Martin Atmospheric Effects for Any Stage

Stage productions have many different technical elements including audio, lighting, video, and atmospheric effects.  Harman has several brands that incorporate these various elements, with Martin by Harman providing many options for atmospheric effects.

Smoke effects have been documented in stage presentations dating back to the Globe Theatre in the early 1600s.  Of course many things have changed since that time, and now Martin offers three unique types of atmospheric effect products.  The proper atmospheric effect and fluid should be selected depending on the desired look on stage: Fog, Haze, or Low-Fog.


Fog
The creation of a thick cloud that looks like smoke is typically the duty of a fog machine.  Smoke is created by the burning of a substance, while fog is created by the heating of a fluid to create a vaporized cloud. 

Fog machines use specific fluids that allow can alter the fog behavior.  For instance, a quick dissipating fluid will create a cloud that disappears rather rapidly.  This is ideal for a stage illusion or burst effect.  Standard fluid may linger on stage longer and be better for the replication of smoke from a chimney, engine, or other device.  High Density fluid creates thicker clouds and is best for heavy puffs that are not very translucent.

Martin has quite as extensive range of fog machines available to fit various budgets and stage needs.  All include both manual and DMX control options, as well as the ability to adjust the volume (or thickness) of the fog and the duration of emission time.

Haze

The very nature of light allows it to only be seen when it illuminates a surface.  For this reason, many productions make use of atmospheric haze to reveal the beams of light in the air.  A haze machine will create a fine "mist" in the air that can persist for long periods of time.  Only specially developed haze fluid should should be used with these type of products.

Some haze machines will simply have an on/off function.  Others provide adjustment of the haze density, and even a fan to control the velocity at which the haze leaves the machine.

Low-Fog
Low-fog machines are similar to a standard fog machine in terms of the type of clouds they produce.  However, the difference is that the fog is rapidly cooled so that it remains close to the ground.  This cooling can be achieve via a variety of methods, some utilizing dry ice or industrial gasses.  Other low-fog machines such as the Martin Glaciator contain internal chillers for the simplest low-fog creation.

Just like a standard fog machine, low-fog machines have various fluid types available to provide different densities and duration of the low-fog.

Fluids

It is essential to always use ONLY the recommended fluid for a specific atmospheric product.  Utilizing the wrong fluid can not only damage the machine, but it can also lead to safety and health problems.  To determine which Martin fluids are compatible with which machines, refer to this chart.

Martin has also created a universal cleaning fluid that should be a part of any atmospheric machine maintenance routine.  Martin Clean & Storage Fluid is specially designed for optimizing performance while providing longevity of any effect machine. The use of this advanced preventative maintenance fluid on a regular basis reduces clogging and further extends the life of Martin atmospheric effect machines.

Create Your Atmosphere
Productions require different types of atmospheric effects and Martin has a complete product line of options to choose from.  Selecting the correct model of machine and fluid is essential to a successful production.