Best Solo DJ Uplights? The NEW Rockville Mini RF4 Uplights -- DMX needed?
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
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The new Rockville Mini RF4 lights -- these new lights have FOUR RF groups just like the Ape Labs Maxi lights, with one (or a couple) big "BUTs". Part 2 where I explore the range with both the RF remote and with master slave mode coming soon!
Is this the perfect light for the solo DJ trying to avoid bringing or running a DMX lightshow? Do these compete with the Ape Lab Maxis? With the new Both Lighting IR4? Let me know in the comments below!!
Shout out to @djwolfletsgo for making the first review on these lights and giving me the information I needed to go out and get these for myself too!! Check out his review to see these lights in action at • Video .
I was able to use my DMX controller to control the lights and I was able to use the Blue "channel" on my lights. I set them all to slave mode and they are controlled by my wireless DMX controller.
Wow that’s great to know thanks for sharing! This is a big advantage as the previous models of these (or the Both RF4 lights) could only be controlled on the red channel. How’s the range on these lights when you use your wireless DMX setup? Any issues?
@@MrMaui38 I haven't used them at an event yet. Just got them setup with my DMX controller. I will be using them for the first time next weekend April 8th. I'll let you know how it goes. But so far I'm controlling 16 lights with my ADJ NE1 DMX controller.
@@emmanuelgarcia1279 but there’s no way to set the actual dmx address on these these lights. Right? Yes you can control them with wireless DMX or the Donner dongles….etc. But as far as setting a specific starting address on these. Doesn’t seem possible these are still great. They still have their uses.
@LoVeAmBiEnT right? I control rockwedge lights for my magic act on 2 channels ... if I were to add these for flood lights or highlight lights I wouldn't be able to control them with a board, right?
No way to set an actual DMX address on these specific lights. I do like using them specially for the price, I have used them at multiple events now and never had any issues with signal strength or battery not lasting. I hightly recommend them but if you can spend a little more get the ones that have 4 LED lights, when I bought mine the 3 LED was the biggest that was available from Rockville. But even with that in mind I still recommend them.
@@LoVeAmBiEnT
I’m lucky enough to have the Ape labs maxi’s and picked up the 4 pack of the Rockville mini sf3s because they match the triangular look of the maxi’s that I like. I’m very impressed with the features and the brightness of the Rockvilles. For about $75 a piece you can’t complain. I use my Ape labs Maxis and Cans for long distance large venues and have no issues using the Rockvilles closer.
You are 100% right - at the price point they are incredible! That’s a perfect use where you use the Rockville’s for situations that they’re closer by and the Apes for longer distance. I think that’s the ideal situation for these.
Better demo than Rockville themselves!
Love that you gave us master/slave demo too!
I'm also not a fan of the random colors from sound mode. Synchronicity is key!
Appreciate you boss!
Thanks for watching!! Glad it was helpful for you. Exactly for that master slave synchronicity, I ended up going with the Both IR4 which I also made a video on. They have a nice master slave mode which keeps everything synchronized and you can easily control. Love them so far!
If anyone reading this has a set of eight of these maybe in the charging case and they would be interested in selling them for a decent deal hit me up. Yes, money is tight but I would like to own these. Great review and really appreciate your time to put it up for us!
Thanks for checking out the video!! Hopefully someone is interested in selling theirs and hits you up! If you’re interested in buying them new, Rockville has them in stock now on the website or you can also check out the the new Both Lighting IR4 which I may be getting soon as well.
Amazing review bro! Thanks for the shoutout! I will definitely be ordering the rf4 as my next 8 lights! The issue with the remote in slave mode definitely makes me think that it’s just another way to push us to the wireless dmx lol I guess they have to sell their other products as well lol I think I will go ahead and order one of them and test it out to see if it’s really worth it or even an air stream device since our lights are wireless dmx but the wireless dmx controller would be the cheapest option at around 99 bucks
Yessirr!! Thanks for showing me how these work and that these were available in the first place!!
I agree about the wireless DMX man. I’m just trying to avoid bringing one extra thing to my events hahaha but it really seems like it would be the most reliable solution. It would also give us the option to set up the transmitter somewhere higher up so that the signal can get to all the lights.
