What is the total wattage of the light source in the Equinox Vortex?

The fixture utilises three 40W RGBW LEDs, resulting in a total light source wattage of 120W. This provides significant output for a fixture of its size, suitable for small to medium-sized venues.

What is the beam angle range of the Equinox Vortex?

The Vortex features a motorised zoom that allows for an adjustable beam angle between 5 degrees and 60 degrees. This allows it to function as both a tight beam effect and a wide-angle wash light.

Does the Equinox Vortex support DMX control?

Yes, it supports DMX512 operation. Users can choose between a 10-channel mode for simplified operation or a 17-channel mode for full control over all internal features.

Can the front lens of the Vortex rotate continuously?

Yes, the fixture is designed with a continuous front-lens rotation feature. This allows for the creation of spinning mid-air effects that add unique motion beyond standard pan and tilt.

What kind of display is used for menu navigation?

The unit is equipped with an OLED display. This high-contrast screen works alongside an intuitive 4-button menu system for easy configuration in dark environments.

Are there standalone modes for users without a DMX controller?

The Vortex includes integrated auto and sound-active modes. These allow the light to run through pre-programmed sequences automatically or in sync with the beat of the music.

How can I synchronise multiple Vortex units?

The fixture features a master/slave mode. By connecting multiple units via DMX cables, one unit (the master) can control the others (slaves) to perform identical movements and colour changes.

What colours can the Equinox Vortex produce?

The fixture uses RGBW LEDs, meaning it can produce Red, Green, Blue, and White. These colours can be mixed to create a vast spectrum of vivid hues and pastel shades.

Is the zoom feature manual or motorised?

The zoom feature is fully motorised. This means the beam angle can be changed remotely via DMX or as part of the internal automated programmes during a show.

What is the typical price for an Equinox Vortex?

The typical price for the Equinox Vortex LED Moving Head is approximately £438. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

What makes the Vortex different from the Equinox Fusion 120Q?

While both are moving heads from the same brand, the Vortex specifically features motorised zoom and continuous lens rotation for effect-heavy performances. The Fusion 120Q may have different beam characteristics or LED configurations.

Can the Vortex be controlled wirelessly?

While the Vortex itself uses standard DMX, it can be integrated into a wireless setup using external controllers like the Chauvet DJ FlareCON Air 2. The fixture does not have built-in wireless DMX as standard.

Gear article

Equinox Vortex LED Moving Head

The Equinox Vortex LED Moving Head is a professional stage lighting fixture featuring three 40W RGBW LEDs designed for vivid colour washes and dynamic mid-air effects. It is distinguished by a motorised zoom and continuous front-lens rotation, providing versatile beam control for live performance environments.

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Overview and Technical Design

The Equinox Vortex is a compact yet powerful moving head fixture engineered for versatile stage lighting applications. At its core are three high-output 40W RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White) LEDs. The hardware is designed to facilitate both broad venue drenching and sharp, focused mid-air beams, catering to mobile DJs, small venues, and theatrical setups.

The unit features a robust motorised zoom mechanism, allowing the beam angle to be adjusted dynamically between 5 and 60 degrees. A notable physical feature is the continuous front-lens rotation, which, when combined with the movement of the head itself, allows for complex kaleidoscope-style visual patterns.

Control and Programming

Operators can interface with the Vortex through several methods depending on the complexity of the production. For standalone use, the fixture includes built-in internal programming accessible via an OLED display and a standard four-button menu system. These modes include 'Auto', 'Sound Active' (responding to ambient music), and 'Master/Slave' configurations for synchronising multiple units without an external controller.

For professional integration, the Vortex supports DMX512 protocol with two channel modes: a simplified 10-channel mode for basic movement and colour control, and a comprehensive 17-channel mode for advanced manipulation of the zoom, rotation, and fine-tuning of the movement parameters.

Visual Character

The output of the Vortex is defined by its ability to transition between soft, expansive washes and tight, punchy beams. The 120W total LED power ensures vivid colour saturation across the RGBW spectrum. The motorised zoom is the primary tool for changing the character of the light, while the continuous rotation adds a layer of kinetic energy to the beam, creating rotating patterns that are particularly effective when used in conjunction with haze or smoke machines.

Comparison to Market Alternatives

Within the Equinox range, the Vortex offers a different feature set compared to the Fusion 120Q. While many entry-level moving heads like the Stagg Headbanger XT focus on basic wash functions, the Vortex competes in a higher tier by offering motorised zoom and lens rotation, similar to professional-grade units like the Chauvet DJ Sentinel Wash Q7Z ILS.

Compared to spot fixtures like the Eurolite LED TMH-41 Hypno, the Vortex is more geared toward wash and beam effects rather than projecting static gobos. For users requiring wide-area coverage without movement, static fixtures like the Equinox Spectra Strobe Batten or Cameo ROOT PAR 4 may be considered, though they lack the dynamic range afforded by the Vortex's pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total wattage of the light source in the Equinox Vortex?: The fixture utilises three 40W RGBW LEDs, resulting in a total light source wattage of 120W. This provides significant output for a fixture of its size, suitable for small to medium-sized venues.
What is the beam angle range of the Equinox Vortex?: The Vortex features a motorised zoom that allows for an adjustable beam angle between 5 degrees and 60 degrees. This allows it to function as both a tight beam effect and a wide-angle wash light.
Does the Equinox Vortex support DMX control?: Yes, it supports DMX512 operation. Users can choose between a 10-channel mode for simplified operation or a 17-channel mode for full control over all internal features.
Can the front lens of the Vortex rotate continuously?: Yes, the fixture is designed with a continuous front-lens rotation feature. This allows for the creation of spinning mid-air effects that add unique motion beyond standard pan and tilt.
What kind of display is used for menu navigation?: The unit is equipped with an OLED display. This high-contrast screen works alongside an intuitive 4-button menu system for easy configuration in dark environments.
Are there standalone modes for users without a DMX controller?: The Vortex includes integrated auto and sound-active modes. These allow the light to run through pre-programmed sequences automatically or in sync with the beat of the music.
How can I synchronise multiple Vortex units?: The fixture features a master/slave mode. By connecting multiple units via DMX cables, one unit (the master) can control the others (slaves) to perform identical movements and colour changes.
What colours can the Equinox Vortex produce?: The fixture uses RGBW LEDs, meaning it can produce Red, Green, Blue, and White. These colours can be mixed to create a vast spectrum of vivid hues and pastel shades.
Is the zoom feature manual or motorised?: The zoom feature is fully motorised. This means the beam angle can be changed remotely via DMX or as part of the internal automated programmes during a show.
What is the typical price for an Equinox Vortex?: The typical price for the Equinox Vortex LED Moving Head is approximately £438. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
What makes the Vortex different from the Equinox Fusion 120Q?: While both are moving heads from the same brand, the Vortex specifically features motorised zoom and continuous lens rotation for effect-heavy performances. The Fusion 120Q may have different beam characteristics or LED configurations.
Can the Vortex be controlled wirelessly?: While the Vortex itself uses standard DMX, it can be integrated into a wireless setup using external controllers like the Chauvet DJ FlareCON Air 2. The fixture does not have built-in wireless DMX as standard.