How to choose a mirror ball motor
What size mirror ball motor do I need?
Match the motor's rated ball diameter to your ball, then confirm the weight. Every motor below lists the largest ball its manufacturer rates it for.
| Motor | Rated ball size | Speed | Power | Published load rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADJ M-DCBASE | Up to 8 in | Fixed | D-cell battery, or optional DC supply | Not published |
| ADJ M-AC8 | Up to 12 in | 6 RPM | AC | Not published |
| Eliminator MBMHD8 | Up to 12 in | 6 RPM | AC | Not published |
| ProX X-MBM-1 | 4 to 16 in | 3 RPM | AC | Not published |
| Eliminator MBM1RP | Up to 16 in | 1 RPM | AC, ETL approved | Not published |
| ProX X-MBM2 | 16 to 20 in | 1 RPM | AC | Not published |
| Eliminator MBMHD1 | Up to 20 in | 1 RPM | AC, ETL approved | 22 lb |
| Eliminator MBMHD3 | Up to 20 in | 2.5 to 3 RPM | AC, ETL approved | 22 lb |
| Eliminator MBDMX-PLUS | Up to 20 in | Variable, set over DMX | AC, 3-pin DMX in and out | Not published |
| ProX X-MOTOS (black or white) | 8 to 30 in | 1 RPM, oscillating | AC | Not published |
| Eliminator HD MB40 | Up to 40 in | 1 to 1.5 RPM | AC 100 to 120V, 7W | 89 lb |
| ProX X-MBM3 | 30 to 48 in | 1 RPM | AC | Not published |
Where a manufacturer does not publish a load rating, size by the rated ball diameter and call us at 1-800-700-4542 before hanging a heavy ball.
Does a glass mirror ball need a stronger motor than a polyfoam one?
Yes. At the same diameter, a real glass-tiled ball weighs considerably more than a polyfoam or ABS-core ball, so two 20 inch balls can need very different motors. Check the weight of your specific ball against the motor's load rating rather than going by diameter alone.
What rotation speed should a mirror ball turn at?
1 RPM is the classic club and wedding look, and it is what most large-ball motors run at. 3 to 6 RPM moves the beams noticeably faster and suits smaller balls in tighter rooms. The Eliminator MBDMX-PLUS is the one here whose speed and direction you set from a lighting desk.
Can I use a mirror ball without power at the ceiling?
Yes. The ADJ M-DCBASE runs on a D-cell battery and sits on a table or floor with a 7 inch base, so it needs no rigging and no outlet overhead. It is rated for balls up to 8 inches.
Can I control a mirror ball motor from my lighting console?
Yes, with the Eliminator MBDMX-PLUS. It has 3-pin DMX in and out and uses two channels, one switching pinspot power and one setting motor speed and direction. Up to four units can be linked so their rotation stays in step, and it carries two Edison outlets for the pinspots themselves.
How do I mount a motor to lighting truss?
The ADJ MBA-1 metal adapter connects an AC mirror ball motor to a standard C-clamp, and it fits the ADJ M-AC8, M-1RPM and MHDAC8. The ProX X-MOTOS mounts upright and its base bracket wings bolt to a truss top plate without an adapter. Mirror balls are a suspended load, so use a safety cable and rig to a rated point.
What else do I need?
A motor turns the ball but does not light it. A mirror ball only produces its effect when a narrow beam hits it, which is what a pin spot is for. You can also browse the full range of disco balls and mirror balls, or read our guide to disco ball motors explained and what size disco ball you need.