Image sourced from Reddit

Want to create a dedicated suspended space for equipment during your performance? Truss lifters are the way to go!

The truss lifter is the equipment that is used to elevate the equipment during the performance. The help in the course of creating dynamic stage setups. This dynamic stage setup creates a visually engaging environment for the viewers.

Overall, This process enhances the viewers' engagement, and their energy levels increase. They also leave an everlasting impression.

The truss lifters empower the artists to create dynamic setups that can be used for unique and dynamic performances, increasing the artistic touch in the performance.

In this blog post, we will center on the role of the truss lifter, its impact on DJ performance, and the structural components and types of truss lifters.

Finally, we will provide you with a dedicated list of truss lifters that you can use to enhance your performance, so stay tuned until the very end!

Understanding the Role of Truss Lifters 

The truss lifter has a key role in lighting audio and visual equipment. They uplift the equipment above the stage and help improve the overall performance experience.

Lighting Elevation, Depth and Syncing

The truss lifter provides light elevation. It allows effective light positioning and fixing.While you are performing, you need to suspend these lightning equipment to a height from where you can easily move them and get the best possible result.

There are different lights, like LED panels, moving heads, and spotlights. All these lights need to be placed at elevation to give that visual effect in the performance.So with the help of a truss lifter, this can be easily achieved, and dynamic visual effects are created.

The truss lifters help create visual effects like depth, etc. When the lights are lifted from the floor, the different angles interact with each other, achieving this depth.

Apart from that, the elevated lights move dynamically with the music beats, and hence they also sync with the music.They change colors and patterns according to that beat. It creates a whole new atmosphere.

Audio Enhancement

The truss lifter plays a role in enhancing the audio quality. The audio gear, like the speakers, needed to be mounted as it helps in better sound production.

The truss lifter helps mount the speakers to an elevated level and fix them. This elevation of the speakers helps cover the sound for the overall audience, creating an immersive experience for the audience overall.

As the audio equipment is lifted to an elevated space, the obstacles on the floor are reduced, so a clutter-free space is achieved.

Visual Equipment Positioning

The truss lifter helps with the positioning of the visual equipment. It supports the projectors and screens to elevate them to larger surfaces. They help increase the visibility of all the viewers so that all the people can see the screens and the projectors.

Truss lifters also lift other things, like hanging banners, backdrops, and branding materials, so all the visual equipment is visible from the crowd.

Cabling and Rigging 

The truss lifters also help in cabling and rigging. The truss lifters conceal the cables and the wires. All this helps in making the stage clutter-free. The organized setup helps provide an aesthetic look to the stage.

Apart from the cabling, the truss lifters also secure the rigging points for the equipment. With truss lifters, effective rig and point management is done so you get appropriate weight management on them.

Safety and Accessibility

Properly installed truss lifters also help secure the fixtures. When you have properly installed fixtures, the risk of them falling and causing any safety issue is greatly reduced.

The accessibility of the equipment is also significantly impacted by the truss lifter. The crew members are at ease with the adjustments to the equipment. They can also do the regular maintenance and the replacement squirt easily with the help of it.

Components of a Truss Lifter

There are four major components of a truss lifter.

Structural Body

The main structural body of the truss lifter provides the strength for the support of the equipment. The body is made of heavy-duty material, mostly metals or aluminum. Both of these are quite sturdy and can bear the weight of the equipment.

The better the framework, the better the weight-bearing capacity of the truss lifter. This, in turn, helps provide the lifter with stability.

Different designs of truss lifters are available. All come with varying structural configurations. However, the basic element of concern for them is their stability and the material used for the construction.

Winch System

The winch system is responsible for the vertical movement of the truss. It is a regulator that can be remotely controlled.

The winch adjustment can lower or raise the truss to the desired height. Commonly, the winch is motorized, which helps in better quick control and precision.

With the winch system, the crew members can easily adjust the height of the truss and manage the performance setup.

Safety Components

The truss lifter includes three basic safety features.

• The first one is the brakes. The brakes stop the movement of the truss lifter. They help stop the truss at one place after the truss reaches the desired elevation. They help control any unintentional movement of the truss.
• The locking mechanism in the truss is used to secure the truss in one place. The lock system in the truss lifter makes the truss stable so that all the equipment is stopped and fixed at its desired place.
• The last one is overload protection. Some truss lifters also include overload detection systems.These truss systems prevent the overloading of the truss with heavy weights. When these systems detect that the weight is exceeding the limit, they stop the truss lifting.   

  

Control System

The control system is a control panel for all the truss lifting management. The control panel helps with lifting and lowering operation management. It is used because it provides precise control over the operation.

The control panel mostly has button andstices for the navigation.In some of the advanced truss lifters you may find a control panel with a touch screen as well.

The control panel can seamlessly control the operation of lifting the truss to the desired height with all the equipment. With the control panel, functionality is enhanced and ease of operation is achieved.

In some of the advanced lifters, there are options available to integrate the lighting consoles, which help in the synchronized effects affecting the overall performance.

