Last Updated 13 hours ago
Overview
The amaran F22x is a nominal 2 × 2 ft flexible bi-colour LED mat with an external controller. It is suited to soft white keys, interviews, close overhead lighting and shallow set placements where a deep conventional fixture would be inconvenient. The broad square source can be used with a supported softbox, diffusion or the dedicated F22 lantern.
The “x” model produces tunable white rather than arbitrary RGB colour. It is distinct from the full-colour F22c and the smaller F21 models. A similar mat size does not establish identical output, colour operation, controller cooling or battery performance.
Key specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Source type | Bi-colour flexible LED mat, nominal 2 × 2 ft |
| Maximum LED output / draw | 200 W / 240 W |
| CCT range | 2500–7500 K |
| Dimming | 0–100% as listed by the manufacturer |
| Manual colour metrics | CRI ≥95; TLCI ≥98 |
| Control | Onboard, Sidus Link and specified wired-DMX accessory |
| Adapter/controller supply | 48 V DC from the correct AC adapter |
| Battery input | 12–28.8 V |
| Battery limitation in 2023 manual | 16.8 V: half output; 26 V / 28.8 V: full output with an adequate battery |
| Cooling | Passive mat; actively cooled controller in the manual |
| Operating temperature | −10 to 40°C |
| Support | Compatible X bracket and tilting support |
| Colour/effects distinction | White-light CCT and effects; no full-colour RGB/HSI engine |
| Modifiers | F22 softbox/diffusion and appropriate grid; separate F22 lantern option |
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- A square 2 × 2 ft mat provides a substantial soft emitting area without a heavy rigid head.
- The light mat is passive and can be placed separately from its controller.
- Bi-colour operation suits white-light keys and fills.
Limitations
- The complete fixture still needs its bracket, diffusion, controller and cables.
- The F22 controller has a fan; 16.8 V battery operation is limited to half output in the manual.
- Wired DMX needs the specified adapter; CRMX is not built into the controller.
Practical uses
A white-only mat is a sensible option when the job is matching warm interiors, daylight or mixed practicals rather than producing saturated hues. The F22x offers a broad CCT range and a square emitting area without asking the operator to manage a full-colour engine for an ordinary interview key.
Its apparent softness still depends on distance and diffusion. Close to a subject, the square face can give broad wrap and a large catchlight. Farther away, it becomes a smaller apparent source and loses the same close-range advantage. Choose placement and the modifier around the shot, then meter the actual working arrangement.
| Setup | Working approach |
|---|---|
| Soft interview key | Build the supplied softbox and choose diffusion for the desired softness and output, then add the grid for spill control. |
| Low-profile overhead | Use the correct support bracket, rated rigging and independent retention, keeping controller weight off the mat. |
| Confined location | Use the mat’s shallow profile where a deeper light would enter the frame or restrict movement. |
| White-light ambience | Match CCT to the scene and use the separate lantern accessory only where its broader distribution helps. |
Output and colour
The manual distinguishes the bare mat from a softbox with half-stop diffusion. Its 7,510 lux maximum at one metre is a 7500 K result. The 5600 K bare value is 6,960 lux. Keep CCT and diffusion attached to the number when comparing another white-light fixture.
| CCT | Bare at 1 m | Half-stop softbox at 1 m | Half-stop softbox at 3 m |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3200 K | 6,050 lux | 3,940 lux | 512 lux |
| 5600 K | 6,960 lux | 4,510 lux | 582 lux |
| 7500 K | 7,510 lux | 4,860 lux | 626 lux |
Power and batteries
Plan mains power from the 240 W maximum consumption, while treating the 200 W figure as the LED-output class. Use the correct adapter and controller. The mat itself is not a direct-to-mains appliance, and the wide battery input range does not make every external supply or cable suitable.
The manual specifies half output on a 16.8 V battery and full output on suitable 26 V / 28.8 V batteries. Battery voltage, continuous discharge rating, plate and cable must all support the chosen operating condition. A pack with ample watt-hours can still be unsuitable if its current limit is too low.
