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Nightclubs & Bars — Twin cryo blasts timed to drops for maximum crowd energy
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DJs & Mobile Entertainers — Dual-pipe output from a single compact unit on your booth
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Concerts & Touring Productions — Wider cryo coverage without doubling your gear count
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Music Festivals — High-impact dual blasts for headliner moments and stage transitions
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Sports Intros & Walkouts — Twin plumes flanking athlete entrances and team reveals
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Event Production & Rental Companies — One unit does the work of two — simplified inventory
Why Vortex²: Two pipes, one machine. Get wider cryo coverage, staggered blast options, and more visual punch than a single-pipe jet — without adding a second unit to your rig or DMX chain.
In The Box
- 1x SurgeFX Vortex² Twin 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 and independent pipe control (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. The dual-pipe design consumes CO₂ faster than single-pipe units — plan tank sizes accordingly.
Quick Setup: The included 6ft hose features an integrated quick-connect fitting — attach to your siphon tank and lock with a wrench. No additional fittings or adapters needed.
Stack the Effects
Combine the Vortex² with other SurgeFX machines for layered production value:
More CO₂ Effects
Control
- Any DMX512 controller — 2-channel operation for independent pipe control
CO₂ Supply
- Siphon-tube CO₂ tanks — available from local welding supply, gas distributors, or beverage CO₂ suppliers
What's the difference between Vortex and Vortex²?
The Vortex has a single output pipe with 1 DMX channel. The Vortex² has twin output pipes with 2 DMX channels — giving you wider coverage, independent pipe control, and the ability to fire both simultaneously or stagger them. The Vortex² is slightly wider (6.9" vs 4.9") and heavier (9.9 lbs vs 7.7 lbs).
Can I fire each pipe independently?
Yes. The 2-channel DMX mode gives you independent control of each pipe. Fire both together for maximum impact, alternate them for a left-right stagger effect, or use one pipe at a time for longer overall blast time from a single tank.
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 the largest tank practical for your setup — bigger tanks mean more blasts per fill.
How long does a CO₂ tank last with twin pipes?
Each pound of CO₂ provides approximately 1.5–2 seconds of blast time. With both pipes firing simultaneously, you'll consume CO₂ roughly twice as fast as a single-pipe unit. A 20 lb siphon tank gives you about 15–20 seconds of dual-blast time, or 30–40 seconds if you alternate pipes. For longer shows, use a 50 lb tank or keep backups ready.
Does it really reach 33 feet?
Yes — each pipe reaches up to 33 ft (10m) with a full tank at operating pressure. Jet height decreases as tank pressure drops and in windy outdoor conditions.
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 long can each blast last?
Each blast should not exceed 10 seconds, with a minimum 5-second pause between blasts. This protects the valve and ensures consistent performance. For shows, this cycle works perfectly with timed DMX cues on drops and transitions.
Do I need a DMX controller?
Not necessarily — the Vortex² has a manual control mode for standalone operation. However, DMX is highly recommended for this unit since the 2-channel mode unlocks independent pipe control, which is the main advantage over a single-pipe jet.
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.
Size Up Your Tank
Twin pipes consume CO₂ roughly twice as fast as a single-pipe unit. A 20 lb tank goes quick when both pipes fire. For nightclub residencies or multi-song sets, use a 50 lb tank minimum. For festivals or touring, keep a backup tank ready for hot-swaps between acts.
Use the 2 Channels
The biggest advantage of the Vortex² over a single-pipe jet is independent pipe control via DMX. Program alternating left-right blasts on beat, simultaneous dual hits on drops, or single-pipe sustained effects to stretch your CO₂ budget. This flexibility is worth the DMX setup.
Respect the Duty Cycle
Keep each blast under 10 seconds and wait at least 5 seconds between blasts. This protects the electromagnetic valve and ensures consistent jet height. For show programming, build your DMX cues around this rhythm — it naturally fits drop/build song structures.
Stage Placement
The twin pipes create a wider cryo spread than a single-pipe unit. Place the Vortex² center stage for a symmetrical dual-plume effect, or position at the DJ booth for twin blasts flanking the performer. For maximum spectacle, run two Vortex² units on opposite sides of the stage.
Nightclub Installation
The Vortex² is popular for permanent nightclub installs. Keep the machine on the DJ booth or mount to a fixed position. Coordinate with your gas supplier for regular siphon tank delivery — many offer exchange programs. Run the 6ft hose to a tank stored out of sight behind or below the booth.
Transport
At 9.9 lbs, the Vortex² is easy to carry one-handed. The compact form factor fits in standard gear bags alongside your other CO₂ accessories. Always transport CO₂ tanks upright and secured separately.
