Introducing amaran Pixel Tubes — Pixel FX & USB-C Batteries for Indie Filmmakers
amaran just announced the PT1c, PT2c, and PT4c alongside the existing amaran T2c and T4c, for a plethora of tube lighting options for indie filmmakers and content creators.
As we continue to push the limits of what creators can do with our lights within the Sidus Link ecosystem we want to bring more tools to the table to unleash new creative possibilities and enhance your frame.
So we listened to your feedback on the amaran T2c and T4c and worked hard to create something special, with the latest addition to the amaran ecosystem: the all-new amaran Pixel Tubes! Including the PT1c, PT2c, and PT4c.
These are amaran’s first-ever pixelated tube lights. They are battery-powered, RGBWW, feature 4 pixels per foot, and are available in three different sizes: 1-foot, 2-foot, and 4-foot. That means you have even more flexibility to create stunning lighting effects, no matter where you are.
We’ve also made sure to include a 1-foot tube, which is perfect for creators who want a compact, pixel-capable fixture without the more costly professional features of the Aputure MT Pro. And with the power of Sidus Link, you can control all of your Aputure and amaran lights from a single app on your smartphone or tablet, making your workflow even more efficient and seamless.
This also makes the amaran Pixel Tubes one of the only series of tube lights with a full selection of different lengths, standing at 1-foot, 2-foot, and 4-foot. Alongside the MT Pro, the PT1c is one of the only 1-foot tube lights with multiple pixels.
Multiple Pixels
What separates Pixel Tubes from the rest of the amaran family is this new layer of effects capabilities. With 4 pixels or lighting zones on the PT1c, 8 on the PT2c, and 16 on the PT4c, the Pixel Tubes have the same number of light engines as high-end industry staples, but with an indie filmmaker focus.
In fact, the Pixel Tubes come with 7 pre-programmed Pixel FX, including Color Fade, Color Cycle, One Pixel Chase, Two Pixel Chase, Three Pixel Chase, Rainbow, and Pixel Fire. And for photographers who love light painting, the independently controllable pixels can create some truly unique lighting effects for long-exposure photography.
For all the creators who have been using the T2c and T4c as in-camera practicals, the Pixel Tubes’ multiple lighting zones and sleek design will allow you to take your creations to the next level. They can add visual interest to your background, whether they’re used in or out of the frame.
Built-In Batteries
To make them better suited as in-camera practicals, we listened to user feedback and wanted to provide an alternative to the high-capacity battery grips of the T2c and T4c, so you can bring your lighting designs to life with ease. With the addition of internal batteries in the Pixel Tubes, creators have the flexibility of placing or hiding the Pixel Tubes virtually anywhere with an improved on-set workflow.
Each of the Pixel Tubes have integrated batteries for easier operation, with the PT1c having a 70 minute runtime, and also has a removable battery, while the PT2c and PT4c both have almost 3 hours of battery life at max power. With these built-in batteries, creators can enhance the usability of these sleek, simple tubes — whether that is used directly in the shot, for creating stylized music videos and commercials, or when maneuvering the Pixel Tubes over intricate sets for product cinematography.
And for absolute ease of use, all of the Pixel Tubes charge via USB-C, so you don’t need any special cables and adapters. The PT2c and PT4c even support PD Quick Charging, so they can each charge their high capacity batteries in about 2–3 hours.
Positioning and Mounting
Ease of use was a key consideration in the design of the Pixel Tubes, and this includes new mounting solutions. While the internal batteries necessitated a different approach to mounting than the T2c and T4c, we wanted to ensure that the Pixel Tubes provide you with easy mounting options right out of the box.
Starting with the PT1c, we designed rotatable end caps that can be independently repositioned or swivelled with 180 degrees of rotation. Like the MT Pro, these 1-foot tubes have a built-in magnet at each end cap for attaching to metal surfaces.
For the longer PT2c and PT4c tubes, we designed end caps with 5 flat sides, allowing you to position the light at 5 different angles. From 0 to 45, 90, 135, and 180 degrees of rotation when laid flat on the ground. These 2-foot and 4-foot tubes also come with two clear, magnetic T12 tube brackets. Simply snap the Pixel Tubes in place, and use the high-strength neodymium magnets or 3/8–16in screw threads on the backs of the brackets.
The end caps for the Pixel Tubes are also equipped with integrated 3/8–16in screw threads, allowing for additional mounting solutions, including a baby pin for the PT1c, the amaran Splicing Adapters for creating a variety of shapes, the included eyebolts for the PT2c and PT4c, or even floor stands. Creating interesting visuals and set pieces has never been easier. With these new mounting solutions, you can easily attach the Pixel Tubes to almost any surface or structure, giving you the freedom to get creative and bring your lighting designs to life.
Summary
In addition to all the amazing capabilities of the Pixel Tubes, like their multiple Pixel FX, built-in batteries, and no-hassle mounting solutions, it can be easy to forget that they still have the familiar color modes of our other RGBWW fixtures. This includes advanced HSI and white point CCT tunability ranging from 2,700 to 10,000 Kelvin, as well as full plus/minus green controls. This means the Pixel Tubes maintain the same high color quality that users have come to expect from other amaran RGBWW lights, with a CRI rating of 95+, a TLCI score of 98+, and a Tungsten SSI rating of 85.
With the Pixel Tubes, you have the flexibility to create a wide range of lighting effects with complete confidence in the quality of the light output. So, whether you’re using the Pixel Tubes for product photography or creating cinematic video, you can be sure that your colors will be accurate.
And to make controlling these features even easier, the Pixel Tubes have a new interface that can be used to adjust settings directly on the tubes, wirelessly through the Sidus Link app, or via DMX with the new amaran USB-C to DMX Adapter for more advanced console controls.
This new adapter also supports PD charging for the 2-foot and 4-foot tubes, using the additional USB-C input, so you can simultaneously use DMX and charge these lights at the same time.
All of these amazing features are encased in the Pixel Tube’s sleek, all-white housing, and comes in a convenient carrying bag that makes it easy to take with you on the go.
For even more creative control, a separate 45º Light Control Grid is available for purchase for all tube lengths, and the PT2c and PT4c tubes even come in 2-Light Kit versions, unlocking even more possibilities to enhance your frame.
Pricing & Availability
These game-changing lights are available starting today at an affordable price. You can get your hands on the:
For all your creative needs, we’ve also put together 2-Light Production Kits that include additional accessories like extra magnetic T12 brackets, eyebolts, two of the all-new amaran USB-C to DMX Adapters, and amaran Floor Stands with 3/8–16in screws.
- amaran PT2c 2-Light Production Kit for $598 | Shop Now
- amaran PT4c 2-Light Production Kit for $838 | Shop Now
We are beyond excited to see what you create with these revolutionary lights. So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your creativity and let’s light up the world together!
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