In the ever-evolving world of lighting technology, fixtures that balance performance, portability and value are top of any mobile DJ’s shopping list. We need robust lights that can cope with being regularly moved, aren’t overly heavy and difficult to handle, and also don’t break the bank. And, of course, you need to get maximum ‘bang-for-buck’ – you want the biggest and best output possible while not having to remortgage the house.

Having recently had the opportunity to extensively test a pair of CHAUVET DJ Blazor units – both during a live event and while shooting demo footage for a Kent Media Group upcoming YouTube release – I’ve been able to have a good look at one light that should be on your list.

The Blazor immediately impresses with its remarkably compact size. Vehicle space is premium and setup time is money, while this unit’s lightweight design and small footprint is a genuine game-changer. The fixture strikes an excellent balance between durability and portability, making it an attractive option for mobile DJ.

The physical design is clean and modern, though there are some considerations worth noting. The mounting bracket that supports the mirror above the main body is relatively thin, which can result in some vibration of the barrel under specific circumstances. While this isn’t a major concern during normal operation – particularly when the fixture is in motion – if they’re placed near powerful subwoofers you may notice some movement. However, it’s important to note that this effect is minimal and typically imperceptible during actual use.

With a 115W LED source, the Blazor delivers impressive output that genuinely surprised us during testing. When positioned alongside higher-wattage competitors, it held its own admirably, producing bright, well-defined effects that cut through ambient light effectively. The efficiency of the optical system is particularly effective, demonstrating how modern LED technology is achieving more with lower power consumption.

The ‘flower’ effect, a crucial feature for mobile DJs, is exceptionally well-done. The gobos are thoughtfully sized and spaced, creating a room-filling effect that doesn’t feel sparse or disconnected. The spread is particularly impressive, offering excellent coverage even in larger venues. This characteristic makes the Blazor especially valuable for events where comprehensive room coverage is essential but multiple fixtures aren’t practical or necessary.

The gobo package is an area where the Blazor shows both strengths and limitations. The standard configuration includes seven gobos, which, while not extensive, are well-chosen for typical mobile DJ applications. The absence of an open gobo position might be noticed by some users, though creative programming can work around this.

A standout feature is the inclusion of an additional pack of 10 gobos, significantly expanding the fixture’s versatility. The ability to swap gobos is straightforward, allowing DJs to customise their effects for seasonal events or specific themes. Wedding DJs will be pleased to see both stars and hearts as options, and I also thought the Christmas tree option would be really good in December.

The gobo rotation feature adds another dimension to the effects, though there’s an interesting quirk in the DMX implementation – rotation is currently limited to one direction via DMX control, while auto modes allow bi-directional rotation. This peculiarity seems more like a firmware limitation than a hardware constraint; I wouldn’t be surprised to see this changed in a future update.

Movement quality is generally excellent, with smooth operation across most speeds. The mirror-based system provides quick response times and precise positioning. The slowest tilt movement, while good, could benefit from slightly more granular control, particularly for applications like first dances where ultra-slow, smooth movements are desirable. However, this is a minor criticism in the context of the fixture’s overall performance.

The inclusion of infrared receivers on both the front and rear of the unit is a thoughtful touch, ensuring reliable operation with the optional IRC-6 remote regardless of fixture orientation. This dual-receiver setup is particularly valuable in situations where quick adjustments are needed during an event.

The master/slave functionality deserves special mention, offering two distinct operational modes. The standard synchronised show mirrors the master unit precisely, ideal for creating symmetrical effects. The alternative ‘coordinated shows’ mode introduces subtle variations between units, adding complexity and interest to multi-fixture setups without requiring DMX programming. This is a whole new level of master/slave and yet another demonstration of how lighting technology is evolving.

One current design limitation involves the positioning of power and DMX connections, which can become partially obscured when using certain mounting configurations. CHAUVET DJ has acknowledged this issue and is developing a revised mounting solution. While not a deal-breaker, it’s something to consider when planning how you mount the lights.

Perhaps the best thing about the Blazor is its price. In an industry where professional-grade effects come at premium prices, this fixture delivers remarkable performance and features at a cost that makes it accessible to pretty much anyone. The inclusion of the additional gobo pack further enhances the value, effectively providing seasonal versatility without additional cost.

During our testing at a live event, the Blazors performed admirably, creating engaging effects that enhanced the atmosphere without overwhelming the space. The lightweight design proved particularly beneficial during setup and teardown, and this will be especially useful to anyone needing to get in and out of a venue at speed.

While the current firmware has some limitations, particularly regarding gobo rotation control, CHAUVET DJ’s track record suggests these will be addressed in future updates. The planned improvements to the mounting bracket design also demonstrate their commitment to product refinement based on user feedback.

The CHAUVET DJ Blazor represents a significant achievement in compact lighting design. While there’s room for minor improvements, the unit’s strengths far outweigh its limitations. The combination of impressive output, versatile effects and excellent value makes it a compelling option for mobile DJs looking to enhance their lighting without breaking the bank or sacrificing valuable transport space.

For a complete demonstration of the Blazor’s capabilities, keep an eye out for our comprehensive video review on the Kent Media Group YouTube channel which will be released following the publication of this article in Pro Mobile magazine.


The CHAUVET DJ Blazor is currently only available in Europe