The SurgeFX Banshee is a 1200W professional haze machine built for operators who need consistent atmospheric haze — not bursts of fog. It fills venues with a clean, even layer that holds in the air, enhances beam definition, and gives any production that polished, professional-stage look.
With DMX512 control across 3 channels, the Banshee integrates directly into your show flow — trigger haze on cue, automate output levels, and maintain visual consistency from first song to last. Built-in self-cleaning and dry pump protection keep the machine running reliably and reduce maintenance between events.
A 5-liter fluid tank combined with low consumption (~10.8 fl oz/hour) means fewer refills during long events. Silent internal components keep the Banshee quiet enough for churches, theaters, and corporate presentations where mechanical noise isn't acceptable. A 45° adjustable output nozzle lets you direct haze exactly where you need it — up toward lighting rigs, out across a dance floor, or angled for even room coverage.
Who Uses the Banshee?
DJs & Nightclubs — Haze is what makes your lighting visible. Without it, beams disappear into black ceilings and washes blend into walls. The Banshee fills the room with a consistent atmospheric layer that turns every light fixture into a visible element — laser lines, beam arrays, and color washes all gain depth and definition. The 5-liter tank and low fluid consumption mean you won't be refilling mid-set.
Live Music & Concert Production — From local venues to touring stages, haze is the standard atmosphere for professional lighting design. The Banshee's DMX integration lets your lighting operator control haze output alongside the rest of the rig — building atmosphere during ballads, ramping up for high-energy moments, and keeping levels consistent through long sets.
Churches & Houses of Worship — Worship environments benefit from haze that's subtle, consistent, and quiet. The Banshee's silent internal components keep it from competing with spoken word or acoustic worship, while the adjustable output angle lets you direct haze toward lighting rigs without flooding the congregation.
Theater & Performing Arts — Theatrical haze creates depth on stage, makes followspots visible, and adds atmosphere to scene transitions. The quiet operation and DMX control let stage managers integrate haze cues into the show's lighting plot without audible distraction.
Corporate Events & Conferences — Product launches, award ceremonies, and keynotes all benefit from professional atmospheric effects that enhance stage lighting without the heavy, ground-hugging look of fog. Haze keeps the room looking polished and the presenter visible.
Photography & Film — Haze adds atmosphere, depth, and light interaction to studio shoots and on-location video production. The consistent output and low consumption make it practical for long shooting sessions without constant adjustments.
1200W Haze Output
The Banshee's 1200W heater core produces fine, consistent haze that covers up to ~1,292 sq ft in 10 minutes. Unlike fog machines that blast thick clouds, the Banshee disperses a uniform atmospheric layer that holds in the air — enhancing beam visibility and light definition across the entire venue without obstructing sightlines.
DMX512 Control — 3 Channels
Full DMX512 integration across 3 channels gives your lighting operator direct control over haze output. Program haze cues into your lighting plot, automate gradual builds, or trigger output on demand — keeping atmospheric levels consistent and synchronized with the rest of your production.
Triple Control Modes
Operate the Banshee via DMX512, wireless remote, or manual on-board controls. The wireless remote supports one-to-one and one-to-many pairing, allowing you to control a single unit or multiple Banshees from one remote without signal interference between units.
Self-Cleaning System
After each use, the Banshee's built-in self-cleaning function flushes residual haze fluid from the internal lines. This prevents buildup and blockages that degrade output quality over time — reducing maintenance and keeping the machine ready for its next deployment.
Dry Pump Protection
An oil-level sensor monitors the fluid tank and automatically stops the pump when fluid runs low. Dry pumping is one of the most common causes of hazer failure — this protection prevents internal damage and significantly extends the machine's service life.
Silent Operation
The Banshee uses silent internal components designed for noise-sensitive environments. Churches, theaters, corporate presentations, and recording studios all benefit from haze output that doesn't compete with audio.
45° Adjustable Output Nozzle
The output nozzle adjusts up to 45°, allowing you to direct haze toward ceiling-mounted lighting rigs, out across the room at audience level, or at any angle in between. This eliminates the need to physically reposition the machine to change coverage direction.
