't remove it - I added LED tubes, but Focus stayed. Because it deserved it.

The Focus Profile from ADJ is a device that may change the way we view the brand. Previously associated mainly with the semi-professional segment, ADJ is clearly targeting more advanced stage applications with this model. I tested it personally - me, Peter - in studio conditions. Dominik, in turn, tested the equipment on stage, in battle. You can also find his comments and experiences in this article

Robust construction and strong source

Already after taking it out of the carton you can feel that this is not plastic-fantastic. The housing makes a solid impression, and the large lens makes it clear that the light will have something to work with. The arrangement of the connectors? Thoughtfully designed. The handles? Comfortable.

Inside runs a 400-watt LED engine - 20,000 lumens - concrete. The color temperature of 6700K (or 6200K with a CRI filter) allows you to select the light for a variety of conditions - from a concert to a theater stage. The light is clean, with no obvious hotspots.

As a point of interest - on our Discord(if you're not there yet, be sure to stop by by clicking on this text!) several users have pointed out that Focus Profile can "cast green" on the face in the camera. It's not something that came out right away in our studio tests, but since several people have noticed it - it's worth keeping in the back of your mind.

Motion, zoom and color

The PAN/TILT range (540°/270°) is classic for this type of device. However, it is worth noting that if the head is accidentally physically moved during operation, the stepper motors return it to the preset position with high precision. This testifies to the good design of the positioning system. The 7-45° zoom gives a lot of possibilities - both for shining a narrow beam and for wide washes.

The focus of the beam is maintained over the full zoom range, which is a big plus. What's more, the focus holds its parameters for a long time of operation - there is no need to constantly correct presets.

Color system: CMY + variable CTO. Blending works well but with intermediate settings a slight gradient appears. It's not a problem but it's worth knowing about. On the plus side: the red from CMY is indeed red - not orange, as is sometimes the case with some heads in this price range.

Gobos, prisms and effects

Two gobo wheels: 7 rotating (glass, indexed) and 8 static. Projections perform well - sharp, although for smoke work one could wish for more elaborate patterns. For shining on walls or architectonics - just fine. On the plus side - a set of effects: framing knives, iris, animation, frost and two prisms (3-round and 4-line).

Unfortunately, the prisms cannot be used simultaneously - they are on the same axis. Moreover, switching between them has a noticeable delay, as if one dial is waiting for the other. It is possible that the manufacturer will solve this with a firmware update.

Unscrew the screws from the case and...

I also took a look inside - because you know, sometimes it's good to know what's playing there. Already at first glance you can see that the parts are well-fitted, nothing sways, nothing looks like glued "on saliva".

The internal design reminds me of some of the more expensive competitor models. The fans? A decent brand - they are not random. A sizable LED heatsink dissipates heat well, and the drive belts are stiff and correctly aligned, which translates into precise operation. Framing knives, iris, CMY, gobo - everything runs tightly, with no backlash. This makes this device a really compact combo for the number of functions. After prolonged heating, of course, the heatsink and housing get warm, but rest assured - it doesn't steam your paws.

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What's in the box?

Included: power cord, two omega handles, frost filter. The security cable is missing - a trifle, but in this class of equipment it is worth it to be on board. Although, comparing to the competition - we are not particularly surprised.

In practice

Dominik Kwiatkowski

I took up the gauntlet of shining on ADJ Focus Profile last year twice, but I'll only tell about one because there are no photos from the other to show... The first time I asked to supply them during the Fatman's Lips concert as a floor-set to a basic lighting rider in which Pointe dominates. (In the number of pieces of 6 from the soil).

Starting from the beginning, this is one of the few tubes I didn't have to agonize with when cloning - I was able to find consistent gobos for presets fairly quickly, the basic colors from the dial matched, and the speed of movement was surprisingly good for the size (27.75kg). It was slower, of course, but even with extremely fast effects written under Pointe, it was making out in such a range that I didn't have to specifically slow it down because it was "teleporting".

What's more - as in the photos, there is no denying that it is weaker in power than Pointe - let no one pull the wool over your eyes. In the studio it may come out cool evenly, but in the open air in the daytime or in semi-darkness when the wind decides to blur all the smoke for you it will be lacking like any spot on LED - the revolution here will not be.

For my part, it is a very consistent device in this category. It doesn't stand out from anything and the slogan "American DJ" can be slowly put in your pocket because ADJ presents itself very well. Personally, this monstrosity lies with me. If I had a rider on spots it would certainly be thrown in as an option.

Final Verdict

Focus Profile is a profile head that can find its place both at the front and on the counter. Event, theater, outdoor - with proper control and thoughtful use, it can do the job. Well, and as for the outdoors note that it is a head without IP - also nicely under the canopy mount!

Strengths include: focus and zoom stability, good optics, true red with CMY, and the presence of framing knives and iris. For improvement: prism switching and menu ergonomics.

Price? Considering what you get - quite competitive (18k net from pricelist shot, so below). The ADJ brand is taking a step towards more professional applications with this model. And long may it continue to do so.