I changed my mind about the Both IR4 - 1 Year Update

I changed my mind about the Both IR4 - 1 Year Update - Best DJ Par Uplight?

Рет қаралды 3,425

Күн бұрын

The Both IR4 Par Uplight has been taking the DJ world by storm. I've had these uplights for about a year now, and I'll share my honest opinion about these wireless, battery-operated mini pars.
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Пікірлер: 80

@soundssensational4568 6 күн бұрын

I’ve been running IR4s for sometime. I bought them direct from China. The delivery was very quick and I’ve never regretted my purchase for a single moment. Will be adding the newly released Both Chroma Cannon. They can master slave with IR4s using RF remote rather than IR. I’ve also used the Both lighting App. It’s not very sophisticated but you can select custom colour (color!), brightness between 1-100 and speed of chases very accurately. For value for money they are simply unmatched.

@rjpimprov 3 ай бұрын

For what they are, best $1500 or so I've ever spent. Zero regrets

@DJDarylBennett 2 ай бұрын

Same here

@aullthatent 3 ай бұрын

Just got 16 of these and used them for the first time this past weekend. Haven't dove into the world of DMX yet (still deciding between SS & Wolfmix) but they ran nearly flawlessly for me for about 4 hours on their built in Master-Slave mode and with the IR remote. That being said, I can totally see where having the controllability of DMX would be super useful. Definitely feeling happy with the purchase!

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

Awesome! It’s true that if the internal dmx goes out, then you’re sorry out of luck! Glad it worked great for you

@Realdjheisenberg 3 ай бұрын

For the price they are a nice addition to any mobile DJ. But they have two big limitations people should be aware: -cheap plastic optics make them more suitable for simple wash applications (you can't get a beautiful sharp uplight beam like the Ape Labs, even the Both S4's have sharper beams, due to the IR4's extreme flat form and thus wide angle lenses. You can't beat optic physics) -no long distance control coverage (they don't repeat the signal "to infinity" like the Ape Labs, so you are out of luck in a large ballroom, or in a room filled with WiFi interference; both very common during weddings) other small limitations: -no DMX in/out so you are stuck with wireless no matter what -no software update so you are stuck with whatever firmware comes with your light I would love to see how you set up your control DMX in large rooms. Do you put your transmitter on top of a pole to reach as far as possible? I found that if I keep the transmitter by my booth, I barely get to the end of the dancefloor, let alone the rest of the ballroom. I gave up using mine in any way other than to light up the back of the ballrooms where a static "all night color" works. I just set them and forget. For all mission critical application, Ape Labs is the king of the hill. Much smoother musik mode, fantastic color blend and true beam shape all the way to the ceiling; constant software update to bring new features (recently the strobe effect, that I actually requested on their social media lol!) and of course last but not least: "infinite" range.

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

Ape Labs have some nifty features for sure, but unless you’re committed to the musik mode, I feel like a lot of the extra features aren’t super necessary for most. More coverage with more units will provide a better effect than shape of beam angle. Which is more possible with a cheaper price. Personally I’ve had no issues with drop outs, even in big venues. My donner dongle just sits in my booth.

@Realdjheisenberg 3 ай бұрын

@@DJDarylBennett to each their own as they say. I have ape labs, S4’s and IR4’s. The S4’s are the closest thing to an ape labs in terms of elegant beam look, and range (thanks to the external antenna), but they are so bulky and freaking heavy. In my mind, and for the weddings that I do, a sharp wall beam offers a far superior product than the plain wall wash effect of the IR4. I really tried hard to love my IR4’s but I found the finicky wireless system and wide angle lenses was just not worth saving a few thousand dollars over ape labs. In the grand scheme of things, your ape labs will last a decade and keep their resale value (used ape labs sell for nearly MSRP on eBay!).

@djerickd1976 3 ай бұрын

Happy with mine, had them in the rain as well at an event and still good to go. Didn't submerge them but they def got wet.

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

Wow awesome!

@VinnyHebert 3 ай бұрын

I purchased 8 of them and use them as a "free" upgrade whenever possible cause I love bringing them as they are the easiest lights to bring and setup.

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

So easy

@jamesryan2055 3 ай бұрын

Yeah I took your advice which led to me returning 8 cheapy LED pars from Amazon and dropped another couple hundred for 8 of these Both lights…I’m incredibly happy with them! With the wireless DMX from soundswitch. First gig with them 2 nights ago they were spot on!

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing! Thats awesome

@MrMaui38 3 ай бұрын

Great video! It's great to hear an update. I made a few videos when I got these, and have had them for over a year using them exclusively with Master Slave mode and IR remotes without any issues! Im curious to hear what issues those people were having with Master Slave mode.