5-Liter Fluid Tank
The large 5-liter (1.3 gal) tank combined with low fluid consumption of ~10.8 fl oz (0.32L) per hour provides roughly 15+ hours of continuous operation on a single fill. An upgraded refill spout allows quick top-offs without shutting down the machine.
Truss-Mount Hook Bracket
A built-in lamp hook bracket allows the Banshee to be mounted directly to truss or rigging, freeing up floor space and positioning haze output at elevation where it's most effective for lighting enhancement.
In the Box
- SurgeFX Banshee Haze Machine (1200W, DMX512)
- Wireless Remote Control
- Power Cable
- User Manual
Complete Your Setup
Haze is a lighting multiplier — every fixture in your rig benefits from atmospheric enhancement. Here's how to build a complete production setup around the Banshee.
Aurà™ Haze Fluids
Purpose-built haze fluid for professional hazer machines. Formulated for fine atomization, long hang time, and clean residue-free operation. Protects pump systems and maintains consistent output quality over time.
Stage Lighting
Haze exists to make lighting visible. Moving heads, beam arrays, wash lights, and lasers all gain dramatically more visual impact when cutting through a consistent atmospheric layer. The Banshee's DMX integration means your haze levels can be programmed alongside your lighting cues for fully synchronized production.
Cold Spark Machines
Cold sparks create dramatic fountain effects for entrances, reveals, and high-energy moments. When fired through haze, the sparks gain visible trails and the surrounding atmosphere catches the reflected light — amplifying the visual impact significantly.
CO2 Effects
CO2 cannons and jets create dramatic burst effects that cut through haze-filled rooms with high contrast — the dense white CO2 plume stands out sharply against the subtle atmospheric background. Running both haze and CO2 effects gives you layered atmosphere for different production moments.
Fog Machines
Some productions need both — consistent haze for lighting enhancement throughout the show and dense fog bursts for specific dramatic moments. The Banshee handles the atmospheric base layer while a dedicated fog machine delivers the heavy visual effects on cue.
What's the difference between haze and fog?
Fog machines produce thick, visible clouds that settle toward the ground and dissipate relatively quickly. Haze machines produce a fine, nearly invisible atmosphere that hangs evenly in the air for extended periods. Haze enhances lighting — making beams, washes, and lasers visible — while fog creates a dramatic visual effect on its own. Most professional productions use haze as a constant atmospheric layer and fog for specific dramatic moments.
How loud is the Banshee?
The Banshee uses silent internal components specifically designed for noise-sensitive environments. It's suitable for churches, theaters, corporate events, and recording studios where mechanical noise from equipment isn't acceptable. You'll hear a faint hum during operation, but it won't compete with speech, music, or recorded audio.
Can I use regular fog fluid in the Banshee?
No. Haze machines and fog machines use different fluid formulations. Fog fluid is thicker and designed for rapid high-temperature vaporization. Using fog fluid in a haze machine will clog the pump system, reduce output quality, and can cause internal damage that voids your warranty. Always use water-based haze fluid — we recommend Aurà™ Haze Fluids.
How long does a full tank last?
The 5-liter tank combined with ~10.8 fl oz (0.32L) per hour consumption provides roughly 15+ hours of continuous operation. For most events — even full-day festivals or multi-service church weekends — a single fill is sufficient without refilling.
Can I mount this on truss?
Yes. The Banshee includes a built-in lamp hook bracket for direct truss mounting. Elevating the hazer positions the output closer to your lighting fixtures and allows haze to disperse naturally downward through the venue, which is often more effective than ground-level output.
How many DMX channels does the Banshee use?
The Banshee uses 3 DMX channels. This allows your lighting operator to control haze output level, timing, and fan speed independently — giving precise control over atmospheric density during the show.
Does the self-cleaning system replace manual maintenance?
The self-cleaning function flushes residual fluid from internal lines after each use, which prevents most buildup and blockage issues. However, if the machine will be stored for an extended period (weeks or months), it's good practice to run a cleaning cycle with distilled water before storage to ensure no residue remains in the pump system.
What size venue can the Banshee cover?
