The first thing to say about the new Shocker P2 blinder from CHAUVET DJ is that it is incredibly bright. In a world where wash lighting often takes precedence, this blinder stands out with a truly intense output, whilst also offering a range of versatile features. It's a must-have for any serious lighting setup – so let’s take a closer look.

The Shocker P2 immediately impresses with its robust build quality. The housing feels solid and durable, ensuring longevity in demanding environments. Despite its substantial appearance, it’s surprisingly lightweight, weighing in at only 3.7kg (8.2lb) and measuring 422mm x 98mm x 232mm (16.6" x 3.8" x 9.1").

The unit’s size and fin-like rear design likely contribute to heat dissipation. Meanwhile the included mounting yoke – which features three holes for various types of clamps – offers flexibility for placement, making it easy to integrate into any lighting rig.

CHAUVET DJ’s design evokes a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of the classic ‘disco’ traffic lights that adorned the dancefloors of yesteryear. While it's a bit of a stretch to compare it to those lights, the Shocker P2's intense output and distinctive appearance certainly make it a standout fixture.

The ‘P’ in P2 stands for Penta-Colour, referring to the impressive 130W RGBW+WW LEDs. Penta-colour LEDs are capable of producing five different colours by combining multiple LEDs of various colours. In the case of the Shocker P2, these colours include red, green, blue, white and warm-white.

The front of the unit features a dual-lens, dual-zone blinder, allowing for precise control and customisation of the light output. To create synchronised shows you can also link up to four fixtures and assign them as Master, Slave 2, 3, or 4 within the settings. While the unit offers built-in shows, including sound-to-light, I personally prefer using the reliable Wolfmix W1 for more comprehensive control.

On the rear you’ll find standard power in and out connectors, using the PowerCON format, which is becoming increasingly prevalent in professional lighting setups. Despite its impressive brightness, the Shocker P2 is surprisingly energy-efficient, consuming only 2.8A. This allows you to link up to 22 units on a 230V supply (calculated as: Current (A) = 2.8W / 230V ≈ 0.012A).

Both 3-pin and 5-pin DMX in and out connectors are provided, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of lighting controllers. The user-friendly 4-button digital display, borrowed from the CYC series, is a significant improvement over the older OLED display.

The Shocker P2 features a USB input for added flexibility. By equipping it with a D-Fi USB dongle, you can enable wireless control using the CHAUVET DJ D-Fi protocol. This wireless capability is a valuable asset for those who prefer to avoid the hassle of running DMX cables.

It's surprising that more manufacturers don't include built-in wireless functionality in new fixtures, as it would significantly enhance convenience and provide a competitive advantage. Although, the inclusion of a USB port allows you to easily add this feature without the need for additional adapters.

Light output and beam angle

I want to hone in on the Shocker P2’s light output and beam angle for a minute. The fixture delivers an impressive output of 1,300 lux at 2m, ensuring a bright and attention-grabbing effect even in large venues. To put this into perspective, a surface 2m away from the light source receives a light intensity of 1,300 lumens per square metre. The beam angle is 62°, with a field angle of 105°.

The beam angle and field angle are two terms used to describe the spread of light emitted by a lighting fixture. While they may seem similar, they refer to different aspects of the light beam.

The beam angle:

• measures the width of the main concentrated beam of light
• is typically measured at 50% intensity
• produces a more focused beam of light the narrower the angle is

The field angle:

• measures the total spread of the light beam, including the outer edges
• is typically measured at 10% intensity
• produces a broader beam of light the wider the angle is

Understanding the difference between beam angle and field angle is essential for lighting design, to ensure you select the appropriate fixtures for your specific needs.

Taking the Shocker P2 on the road

While the physical specifications provide valuable information, the true test of a fixture lies in its performance during actual use.
When the pair of the Shocker P2 blinders arrived at my warehouse, I immediately set about creating a DMX profile. Given its capabilities and the potential for an over-the-top performance without DMX, it's essential to use DMX for optimal results.

Once I’d created a DMX profile (offering 4-, 7-, 12-, or 20-channel modes for flexible control), I attached two Shocker P2 blinders to the poles below my speakers using quick-release clamps.

For a wedding, I set the desk to the desired colours and washed the entire room, which accommodated around 200 guests. Due to it's incredible brightness, I only needed to set the intensity of the light to 8% to achieve full coverage, even the back of the room which was 72ft (22m) long was well lit. With a width of just over 43ft (13m), the Shocker P2 effectively covered the entire room from floor to ceiling and wall to wall.

While I personally believe the Shocker P2 would be more impactful mounted higher and focused on the dancefloor, its versatility shines through. It can excel as both a wash light and a traditional blinder, creating a dynamic atmosphere in various settings.

All in all, the CHAUVET DJ Shocker P2 is a remarkable lighting fixture that delivers powerful performance, versatility and durability. Whether you're a seasoned lighting professional or a weekend DJ, this blinder is sure to elevate your shows to new heights. Its impressive output, customisable features and reliable build-quality make the Shocker P2 a worthwhile investment for any serious lighting setup.