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

I've even had a couple of local people tell me that they weren't connecting, and pointing the remote wasn't the easiest. Idk if it was hardware or user error, but I've had some DMs with similar issues. I'm glad it's been working for you!

@MrMaui38 3 ай бұрын

@@DJDarylBennett definitely agree about the remote part, the range isn’t great cuz it’s an IR remote but interesting to know about the other issues. Thanks for the great video as always!!

@Realdjheisenberg 3 ай бұрын

Hey Shay! Great to hear you still love yours, I remember our conversation when I first got the IR4 and you got the Rockville instead haha I really fell out of love with my IR4, and thinking of selling them because I’m going back 100% to ape labs products.

@MrMaui38 3 ай бұрын

@@Realdjheisenberg Whats up Heisenberg!! Yea i remember our long comment thread on ricks video hahah I actually ended up getting the IR4 too and sending back the Rockvilles and have been happy so far. Im curious to hear your experience -- what made you decide to sell the IR4s!!

@Realdjheisenberg 3 ай бұрын

@@MrMaui38 read my comments above on this video! :)

@cursedspinach3731 3 ай бұрын

Still working hard whilst being on vacation. Great video as always.

@BretGashDJBFG 3 ай бұрын

I agree these aren't for those that just want to turn them on and forget about it. Although they can be used that way. You just don't get their full affect unless you use them with some sort of DMX system. Sound Switch has been as close to turn on a d leave em as it gets and still have FMX control with my Both ir-4 uplights.

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

Amen brotha!

@Dj2four7 3 ай бұрын

I love my IR4’s ✅ the only problem is that if you want to use them throughout day them may die before the night ends. But I suppose due to the size that makes sense

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

I’ve yet to have one die at an event, but I’ve had other uplights die

@hansh1667 3 күн бұрын

Hi Daryl, I have a question. I just bought 16 IR4 lights from both Lightning. I want to use them in combination with 4 Ayra ero 150bsw movers and wolfmix. Before I use 2 chauvet fx washers with them movers and some bars. Do you think that I still need the Chauvets if I use the IR4 uplights? Is it enough wash light with only the IR4 pointing to the ceiling? Next question: do you let all you IR4’s in slave with the master one in dmx or do you use different dmx channels for different uplights to use chains? In other words does all your ir4’s at a venue have the same colours or do you mix them with different dmx channels. Thank you very much. Like your content ! Greetings from Holland

@DJDarylBennett 2 күн бұрын

I personally don’t wash the dance floor if I bring up lights but many do. So my advice is try it and see if you like it. Wolfmix is pretty easy to adjust the number of uplights, so you could do all unique addresses. I hate putting that many in order though, so I have 4 unique addresses so I can scale up or down more easily

@JanvanVlimmeren 3 ай бұрын

While I do love them, they cause me some headaches when setting up. If you turn them on all at once (or within a few minutes of one another), a big number of them will just ignore DMX and listen to a rogue master. Best thing to do is to turn them on one by one, make sure it listens to the DMX signal and only then move to the next one. Also happens now and then that one loses signal during the evening.

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

The rogue master... Haha very true. I've just been trying to only use DMX to ensure none of them have a mind of their own

@tracypainter4153 2 ай бұрын

Love your stuff! Here's a thought, tell me what you think. I don't have the IR-4s, but I do have the Rockville RF-4s (as you know, basically the same light without the DMX screen). They might be more of a plug and play solution because they use an RF remote instead of a IR remote. Personally, I've taken your advise and use Sound Switch, so for me the RF-4s are more limited than the IR-4s. But for someone looking for a plug and play solution, they might be a better option. Just a thought.

@DJDarylBennett 2 ай бұрын

That's true! The RF remote doesn't need direct line of sight. But I can't speak for how reliable they are either

@allandenola5968 3 ай бұрын

I bought 12 bolt lights model number S4 so far I’ve had them for about 10 months and yesterday after replacing 3 defective batteries I did an event and nine of the 12 lights went black in less than two hours. One of those up lights I just replaced the batteries. So it can’t be the battery on that one it must be a circuit board I guess. I filled out a warranty form and left a voicemail and still have not heard back from anybody concerning this issue. I sure am hoping that they make this purchase whole by, either fixing these lights or exchanging them. I will edit this post after I have a solution as i am being hopeful that i received a bad batch .Thank you, DJ Alan.

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

I’ve had close associates get the big cube and s6 and they’ve been mostly solid for years now. (One lost wireless dmx). I’ve never heard anything like your situation! I hope you get a speedy resolution

@allandenola5968 3 ай бұрын

@@DJDarylBennett just wish i could speak to a real person that answers my call or returns my message in a timely fashion. So far I’m in limbo here waiting for a resolution to happen but not even sure if anything is happening behind the scenes. No communication is not a good look Thank You Allan

@25dadek25 3 күн бұрын

Hello. Nice review. I am wondering if battery duration in those lights can be extended with so called "Barrel Jack Adapter - USB to 5.5mm" and power bank on other end? Any experience there? Thanks for answering.

