Look Solutions’ newest fog machine, the Cryo-Fog, is a compact, low-lying fog production machine. It’s compact enough to fit in the “overhead bin;” just be careful when you open that bin, because this baby is 28 kilograms without the fog fluid. (For those of us who don’t do metric, that’s just under 62 pounds.) But don’t let its size fool you; the Cryo-Fog machine pumps out enough fog to compete with the more standard-sized (read, larger) fog machines of its type. I recently had the chance to get upclose and personal with the Cryo-Fog machine when Tom Gittens at Advanced Entertainment Services, in Las Vegas, Nev., showed me around the device. Features
After hooking up the machine to single-phase 208V service required to power the 2200-watt machine, the fog was flowing in no time. It also requires a liquid CO2 tank, special fog fluid and a DMX control module; in our case we used a small light board. The unit is controlled by standard DMX512 (with a 5-pin XLR connector) with both male and female inputs on the rear of the machine. An LED display is provided to set the desired DMX address.
For full operation, three channels of DMX are used; one for the fog rate, one to adjust the temperature of the cooling chamber by varying the amount of LCO2, and one to control the speed of the built-in fan. An optional XLR remote is available if you’re planning to operate the unit without a DMX control surface. One feature that sets this unit apart from the competition is the ability to vary the amount of LCO2 in the cooling chamber. Most fog machines of this type have the LCO2 flowing full or not at all. The Cryo-Fog has a built-in actuator switch which can vary the intensity of the LCO2 flow, thus allowing the operator to produce a wide variety of fog effects from light haze to thick, low-lying blankets of fog. It also serves to extend the useful life of one tank of LCO2. According to the manufacturer, the unit typically consumes one liter of LCO2 per minute, so a 180-liter dewar of LCO2 can last up to three hours, which is relatively long for a machine of this type.
Once the desired level of LCO2 is set, the machine will not produce any fog until it has cooled the chamber to the proper temperature. This feature prevents any “warm” fog from escaping the machine and potentially ruining the desired effect.
Observations
The unit was easy to set up and operate with very little DMX512 knowledge required. A little assistance from your resident lighting technician and you should be ready to make fog quickly. The Cryo-Fog has a relatively quiet operating noise level, but is best used in an environment with other ambient noise (or music) to drown out the fan noise. Its small size makes it easy to travel with, a feature that most touring techs can appreciate. However, since a liquid CO2 tank is required, be sure to account for that when planning for installation.
Summation
The Cryo-Fog looks to be a great solution for smaller venues and traveling shows looking to decrease the footprint of their special effects units. The only minor drawback to this unit is that is uses single-phase 208V power, which isn’t always available in hotel ballrooms and other venues. (The manufacturer said they are working on a 1650-watt version that will be capable of running on 120V, drawing less than 15 amps.) But once you have the power situated, the Cryo-Fog will put out enough fog to cover most stages and performance spaces. Look Solutions is distributed in America by Look Solutions USA, on the Web at www.looksolutionsusa.com. The Cryo-Fog retails for $6,500.00.
Max Geier is the event operations coordinator for the Student Life Facilities at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His work focuses of providing audio/visual support for a variety of special events in several different venues around campus.