Test the intended battery combination at the required brightness before a take. For a long overhead setup, an approved mains arrangement may be simpler than changing packs; for a moving location setup, the battery restriction may affect which mat or exposure is practical. Include power hardware and cable routing in the plan.
Control, cooling and camera operation
The July 2023 manual lists a passively cooled mat and an actively cooled controller. Do not describe the whole system as fanless just because there is no fan attached to the fabric panel. Listen to the controller at the intended level and temperature and place it with ventilation and sound recording in mind.
The product includes frequency selection intended to help address camera flicker. Record that setting when it matters and test the actual frame rate, shutter and dimming level. A claim of flicker-free operation is not a substitute for checking an unusual high-speed or rolling-shutter setup.
The controller provides manual operation and presets, while Sidus Link controls the light over Bluetooth mesh. The specified USB-C-to-DMX accessory provides the wired-console route and is not a generic charging adapter. Match the selected personality and firmware to the console profile before patching.
The original documented F22x has no native CRMX receiver. A Bluetooth app workflow and a wireless-DMX workflow are different control arrangements, even when both avoid a data cable to the operator. Choose the route around repeatability, cueing and access to the controller, rather than assuming all “wireless” labels mean the same protocol.
Modifiers, rigging and the working package
The shallow softbox and diffusion create a more uniform emitting face, while a compatible grid helps contain spill. The measured half-stop softbox is one specific arrangement. A different diffusion strength, extra fabric or altered spacing changes the result, so keep the chosen combination consistent for continuity.
The dedicated F22 lantern turns the mat into a different volumetric source with a skirt. Its manufacturer chart lists 2,656 lux at one metre and 5600 K for the F22x. That is a useful configuration-specific reference, not the bare mat’s 6,960 lux. Check its extra depth, support and spill pattern before selecting an overhead position.
Alternatives and related fixtures
| Fixture | Choose it for |
|---|---|
| amaran F21c | A smaller rectangular RGBWW mat with a passively cooled controller. |
| amaran F22c | The full-colour version of the same nominal mat size. |
| LiteGear LiteMat | A different supported panel and power system for a professional soft-light package. |
What people are saying
Erik Naso: keep controller noise in the package decision
Naso’s hands-on review found the F22 controller fans high-pitched and too noticeable near sensitive microphones. He found the F22x slightly louder than the F22c and would move the controller away from sound-critical positions.
Graham Sheldon: useful mounting and travel format
In his field review of all four models, Sheldon found the mounting system held up over several shoots. He liked the compact kit but considered the supplied grid relatively flimsy and gave the controller extra protection during travel.
Videos
CineD: F21 and F22 flex-light review
A review covering both sizes and the colour and bi-colour versions.
Rental and used-fixture checks
Use the correct support frame and corner retention, keep the mat cable from carrying the controller’s weight and secure any overhead assembly appropriately. Bracket generations can vary between used kits. Confirm the actual support, tilt lock and accessory fit rather than buying a mat-only listing on the assumption that all hardware is included.
Avoid sharp folding, crushing the LED surface or pulling the cable at the mat entry. Inspect for broken traces, uneven white output, damaged fabric and loose corner fittings. Test the controller fan, low-end dimming, CCT changes and remote control. Protect the power hardware from weather and allow ventilation as the instructions require.
Choose the F22c when saturated colour is part of the brief. A rigid LiteMat 4 Plus or a smaller mat may fit a different mounting or transport need. The F22x works best when a supported square tunable-white source suits the scene and its power package is understood.
Identify the exact mat, controller, bracket generation and battery-mount version. Inspect emitting sections, corner retention, cable locks and strain relief. Test the intended battery voltage, low-level dimming and remote-control path with the correct DMX profile. Pack the mat without sharp creases and secure the controller independently.
Documentation and specifications
Official F22x information, operating manual and photometric table and F22 lantern specifications.
Product photograph: amaran.
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