The Banshee covers approximately 1,292 sq ft (~120 m²) in 10 minutes of continuous output. For larger venues, run the machine longer to build up atmosphere, use multiple units for faster coverage, or position the Banshee near your primary lighting area and let HVAC circulation distribute haze through the space.
Haze Placement Strategy
Position the Banshee upstage or side-stage, angled toward your primary lighting fixtures. Haze is most effective when light passes through it horizontally — placing the hazer behind or beside the stage lets the atmosphere build in the zones where beams are most visible to the audience. If mounting on truss, position it above and slightly behind front-of-house lighting for maximum beam visibility.
DMX Programming for Haze
Don't run haze at a constant level. Program gradual builds during intros and transitions, higher levels during high-energy segments with heavy beam work, and lower levels during acoustic or spoken-word moments. The Banshee's 3 DMX channels give you independent control over output intensity and fan speed — use them to match atmospheric density to the energy of the show.
HVAC Awareness
Venue HVAC systems are the biggest variable in haze performance. Strong air handling will disperse haze quickly and may prevent you from building consistent atmosphere. If possible, reduce airflow in the performance area during the show or position the Banshee in a location that's shielded from direct HVAC return vents. In venues with aggressive air handling, run the Banshee at higher output to compensate for faster dispersion.
Pre-Show Haze Build
Start hazing 20-30 minutes before doors open. Haze takes time to distribute evenly and reach a consistent density throughout the room. If you wait until showtime, you'll see an obvious cloud near the machine and empty air everywhere else. Pre-building atmosphere ensures the room looks polished and professional from the moment the audience arrives.
Truss Mounting for Better Coverage
Mounting the Banshee at elevation — on truss, pipe, or a shelf above stage level — positions haze output in the zone where lighting fixtures are aimed. Haze naturally settles downward over time, so elevated output provides more even room coverage than floor placement. Use the 45° nozzle adjustment to fine-tune the output direction after mounting.
Fluid Management
Always keep haze fluid above the minimum level indicator. Running the pump dry — even briefly — can damage internal components. The dry pump protection will shut down the pump automatically, but it's better to top off proactively than to rely on the safety cutoff mid-show. Use the upgraded refill spout for quick top-offs without shutting down the machine.
Post-Event Maintenance
After each event, activate the self-cleaning cycle before powering down. This flushes residual haze fluid from the pump lines and prevents buildup that causes clogs over time. If the machine won't be used for more than a week, run a flush cycle with distilled water to clear the system completely before storage. Store the machine upright in a dry environment.
✦ Perfect For
Who Uses the Banshee?
DJs & Nightclubs — Haze is what makes your lighting visible. Without it, beams disappear into black ceilings and washes blend into walls. The Banshee fills the room with a consistent atmospheric layer that turns every light fixture into a visible element — laser lines, beam arrays, and color washes all gain depth and definition. The 5-liter tank and low fluid consumption mean you won't be refilling mid-set.
Live Music & Concert Production — From local venues to touring stages, haze is the standard atmosphere for professional lighting design. The Banshee's DMX integration lets your lighting operator control haze output alongside the rest of the rig — building atmosphere during ballads, ramping up for high-energy moments, and keeping levels consistent through long sets.
Churches & Houses of Worship — Worship environments benefit from haze that's subtle, consistent, and quiet. The Banshee's silent internal components keep it from competing with spoken word or acoustic worship, while the adjustable output angle lets you direct haze toward lighting rigs without flooding the congregation.
Theater & Performing Arts — Theatrical haze creates depth on stage, makes followspots visible, and adds atmosphere to scene transitions. The quiet operation and DMX control let stage managers integrate haze cues into the show's lighting plot without audible distraction.
Corporate Events & Conferences — Product launches, award ceremonies, and keynotes all benefit from professional atmospheric effects that enhance stage lighting without the heavy, ground-hugging look of fog. Haze keeps the room looking polished and the presenter visible.
Photography & Film — Haze adds atmosphere, depth, and light interaction to studio shoots and on-location video production. The consistent output and low consumption make it practical for long shooting sessions without constant adjustments.
