Used Vari-Lite VL1100 TUNGSTEN ERS

The Vari-Lite VL1100 Tungsten ERS is a series of automated luminaires built around a 1000W tungsten lamp. The series comprises four models: the VL1100TI and VL1100TS, plus the VL1100TID and VL1100TSD. The I variants add a mechanical iris for continuous beam size control, the S variants include a four-blade framing shutter system, and the D variants incorporate an integrated IGBT dimmer.

Vari-Lite is an American entertainment lighting brand established in 1981 and credited with developing the first modern automated moving light. Now owned by Signify, the brand focuses on moving heads, wash and profile luminaires for concert touring, theatre and large-scale events. The VL1100 Tungsten ERS sits within that profile luminaire lineage, offering tungsten-source automated imaging with CMY colour mixing and a super zoom function extending to 70 degrees.

Several design choices contribute to near-silent operation. A 50kHz drive system quietens all two-phase motors during movement and in static positions, while three-phase ultra-quiet stepper motors deliver smooth pan and tilt. The lamp housing is convection cooled rather than fan cooled, and a central bearing system in the gobo wheel further reduces mechanical noise, making these fixtures well suited to theatrical and broadcast environments.

Automated functions include CMY colour mixing, a rotating gobo wheel with five positions plus open, variable diffusion, and a zoom lens ranging from 19 to 36 degrees for standard imaging. A super zoom function extends the field angle to 70 degrees. Depending on the variant, units also offer a mechanical iris for beam size control or a four-blade framing shutter where each blade translates to beam centre and rotates up to 35 degrees, with the whole assembly rotating up to 45 degrees.

Confirm which variant you are purchasing (TI, TS, TID or TSD), since the iris, framing shutters and integrated IGBT dimmer differ by model. Check that the CMY colour mixing system, gobo wheel and zoom operate smoothly across their full ranges, and verify that gobos are included if needed, as they are sold separately. Used prices typically reflect condition, variant specification and age. Every listing on 10K Used carries a 21-day warranty covering major functional faults; full buying detail is in the buying guide at 10kused.com/used-av-equipment-guide/.