Impact of Truss Lifters on DJ Performance

The truss lifter can impact the DJ's performance in various ways. 

Enhanced Visual Presence

The truss lifter helps enhance the visual presence of the stage as it strategically positions lighting at different heights.

This strategic positioning of the lightning at varying angles creates an illusion and effectively enhances the visual presence of the stage and the DJ performance.

The lights interplay, and the different angles of the light help to create a whole different visual presence. Irrespective of your performance type, you can get all the aesthetic visuals.

Creative Lighting Effects

The use of the truss lifter helps create creative lighting effects. A DJ can experiment with different lighting effects when using a truss lifter.

Various lights, such as moving heads, spotlights, LED panels, and lasers, are used. All these are suspended with the help of the truss lifter at different angles. 

These lights have dynamic movements, and the color and pattern changes help create more efficient lighting effects.

Apart from that, the truss lifter also helps incorporate light choreography. So, the syncing of the music beats with the light helps create enhanced visuals.

Increased Stage Space

The truss lifter helps make space on the stage. There is a lot of congestion when all the lighting and other gear are on the floor.

The movement of the DJ is also affected, and performers have less space to move.

But with the help of the truss lifter, the lightning is lifted. This creates a lot of space, so there is room to move on the stage.

With the light being elevated, there is a lesser risk of collisions, as when the performers are in exciting performances, these types of accidents can occur.  

Customizable Setups

The truss lifter offers customizable setups that impact the DJ performance. The truss lifters offer flexibility in the design, and you can easily customize your setup to meet your requirements.

You can opt for the desired truss design and overall setup that helps you match the theme of your event, which will increase the appeal of your performance overall.

Irrespective of your event type, you can get the desired amount of customization that will help enhance the performance.

Improved Safety

With truss lifters, you also provide safety to the crew members and the performers.When the truss lifters are installed properly, they lift the lights and secure them in place at the required height.

They minimize the risk of the lights slippage and thus help reduce the overall damage due to their mishap.

In case you want to know tidbits from a professional about the equipment he uses; here is a quick youtube video link.

Types of Truss Lifters

There are four major types of truss lifters.

Manual Lifters

The manual lifters are hand-operated lifters. The lifting mechanism is mainly done by hand crank or manual winch.

As they are hand-operated, they require physical effort to raise or lower the truss system. Because they require manual operation, if you have a large-scale setup, it would be hectic to periodically do this manually. 

Also, with limited power sources in the venues, these manual lifters are unsuitable. However, in terms of affordability, they are much more affordable than others and are easier to maintain.    

Motorized Lifters

The motorized lifter uses motor assistance to lift. As per their name, they have electric motors attached, providing an automatic lifting facility.

Compared to the other types, they provide more strict control over the height adjustments. They are more convenient to use as they are motor-operated.

For bigger gatherings, they are more reliable. In larger setups, there is a frequent process of changing the lighting and making small changes. So, in order to do so, using a stage setup that provides precise control is crucial. So, going for them in the bigger setups is a good option.

Another benefit provided by the motorized lifter is that it can be integrated with a remote control system. This way, it can be operated remotely, helping in more convenient setup management.

Hydraulic Lifters

The hydraulic lifter uses the same principle as the hydraulic car wash system. It provides smooth and efficient lifting of the lighting system.

With the hydraulic principle, lifting large-weight objects simultaneously at fast operational speeds is easier.

They are commonly used at larger setups, just like the motorized lifters. At concert venues and theaters, they often opt for these setups.

Hybrid Systems

The hybrid system uses both the motorized and the manual power systems. It provides more functionality as it provides the combined features of both types.

In case of power shortages, you can shift to manual mode, and when convenience is desired, shift to motor lifting.

An Overview of Some Top Truss Lifters 

 

Lighting Truss Stands

                                               Image sourced from Reddit

A lighting truss stand is a structural equipment used to hold LEDs or other lighting equipment for better and more secure handling.

Specification

• It has an adjustable height suitable for a versatile setup.
• Its sturdy construction enables the holding of lighting equipment more securely.
• Setup is straightforward, and installation is effortless.
• It can accommodate up to 200 pounds.

 

Pros 

• Stand has a crank-up mechanism for effortless height adjustment.
• Rectangular design gives stability in functioning.
• The versatility makes it compatible with various lighting fixtures.

Cons 

• Structure can make it relatively bulky and heavy for transport.
• It generally requires assembly, which can be time-consuming.

 

Here is a testimonial by our client "godj61”

Solid construction, light weight and easy to assemble.

This truss exceeded my expectations. It's easy to assemble and strikes very quickly. It's versatile with 3 configurations This truss is also very affordable. Read the assembly instructions to avoid (unlike me) issues with the integrity of the main truss out to 15ft.

 

Triangle Truss Segment Extension

                                                 Image sourced from Ebay

Triangle Truss Segment Extension provides extra versatility to the Truss Section and makes the functionality more effective.

