Now the Manchester-based rental company has brought its range up to date by acquiring 24 of SGM's new P-5 low profile LED wash lights from SGM UK; the unit was designed to replace the Palco series, and bring the concept of the powerful IP65 rated wash light into the 21st century.
According to dbn director and lighting designer, Stephen Page, the purchase was not made without first carrying out a critical review of other comparable fixtures. "We reviewed and tested lots of alternatives but the P-5s were the best, and they will be suitable across the diverse range of projects we work on."
The fixture's output-to-consumption ratio reveals an overall efficacy factor of 52 lumens per watt. This is derived from 44 x RGBW 10W LEDs (with 50,000 hours life expectancy), with a power consumption reduced to just 410W. Interchangeable 15°, 21°and 43° lens kits are also available.
One of their first high profile appearances was at a major outdoor arts event in Glasgow, tied in with the Commonwealth Games. "The P5s have an amazing colour range compared to other units we looked at," continues Page.
"The range and evenness of the colour output was our prime consideration, as well a smooth dimming throughout the curve. The fixture is well designed and extremely smart and compact in appearance - which suits a lot of our work. The IP rating is another useful feature for our outdoor shows."
Now in its fourth decade, dbn Lighting was synonymous with the so-called 'Madchester' band scene in the city during the 80s and 90s, and still maintains a strong musical connection; it has continued to support the city's popular Parklife Festival and the Albert Hall and Warehouse Project club events - as well as undertaking high profile corporate and arts event based work.
"We have always received good support from SGM and I would expect this to be even better under the new set up, with SGM UK," Stephen Page concludes.
(Jim Evans)