Just in my brief testing in my home with some stuff in the way here and there, the range with the RF and even in master slave has been so so. I’ve got gigs coming up next couple of weeks where I’ll really get to test the range of the RF remotes, and of the signal in master slave mode with people, tables etc in the way. If I’m having connection issues, I’m thinking to send these back and get the new Both IR4 lights instead, since they have the full wireless DMX capability and also master slave mode with one remote (just no RF remote). We’ll see how it goes!!
Tengo las luces Rockville Rockwedge I used the remote control in salons, but they don't work well, I recommend the rockville w2 wireless dmx controller, it has a range of 600 meters and you won't have any problems
@@Djalexboston yes I just received the Rockville rockforce w4 yesterday it works perfectly!
Been thinking of grabbing a few of these too! Great video!
Thanks for checking it out!! I actually decided to end up going with the Both Lighting IR4 instead after the RF remote range of these was disappointing (I have a second video). I haven’t got them yet or tested them but check out the IR4 too if you’re in the market for these lights and haven’t already!
@@MrMaui38 oh ok so you returned the Rockvilles huh? I have 24 of the Chauvet Freedom Par Quad 4's, but been wanting to get some smaller ones like these.
@@djdannybhtx yup returned just recently actually. The Rockville’s and IR 4 are identical when it comes to size and form factor (Both Lighting actually makes all of Rockville’s lights) so you can’t go wrong with either when it comes to size/ portability! If using master/ slave function is important to you or if you DMX your Chauvet freedom pars, you may like the IR4s more over the Rockvilles, since the IR4 have full dmx compatibility rather than just 1 channel like on the Rockville’s.
@@MrMaui38 Nice! thanks for the input!
BTW, the sound mode on the Ape Labs also react independently of each other, which I actually prefer visually.
Good to know! I don’t own or never tested them but was always under the impression they coordinated with each other. They stay on the same color when they react right? Or is it all just random kind of like you see with the Rockville’s on sound mode?
I agree... the "chaos" provides more energy
10x the price as well.
I used the remote control in salons, but they don't work well, I recommend the rockville w2 wireless dmx controller, it has a range of 600 meters and you won't have any problems
Thanks! Yes that’s what I’ve been hearing too, that DMX controller is really going to be the reliable option with good range. That’s great to know it’s working well for you!
Great video and awesome no-nonsense review. Really appreciate the no BS here and highlighting the drawbacks of these units. That master slave mode is pretty much useless. Love the work-around with the pulse mode to mimic music mode. Have you left them long enough to check if they lose sync after a while? I agree they will all start the same color at the same time but I’m wondering if after a few minutes they wouldn’t be out of sync due to slightly different timings in each units. I had that problem with old ADJ uplights. After just 5min they were all out of sync despite starting in sync.
The sticky remote is also an issue with the ape labs (sometimes you have to press a couple of times for the unit to register). And yes, the range! Please test that out and post a follow up video, this could also really be a killer issue if you end up having to go round the room « clicking » like a cheapskate everytime you want the lights to do something different.
In the end like you said they cost 1/4 the ape labs so there’s always going to be compromised.
I appreciate you checking out the video!!
That’s a great point about the losing sync and I haven’t left them on very long to see if they get out of sync yet. I will definitely make sure to test that too when I take them out to gigs next week! Thanks for that heads up because that wasn’t even on my radar at all.
I totally agree about the range being a tremendous letdown. Walking around with that remote to the lights in the back or sides of the room is not the look I’m going for 😂 hahaha.
If you end up getting your IR4s, please let me know how the range in master slave mode is on them!! That would really be a huge factor for me, but at the same time at least in the IR4 you have full DMX capability as a backup option (with the option to place or daisy chain your wireless dmx transmitter to a ideal location) even if the master slave range isn’t much better than on these Rockville’s.
@DJ Heisenberg -- I just uploaded a video of some testing I did on the range on these lights!! Here's the link ua-cam.com/video/FPHfCSTLUYM/v-deo.html
Great review. I am wondering why the light closest to the camera looks dimmer than the other two.
Thanks for watching! Great point. The reason is at around 4:40 I turned the brightness down to demo it, and then forgot to turn it back up before bringing the two other lights over 😅 There are three separate brightness settings and that first light was on the lowest one. Great observation!!
