Chauvet DJ Nimbus Low-Lying Dry Ice Fog Machine

Chauvet DJ Nimbus: Low-Lying Dry Ice Fog for Ground-Hugging “Cloud” Effects

Nimbus™ delivers dense, floor-hugging fog on demand using real dry ice and hot water—ideal for dramatic reveals, first dances, and cinematic moments where the effect must stay low. The internal basket holds up to 10 lb (4.5 kg) of dry ice above a 4.5 gal (17 L) water tank, producing an average ~6 minutes of output per load.

Heat management is fast and predictable. A single heating element brings water to operating temperature in about 50 minutes (reheat ~30 minutes). Connect the optional secondary power input to a separate circuit to halve those times to ~30 minutes heat-up and ~15 minutes reheat. Top-plate LED indicators report status—red when the heater is on and green at optimal water temperature—so crews can time reloads precisely.

Operation is simple and safe. Load the basket with dry ice, latch the lid, then set output via the front mechanical lever (middle notch for low, fully down for high). A built-in safety shutoff prevents the heaters from energizing if water is low. The unit is indoor use (IP20) and designed for ground placement.

• Real-World Applications and Show Roles:
• Weddings & Special Events — classic “dancing on a cloud” effect that stays low to the floor.
• Theatre & Dance — scene changes, entrances, and reveals without overhead haze.
• Film/Photo — controlled, repeatable low-fog passes for takes and stills.
• Live Music & DJ Sets — timed drops; predictable reheat windows simplify set planning.

Where This System Excels

• Weddings & Galas: Create a slow-moving, ground-hugging “cloud” for first dances and reveals.
• Theatrical Blocking: Keep atmosphere below knee height for crisp lighting looks and safe sightlines.
• Broadcast & Photo: Short, consistent bursts (~6 min per load) simplify retakes and continuity.
• Touring & Corporate: Dual-element option halves heat times for tighter show turns between cues.
• Ballrooms & Indoor Venues: IP20 indoor design with safety shutoff and clear 2 m nozzle standoff guidance.
• DJ Packages: Simple lever control and status LEDs make operation easy for small crews.

Control Modes

Output Control: Front mechanical lever with two practical detents — middle notch for low output, fully down for high output.

Status Indicators: Two top-plate LEDs — Red indicates the heater is on; Green confirms the water is at optimal operating temperature.

Heat & Power: Fixed-voltage models (120 V, 60 Hz or 230 V, 50 Hz). Single element: ~50 min heat-up / ~30 min reheat. With the optional secondary power input on a separate circuit: ~30 min heat-up / ~15 min reheat. Do not plug both power cords into the same circuit (breaker will trip). Never connect to a dimmer.

Safety Logic: Built-in low-water safety shutoff prevents heaters from energizing until water is added. Recommended water temperature for best performance: ~175 °F (79 °C).

Operating Guidance: Designed for ground placement (indoor, IP20). Maintain at least 6.5 ft (2 m) clearance in front of the nozzle; the nozzle and top plate can be very hot during/after operation.

Capacities (for planning cues): Water tank 4.5 gal (17 L); dry ice basket up to 10 lb (4.5 kg); average runtime per load ~6 minutes.

Heating System & Dual-Power Architecture of the Nimbus

Predictable heat-up with optional acceleration: Nimbus is a fixed-voltage unit (120 V, 60 Hz or 230 V, 50 Hz, model specific) with a Neutrik® powerCON A mains inlet plus an optional secondary inlet to shorten warmup. Never connect to a dimmer or share one circuit for both inlets.

• Element options & electrical draw:
  • Single element: 1500 W (120 V) / 1400 W (230 V); ~12.6 A @120 V; ~6.2 A @230 V.
  • Dual element (two inlets, separate circuits): 3000 W total; ~25.2 A @120 V; ~12.3 A @230 V.
• Time to temperature:
  • Single element: Heat-up 50 min; Reheat 30 min.
  • With secondary inlet: Heat-up 30 min; Reheat 15 min.
• Status feedback: Red LED = heater on; Green LED = water at operating temperature.
• Planning capacities: Water tank 4.5 gal (17 L); dry ice basket 10 lb (4.5 kg); average runtime per load ~6 min. Best results near 175 °F (79 °C) water temp.

Dry Ice Sublimation & Low-Fog Output Behavior

How Nimbus makes the “cloud” look: Dry ice (solid CO₂) hits hot water and sublimates, driving cold CO₂ through the moisture so droplets condense and sink to the floor for a true low-lying effect.

