REVIEWED
REVIEWED: CHAUVET DJ CoDot ILS
We, as mobile DJs, are constantly looking for the next fixture to add to our ever-increasing load of lighting effects. We might think clients look at them, but they never truly do; often, it’s all done for our own ego! However, the demand for compact, versatile and high-impact solutions is greater than ever for our mobile DJ world.
Regardless of the vehicle you use, be it a car or a van, we are still constantly on the lookout for fixtures that can deliver stunning visuals without demanding extensive space, complicated setups or hefty budgets. So, say hello to the new CHAUVET DJ CoDot ILS (yes, it’s a mouthful!). This is a truly innovative product that redefines what’s possible with miniature lighting. Far from being just a novelty, the Co-Dot ILS is a powerhouse in ultra-compact form, promising to unlock new creative avenues for illuminating any space.
Design and versatility
The most striking feature of the CoDot ILS is its incredibly small form factor. Designed to fit literally in the palm of your hand, these units allow for placement in tight spaces and discreet locations where larger fixtures or uplighters simply won’t fit, or where they would be visually intrusive to your event – and if you know me, then you’ll know I can be super OCD about these things!
Think about the possibilities: uplighting within existing décor, accentuating intricate architectural details, highlighting specific art pieces, or creating dynamic pin-spot effects in intimate settings. You could even use them to add a special glow to floral arrangements!
All of this is achievable with the flexibility of controlling the units via their onboard display, RF remote, DMX (though you’ll need a D-Fi transmitter for wireless DMX), or through CHAUVET DJ’s own ILS system.
The package comes supplied in a smart, branded, foam-lined carry case, which is a nice touch. Inside, you’ll find four light fixtures, eight lenses (four pre-installed 19° lenses and four additional 14° lenses), three short USB-C leads, three long USB-C leads, and one external power supply.
Looking at the units themselves, each CoDot ILS features USB-C in and out ports. This seems to be the new norm, and it’s welcome, as it allows multiple units to be daisy-chained for power, simplifying power distribution. This makes for a cleaner and quicker setup, which is particularly important in our world where we are always under pressure to get in and out quickly. On the rear of each unit, an intuitive LED display provides easy navigation and access to all functions.
Mounting options are also well-thought-out. The integrated magnetic base allows for quick and secure attachment to metal surfaces, opening a world of creative placement possibilities on trussing, speaker stands, or architectural elements like metal door frames. Additionally, a threaded M6 insert provides compatibility with standard tripods and various camera accessories, further expanding mounting options and creative angles.
Performance and visual impact
Each unit weighs a mere 0.1 kg (0.2 lb) and measures a tiny 57mm x 54mm x 24mm (2.2” x 2.1” x 0.9”). Despite its diminutive size, each Co-Dot ILS unit packs a potent punch, featuring a single 3W quad-colour (RGBW – Red, Green, Blue, White) LED. This allows for an incredibly broad spectrum of colours, from rich, deep hues to crisp, bright whites. The ability to precisely mix these colours means you can achieve virtually any desired shade, perfectly matching event and wedding themes or creating specific moods. The inclusion of true white ensures accurate colour rendering and professional illumination.
What truly elevates their visual impact are the sharp, pencil-thin beams of light they produce. These focused beams cut through the air, creating distinct dots of light that can be used for dramatic accenting or adding a vibrant, energetic visual layer to your show. To further enhance its versatility, the units come with two interchangeable lens options: the pre-installed 19° lens, and an included 14° lens. This allows you to easily adjust the beam spread to suit different applications, whether you need a slightly wider wash for a small area or a more concentrated, intense spot for pin-pointing. Specifically, the 19° lens provides an illuminance of 256 lux at two metres, while the 14° lens delivers a brighter 442 lux at two metres, demonstrating their focused power.
Control and connectivity
There have been several reviews done in the magazine on CHAUVET DJ’s ILS (Instant Light Show) ecosystem, so I won’t bore you with the details of that too much. However, for anyone managing multiple lighting fixtures, synchronisation can often be a complex and time-consuming challenge.
The ILS system dramatically simplifies this by allowing all ILS-compatible fixtures to respond in perfect unison to a single DMX controller, such as the ILS Command or GigBAR Move + ILS. This means you can design intricate, perfectly timed light shows across your entire lighting rig with ease. This capability significantly reduces setup time and streamlines your workflow at an event, which is always a bonus.
