Which cold spark machine should I buy?
Start from your power and how you want to trigger the effect. For most mobile DJ and wedding work, the ColorKey Dazzler FX MK2 is the all-rounder: 5 to 15 ft of spark height, a pre-heat as short as 3 minutes, 120-240V power, and remote-triggered chase programs across up to 30 linked machines. For built-in effects, pick the JMAZ Firestorm 4: one-button Hi-Lo and Burst effects, and 4-channel DMX with warm-up and self-cleaning on their own channels, on 110V power. For a compact machine with a fast warm-up, the Bauer Comet is 650W, pre-heats in 1 to 3 minutes and is listed at 9.8 to 16.4 ft.
| Model | Spark height | Warm-up | Power | Control | Linking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ColorKey Dazzler FX MK2 (CKU-7710 black, CKU-7711 white; 2-packs CKU-7712, CKU-7713) | 5 to 15 ft | As little as 3 min | 600W, AC 120-240V | DMX (3 channels), master/slave, wireless remote | Up to 30 for chase effects, 6 per power chain |
| JMAZ Firestorm 4 (JZ4013; 2-pack JZ4014) | 3 to 13 ft | Under 8 min | 600W, 110V only | DMX (4 channels), RF remote | Up to 3 on a 20A circuit |
| Bauer Comet DMX (SPK-X1) | 9.8 to 16.4 ft | 1 to 3 min | 650W, AC 110V or 220V | DMX, wireless remote | Up to 6 |
What is a cold spark machine, and how does it work?
It is a stage effect that makes a fountain of sparks without fire or pyrotechnics. The machine heats a charge of metal granules (titanium-based for both ColorKey and JMAZ) and blows them upward as a column of falling sparks. There is no open flame or combustion, which is why cold sparks are used at weddings, indoor events and on stages.
Are cold sparks safe indoors?
They are built for indoor use, but they still need space and supervision. There is no open flame, and ColorKey and JMAZ both build in tip-over shutoff. JMAZ specifies a 3 ft clear zone around each Firestorm 4 and at least 10 ft from the audience, decorations, walls and anything flammable. Many venues and local fire authorities have their own rules for spark effects, so check with the venue before you plan the effect.
What powder goes in a cold spark machine?
Use the maker's own granules. ColorKey Dazzler FX machines take ColorKey CKU-7800 spark powder. The JMAZ Firestorm F3 and Firestorm 4 take JMAZ JZ4005 granules, and the Firestorm 4 also needs the scan card packed with each JZ4005 refill. JMAZ says third-party granules risk damaging its machines and void the warranty.
How long does a bag of powder last?
About 15 minutes of spark effect from a 200 g bag of ColorKey CKU-7800, and about 15 to 20 minutes from a 200 g pack of JMAZ JZ4005. Fired in short bursts (ColorKey suggests 10 to 30 seconds at a time), one bag covers many cues across an event.
How many cold spark machines do I need for a wedding?
Two is the usual starting point: one on each side of the dance floor, aisle or stage. A pair also unlocks ColorKey's multi-unit chase programs. Larger rooms and stages use four or more. Check your power before you add machines: the Firestorm 4 links up to 3 units on a 20A circuit, and the Dazzler FX MK2 up to 6 on one powerCON chain.
Single machine or 2-pack with a case?
If you are buying two, the 2-packs add a case. The ColorKey CKU-7712 (black) and CKU-7713 (white) put two Dazzler FX MK2 machines in a wheeled road case (18.5 x 13.5 x 15 in). The JMAZ JZ4014 puts two Firestorm 4 machines, two remotes and two receivers in an IP65 rolling hard case. ColorKey also sells its case on its own as the CKU-9030.
What is the difference between the ColorKey Dazzler FX MK2 and the JMAZ Firestorm 4?
Power, effects and powder. The Dazzler FX MK2 runs on 120-240V, reaches 15 ft, pre-heats in as little as 3 minutes and links up to 30 units for remote-triggered chases. The Firestorm 4 runs on 110V only, reaches 13 ft, warms up in under 8 minutes, and adds one-button Hi-Lo and Burst effects and 4-channel DMX. The MK2 takes ColorKey powder; the Firestorm 4 takes JMAZ granules with a scan card.
Do cold spark machines need cleaning?
Yes, after every use. The Dazzler FX MK2 has a clear-out function that blows out leftover powder with the heater off, and the Firestorm 4 has a self-cleaning function. Both run from the remote or DMX. Let a Firestorm 4 cool for 15 to 20 minutes before it goes back in its case.