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Moving Heads vs LED Pars: Which Fixtures?

Truss packed with moving heads and LED pars on a Krank'd event rig

Two of the most common questions we get: “What are those lights that move?” and “Do I need them?” Here’s a straight answer.

LED Pars: The Workhorse

LED par fixtures are the backbone of most event lighting rigs. They’re compact, reliable, and come in battery-powered options that need zero cabling. Point them at a wall, a stage, a tree, a tent ceiling. They wash everything in colour.

Best for:

  • Uplighting (walls, columns, architectural features)
  • Stage washes (even colour coverage)
  • Outdoor events (IP-rated versions available)
  • Events with short bump-in times
  • Budget-conscious packages

Our battery-powered LED pars are wireless and fully self-contained: no power cables, no data cables. Place them anywhere, control them via DMX or onboard programs. We carry 6 different LED par models for different applications.

Moving heads and LED pars lighting a stage in warm and cool tones
Moving heads and LED pars lighting a stage in warm and cool tones

Moving Heads: The Show-Stopper

Moving head fixtures are the ones that pan, tilt, zoom, change colour, project patterns, and create aerial beam effects. They’re what turn a lit stage into a show.

Best for:

  • Concert and festival stages
  • Theatre productions
  • Corporate reveals and award ceremonies
  • Any event where lighting IS the visual feature
  • Events with a dedicated lighting operator

Moving heads need a lighting console and a skilled operator to get the most out of them. They also need rigging (truss or ground stands), power, and DMX data. That’s why they’re almost always hired as part of a supply-and-operate package.

We carry 8 moving head models from Ayrton, Martin, and Chauvet, from compact wash movers to full-size arena profile fixtures.

So Which Do You Need?

Scenario Recommendation
Wedding reception LED pars (uplighting + dance floor wash)
Corporate gala / awards night Mix of both: pars for atmosphere, 4-6 movers for stage moments
Festival / concert stage Moving heads as primary, pars for fill
Theatre production Moving heads + conventional profiles (ETC Source Four)
Outdoor community event IP-rated LED pars + 2-4 IP-rated movers
Exhibition / trade show LED pars for booth lighting, 1-2 movers for feature spots

Not Sure? Just Ask

Tell us about your event and we’ll recommend exactly what you need, no more, no less. Get in touch or browse our full rental inventory.

Planning an event?

Talk to Krank'd about lighting design, supply & operate or dry hire across Gold Coast & Brisbane.

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