Heard of Algam Lighting?  No, not many have but keep a look out in the UK. Algam began as a manufacturer in 1971 and has its headquarters in France. Since selecting Algam Ashdown to serve the UK market, in September 2024, they have been making waves here and will be a significant player for the distribution of musical instruments, professional audio equipment and lighting.

Their current line-up of products has a range of musical instruments, professional audio equipment including PA systems, mixers, microphones, professional lighting that includes LED fixtures, moving heads, lasers and atmospheric effects, along with accessories that feature cables, stands and gig bags under the Tobago brand.

The realm of entertainment lighting is constantly evolving, with lasers seemingly making a comeback in recent years.  When I started DJing, some 20 years ago, it was all the rage to have 2-4 lasers on a setup, with zero control, but then I guess with limited restrictions on smoke machines in those days, it allowed for the ‘wow’ effect.  We then moved to spot-based effects, moonflowers and moving heads along with LED dot effects with a recent switch back to moving heads, often with custom gobos (hearts, snowflakes and stars) with wash lighting and lasers making up for that eye candy effect.

Pete and I met Algam Lighting last year at PLASA London when Algam Ashdown had only just taken the range on, and we introduced to them this very magazine. More recently, the company has been given more control over the range and that allowed them to make decisions on both advertising and reviews, hence this review on the new Spectrum 1500 RGB entertainment laser.

Sold as a product to ‘Paint the Night with Light’, the laser promises a potent blend of colourful illumination, dynamic patterns and versatile control options. Designed with the needs of clubs, DJs, mobile discos, and even smaller event venues in mind, this Class 3B or Class 4 (the internet points to 3B whereas the manual points to Class 4) laser aims to transform any space into an immersive environment of light and motion.

There is a range of different laser types and with the laser police often on social media, it’s important to understand the types of lasers.

Class 1: Intrinsically safe under reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation, including direct viewing. The laser’s power is low or is contained within an enclosure. Examples include CD players and laser printers.

Class 1M: Safe for viewing with the naked eye but potentially hazardous when viewed through optical instruments (like telescopes or binoculars) that can increase the beam’s concentration on the retina.

Class 2: Emits visible light (400-700 nm) with a power low enough that the natural aversion response (blinking) will protect the eye from damage during momentary, accidental exposure (typically less than 0.25 seconds). Staring directly into the beam for longer durations can be hazardous. Laser pointers are often Class 2.

   

Class 2M: Like Class 2, these visible lasers are safe for brief accidental viewing without optical aids. However, they can be hazardous if viewed with optical instruments.

Class 3R (formerly Class 3a): Considered a low to moderate risk. Direct viewing can be potentially hazardous, but the risk is lower than Class 3B. The power output is higher than Class 2 (up to 5 times the Class 2 limit for visible lasers). Some laser pointers fall into this category.

   

Class 3B: These lasers are moderately to highly hazardous for direct eye exposure. Even brief, accidental viewing of the direct beam can cause serious eye damage. Specular reflections (from shiny surfaces) can also be hazardous. However, diffuse reflections (from matt surfaces) are usually safe. Class 3B lasers have a continuous wave (CW) output power ranging from 5 to 499 milliwatts.

 

Class 4: The highest and most dangerous class. These lasers can cause severe eye damage from direct, specular, and even diffuse reflections.

The core strength of the Spectrum 1500 RGB lies in its trichromatic laser system with distinct diodes for red (380mW at 638nm), green (290mW at 520nm), and blue (a substantial 800mW at 450nm). This laser possesses the fundamental building blocks for a vast spectrum of colours. Unlike single or dual-colour lasers, the RGB configuration allows for additive colour mixing. This means the controller can precisely blend the intensities of the red, green and blue beams to generate not only the primary colours but also a rich tapestry of secondary hues like yellow, cyan and magenta, as well as countless shades and tints in between.

This expansive colour palette provides lighting designers and operators with immense creative freedom to match the visuals to the mood and energy of the music or event. The sheer power output across these three crucial wavelengths ensures that the colours are vibrant and impactful, capable of cutting through ambient lighting and creating clearly defined projections even in moderately lit environments.

The Spectrum 1500 RGB incorporates a 20kpps (kilo points per second) scanner motor.

