I was intrigued by the Equinox Radiance as soon as I first saw it, thanks to its slightly sci-fi look, high output and epic coverage area. Having a big centrepiece lighting fixture at the heart of your rig is the latest trend – and it seems the Radiance aims to continue that trend towards minimalist DJ setups that still pack a punch.

The concept of the Radiance is a 6.5cm mini mirrorball in the centre, with six arms (or rays) that radiate around the mirrorball to create impressively big moonflower effects. Each arm houses a single 40W quad-colour LED, helping create pin-sharp beams of RGBW light that fill the room with an intense array of colours. As if that wasn’t enough, on the face of each arm are the six pixel arrays, each containing 10 x 0.3W RGB SMD LEDs that create eye-candy pixel effects and chases.

There are six built-in programs and the Radiance can be controlled via DMX or an optional CA-8 controller. There is also a sound-to-light option if you want to let it do its thing whilst you’re busy filling the dancefloor. The well-considered, smart programming combines the 40W LEDs with the six-pixel arrays, producing a variety of chases. However, its main job is to generate a more visual effect for the audience, aiming to entrance and create a wow factor, rather than just light up the dancefloor.

The varied control options and clever effect combinations result in a light that provides lots of atmosphere and is mesmerising to watch. Very well done to the development team for creating a really good balance between dancefloor lighting and the more subtle, ambient visual effects.

In terms of the unit itself, the construction is mainly plastic, but it feels robust to the touch. Equinox has positioned all the connections and controls around the circumference of the hub section. Whilst spinning around the unit, it was easy to handle at only 4.8kg, meaning it can be mounted safely in a variety of applications.

The control panel has an OLED screen and four function buttons: menu, up, down and enter (the latter is used to access the programs and set up controls.) The power connection is PowerTwist TR1, with its push and twist to lock feature. We are seeing this type of connector more often and this is the first product in the Equinox range to feature it – no doubt there will be more coming soon. You’ll also find a power-out of the same type, so you can link and power multiple Radiance fixtures in a chain if needed. Moving further round the hub, the DMX panel houses in and out 3-pin XLR DMX sockets along with the CA-8 input socket.

Moving to the back of the unit, the main panel is made of metal, which helps keep the robustness but doesn’t add too much unnecessary weight.
This panel has the attachment holes for the included Omega quick-release bracket – a great touch and a very welcome addition. However, to clamp to a pole you need to fix a lighting clamp to the Omega bracket – for example, using a CLAM39 by Equinox when attaching your light to a 35mm pole. Also visible from the back are the convection cooling fins at the end of each ray – a clever feature that adds this necessary benefit in a subtle way by hiding them inside the rays.

So how does the Equinox Radiance perform? Simply put: it performs very well, in an unfussy but effective kind of way. Aided by the six 40W LEDs positioned around it, the centrepiece mirrorball creates stunning RGBW beams of light in a moonflower effect. The chase sequences work perfectly in program mode and it’s possible to get some dramatic effects using DMX or the CA-8 controller. You can also control the speed of the effects via the OLED panel on the unit – something I recommend, as the shows can get a little manic when left entirely to their own devices.
The six panel arrays did not excite me initially, but I soon realised they’re a smart addition that complements the Radiance’s main use as a centrepiece. In the mobile DJ scenario that I used the light in, the arrays created a wonderful ambient backdrop of soft light. The rays really lifted the whole ambience of the room, as it created almost a wash effect that acted as a backdrop to the main moonflower effects from the mirrorball. The effect really worked for the room and the guests seemed to enjoy it too.

I should also say, the coverage was outstanding! I mounted the Equinox Radiance on a pole at about 2.3m and the room was filled floor to ceiling with sharp beams of light, supported by the ambience of the arrays. Add to that the DMX control available via the 2-, 9-, 29- and 33-channel modes, and the ray chase sequences really come into their own. Adding haze will enhance the beam effects even further, especially used in conjunction with the separate control of the arrays, the beams and the mirrorball output.
Although centrepiece lighting is definitely on-trend, I did have some scepticism at first. However, taking the fixture out on the road completely changed my mind and that scepticism soon disappeared. Even when using the Radiance as a single unit, the versatility is fantastic and I can see it being used in a wide range of situations.

I would highly recommend it for pubs, clubs and bars looking to upgrade their old-style moonflower lighting, and even in a good-sized room, two would be more than adequate. Connected as master/slave, even with a CA-8 controller, the show possibilities would be epic.

The features of the Equinox Radiance speak for themselves, and the spec list is incredibly impressive when you put it all together. It’s sure to tick many boxes for mobile DJs, as well as doing well in the pub and bar market. At this price point, you really would be hard-pressed to find a lighting fixture that can light up so much space and still be so easy to transport and set up.