• Output control: Load up to 10 lb of dry ice, latch the lid, then use the front lever:
  • Middle notch = low output / extended look.
  • Fully down = high output / maximum density.
• Runtime cadence: A fresh full load typically yields ~6 minutes of effect; as water cools, the green LED extinguishes and output tapers—normal behavior.
• Best practices for consistency:
  • Load dry ice at the last possible moment to preserve mass.
  • Reheat to green before each cue; top off water until the red LED re-illuminates if needed.
• Critical behavior notes:
  • Keep a clear 6.5 ft (2 m) standoff in front of the nozzle; never cover or restrict it.
  • Top plate and nozzle remain very hot during/after use—do not touch.

Safety Systems & Operator Workflow

Built-in protection and clear handling rules keep crews safe and the effect reliable.

• Automatic protection: Low-water safety shutoff prevents heaters from energizing until the tank is adequately filled.
• PPE & handling:
  • Use thick insulated gloves for all dry ice handling; wear eye protection when breaking blocks.
  • Load the basket only when the unit is ready; never remove the basket while powered or heaters are hot.
• Placement & environment (IP20):
  • Operate on the ground only; provide =20 in (50 cm) ventilation clearance on all sides.
  • Ventilate the room; avoid confined spaces (CO₂ displaces oxygen). Keep flammables away.
  • Max ambient 104 °F (40 °C).
• Electrical:
  • Use grounded, protected circuits; never connect to a dimmer.
  • If using dual-element heating, plug each inlet into separate circuits.
• Housekeeping:
  • Expect moisture near the output; mark the area for slip risk.
  • After the show, allow full cool-down, then drain before transport.

Load Planning & Cue Timing for Nimbus

• Pre-show:
  • Fill until the red LED turns on and begin heating.
  • For tighter schedules, connect the optional secondary inlet to a separate circuit (30 min heat-up / 15 min reheat).
  • Stage dry ice close by in a ventilated area (never in a sealed container).
• Per-cue workflow:
  • When the green LED indicates ready, load up to 10 lb dry ice, latch the lid.
  • Select lever position (middle for low, fully down for high) based on desired density and coverage.
  • Budget ~6 minutes of effect for a full load; use partial loads for shorter looks.
• Between cues:
  • Plan for 15–30 minutes of reheat (secondary inlet vs. single element).
  • Top off water if needed (watch for the red LED), reheat to green, then reload dry ice just before the next cue.
• Venue considerations:
  • Maintain a 2 m clear path in front of the nozzle.
  • Coordinate lighting to avoid lifting the effect with excess uplight if a pure floor cloud is desired.

How to Deploy in the Field

1. Positioning: Place Nimbus on a level, ground location with at least 20 in (50 cm) ventilation clearance on all sides and 6.5 ft (2 m) clear in front of the nozzle. Keep away from flammables and traffic paths.
2. Power: Connect the main powerCON A inlet to a grounded, protected circuit. If faster heat-up is required, connect the optional secondary inlet to a separate circuit. Do not share one circuit; do not use dimmers.
3. Water Fill & Heat: Raise the basket, open the lid, and fill with water until the red LED illuminates (tank capacity 4.5 gal / 17 L). Heat until the green LED confirms operating temperature (see single vs. dual-element times).
4. Dry Ice Load: Wearing gloves and eye protection, load up to 10 lb (4.5 kg) of dry ice into the internal basket. Load at the last possible moment. Close and latch the lid.
5. Output: Use the front lever: middle notch for low output, fully down for high. Monitor density and duration; a full load yields about 6 minutes of effect.
6. Between Looks: When output tapers, raise the basket, allow reheating (watch for green LED), refill water if needed (red LED), and reload dry ice for the next cue.
7. Strike & Transport: After the final cue, allow the unit and water to fully cool. Drain the tank before moving. Expect some wetness near the output; mark the area for slip safety.

Do Not: Mount the unit, cover the nozzle, operate in confined spaces, or touch the top plate/nozzle during or after operation — they remain very hot.

Why Choose from AVMaxx

We build show-ready Nimbus packages, not just carts. From power planning (separate circuits for dual-element heating) to cue timing and venue ventilation, our team helps you deliver reliable, floor-hugging results on the first try—and every show after.

Verified specs, practical guidance. Every detail we publish comes from the official Nimbus User Manual Rev. 11 you supplied, translated into clear deployment steps for DJs, theaters, and event crews. We share the “why” behind each step so your operators make better decisions under pressure.

Hands-on support and integration. Need spare cables, gloves, or rolling cases? We’ll match accessories to your workflow and educate your crew on safe handling, water temps (~175 °F), clearances (2 m front), and moisture management on dance floors.

Pro-level fulfillment. Fast shipping, meticulous order checks, and responsive post-sale support mean you’re not stuck guessing on heat/reheat cycles or load timing minutes before doors.

Outcome-focused. Our goal is the same as yours: a dense, ground-hugging “cloud” when the cue hits—without surprises, tripped breakers, or fog rising into camera shots.

Bring us your run-of-show and floor plan—we’ll blueprint your Nimbus workflow so the cloud lands exactly when and where you want it.