Also if you’re interesting in seeing their range, check out my second video on them!
I have 14 mini RF1 v2 for simple up light needs. Four of the rock wedges, which I do like a lot for $100 apiece
Then I bought eight of the. Both IR-4s. Was there anyway to set the starting DMX address on these lights here? The both lights have the little digital screen on them so you can simply set the address. Which makes it easy to program them individually if needed in sound switch. Is this possible with the Rockville lights?
Unfortunately not with the Rockville Mini RF4s..that would have been nice. That’s one of the reasons I decided to go with the Both IR4 in the end.
Nice lights but Im done with up lights I had battery ones since 2011. Is there something new out there than up lights?
You are ahead of the game my man!! I honestly don’t know other than the moving heads, and wash moving heads but there obviously different. The Chauvet Wash FX are very popular as well. Let me know if you find a new option you like!
@@MrMaui38 I had the wash fx 6 years ago and sold them. Looking for something new
@@oldschooldjernie I can’t think of anything new that’s the rage but if I do I’ll let you know!!
@@MrMaui38 ???that was the rage in 2009...how long have yo've been a mobile dj?
@@oldschooldjernie haha I meant i can’t think of anything new that is the rage currently. And I’m pretty new to the game, last couple years only. That’s why I’m still looking for my first set of uplights!! You are way ahead of me man keep rocking 🤘🏽🤘🏽
Really wanted to love these lights but the big ass power adapter has me hating this model. I use a 18-outlet powerstrip to charge all my rockwedges so it blows my mind that it’s not just a standard power cable that alone is the deal breaker for me.
Hey that’s a great point about charging these lights. I got the Both IR4 and they have the same bulky charging brick. I ended up buying these power strips and can fit 9 of those chargers on each. It’s working well so far.
Surge Protector Power Strip 15 Outlets, TESSAN 1875W 15A Extension Cord with Multiple Outlets 6 ft, 3 USB Charging Ports, 1050J, Mountable, Flat Plug, Home Office College Dorm Room Essentials a.co/d/c9zPmQf
Will the wireless dmx work with MyDMXGo and the dongles
Thanks for watching! Yessir these will work on the red color wireless DMX color group, channel 1 only. Great for if you want all the lights to do the same thing.
If you want more DMX flexibility, I really recommend the Both Lighting IR4 instead! They work on all wireless DMX color groups and channels.
U say said it work wit my dmx go
This thing is identical to the Both Lighting RF4 that DJ Rick Web is promoting...
Thanks for checking it out! Both Lighting apparently makes these too so very similar to the RF4, with one main difference - the remote. In these Rockville’s, the RF remote lets you choose between 32 colors, let’s you control the brightness and lets you create four groups to control the lights with. The RF4s have a basic remote without those features. If you’re choosing between these and the RF4, these Rockville’s are the winner.
The new Both Lighting IR4s on the other hand are very similar to these except have full DMX function, better master slave functionality so I think they take the W. I’m picking those up myself instead of these.
@@MrMaui38 Both USA semmed to me is more expensive too
@@igorshendarovich2409 Yes, more expensive to buy via Both Lighting USA. If you are interested in Both Lighting lights watch my other video on the IR4, I include a link to djnowlighting, where you can buy the lights direct for cheaper than Both Lighting USA as well! Thanks for watching!
@@MrMaui38 thanks. I was looking for may be 16 in charging station. Any discount on those?
@@igorshendarovich2409
djnowlighting.com/products/16pcs-with-2cases-battery-led-mini-spotlight-ir4-4x12w-rgbwa-uv-wireless-wedding-uplighting-ir-remote-control?DIST=T05H
This is the direct link, hope that helps!
These are rebranded Both Lighting R4Fs
Thanks for watching! Yes apparently Both makes the lighting for Rockville as well. These do have some increased functionality over the original RF4s however. The difference with these is the 4 different RF group settings and the improved RF remote with more colors, brightness settings, etc.
Both lighting isn’t selling this same version (yet..) on their website but maybe they will start in the future! They’ve got the new IR4 which are similar but different in a few ways and honestly I may return these Rockville’s and get IR4 instead.