Specifications

• It extends the length of existing triangle truss systems and makes them more versatile.
• Although it is lightweight, it is durable due to its aluminum construction.
• It allows easy attachment to compatible truss segments.
• The weight bearing capacity is 200 pounds

 

Pros

• Enhances the versatility of truss setups.
• Aids in adding more space for mounting lighting fixtures.
• The installation process is quick and simple.

Cons

• Compatibility is limited with specific truss systems.
• May not suffice for heavier equipment. Additional support can be required for this purpose.

 

T-Bar Support for DJ Light Tripod Stands

T-Bar Support is suitable equipment for providing support to DJ light tripod stands

Specifications

• T-Bar support provides a suitable and stable platform for mounting lights.
• It is compatible with standard tripod stands and provides the best performance.
• Versatility is a key factor, and it has adjustable width for different setups.
• The weight bearing capacity of 200 pounds per one T bar.

 

Pros

• It offers flexibility in the positioning of lighting fixtures.
• The compact and portable design makes it more effective.
• The attachment to existing tripod stands is compatible.

Cons

• Weight capacity is compared to truss systems.
• It is not very suitable for heavy or large lighting fixtures. 

 

DJ Booth Tabletop With 8FT Lighting Truss Stand Package

DJ Booth Tabletop With 8FT Lighting Truss Stand Package eliminates the need for a separate light truss. 

Specifications

• Provides integrated DJ booth with built-in lighting truss stand.
• The package has a compact design for space-saving setup.
• It contains shelves for equipment storage.

 

Pros

• The system provides an all-in-one solution for DJs needing a workstation.
• The well-compacted system provides a professional appearance for performances.
• As the system is well managed, it is easy to transport and set up at different venues.

Cons

• It only fills up the limited space compared to larger DJ setups.
• Larger lighting fixtures may not be accommodated because there is less space.

Here is what our client “jerome” has to say about the product

AWESOME Fat Toad DJ Booth

Used it several times. Easy set up, sturdy for all my lights especially for my moving heads. Very awesome set on my part...

T Bar Adapters for Lighting Truss Stands

                                                  

T Bar Adapters are pieces of equipment that fit almost any size square or triangular truss because they are adjustable.

Specifications

• They function by converting lighting truss stands to accommodate T-bar fixtures.
• They provide a durable construction for secure mounting.
• Without much difficulty, they provide easy attachment to existing truss systems.

 

Pros

• Due to its functionality, it expands the versatility of truss setups.
• Makes way for mounting additional lighting fixtures.
• This versatility makes it compatible with most standard T-bar fixtures.

Cons

• Right order is key. It requires careful alignment to ensure stability.
• The alignment requirement may limit the weight capacity of truss stands. 

 

DJ Triangle Truss Extension Lighting System

 Image sourced from Reddit

DJ Triangle Truss Extension Lighting System provides an extension and more versatility to your current lighting system 

Specifications

• It aids by extending the length and versatility of triangle truss systems.
• The extension allows for the mounting of additional lighting fixtures.
• It is lightweight and has durable aluminum construction.

 

Pros

• It ensures the enhancement of the visual impact of lighting setups.
• The installation process is very quick and easy.
• These features make it compatible with most standard truss systems.

Cons

• The compatibility is limited with specific truss designs.
• Additional support for heavy equipment may be required.

 

Here is a comparison table for the products

Product	Type	Capacity	Material	Mounting
Lighting Truss Stands	Adjustable height, sturdy construction	Versatile lighting setups	Crank-up mechanism, triangle design for stability, compatibility	Bulky for transport, assembly required
Triangle Truss Segment Extension	Extends truss length, lightweight aluminum construction	Enhancing truss setups	Easy attachment, adds space for fixtures, quick installation	Compatibility limitations may require additional support
T-Bar Support for DJ Light Tripod Stands	Stable platform for lights, adjustable width	Mounting lights on tripods	Flexibility in positioning, compact design, easy attachment	Limited weight capacity, not suitable for heavy fixtures
DJ Booth Tabletop With 8FT Lighting Truss Stand Package	Integrated DJ booth, compact design	DJs needing workstation	All-in-one solution, professional appearance, easy to transport	Limited space, may not accommodate larger fixtures
T Bar Adapters for Lighting Truss Stands	Converts truss for T-bar fixtures, durable construction	Expanding truss setup	Versatility in setup, compatibility with T-bar fixtures	Requires careful alignment, may limit weight capacity
DJ Triangle Truss Extension Lighting System	Extends truss length, lightweight aluminum construction	Enhancing truss setups	Enhances visual impact, quick installation, compatibility	Compatibility limitations may require additional support

 

Why Choose Geekstands

Greek stands are one of the best choices for you, and there are many reasons.

First of all, the Greek stand truss lifters provide you with portability features.

The truss lifters are very sturdy as they are made up of a heavy-duty metal frame. So, it can handle vigorous vibrations, beat drops, etc. And with this heavy-duty frame, the lighting equipment has a solid foundation and remains safe.

The functionality of the truss lifters is top-notch. The lightning system is fixed and the features work to their absolute best, and every performance becomes a masterpiece.

So the truss lifters are available at the greekstands. And with all the required features they are one product a DJ must not miss! So go grab one today!