This specification is crucial as it dictates the speed and smoothness with which the laser can draw patterns and animations. A higher kpps value translates to less flicker and more fluid motion, particularly noticeable in complex shapes and rapidly changing sequences. The integrated library of 2000 pre-programmed internal patterns offer a significant starting point for users. This extensive collection encompasses a wide variety of visual elements, from abstract tunnel effects that create a sense of depth and immersion to fluid wave patterns that ripple across surfaces. Geometric shapes – including circles, squares and more intricate polygons – provide structured visual interest, while the inclusion of more complex graphical elements adds another layer of sophistication. These pre-programmed patterns are readily accessible and can be triggered in automatic or sound-activated modes, making it easy for even novice users to create engaging light shows.   

The Spectrum 1500 RGB offers flexibility to cater to users of varying experience levels and control preferences. The automatic mode provides a plug-and-play solution, cycling through the internal pattern library at a pre-set or adjustable speed is ideal for situations where a visually engaging backdrop is needed without requiring real-time control. The music-controlled mode adds another layer of interactivity, utilising an internal microphone to analyse the audio input and synchronise the laser effects to the rhythm and intensity of the music. This creates a more dynamic and engaging experience, where the light show reacts in real-time to the sonic landscape.   

For users seeking more control, the Spectrum 1500 RGB offers DMX connectivity. Supporting both 6-channel and 34-channel DMX modes provides scalability and caters to different levels of control complexity. The 6-channel mode allows for basic control over colour selection, pattern selection, and basic movements, while the more comprehensive 34-channel mode unlocks the full potential of the laser, providing individual control over parameters such as pan and tilt angles, rotation speed, individual colour intensities, strobe effects, pattern size, and more.  I honestly wouldn’t understand why anyone would buy a laser product of this size and output, and not use a control option like DMX or IDLA, both of which are available on this laser fixture.

If you don’t use lasers regularly then you’ll have no idea what IDLA is or does so let’s explore it. International Laser Display Association interface (ILDA) is an industry-standard protocol for controlling laser display systems. It allows users to connect the laser to external software and hardware controllers, opening a vast realm of creative possibilities. With ILDA-compatible software, users can design and create their own custom laser shows, including intricate graphics, text animations, logos, and even live laser performances synchronised to music or other media. This interface essentially transforms the Spectrum 1500 RGB from a device with pre-programmed patterns into a blank canvas for laser artistry. The ability to import and execute ILDA files created by professionals or designed by the user themselves significantly expands the versatility and long-term value of the laser. It allows for truly unique and personalised visual experiences that go far beyond the limitations of internal patterns, but I honestly think that for most DJs in the mobile arena, this is a step too far – but it’s a ‘good to have’ option.

The demands of live entertainment environments necessitate robust and reliable equipment. The Spectrum 1500 RGB is housed in a durable aluminium frame, providing the necessary protection for its internal components. Effective heat management is crucial for the longevity and stable operation of lasers, and the integrated fan cooling system ensures that the laser modules remain within their optimal temperature range, even during prolonged use.

Safety is paramount when dealing with laser technology. The Spectrum 1500 RGB emits radiation that can be hazardous if directly viewed, so Algam Lighting has incorporated several safety features to mitigate these risks. The inclusion of a safety key ensures that the laser can only be operated when authorised personnel have the key inserted, preventing accidental or unauthorised use. The interlock connector allows for connection to external safety circuits, such as emergency stop buttons, providing an additional layer of safety in professional installations.

The Spectrum 1500 RGB strikes a good balance between power and portability. Weighing in at a manageable 2.25kg, it’s easy to transport for mobile DJs. Its compact dimensions also contribute to ease of rigging and placement. The included mounting bracket provides a standard and secure method for suspending the laser from lighting stands or truss systems.

The Algam Lighting Spectrum 1500 RGB entertainment laser is a great advanced product for those seeking to elevate their events with captivating visual displays. Its potent RGB laser system delivers a rich and vibrant colour palette, while the 20kpps scanner and extensive library of pre-programmed patterns offer a diverse range of dynamic effects. The versatility in control, from simple automatic and sound-activated modes to the more advanced DMX control, caters to a wide spectrum of users. However, the inclusion of the ILDA interface is a standout feature, unlocking a world of creative potential for users willing to delve into custom laser show design. The robust build quality and integrated safety features provide peace of mind for demanding professional use. While perhaps not the most budget-friendly option on the market, the Spectrum 1500 RGB offers a significant step up in terms of features, performance and creative possibilities, making it a worthwhile investment for those serious about creating truly memorable and visually stunning experiences. But, as with all laser shows, they really need an atmospheric haze to give the best result, which will limit the use of the fixture.