Used ClayPaky SHADOW BASIC

The ClayPaky SHADOW BASIC is a 1200W discharge followspot designed for low-budget professional productions. It uses an Osram HMI 1200W/GS lamp producing 110,000 lumens at 6,000 K colour temperature, and is suited to venues and touring operators that need reliable followspot performance. The standard 11.4-degree lens covers an optimal throw range of 10 to 25 metres, making it practical for small to mid-sized stages.

The SHADOW BASIC runs on three control channels and is operated entirely through a built-in analogue panel. That panel provides sliders for colour selection and wheel rotation, iris diameter, and dimmer and strobe, plus preset push-buttons for colour, iris and dimmer values. A switch cuts the rainbow effect out of the colour slider, and a separate switch isolates the strobe effect, keeping hands-on operation straightforward without external controllers.

The standard lens is an 11.4-degree optic optimal between 10 and 25 metres. An optional 24.7-degree wide-angle lens inserts inside the projector and suits shorter throws of 5 to 10 metres. The colour system uses a wheel carrying seven interchangeable filters plus an open position. The iris runs 0 to 100 percent with adjustable gradual opening speed, and the mechanical linear dimmer also provides a stop/strobe function from 1 to 7 flashes per second.

ClayPaky is an Italian entertainment lighting manufacturer founded in 1976 and based in Seriate, near Bergamo, known for followspots, automated moving heads and effects fixtures used in theatre, television, concerts and events. The SHADOW BASIC sits at the entry level of the followspot range, explicitly positioned for low-budget professional needs while still delivering a 1200W discharge light source and a full analogue effects section in a die-cast aluminium body.

Key points to verify are lamp hours remaining on the Osram HMI 1200W/GS (average life is 750 hours), the condition of the colour filter wheel and whether all seven filters are present, and the function of the iris, dimmer and strobe sliders on the analogue panel. Confirm whether the optional 24.7-degree wide-angle lens is included if needed. Used listings on this page show current available units; each carries a 21-day warranty covering major functional faults, with further detail in the buying guide at 10kused.com/used-av-equipment-guide/.