Chauvet Color STRIKE M

We all know that a well-lit rock concert must consist of 70% different variations of strobe effects. But what if we could still move those strobes? Well, let's agree, I guess the National Health Service would move the diagnosis of epilepsy to concert halls and finally there would be no queues. I have sensational information for you, it is possible! (Of course, this is about moving strobes, not diagnostics).

These wonders thanks to an illuminator from Chauvet called Color Strike M. Which, admittedly, had its premiere some time ago, but it is an item worth looking at. It is a hybrid of a floodlight and a strobe, also a device with a very broad spectrum of applications. Equipped with 896 small SMD5050 LEDs of 0.784W and 432 CW LEDs of 1.56W, I give a really decent power supply. In addition, equipped with a decent IP65-rated housing, it is suitable for use in all conditions.

The device is divided into two sections. The first, bottom and top, serves as an illuminator. It gives effect possibilities on 14 independently controlled segments (7/7) in the color spectrum based on the RGB function. The second section is a strobe section located in the center of the unit in the form of a bar. It features the aforementioned 432 LEDs with a color temperature of 5861K. We can also control the strobe module independently on the basis of 28 segments (14/14). The whole thing consumes a maximum of 696W, so we can confidently replace one classic Atomic - fourama Strikes. There is no denying that, thanks to its design, the device offers a lot of possibilities, especially when using more pieces.

Movement opportunities

As I mentioned before, what caught my attention a lot in this device was the possibility of tilt movement, the range of which is 180°. To make matters worse, by equipping the device with mounting points on the side, after hanging it in this way, the movement from vertical, we change to horizontal. So there is something good for everyone. One might ask oneself, is such a feature in a device of this type needed? Needed, certainly not, but I think it is very practical. Imagine the situation of setting a large number of floodlights on some architecture. Thanks to the motion function, all we have to do is align the devices evenly, and we can do the rotation correction from the console or from the menu, and in 16-bit, rather than fighting with screws and supports. In addition, the device solves the problem of setting the position of the strobe on the grating. Because one wants down, another wants across the eyes, and a third still differently. With this device, everyone will do as they see fit.

Controls, additional functions and summary

As for control, it's classically DMX, RDM, Art.-net and sACN, which is a complete standard. To master the device we get 6 DMX modes. The smallest ones are equipped with basic parameters such as dimmer, shutter, RGB and macro effects on the mentioned segments, while the largest ones give us the possibility to pixelate individual segments as we like.

Also interesting is the ability to set PWM modulations, so we won't have a problem with them in camera work. Here 6 modes to choose from (600Hz, 1200Hz, 2000Hz, 4000Hz, 6000Hz and 25kHz).

I can't hide the fact that, in my opinion, the device seems mega interesting and will easily replace the classic P-5, or at the same time Atomic. The question remains to see how it works because I have not yet had the opportunity to have the device under control. However, personally, I will be more than happy to go along with the replacement of the classic strobe or soil backlight with the Color STRIKE M.

For more, drop by the distributor's website!