Used Vari-Lite VL500A Wash
Used Vari-Lite VL500A Wash units are Series 500 wash moving head luminaires featuring the DICHROTUNE radial colour mixing system and a choice of interchangeable lens options. Second-hand examples offer a well-established wash light solution for professional stage and touring applications. Scroll down to browse the used VL500A Wash listings currently available.
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Vari-Lite VL500A Wash specifications
| Brand | Vari-Lite |
| Segment | Lighting |
About the Vari-Lite VL500A Wash
The Vari-Lite VL500A Wash is a Series 500 wash moving head luminaire built around the DICHROTUNE radial colour mixing system, which uses three sets of 16 radially mounted dichroic blades in magenta, blue, and amber. A pastel colour palette offering a softer Broadway-type range is also available. Mechanical dimming is achieved through 16 radially mounted metal dimmer blades, and six interchangeable lens options are offered, including clear, stipple, 8-row, 10-row, 12-row, and Buxom. The fixture uses natural convection cooling for its lamp, with internally cooled electronics and two on-demand fans mounted in the yoke arms that activate only when ambient temperature exceeds 41°C or the fixture is horizontally positioned. The VL500A connects to an external ballast unit and accepts DMX512 control from a wide range of consoles. An on-board backlit invertible LCD display simplifies setup, and an optional extended remote function allows addressing and parameter adjustment via a battery-powered hand-held controller without needing to power the light.
Vari-Lite VL500A Wash — buyer FAQs
What is the Vari-Lite VL500A Wash and what makes it distinctive?
The Vari-Lite VL500A Wash is a Series 500 wash moving head luminaire built around the DICHROTUNE radial colour mixing system. This uses three sets of 16 radially mounted dichroic blades in magenta, blue, and amber, alongside 16 radially mounted metal dimmer blades for mechanical dimming. A pastel colour palette offering a softer Broadway-type range is available as an alternative to the standard colours.
Who makes the VL500A Wash and where does it sit in their range?
The VL500A Wash is made by Vari-Lite, an American entertainment lighting brand established in 1981 and widely credited with developing the first modern automated moving light. The VL500A belongs to the brand's Series 500 wash category, positioning it within a lineup of moving heads aimed at concert touring, theatre and large-scale events. Vari-Lite is now owned by Signify.
What lens options are available for the VL500A Wash?
The VL500A Wash supports six interchangeable lens options: clear, stipple, 8-row, 10-row, 12-row, and Buxom. The stipple lens is included with a standard fixture. This flexibility lets operators tailor the beam spread and character of the wash to different stage and venue requirements.
How does the VL500A Wash handle cooling and control connections?
The lamp uses natural convection cooling, while the electronics are cooled internally. Two on-demand fans in the yoke arms activate only when ambient temperature exceeds 41°C or the fixture is mounted horizontally, keeping noise low under normal conditions. The fixture connects to an external ballast unit and accepts DMX512 input, compatible with a wide range of DMX512 lighting control consoles.
What should I check when buying a used Vari-Lite VL500A Wash?
Confirm which lens option is fitted, as the stipple is standard but others may be substituted. Check that the external ballast unit is included, since the fixture depends on it to operate. Verify the condition of the dichroic blades and the on-board LCD display. Used units on 10K Used carry a 21-day warranty covering major functional faults; full details are in the buying guide at https://www.10kused.com/used-av-equipment-guide/.