⚙ Features
1200W Haze Output
The Banshee's 1200W heater core produces fine, consistent haze that covers up to ~1,292 sq ft in 10 minutes. Unlike fog machines that blast thick clouds, the Banshee disperses a uniform atmospheric layer that holds in the air — enhancing beam visibility and light definition across the entire venue without obstructing sightlines.
DMX512 Control — 3 Channels
Full DMX512 integration across 3 channels gives your lighting operator direct control over haze output. Program haze cues into your lighting plot, automate gradual builds, or trigger output on demand — keeping atmospheric levels consistent and synchronized with the rest of your production.
Triple Control Modes
Operate the Banshee via DMX512, wireless remote, or manual on-board controls. The wireless remote supports one-to-one and one-to-many pairing, allowing you to control a single unit or multiple Banshees from one remote without signal interference between units.
Self-Cleaning System
After each use, the Banshee's built-in self-cleaning function flushes residual haze fluid from the internal lines. This prevents buildup and blockages that degrade output quality over time — reducing maintenance and keeping the machine ready for its next deployment.
Dry Pump Protection
An oil-level sensor monitors the fluid tank and automatically stops the pump when fluid runs low. Dry pumping is one of the most common causes of hazer failure — this protection prevents internal damage and significantly extends the machine's service life.
Silent Operation
The Banshee uses silent internal components designed for noise-sensitive environments. Churches, theaters, corporate presentations, and recording studios all benefit from haze output that doesn't compete with audio.
45° Adjustable Output Nozzle
The output nozzle adjusts up to 45°, allowing you to direct haze toward ceiling-mounted lighting rigs, out across the room at audience level, or at any angle in between. This eliminates the need to physically reposition the machine to change coverage direction.
5-Liter Fluid Tank
The large 5-liter (1.3 gal) tank combined with low fluid consumption of ~10.8 fl oz (0.32L) per hour provides roughly 15+ hours of continuous operation on a single fill. An upgraded refill spout allows quick top-offs without shutting down the machine.
Truss-Mount Hook Bracket
A built-in lamp hook bracket allows the Banshee to be mounted directly to truss or rigging, freeing up floor space and positioning haze output at elevation where it's most effective for lighting enhancement.
📋 Specs
📦 What's Included
In the Box
- SurgeFX Banshee Haze Machine (1200W, DMX512)
- Wireless Remote Control
- Power Cable
- User Manual
🔗 Pairs Well With
Complete Your Setup
Haze is a lighting multiplier — every fixture in your rig benefits from atmospheric enhancement. Here's how to build a complete production setup around the Banshee.
Aurà™ Haze Fluids
Purpose-built haze fluid for professional hazer machines. Formulated for fine atomization, long hang time, and clean residue-free operation. Protects pump systems and maintains consistent output quality over time.
Stage Lighting
Haze exists to make lighting visible. Moving heads, beam arrays, wash lights, and lasers all gain dramatically more visual impact when cutting through a consistent atmospheric layer. The Banshee's DMX integration means your haze levels can be programmed alongside your lighting cues for fully synchronized production.
Cold Spark Machines
Cold sparks create dramatic fountain effects for entrances, reveals, and high-energy moments. When fired through haze, the sparks gain visible trails and the surrounding atmosphere catches the reflected light — amplifying the visual impact significantly.
CO2 Effects
CO2 cannons and jets create dramatic burst effects that cut through haze-filled rooms with high contrast — the dense white CO2 plume stands out sharply against the subtle atmospheric background. Running both haze and CO2 effects gives you layered atmosphere for different production moments.
Fog Machines
Some productions need both — consistent haze for lighting enhancement throughout the show and dense fog bursts for specific dramatic moments. The Banshee handles the atmospheric base layer while a dedicated fog machine delivers the heavy visual effects on cue.
❓ FAQ
What's the difference between haze and fog?
Fog machines produce thick, visible clouds that settle toward the ground and dissipate relatively quickly. Haze machines produce a fine, nearly invisible atmosphere that hangs evenly in the air for extended periods. Haze enhances lighting — making beams, washes, and lasers visible — while fog creates a dramatic visual effect on its own. Most professional productions use haze as a constant atmospheric layer and fog for specific dramatic moments.
How loud is the Banshee?
