Creamsource Vortex24

Last Updated 7 hours ago

Overview

Key specifications

Specification	Details
Engine	RRGBBW
Power	1950W
Controllable zones / pixels	24
CCT	2,200–15,000K
Colour modes	CCT/tint, hue/saturation, x,y, gels, direct RGBW, effects
CRI / TLCI	Typical 95, manufacturer listing
Native beam	20° native half-peak
AC input	110–240V, 50/60Hz; max 17.7A
Direct DC	No direct DC input listed
Weight	53.5kg with yoke; 46.5kg excluding yoke
Size	971 × 686 × 258mm without yoke
Yoke	Removable quick-release design
Rigging points	Eight ⅜in threaded points; four LNX sockets
Filter rails	Two; use the documented front-loading arrangement
Cooling / maximum ambient	Variable-speed fans / 40°C
Weather rating	IP65
Control	Onboard, 5-pin DMX/RDM, wired remote option, LumenRadio TimoTwo, etherCON, USB-A

Strengths and limitations

Strength	Limitation
A broad emitting face suits soft keys and controlled reflections.	Diffusion and grids change both the exposure and the useful coverage.
Model-specific controls allow repeatable white or colour settings.	The controller, supply and rigging are part of the complete package.

Practical uses

The Vortex24 is useful when a production needs a large amount of controlled colour-capable punch, a strong source for a substantial bounce, or a zoned panel for interactive work. Its native concentration and output budget are the attraction, provided the electrical and rigging package can support them.

The Vortex4 and Vortex8 cover other sizes and optical priorities. Compare the complete working configuration at the required distance; model numbers and electrical power alone do not describe useful coverage.

Setup	Working approach
Interview key	Set source size and distance for the required wrap, then add a grid or flags.
Product reflection	Watch the actual reflection while adjusting orientation and diffusion.

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Output and colour

Creamsource groups 3,200K and 5,600K under the following native/diffuser table. The published values below preserve that grouping. The diffuser is a separate optical condition; the narrow native centre reading should not be presented as broad soft-light output.

Distance	Native	With diffuser
1m	96,350 lux	26,940 lux
3m	27,560 lux	3,730 lux
5m	11,350 lux	1,410 lux

The native 20° distribution is useful when the job needs concentrated light, throw or a strong push into a bounce. Adding the specified diffuser widens the distribution and changes the measured centre intensity. A high native lux number cannot be used to budget exposure after a large soft modifier is attached.

For a diffusion frame, check how evenly the fixture fills the required area. A larger central reading with a narrow beam can leave the edges of a frame under-filled. For a long throw, the same concentration may be exactly what is needed. Choose coverage and light quality together.

24 controllable zones let the panel vary spatially rather than behave only as one uniform source. This is useful for effects, pixel patterns and interactive lighting, but the scene geometry determines how those zones blend on the subject.

x,y, hue-based and direct RGBW controls are different interfaces to the colour engine. A requested coordinate must lie within the achievable gamut, and white-light CRI does not predict saturated-colour exposure. Test the look through the intended camera, particularly for deep colours and reflected set materials.

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Power and batteries

The Vortex24’s listed AC range is 110–240V, 50/60Hz; max 17.7A. The manufacturer does not list a direct DC input. Do not transfer the Vortex8 Soft’s 48V battery connection to the Vortex24 because both are in the same product family.

The integrated power supply removes an external ballast-style component from the layout, while placing its mass in the fixture. Plan distribution for the actual input demand and selected operating limit. A “house power” setting or power cap, when used, must be recorded because it changes the available output budget.

Control, cooling and camera operation

The Vortex system supports wired DMX/RDM, Ethernet lighting workflows and a built-in LumenRadio TimoTwo system. USB-A supports documented system functions and can supply limited accessory power; it should not be confused with the fixture’s main power input.

Camera synchronization and High Speed mode address timing-sensitive work. Creamsource publishes a high-speed capability above 5,000fps in the specified mode. Treat that as a manufacturer claim requiring the correct setup, not a guarantee at every shutter, dimming level and camera phase.

Follow the current Vortex control and camera-sync guides, and match firmware and DMX profiles before shooting. A sync connection only helps when the signal, settings and camera timing are configured correctly.

IP65 applies to the specified fixture arrangement, with the required connector sealing and caps. It does not establish that third-party power distribution or an open cable connection has the same protection. The stated maximum ambient temperature is 40°C.

Variable-speed cooling means fan behaviour is part of the setup. Test at the actual light level and microphone position, with ventilation unobstructed. If an operating or power limit is selected for sound or thermal reasons, verify the resulting exposure before the take.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

The system’s filter rails accept supported lenses, diffusers and other accessories. Creamsource’s naming and accessory range have developed over time. The current lens and intensifier guide is more useful for identification than assuming an older “flat diffuser” name describes every present option.

The manufacturer also documents a front-loading method for these models. Fit and secure the actual modifier as instructed, especially when a panel is already overhead. A shared accessory ecosystem does not mean that mounting procedure, frame colour or beam effect is identical on every Vortex size.

The published weight is 53.5kg with yoke, compared with 46.5kg excluding yoke. Add the actual modifier, extra rigging hardware and cable loading. At more than 50kg in its yoke, the Vortex24 calls for a deliberate lifting, support and access plan.

Use LNX and threaded points according to the manufacturer’s rigging instructions. Combining fixtures into an array creates a new complete assembly: total mass, leverage, restraint and wind area all change. A mounting socket is part of a designed system, not a stand-alone approval for an improvised load path.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	Choose it for
Vortex8	A smaller or narrower-native-beam panel; identify the exact version.
SkyPanel S360-C	A different large soft-source format, power package and front-panel system.

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What people are saying

Fin at LCA: the large Vortex24

Fin’s overview presents the hard Vortex24’s large-format head, narrow native beam and rigging package. It concerns Vortex24, not the later Vortex24 Soft. View the source.

Videos

Creamsource Vortex24: review and operation

A walkthrough or review of the fixture and its working package.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

Check the exact model and revision, complete power package, mounting hardware and control leads. Inspect emitting surface, connectors and support points. Test the intended operating level, fade and camera settings before rigging.

Documentation and specifications

Manufacturer product overview · Technical specification and photometrics · Data sheet · Operation, rigging, power and firmware documentation.

Product photograph: Creamsource.

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