Chauvet DJ Intimidator Trio XD Review: Three Lighting Jobs in One Moving Head
Adding more lighting fixtures isn't always the best way to improve a lighting rig. More fixtures also mean more mounting, cabling, power distribution, DMX addresses and gear to move. The Chauvet DJ Intimidator Trio XD takes a different approach by combining three useful lighting functions - beam, wash and effect - in one moving head.
The idea isn't particularly complicated, but the execution is interesting. A motorized zoom changes the fixture from a tight beam to a broad wash, while a continuously rotating honeycomb effect adds another layer of movement. That gives the Trio XD considerably more flexibility than a moving head designed primarily for one type of effect.
A Very Useful 3°–22° Zoom
The Trio XD's motorized zoom ranges from a tight 3-degree beam to a 22-degree wash. At the narrow end, the fixture can produce a concentrated beam that works particularly well with haze. Open the zoom up and the same fixture becomes a much broader color source.
Chauvet rates the narrow beam at more than 124,000 lux at two meters, so this isn't simply a small decorative effect light. There's plenty of punch available when the beam is focused down.
More Than Just a Beam and Wash
The continuously rotating honeycomb optical effect is what makes the Trio XD more interesting. It creates moving patterns and texture in addition to the pan, tilt, color and zoom functions.
The fixture uses six RGBW quad-color LEDs with 270 watts of total source power. RGBW also gives it the flexibility to produce both saturated colors and cleaner white-based looks.
Well Suited to Mobile Lighting
This is probably where the Intimidator Trio XD makes the most sense. For a mobile DJ, event company, school or church, getting three lighting functions from one fixture can save space and simplify setup.
The built-in D-Fi transceiver provides wireless DMX and master/slave operation, while the fixture also includes conventional 3- and 5-pin XLR connections. Power linking allows multiple fixtures to be connected together, further reducing cable clutter.
Control can be scaled to the job, with 16-, 23- or 52-channel DMX modes. Built-in auto programs with zone control can also produce more complicated looks without requiring the operator to program every movement.
Plenty of Movement
The Trio XD offers up to 540 degrees of pan and 270 degrees of tilt, with selectable movement ranges. Totem Mode keeps the beams directed toward the floor, which is particularly useful for mobile entertainment applications.
The fixture also includes a full-color LCD for setting and recalling a scene, USB-C for firmware updates and an RF receiver for optional RFC and RFC-XL remote control.
Why the Intimidator Trio XD?
If you already have a large lighting system with dedicated beam, wash and effect fixtures, specialized lights may give you more control. But for a smaller rig, the ability to combine those functions can be a real advantage.
The GearTechs Take
The Chauvet DJ Intimidator Trio XD at $1199 is a good example of making one fixture do more without making the setup unnecessarily complicated.
The 3°–22° motorized zoom is the key feature, giving it a useful range from concentrated beam to broad wash. Add the rotating honeycomb effect, RGBW LEDs, wireless DMX, built-in programs and extensive movement, and you've got a fixture that can cover a lot of ground.
If you'd rather have six fixtures that can each do three jobs than eighteen fixtures that each do one, the Intimidator Trio XD is worth a look. Call us today if you have questions, 800-747-7301.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chauvet DJ Intimidator Trio XD
What is the Chauvet DJ Intimidator Trio XD used for?
The Intimidator Trio XD is a versatile moving head designed for DJ, stage, church, school, theater and event lighting. Its combination of beam, wash and effect capabilities allows one fixture to perform several lighting roles, making it particularly useful when space, setup time or fixture count is limited.
How wide is the beam on the Intimidator Trio XD?
The Intimidator Trio XD has a motorized zoom ranging from 3° to 22°. The 3° setting produces a tight, concentrated beam that works well with haze, while the 22° setting provides a broader wash. This range allows the fixture to transition between beam and wash applications without changing fixtures.
Does the Intimidator Trio XD support wireless DMX?
Yes. The fixture has a built-in D-Fi transceiver that supports wireless DMX and leader/follower operation. It also has conventional 3-pin and 5-pin XLR connections for wired DMX, so it can be used in either wireless or traditional lighting systems.