The Banshee uses silent internal components specifically designed for noise-sensitive environments. It's suitable for churches, theaters, corporate events, and recording studios where mechanical noise from equipment isn't acceptable. You'll hear a faint hum during operation, but it won't compete with speech, music, or recorded audio.
Can I use regular fog fluid in the Banshee?
No. Haze machines and fog machines use different fluid formulations. Fog fluid is thicker and designed for rapid high-temperature vaporization. Using fog fluid in a haze machine will clog the pump system, reduce output quality, and can cause internal damage that voids your warranty. Always use water-based haze fluid — we recommend Aurà™ Haze Fluids.
How long does a full tank last?
The 5-liter tank combined with ~10.8 fl oz (0.32L) per hour consumption provides roughly 15+ hours of continuous operation. For most events — even full-day festivals or multi-service church weekends — a single fill is sufficient without refilling.
Can I mount this on truss?
Yes. The Banshee includes a built-in lamp hook bracket for direct truss mounting. Elevating the hazer positions the output closer to your lighting fixtures and allows haze to disperse naturally downward through the venue, which is often more effective than ground-level output.
How many DMX channels does the Banshee use?
The Banshee uses 3 DMX channels. This allows your lighting operator to control haze output level, timing, and fan speed independently — giving precise control over atmospheric density during the show.
Does the self-cleaning system replace manual maintenance?
The self-cleaning function flushes residual fluid from internal lines after each use, which prevents most buildup and blockage issues. However, if the machine will be stored for an extended period (weeks or months), it's good practice to run a cleaning cycle with distilled water before storage to ensure no residue remains in the pump system.
What size venue can the Banshee cover?
The Banshee covers approximately 1,292 sq ft (~120 m²) in 10 minutes of continuous output. For larger venues, run the machine longer to build up atmosphere, use multiple units for faster coverage, or position the Banshee near your primary lighting area and let HVAC circulation distribute haze through the space.
💡 Pro Tips
Haze Placement Strategy
Position the Banshee upstage or side-stage, angled toward your primary lighting fixtures. Haze is most effective when light passes through it horizontally — placing the hazer behind or beside the stage lets the atmosphere build in the zones where beams are most visible to the audience. If mounting on truss, position it above and slightly behind front-of-house lighting for maximum beam visibility.
DMX Programming for Haze
Don't run haze at a constant level. Program gradual builds during intros and transitions, higher levels during high-energy segments with heavy beam work, and lower levels during acoustic or spoken-word moments. The Banshee's 3 DMX channels give you independent control over output intensity and fan speed — use them to match atmospheric density to the energy of the show.
HVAC Awareness
Venue HVAC systems are the biggest variable in haze performance. Strong air handling will disperse haze quickly and may prevent you from building consistent atmosphere. If possible, reduce airflow in the performance area during the show or position the Banshee in a location that's shielded from direct HVAC return vents. In venues with aggressive air handling, run the Banshee at higher output to compensate for faster dispersion.
Pre-Show Haze Build
Start hazing 20-30 minutes before doors open. Haze takes time to distribute evenly and reach a consistent density throughout the room. If you wait until showtime, you'll see an obvious cloud near the machine and empty air everywhere else. Pre-building atmosphere ensures the room looks polished and professional from the moment the audience arrives.
Truss Mounting for Better Coverage
Mounting the Banshee at elevation — on truss, pipe, or a shelf above stage level — positions haze output in the zone where lighting fixtures are aimed. Haze naturally settles downward over time, so elevated output provides more even room coverage than floor placement. Use the 45° nozzle adjustment to fine-tune the output direction after mounting.
Fluid Management
Always keep haze fluid above the minimum level indicator. Running the pump dry — even briefly — can damage internal components. The dry pump protection will shut down the pump automatically, but it's better to top off proactively than to rely on the safety cutoff mid-show. Use the upgraded refill spout for quick top-offs without shutting down the machine.
Post-Event Maintenance
After each event, activate the self-cleaning cycle before powering down. This flushes residual haze fluid from the pump lines and prevents buildup that causes clogs over time. If the machine won't be used for more than a week, run a flush cycle with distilled water to clear the system completely before storage. Store the machine upright in a dry environment.