Beyond ILS, the CoDot ILS offers a comprehensive suite of wireless control options. It features a built-in D-Fi transceiver, enabling wireless DMX or ILS signal communication. This eliminates the need for messy cables, providing freedom in placement and setup. Furthermore, a built-in RF receiver allows for wireless control via optional RFC or RFC-XL remotes, offering a straightforward, tactile control experience for quick adjustments on the fly without needing a full DMX console.
Full DMX compatibility is also available, providing granular control over every parameter through 4- or 6-DMX channels. And, of course, I controlled mine via my Wolfmix W1 unit, which is a firm favourite in the mobile DJ world. It was super simple to program, and ‘it just worked’ right out of the box – exactly what you want!
Real-World Use & the vision for enhanced portability
So, what are these units like in the real world? The brightness from their 3W RGBW LEDs is truly impressive for their size, capable of delivering noticeable impact in small to medium-sized venues. Sure, you’re not going to use them as primary uplights for a whole room,
but to illuminate a specific section or highlight a feature in a venue, they work exceptionally well. The sharp beams are well-defined, and the ability to switch between lens options allows for quick adaptation to different needs, from creating a subtle ambiance to a more focused effect. They are passively cooled, meaning no noisy fans, but at full brightness, the units do get quite warm to the touch. I checked with CHAUVET DJ, and they confirmed this is perfectly normal.
This unit is strategically designed and, overall, an exceptionally practical lighting fixture. Its ability to deliver impactful RGBW washes and sharp, focused beams from an incredibly compact package is a real winner.
However, considering their immense portability and discreet nature, a feature that often comes to mind for mobile professionals is the integration of an internal power source. While the current design prioritises a slim profile and continuous operation, the addition of a built-in battery would undoubtedly elevate their remarkable convenience, particularly for rapid deployments or situations where discreet cabling is paramount. Imagine the time saved if these units could simply drop into a smart, plastic rechargeable case, ready for the next event – a concept that would genuinely complete the package and transform on-site power management.
It's a small logistical consideration that, for me, underscores the inherent appeal of an all-in-one, quick-charge solution. While there are no current plans for a battery version, I can certainly envision future iterations or complementary accessories that might explore this potential.
Despite this aspiration for integrated power, if you are seeking a highly portable, easily deployable, and wirelessly controllable lighting solution that can transform any environment with vibrant colours, then the Co-Dot ILS is absolutely a product to consider. It’s a genuine game-changer for adding those perfect, subtle, yet powerful touches that truly make an event shine. And in the words of my dear friend Archie: “I must say, I really like that!”
Regardless of the vehicle you use, be it a car or a van, we are still constantly on the lookout for fixtures that can deliver stunning visuals without demanding extensive space, complicated setups or hefty budgets. So, say hello to the new CHAUVET DJ CoDot ILS (yes, it’s a mouthful!). This is a truly innovative product that redefines what’s possible with miniature lighting. Far from being just a novelty, the Co-Dot ILS is a powerhouse in ultra-compact form, promising to unlock new creative avenues for illuminating any space.
Design and versatility
The most striking feature of the CoDot ILS is its incredibly small form factor. Designed to fit literally in the palm of your hand, these units allow for placement in tight spaces and discreet locations where larger fixtures or uplighters simply won’t fit, or where they would be visually intrusive to your event – and if you know me, then you’ll know I can be super OCD about these things!
Think about the possibilities: uplighting within existing décor, accentuating intricate architectural details, highlighting specific art pieces, or creating dynamic pin-spot effects in intimate settings. You could even use them to add a special glow to floral arrangements!
All of this is achievable with the flexibility of controlling the units via their onboard display, RF remote, DMX (though you’ll need a D-Fi transmitter for wireless DMX), or through CHAUVET DJ’s own ILS system.
The package comes supplied in a smart, branded, foam-lined carry case, which is a nice touch. Inside, you’ll find four light fixtures, eight lenses (four pre-installed 19° lenses and four additional 14° lenses), three short USB-C leads, three long USB-C leads, and one external power supply.
Looking at the units themselves, each CoDot ILS features USB-C in and out ports. This seems to be the new norm, and it’s welcome, as it allows multiple units to be daisy-chained for power, simplifying power distribution. This makes for a cleaner and quicker setup, which is particularly important in our world where we are always under pressure to get in and out quickly. On the rear of each unit, an intuitive LED display provides easy navigation and access to all functions.
Mounting options are also well-thought-out. The integrated magnetic base allows for quick and secure attachment to metal surfaces, opening a world of creative placement possibilities on trussing, speaker stands, or architectural elements like metal door frames. Additionally, a threaded M6 insert provides compatibility with standard tripods and various camera accessories, further expanding mounting options and creative angles.
