The effect is simply created by heating a granulated alloy which is then blown from an opening in the top of the unit to create a fountain of sparks. The height and intensity of the sparks can be regulated and all units are controlled using DMX as standard.

MAGICFX Sparxtars are made in the Netherlands and has only high quality European components inside. 

MAGICFX Sparxtars are lower profile which looks better on stages.

MAGICFX Sparxtars have M10 holes for truss clamps

MAGICFX Sparxtars have a lownoise fan of EBM Papst (top quality German brand of fans). The Sparkular from Showven makes a lot of noise and sounds like a vacuum cleaner.

MAGICFX Sparxtars have safety components inside and is equipped with a tilt sensor.

MAGICFX Sparxtars are fast and start immediately when you push the button to get your effect on the cue. There is no 3 seconds delay like the Sparkular from Showven.

MAGICFX Sparxtars can be easily controlled by the fader of your DMX controller from 1-100% (0-255) and create nice waves. The Sparkular is controlled from 1-40% which is less convenient.

To use the Showven Sparkulars range and powders you need a kind of credit card for authorisation to fill the machines with powder. It’s a good idea to protect the machines for other powders but it is not convenient at all in our rock & roll industry and those cards might get lost, we kept it simple.

The Sparkular system has been built to eradicate the fire risks that come with normal pyrotechnics. No large safety or exclusion zones are required as the heated granules cool instantly when in contact with the air and are safe to touch. All of the materials are completely non-hazardous.

Some sparks of the MAGICFX Sparxtar reach 5m but the effect itself (most sparks) goes about 4m so we always need to advise for the max height for health and safety regulations.

Showven (Sparkular) range of products have a credit cards type RFID tag used to identify parameters and types of granules and increase the single machine specific working time. The card is disposable and single use. From MAGICFX testings they have seen that thicker powder gets hotter and doesn’t give a better effect. MAGICFX just made the best mixture of powder for the best effect in common circumstances.

Yes you can use it outside. But like with all effects wind and rain is not a good condition to expose your effect or equipment to!

No. this special powder can not be made for different colours effects.

No, this is not yet possible with MagicFX. Please refer to the truss-mounted, Sparkular Fall for a waterfall spark effect. 

MAGICFX SPARXTAR : THREE.
Channel 1 = Safety* 
Channel 2 = fan speed 
Channel 3 = sparks (feeding powder)

The effect has been designed for indoor use as it is extremely safe and does not present a fire risk, meaning that it can be safely used in practically any venue. The unit can be used outdoors, however it must be kept completely dry. If any moisture or rain gets into the unit the powder will begin to clog and the internal mechanisms may become damaged.

As with any Professional Special Effects equipment it is important to maintain the units to ensure that they continue to perform as you expect them too. We therefore strongly suggest you carry out the below steps to ensure these issues don't occur.

Clear Materials - Run the clear material cycle after every use to blow out any residual granules from the chamber. This function will clean out any granules from the working elements of the machine without feeding in any more material from the hopper that stores the unused granules. Performing this action keeps the workings of the units clean and tidy and must always be done prior to them being transported.

Air Vents - The unit has 3 main air vents that are used to keep the machine cool during operation. One on either side of the unit and another on the back of the unit where the fan can be seen. To maintain a clear air flow into the unit, clear any residual dust that may have built up by simply running a vacuum over them on a regular basis.

​Pre-Heat Function - The Pre-heat function required to operate the units should not be left on unnecessarily for long periods of time. The units take just 3-4 minutes to reach the required temperature to operate and the heating element shouldn't be left on when it's known that the units will not be used.

Unused Granules - Once emptied from the machine, any unused granules should be stored in a sealed bag where they cannot be exposed to any moisture. Any granules that do come into contact with water should be disposed of immediately and must not be used.

Air Flow - Ensure a clear air flow to all sides of the unit. Do not cover the unit with anything that may restrict this.

Flammable Materials - Whilst the unit and the effect are extremely safe, please do not place any flammable materials in very close proximity. Please also ensure that the units are not covered with anything that may impact the flow of sparks during operation.

Transport - Please ensure that all granules are removed from the unit prior to transport by emptying the machine and also running the clear materials cycle. During transport all units should be stored in a flight case or other suitable container with sufficient padding to ensure no damage occurs during transit.

Cabling - Please ensure that safe and sufficient cabling is used on all machines - no bare wires should be seen.

Atmospheric Conditions - The unit and the consumptive granules must be kept dry at all times to ensure safe and successful use. If any granules or the unit comes into contact with water at any time they must not be used.