Laser rental

What a laser is and the mood it creates

A show laser sends a tightly focused beam of light into the room that stays thin and brilliant along its entire length. Where a spot or a moving head casts a cone of light that spreads out and fades, a laser beam remains a dead-straight line, even over tens of metres. That is exactly what makes a laser so recognisable: crisp beams that slice through the air like drawn lines and together form fans, tunnels and moving patterns.

The mood that comes with it is that of a real show. A laser feels technical, futuristic and energetic, and it lifts a dance floor to a higher level than ordinary light ever could. The moment a set builds towards a drop and a wide green fan unfolds above the heads of the crowd, a wave of energy is created that is hard to replicate with other effects. A laser is therefore not a background atmosphere but a lead player: it demands attention, marks the big moments and gives an event the look of a professional production.

Colours and patterns

Modern show lasers work with red, green and blue and mix them into a broad colour palette. Green stands out most to the human eye and is therefore the classic laser colour, while blue adds depth and red brings warmth. By mixing the colours you get saturated shades and flowing gradients that move along with the music.

In terms of shape, a great deal is possible. A single beam lays a crisp line across the room, a fan spreads a series of beams into a sweep, and a tunnel folds the beams around you into a three-dimensional image in the haze. On top of that, a laser can draw figures, waves and even simple logos or text. Which patterns work depends on the height of the space, the viewing angle of the audience and the character of the event.

When to use a laser

A laser is above all an effect for moments where you want to add energy and spectacle. It works best with programmes that have a clear musical build-up and dark or dimmed spaces where the beams show up well.

Concrete events and moments

• Dance events and club nights: this is where the laser truly comes into its own. Fans and tunnels that follow the DJ set and unfold on the drop give the dance floor the energy of a major show.
• Parties and corporate events: a laser show during the peak of the evening sharpens up a party or corporate event and gives guests the feeling of being at a genuine event rather than in a hired hall.
• Festivals: at a festival where it gets dark after sunset, laser beams reach far into the space and draw recognisable images above the crowd during the headliner.
• Product launches: at a product launch you can use a laser to announce the reveal moment, with beams pointing towards the product or a pattern that builds up to the reveal.

Where smoke and haze build an atmosphere that runs throughout the whole evening, the laser is mainly an effect for the peaks: the entrance, the drop, the countdown moment and the finale. You use it deliberately, not continuously, so the impact stays big.

The technology: setup, control and rigging

Behind a tight laser show sits a series of choices about position, angle, control and above all safety. We make some of those in advance and some during the setup on location.

Position and projection angle

Where the laser hangs or stands determines how the beams travel through the space. Usually we place a laser high, on a truss or a sturdy stand, and aim the beams upwards and over the audience towards the ceiling or a back wall. That way you get the full image of fans and tunnels above the dance floor without any beam coming to eye level. We tune the projection angle to the height of the space and the position of the audience, so the beams stay well above the heads while remaining clearly visible.

Haze to make the beams visible

A laser beam is virtually invisible in clean air; you only see the point where it lands. Only when the beam hits particles in the air does the whole line light up. That is why a laser always works together with a light mist. We add a fine haze that makes the beams visible without filling the room with dense smoke. We tune the amount of haze to the ventilation and the fire alarm system of the venue.

Control via DMX and laser software

We control the laser via DMX or dedicated laser software, often from the same control position as the lighting and the other effects. With that we link colours, patterns and movements to the music. For a crafted show we programme cues in advance that land precisely on the build-up of the set, and during the event our technician can also steer live with the energy in the room. That keeps the show tightly timed but also flexible.

Setup, testing and safe operation on location

We build well before the start, mount the laser securely and set the angle and the boundaries of the image. Then we test the show in the empty room: we check the patterns, the colours, the haze and above all the boundaries of the beams, so we are certain that no beam can enter the audience area. During the event our technician operates the laser and keeps a constant eye on the room and the settings. In this way the effect stays both impressive and safe throughout the evening.

Safety and points of attention specific to lasers

Of all effects, a laser demands the most attention to safety, because a focused beam can be harmful to the eyes if used incorrectly. We treat that as the most important part of the setup.

Laser classes and power

Show lasers fall into different laser classes, depending on their power. The higher the power, the further and brighter the beam reaches, but also the stricter the requirements for its use. We choose the power that suits the size of the space and the desired image, and we align the setup with the standards that apply to that power. More power is not always better; the art is achieving the right image with a setup that stays safe.

Audience scanning and safe zones

The most important point of attention is how we deal with the audience. Beams that scan over or between people, known as audience scanning, are subject to strict conditions and are only permitted within the applicable safety standards, with limited power levels and controlled distances. In most setups we therefore deliberately keep every beam above the heads of the guests and project towards the ceiling, a drape or the space above. During setup we set a clear boundary so the image can never enter the audience area, and our technician monitors that during the event.

Reflections, positioning and standards

Besides the audience, we watch out for reflective surfaces. A beam that hits a mirror, a glass wall or a shiny panel can bounce back unexpectedly. During setup we map out those surfaces and aim the laser so that no uncontrolled reflections occur. We place the laser itself securely and out of reach of guests, so no one can accidentally shift the angle. We work within the safety standards that apply to laser shows and coordinate the setup with the venue. With us, special effects are always safely placed and operated.

Combining with light, sound and other effects

A laser rarely stands alone. It comes into its own most when it is part of a whole that is tuned together.

The combination with lighting is obvious: moving heads and moving spots fill the space between the laser beams and provide colour and movement on the dance floor, while the laser delivers the sharp accents. By controlling the laser and the lighting from the same control position, they run together with the music instead of working against each other.

The link with sound is at least as important. A laser show lives on its timing to the music; a fan that opens on exactly the drop of a track hits harder than the same movement without a musical anchor. By aligning the laser control and the sound control, every visual accent lands at the right moment.

The laser is also strong with the other effects in our range of special effects. Haze is even essential to make the beams visible, and effects such as CO2 jets or spark fountains can complement the laser at the peak moments. If you also want to show moving images, video on a screen can complete the show, with the laser as a sharp accent over the top.

Practical tips for a successful laser show

• Provide a dark or dimmed space. A laser comes into its own best when the ambient light is low; in a brightly lit room the beams largely disappear.
• Count on haze. Without a light mist you will not see the beams as lines. Agree the haze with the venue in advance, especially in connection with smoke detectors and ventilation.
• Use the laser on the peaks. The impact is greatest when you save the laser for the highlights rather than running it continuously.
• Think about the viewing angle. Looking up from the dance floor gives the full tunnel effect; plan the position so the audience sees the beams well.
• Involve us early with the venue. Ceiling height, reflective walls and the fire alarm system determine what is possible, and we prefer to check that in advance.

Would you like a laser show that lifts your dance event or show to a higher level, safely positioned and tightly operated in time with the music? Tell us about your venue, your programme and the moment the laser should let loose, and we will put together a fitting setup. Request a no-obligation quote and we will think along with you about the best combination of laser, lighting and effects for your event.