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DJs & Mobile Entertainers — Compact cryo cannon that fits right on the DJ booth
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Nightclubs & Bars — Instant crowd energy with timed CO₂ blasts on drops and builds
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Concerts & Touring Productions — Lightweight, road-ready cryo that sets up in minutes
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Music Festivals — Focused CO₂ blasts for headliner moments and stage transitions
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Corporate Events & Product Launches — Dramatic reveals, entrances, and stage unveils
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Event Production & Rental Companies — Reliable, compact cryo effects for any inventory
Why Vortex: At just 7.7 lbs with a single focused pipe, the Vortex gives you targeted cryo blasts without the size or complexity of multi-pipe CO₂ rigs. Deploy it anywhere — stage floor, DJ booth, truss, or ceiling.
In The Box
- 1x SurgeFX Vortex Single Side Pipe CO2 Jet
- 1x Power Cord
- 1x DMX Cord
- 1x 6ft CO₂ High-Pressure Hose with Quick-Connect
- 1x Instruction Manual
What You'll Need
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CO₂ Tank — Siphon-tube type required (standard CO₂ tanks will not work). Available from welding or gas suppliers.
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Power Source — 100–240V AC (universal voltage)
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DMX Controller — For synchronized show programming (optional — manual mode available)
Important: This machine requires a siphon-tube CO₂ tank — not a standard CO₂ cylinder. Siphon tanks have an internal dip tube that draws liquid CO₂ from the bottom. Confirm with your gas supplier before purchasing.
Quick Setup: The included 6ft hose features an integrated quick-connect fitting — just attach to your siphon tank and lock with a wrench. No additional fittings or adapters needed.
Stack the Effects
Combine the Vortex CO₂ Jet with other SurgeFX machines for layered production value:
Scale Up Your Cryo Rig
Control
- Any DMX512 controller — 1 channel operation for simple integration
CO₂ Supply
- Siphon-tube CO₂ tanks — available from local welding supply, gas distributors, or beverage CO₂ suppliers
What kind of CO₂ tank do I need?
You need a siphon-tube (dip tube) CO₂ tank — not a standard CO₂ cylinder. Siphon tanks draw liquid CO₂ from the bottom of the tank, which is required for cryo jet effects. Your local welding supply or gas distributor can provide these. We recommend using the largest tank practical for your setup — bigger tanks mean more blasts per fill.
How long does a CO₂ tank last?
Each pound of CO₂ provides approximately 1.5–2 seconds of blast time. A standard 20 lb siphon tank gives you roughly 30–40 seconds of total blast time — enough for a full set of timed hits. For longer shows, keep a backup tank ready or use a larger 50 lb tank.
Does it really reach 33 feet?
Yes — with a full tank at operating pressure. Jet height decreases as tank pressure drops and in windy outdoor conditions. For maximum height, use a well-filled tank and position in sheltered areas when outdoors.
Can I mount it on a truss?
Yes. The base has built-in mounting holes designed for standard lighting clamps. No disassembly required — attach and aim. It also sits securely on stage floors, DJ tables, and elevated platforms.
Can I use it indoors?
Yes. CO₂ cryo effects dissipate quickly and are commonly used in nightclubs, theaters, and indoor venues. Ensure adequate ventilation, especially in smaller enclosed spaces, as CO₂ displaces oxygen in high concentrations.
How loud is it?
The aluminum nozzle is engineered to reduce noise compared to standard steel nozzles. You'll still hear the blast — CO₂ jets produce a characteristic "hiss" — but it's designed to be less harsh and more controlled.
Do I need a DMX controller?
Not necessarily. The Vortex has a manual control mode for standalone operation. However, DMX gives you precise timing and the ability to sync multiple units, which is ideal for professional shows.
What's the difference between this and a fog jet?
Fog jets (like the Aurora Jet Maxx) heat fog fluid to create vapor columns. CO₂ jets use pressurized liquid carbon dioxide for instant, cold cryo blasts. CO₂ effects are faster, colder (crowd can feel it), and dissipate almost immediately. The tradeoff: CO₂ requires tank refills, while fog jets only need fluid.
Siphon Tanks Only
This is the #1 thing to get right. Standard CO₂ cylinders release gas from the top — they won't produce cryo jet effects. You need a siphon-tube tank that draws liquid CO₂ from the bottom. Always confirm with your supplier before filling or purchasing.
Bigger Tank = More Blasts
A 20 lb tank gives you ~30–40 seconds of blast time. A 50 lb tank stretches that significantly. For multi-song sets or events with repeated cryo hits, go bigger or keep a backup tank ready for hot-swaps between sets.
Position for Impact
The single side pipe gives you focused, directional output. Aim it where you want the visual — straight up for vertical columns, or angle toward the crowd for that "blast them with cold" effect. For maximum spectacle, deploy 2–4 units spaced across the stage and fire them in sequence via DMX.
DMX Made Simple
The Vortex runs on just 1 DMX channel — assign the address on the LCD display and you're set. This makes multi-unit setups easy: give each unit its own channel for individual control, or set them all to the same address for synchronized blasts.
Truss Mounting
Use standard lighting clamps through the built-in base holes — no tools required beyond what you'd use for any truss-mounted fixture. The 7.7 lb weight means minimal load on your truss. Aim the nozzle downward for overhead cryo rain effects.
Cold Weather Considerations
CO₂ tanks lose pressure in very cold environments. If operating outdoors in cold weather, keep tanks in a warmer area until needed. The machine itself operates normally in cold conditions.
Tank Logistics
Build a relationship with a local welding supply or gas distributor for CO₂ refills. Many offer delivery and tank exchange programs. For touring, research suppliers in advance at each stop — siphon tanks are widely available but not always in stock without notice.
