The air hung thick with the scent of stale beer and nervous anticipation. This wasn’t a stadium gig; this was the Moose Lodge’s annual polka night, and I was wrestling with a budget that squeaked louder than the clarinet player’s reeds. My mission? Elevate this polka party beyond the realm of “glow stick spectacular.” That’s where the ADJ Pocket Pro came in.

Forget the clunky, space-hogging PAR cans of yore. This little marvel – a moving head the size of a large cantaloupe – promised serious punch. My immediate worry? Low ceilings. The Moose Lodge ballroom has a ceiling barely higher than a basketball hoop. Conventional fixtures? Forget about it. The compact design was a godsend, allowing me to mount them on my existing truss with room to spare.

First impressions were good. The build quality felt surprisingly robust, especially for the price point. The EZ-open cover, granting access to the gobo wheel, is a thoughtful detail. I swapped a few out for more festive patterns – think swirling snowflakes and polka dots, obviously – in a matter of minutes. Contrast that with the fiddly screw-and-sweat nightmare of my old Elation units! No contest.

The Pocket Pro delivers a surprisingly bright output for its size. Gobos are crisp and defined, which is important when you’re trying to project a sense of dynamic energy into a room full of… well, polka enthusiasts. The pan and tilt movements are smooth and accurate, making for some seriously dynamic lighting effects. I programmed a simple chase sequence to the beat of the music, and the dance floor erupted. My usual go-to, a Chauvet Intimidator Spot, couldn’t compete at this size and cost.

Here’s the slight snag: the fan can be a tad noisy, especially when you’re running it at full power. It’s not deafening, mind you. But in a quiet venue, you might notice it. The workaround? Position your speakers strategically. Point them towards the dance floor. This will subtly mask the sound. Or, just turn the music up louder! Everyone’s happy.

So, who’s this little workhorse for? The Pocket Pro is perfect for mobile DJs, small venues, and anyone who wants to add a serious dose of professional lighting to their setup without breaking the bank (or their back). Get yourself a pair. Your future polka nights (and everything else) will thank you.