The Best PAR 50 gives us a durable, battery-powered wash we can place almost anywhere. Paired with our Rockville wireless transmitter, it keeps DMX cable runs out of the room.
SIGNALSIGNAL
Hardware
Build a capable, wireless-first lighting rig without buying a warehouse full of gear. These are practical starting points, not a tax for using Signal.
REQUIREMENTS / SHOPPING LIST
Specific hardware picks at three budgets. Prices are estimates checked in September 2026; verify the current listing and pack size before buying.
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| Type name | Description | Low cost | Mid range | High quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMX interface | Converts Signal's Art-Net or sACN network output into DMX. USB-only interfaces are not supported yet. | A wireless network-to-DMX node that connects Signal to your fixtures. | A network DMX node with outputs for up to four lighting universes. | A two-universe network-to-DMX converter for larger lighting rigs. |
| Moving heads | At least two. Pan, tilt, color, and gobos create movement with a real point of view. | A compact pair of moving-head lights with patterned gobos. | A brighter pair of gobo-equipped moving heads for small stages. | A high-output pair of moving heads for bigger rooms and stages. |
| DMX PARs | At least two. These are the dependable color wash that holds the whole room together. | An RGBW PAR wash light for basic color coverage. | A battery-powered wireless PAR for cable-free color washes. | A six-color PAR wash light for more nuanced stage color. |
| DMX laser | Optional. Confirm local laser rules and safe placement before using one in a room. | A compact DMX laser for animated beams and patterns. | An RGB DMX laser for programmable multicolor beam effects. | A portable, battery-powered laser projector with wireless control. |
| Wireless DMX | Removes the longest cable runs so fixtures can live where the experience needs them. | A wireless DMX transmitter and receiver pair that replaces a cable run. | A wireless DMX transmitter bundled with two rechargeable receivers. | A rechargeable wireless DMX transmitter-and-receiver pack for pro rigs. |
| MIDI controller | Optional hardware for triggering clips. The current Signal build has a driver for APC Mini mk2 only. | A compact pad-and-fader controller for triggering Signal clips. | A velocity-sensitive pad grid for hands-on music control. | A larger MIDI controller with clip pads, faders, and knobs. |
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OUR WORKING RIG
The hardware in our own setup, from PARs and movers to hands-on clip control. This is a reference kit, not a required shopping list.
The Best PAR 50 gives us a durable, battery-powered wash we can place almost anywhere. Paired with our Rockville wireless transmitter, it keeps DMX cable runs out of the room.
We started with the RF1 V1, but never loved its glossy finish. The V3 looks sleeker and adds more channels and a digital display, so it feels better in the rig.
We added these mini gobos for their range of looks and remarkably low weight. They are the lightest moving heads we have owned, and we are already considering more.
Linked pack includes 2; this kit uses 4
These compact movers have been in our kit for a while, and we still love them. They pack small enough that six could fit in a carry-on.
Exact product link to confirm
An earlier LaserCube was more power than we needed; these lasers give us 34-channel DMX control with animated patterns and liquid-sky effects. They add plenty of texture without dominating the rig.
These 90W movers are powerful enough to work beautifully from the floor. They are bulky and no longer sold, but ours have been dependable fixtures for bigger moments.
8 gobos · 8 colors · 11-channel DMX · sound-activated
Battery power and Rockville wireless DMX let us place these almost anywhere without visible cable runs. They are our favorite way to build atmosphere when a full light show would be too much.
The APC Mini is our favorite hands-on controller: inexpensive, compact, and versatile. We use it as a physical interface for the Signal iPad app to trigger clips during a show.
The PRIME GO packs streaming, built-in lighting, and up to four hours of battery life into a compact standalone deck. We can run ambient sets without a laptop between us and the crowd.
After using several XDJ systems, this standalone setup is our pick for bigger events. It costs far less than a full CDJ rig and keeps our eyes on the audience, not a laptop.
An 11-inch iPad Pro is the small, capable computer at the center of our lighting setup. It runs Signal DMX without adding a laptop to the booth.
Choose the model and storage you need
The PKnight bridges our iPad's wireless network control to the DMX rig. That lets the converter live near the lights instead of forcing another cable beside the iPad.
3.3★ listing; check reviews before buying
We rely on wireless DMX across the rig, and this Rockville transmitter and receiver kit keeps setup flexible. A charging dock would make it even better, but we have never looked back.
Transmitter + 2 rechargeable receivers
The ROCKFORCE W4 is a straightforward way to learn lighting control before diving into complex software. Its wireless output also makes it a useful backup for our rig.
Standalone 384-channel wireless DMX controller
The battery-powered SmokeNINJA is small enough to mount magnetically above a laser or on a light pole. Wireless remotes make it easy to add fog exactly where the effect needs it.
Full Kit · uses PMI Cloud Formula, not water-based fluid
These stands can add a tier when we need more height instead of width. They reach nine feet, about as high as we want a lighting totem to go.
Foam-lined, roughly carry-on-sized HPRC cases keep the rig compact: one holds six Best PAR 50s plus six RF1s, and another holds six mini movers. Three cases carry 24 lights; a fourth holds the big movers.