@DJDarylBennett 2 күн бұрын

These last so long so I don’t think that’d be necessary.

@ladjkaoz 3 ай бұрын

look greatbas a compact light and light light. 👍but Still I wouldn't change them for my mega lite Q900. I can do upto 3 6-8hrs gig s with out recharge them...now it's been about 7yrs all 24 fixtures still work as new.

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

If your current solution is working and you’re happy, then there’s no need to switch!

@djespinal046 3 ай бұрын

Do you have a profile for the wolfmix W1 for bothlight 360 tube and uplight . Thanks or any body here know somebody that does.

@martythedjglasgow 3 ай бұрын

Should be in Wolfmix

@jasonlajuene2036 3 ай бұрын

I have over 70 Ape lights... THE BEST ! (Maxi)

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

I think as far as a plug n play solution, with plug n play mode using musik mode, yeah it's hard to beat. For every other application, I think the ir4 is better value

@cgentertainment2370 3 ай бұрын

Apes are the best, but they're definitely not $300+/each better. Once I showed my buddy these compared to his Maxi 2.0s side by side, he was convinced. For the price of 2 Maxi's I can get 10 of these.

@Realdjheisenberg 3 ай бұрын

I agree. You get what you pay for.

@jasonlajuene2036 3 ай бұрын

@@DJDarylBennett they have a remote and can use tablet and or phone to control lights AND they can be DMX'ed. Bottom line in life " you get what you pay for". If you buy cheap you are... JS not you but in general.

@manidelgado 3 ай бұрын

I bought a set of these....how bright are they compared to the overpriced versions of Chauvet, ADJ or Rockville? So far, they are rock solid with the battery. Currently using soundswitch. Can you have soundswitch use them as sound active under effect #190? Thanks

@djkayaoslokaya7137 3 ай бұрын

Amazing but my question is how to get them to Norway? When I ask they are sending them to Norway but the VAT in Norway is crazy when we buy things from China or USA ... so you guys are lucky !!!

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

🤔🤔 sorry man! Wish I could offer some advice for Norway!

@cduemig1 3 ай бұрын

I get my lights from rainbow. They’re exactly the same as both but right up the road in IL and service has been fantastic. Been wanting to sell my towers and get these. They’ve been great but too heavy and take too much room.

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

Yeah the small size has been a game changer

@timothykozak8859 2 ай бұрын

Am in between Boths prices and Rainbow, I have heard great things about their customer service (IL dj here) but their prices are slightly higher

@jasonruss2149 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video Daryl. Forgive me if I do not see it, but I can't find the link to purchase your programming for soundswitch? Thanks

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

darylbennett.net/the-soundswitch-shortcut/

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for your interest!

@jasonruss2149 3 ай бұрын

@@DJDarylBennett Thanks for your speedy reply! I have learned so much from your channel and truly appreciate you and the time you spend creating and sharing content. Cheers!

@djfernandovon 14 күн бұрын

whats the difference between IR4 and RF4 please?

@DJDarylBennett 8 күн бұрын

The RF4 has a radio remote but doesn't work very well with dmx. (can only program one address), the IR4 uses an IR remote (needs line of sight) but can use DMX very normally

@DjNucleous 3 ай бұрын

I still think the best part 50s from Rockville are the best priced battery up lights

@cgentertainment2370 3 ай бұрын

If you buy these direct you can get them cheaper than the Best part 50s. I would say performance is nearly identical, as I have both for comparison.

@DjNucleous 3 ай бұрын

@@cgentertainment2370 I purchased 16 BP 50 with hard charging case for $1600 from Rockville. Was yours with hard case or carrying bag?

@JoeS795 3 ай бұрын

I’m thinking about selling my 20 Both S6’s and getting these.

@wesleystones670 3 ай бұрын

don't do it!

@djcalmet 3 ай бұрын

Where is the link for the soundswitch software that you mentioned?

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

Here you go! darylbennett.net/the-soundswitch-shortcut/

@ArteeMediaHawaii 3 ай бұрын

These lights ars good for the small venues but for the ballrooms with the big walls.. not so good. Overall they're are a good product for the price

@DJDarylBennett 3 ай бұрын

Tall more than big. They won't reach to the top if there's strong house lights

@Realdjheisenberg 3 ай бұрын

that is because the IR4's are wash lights, not true uplights like the Ape Labs. They can't make a "beam" effect against a wall because they are so flat, that the lenses are very wide angle and disperse the light too wide.