[Live House Basics] What is a strobe in lighting effects?

Last updated:2024/8/4

[Live House Basics] What is a strobe in lighting effects?

Festival-loving girlImae Mizuki
I got totally hooked on BUMP OF CHICKEN after my best friend introduced them to me in junior high, and that’s when I woke up to music. In high school, a senior led me into the world of melodic hardcore, and I fell for it completely. Heavily influenced by the boyfriend I was dating back then, I’ve been a huge fan of 10-FEET from then until now. After graduating from my days as a hairstylist—spent staring down wigs every day—I now work staff for studios, live houses, and wedding sound, spending my days hunting for new bands. Despite being out at festivals and shows all year round, I’m still a hopeless kid who can’t even do a two-step.

When you go to a live music venue, have you ever found yourself captivated not just by the sound, but by the glittering lights as well?

I believe that experiencing an extraordinary space is at the heart of a live show.

This time, I’d like to touch a bit on strobes—lighting that’s essential for creating that extraordinary atmosphere and especially memorable among all the lights.

strobe (in lighting terminology)

Among the lightingstrobeThere is a feature called

It refers to lights that crackle and flash, like in the video below.

https://youtu.be/ETiwdq0q5M4?t=57s

It is used to heighten the customer’s excitement.

Mainly,visual keiand/or; such as; or (used to list examples)punk styleI feel like it’s often used in songs by bands like those, especially when they’re trying to get the crowd to headbang.

The original meaning of strobe

If you like cameras, you may have heard this phrase.

A device that fires a flash is called a strobe.

It’s what you’d call an “external flash,” right?

The etymology of lighting 'strobe' also comes from the strobe on this camera.

It carries the meaning of flashing a light in the dark.

How to use at a live music venue

Now that we understand what a strobe is, let's move on to how to use it.

Using a strobe allows you to create a more dynamic, high-contrast effect.

For example, you can create effects that crackle and flash like lightning, present a sharp, angular look, and, as I mentioned at the beginning, hype up some headbanging.

They’re great for creating cool effects that are essential to live performances, but overusing them can strain the eyes of both the audience and the performers, having the opposite effect.

Strobes in the club

Like live houses, strobe lights are also used in clubs.

However, it is slightly different from the way it is used in live music venues, as I described earlier.

At live music venues, lighting mainly uses pinpoint strobes synchronized with the songs.

However, in the case of clubs, it flashes in sync with the continuous kick (bass drum) sound.

This creates a more club-like atmosphere that makes it easier to dance and get into the groove.

Lastly

I think both live houses and clubs are wonderful places where you can experience an extraordinary atmosphere.

This time, I explained the strobe, which is indispensable for experiencing such an extraordinary space.

In addition to strobe lights, many live music venues and clubs are well equipped with lighting, so be sure to check them out.