Laser cube A2 vs A1 choose the right model
You want a clear laser cube comparison. A2 vs A1 is simple when you map power control battery and setup time. A2 is the entry level laser cube for fast sets and 1–5w rooms. A1 is the pro laser cube choice for deeper control and scale. Think price to performance laser value first then step up when shows get complex.
- One page view of power control and battery
- Home and mobile dj examples that match real rooms
- Simple path to step up when shows get complex
Quick spec map power control battery A2 vs A1
| Area | A2 focus | A1 focus |
|---|---|---|
| Power range | 1–5w options for small rooms and short throws | Higher headroom for stages and complex looks |
| Control paths | App iOS Android plus ILDA and DMX | Pro control focus with ILDA timelines and advanced DMX modes |
| Battery use | Portable sets with up to 2h battery on supported configs | AC power typical for long sets and multi fixture rigs |
| Setup speed | Very fast. Pair app. Load playlist. Go | Medium. Patch consoles. Load timelines. Test cues |
| Best fit | Entry level laser cube for home and mobile dj | Pro laser cube choice for venues tours and installs |
This map keeps the choice clear. A2 for carry light shows. A1 for deep control and scale.
Use cases choose laser cube for home mobile dj venues
Living room and studio
Short throw. Low brightness. Thin haze. A2 runs fast and clean. Good for practice and content. Minimal cables.
Pop up dj booth and small bar
Quick load in. One stand behind the controller. Haze on low. A2 covers fans sweeps and light tunnels. Add DMX if you run movers and strobes.
School hall and community event
Medium throw. Set safe angles. Run a short playlist. A2 holds one to two hours on battery on supported configs. Add ILDA for a ten second logo then back to app control.
Club side room or small stage
Need tighter timing with other fixtures. Use DMX. If you stack many cues per song or run multiple cubes the A1 path starts to make sense.
Tour prep or brand event
Exact graphics. Repeatable scenes. Camera critical work. A1 with ILDA timelines and higher scan rates fits these needs. Bring a console for sync across the full rig.
When to step up to A1
Move when your show asks for it. Not before.
- You need custom frames and logos with clean corners
- You program timeline edits on beats for several songs
- You run multiple fixtures and want one desk to drive all looks
- You need more scan headroom for complex shapes at speed
- You must match cues across movers washes strobes and lasers
A1 gives precision. It gives scale. It gives stability for long runs. If your work grows into paid shows and repeat clients this path pays back fast.
Upgrade path timeline
Start A2 with app and a short playlist. Add DMX when you add movers. Add ILDA for logos and exact cues. Jump to A1 when you need higher scan and multi fixture sync every night.
Budget price to performance laser and learning curve
Price to performance laser rule
Count setup minutes not just watts. A faster rig that wins the gig is better value. Step up only when control limits slow your show.
A2 total cost
Fast start. Phone app plus basic ILDA or DMX when needed. Low extra gear. Best price to performance for home and mobile sets.
A1 total cost
Higher up front. You invest in software DAC consoles and time. The return is consistency and control for pro work.
Learning curve simple view
- App control. Minutes
- DMX scenes and chases. Hours
- ILDA timelines and graphics. Days to weeks
Decision flow short steps
- Pure home use and content. Choose A2
- Mobile dj and small bar with quick changeovers. Choose A2 then add DMX
- Brand logo scenes and camera work. Choose A1
- Multi fixture sync and cue stacks per song. Choose A1
- Not sure. Start with A2. Rent or borrow A1 once to test your workflow
FAQ
Is A2 powerful enough for small venues
Yes for short to medium throws with haze. Keep beams above head height. Use wide fans for most looks. Save narrow tunnels for brief hits.
Do I need ILDA on day one
No. Start with app control. Add ILDA when you need logos timelines or custom frames. Add DMX when you need speed and sync.
Can one rig mix app ILDA and DMX
Yes on supported models. Save a safe profile. Load it before swapping control paths.
When does A1 make a real difference
When you need higher scan rates deeper control and sync across many fixtures.
Is A2 the entry level laser cube pick
Yes for home sets and mobile dj in small rooms. Quick setup. 1–5w starts. App ILDA DMX when needed.
How do I compare price to performance between A2 and A1
Measure prep time control depth and show repeat. If you program timelines and multi fixture sync often A1 returns value fast.
Related reading
- Laser cube app setup iOS and Android quick start
- Laser cube power guide for home and small venues
- Laser cube beams in small rooms haze and distance tips