Performance and visual impact
Each unit weighs a mere 0.1 kg (0.2 lb) and measures a tiny 57mm x 54mm x 24mm (2.2” x 2.1” x 0.9”). Despite its diminutive size, each Co-Dot ILS unit packs a potent punch, featuring a single 3W quad-colour (RGBW – Red, Green, Blue, White) LED. This allows for an incredibly broad spectrum of colours, from rich, deep hues to crisp, bright whites. The ability to precisely mix these colours means you can achieve virtually any desired shade, perfectly matching event and wedding themes or creating specific moods. The inclusion of true white ensures accurate colour rendering and professional illumination.
What truly elevates their visual impact are the sharp, pencil-thin beams of light they produce. These focused beams cut through the air, creating distinct dots of light that can be used for dramatic accenting or adding a vibrant, energetic visual layer to your show. To further enhance its versatility, the units come with two interchangeable lens options: the pre-installed 19° lens, and an included 14° lens. This allows you to easily adjust the beam spread to suit different applications, whether you need a slightly wider wash for a small area or a more concentrated, intense spot for pin-pointing. Specifically, the 19° lens provides an illuminance of 256 lux at two metres, while the 14° lens delivers a brighter 442 lux at two metres, demonstrating their focused power.
Control and connectivity
There have been several reviews done in the magazine on CHAUVET DJ’s ILS (Instant Light Show) ecosystem, so I won’t bore you with the details of that too much. However, for anyone managing multiple lighting fixtures, synchronisation can often be a complex and time-consuming challenge.
The ILS system dramatically simplifies this by allowing all ILS-compatible fixtures to respond in perfect unison to a single DMX controller, such as the ILS Command or GigBAR Move + ILS. This means you can design intricate, perfectly timed light shows across your entire lighting rig with ease. This capability significantly reduces setup time and streamlines your workflow at an event, which is always a bonus.
Beyond ILS, the CoDot ILS offers a comprehensive suite of wireless control options. It features a built-in D-Fi transceiver, enabling wireless DMX or ILS signal communication. This eliminates the need for messy cables, providing freedom in placement and setup. Furthermore, a built-in RF receiver allows for wireless control via optional RFC or RFC-XL remotes, offering a straightforward, tactile control experience for quick adjustments on the fly without needing a full DMX console.
Full DMX compatibility is also available, providing granular control over every parameter through 4- or 6-DMX channels. And, of course, I controlled mine via my Wolfmix W1 unit, which is a firm favourite in the mobile DJ world. It was super simple to program, and ‘it just worked’ right out of the box – exactly what you want!
Real-World Use & the vision for enhanced portability
So, what are these units like in the real world? The brightness from their 3W RGBW LEDs is truly impressive for their size, capable of delivering noticeable impact in small to medium-sized venues. Sure, you’re not going to use them as primary uplights for a whole room,
but to illuminate a specific section or highlight a feature in a venue, they work exceptionally well. The sharp beams are well-defined, and the ability to switch between lens options allows for quick adaptation to different needs, from creating a subtle ambiance to a more focused effect. They are passively cooled, meaning no noisy fans, but at full brightness, the units do get quite warm to the touch. I checked with CHAUVET DJ, and they confirmed this is perfectly normal.
This unit is strategically designed and, overall, an exceptionally practical lighting fixture. Its ability to deliver impactful RGBW washes and sharp, focused beams from an incredibly compact package is a real winner.
However, considering their immense portability and discreet nature, a feature that often comes to mind for mobile professionals is the integration of an internal power source. While the current design prioritises a slim profile and continuous operation, the addition of a built-in battery would undoubtedly elevate their remarkable convenience, particularly for rapid deployments or situations where discreet cabling is paramount. Imagine the time saved if these units could simply drop into a smart, plastic rechargeable case, ready for the next event – a concept that would genuinely complete the package and transform on-site power management.
It's a small logistical consideration that, for me, underscores the inherent appeal of an all-in-one, quick-charge solution. While there are no current plans for a battery version, I can certainly envision future iterations or complementary accessories that might explore this potential.
Despite this aspiration for integrated power, if you are seeking a highly portable, easily deployable, and wirelessly controllable lighting solution that can transform any environment with vibrant colours, then the Co-Dot ILS is absolutely a product to consider. It’s a genuine game-changer for adding those perfect, subtle, yet powerful touches that truly make an event shine. And in the words of my dear friend Archie: “I must say, I really like that!”
