Look Solutions recently introduced another addition to its family of haze machines with the Unique2. It has a bunch of new features that will make anyone in this business happy. For starters, it is so compact that you could fit it in your suitcase with room to spare for your clothes. But hey, who needs a lot of clothes on the road doing this job, right? So let’s get down to the business of talking about what this product can do for your show. The Unique2 is a 1,500-watt water-based vaporizing haze machine with an on-board fan and variable output. It’s small and lightweight, with dimensions that are 47 cm (18.5 inches) long, 25 cm (9.8 inches) wide and 25 cm (9.8 inches) high and it weighs in at approximately 8.7 kg (19.2 pounds). It features on board DMX control, a new housing design, easy-to-use operation, an intriguing shaped fan for quick haze distribution and a new and innovative Haze-Density Control System.
The Haze-Density Control System allows you to program an individual profile for a show based on your requirements. It has two different levels of pump settings, fan settings and run time that can be programmed. For example, if you want to fill a big auditorium before a show and then maintain a base level of haze in the room, you can program the machine to run at full with top fan speed for a pre-programmed amount of time and then automatically change to a lower level of pump and fan speed. The only downside is that the maximum programmed time is 99 minutes, so for a show that runs longer you will have to remember to re-adjust the machine. The HDCS program can be activated with either a radio remote, wired XLR remote or on-board stand-alone controls.
The machine does not require cleaning, according to the manufacturer, and, in fact, they state that using cleaners with this machine will void the warranty. For airflow, it has a foam filter on the side of the machine to filter the air running through it.
The fluid is a special water-based formula that minimizes fluid consumption and produces an assortment of haze effects from a fine mist to a thick haze. The two-liter tank will give you up to 50 hours of haze output. The tank is housed in a bracket on the back of the machine and it has a quick-release coupler that makes it easy to change out tanks on travel days or at the show. Another great thing about the water based fluid as opposed to the oil-based fluid is that it doesn’t create a slippery mess if it happens to spill, and it won’t leave residue caked to the floor, on your gear or inside the machine itself.
Look Solutions also provide some accessories that can be purchased along with the Unique2 model. You can either get a road case for your safe transportation needs, a rigging set that is complete with a collection tray, a diverter to divert the direction of the output to your preferred destination or a cable remote, depending on your particular needs.
The Unique2 has the ability to produce different kinds of haze, depending on what you are trying to do in your show. The first Unique model had a linear output with settings from 1 to 99. The Unique2 has been upgraded to provide exponential control of the output, also from 1 to 99. But the new control curve gives you much more fine control over density in the all-important low settings. You can create a light mist or a thick haze and you can set the output to just the amount of haze you need. The machine’s pump and fan can be also be adjusted in 99 steps. The fan has a sealed motor, so if fluid happens to get inside of the machine, it won’t short out. The electrical parts are also in a chamber that’s separate from the fluid pump and heater.
The unit can be controlled via DMX512, or you can manually trigger it from the display panel on the machine. After it is plugged in, the machine only takes about one minute to warm up. It can also run on a stand-alone basis or with analog control.
Look Solutions is a German-based company that manufactures numerous fog, haze, mini foggers, accessories and fluids. Their products are used throughout the professional lighting, theatre and film industries. Look Solutions USA is located in Waynesboro, Penn. and in Marlboro, N.J. They also distribute to customers in Canada and Mexico.
The Unique2 is a great solution for just about any haze application, and it’s versatile enough to work on any set. It has plenty of output and it can be controlled very easily from a variety of control options. Check it out.
What It Is: A 1,500-watt water-based vaporizing haze machine with an on-board fan and variable output
Who It’s For: Anyone who needs variable haze atmosphere for lighting effects
Pros: Well-built, easy to use, 120V powered, minimal sound, nice output, water-based fluid
Cons: Smallish reservoir, 99 minute limit on HDCS control
Retail Price: $1,560
