Nanlite PavoSlim 240C

Last Updated 13 hours ago

Overview

Its hinged metal head folds for transport; this is a different construction from a rollable fabric mat. The full-colour 240C is rated at 260 W and weighs 3.65 kg at the head. It is distinct from the bi-colour 240B, which has different colour capabilities and published output.

Key specifications

Specification	Details
Fixture type	Nominal 2 × 2 ft folding RGBWW panel
Rated power	260 W
Colour engine / white range	RGBWW; 2700–7500 K; G/M ±150
Dimming	0–100%
Colour metrics	Average CRI 96; TLCI 97; TM-30 Rf 94 / Rg 100
SSI references	83 at 3200 K; 74 at 5600 K
AC input	100–240 V, 50/60 Hz at the controller
DC / battery options	48 V DC / 5.6 A; one or two compatible 14.4–14.8 V or 26 V V-mount batteries, with output limits
Head dimensions	Unfolded 608.7 × 602.1 × 28.6 mm; folded 318.4 × 602.1 × 38.2 mm
Controller dimensions	152.6 × 111.5 × 283 mm
Component mass	Head 3.65 kg; controller 2.76 kg
Control	Onboard, NANLINK, LumenRadio CRMX, wired DMX/RDM with correct adapter

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• The folding metal head provides a broad 2 × 2 ft-class source and a smaller transport footprint.
• RGBWW, tint adjustment and integrated CRMX suit mixed production rigs.
• Several diffusion options change the balance of output and softness.

Limitations

• A hinged head requires careful folding and secure overhead support.
• Controller, battery and cable weights are additional to the head specification.
• Bare-panel and diffused lux figures describe different source configurations.

Practical uses

The square source provides useful height as well as width for a portrait key, a larger reflection or an overhead source. Its broad face can wrap a nearby subject more than a small point source, while an eggcrate or flags can keep the same light from flooding the background.

The folding design reduces the transport width. On set the head needs to open and lock correctly with the matching mount; the hinge is not a substitute for the rear support system. The manual says the light shuts off when completely, or nearly completely, folded.

A standard diffuser gives a visibly different working level from a bare head. For a group or larger set, plan around the installed diffuser and required distance rather than budgeting from the impressive bare-panel centre figure. The optional colour effects also need a camera test at their intended saturation and intensity.

Setup	Working approach
Interview key	Place the diffused face close enough for the required wrap; use a grid or flags when light must stay off the background.
Overhead soft light	Use the shallow profile to fit the rig, with the controller separately supported and accessible.
Product reflection	Use the broad square face for larger highlights.

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Output and colour

Nanlite publishes separate measurements for the bare head and for the softbox with each supplied diffuser. The following values are centre illuminance in lux at the stated CCT and distance. They are manufacturer measurements, not independently retested figures or an average across the entire beam.

The Standard diffuser costs substantial centre level compared with the bare panel. That is part of choosing a more diffused source, not a fault inferred from the table. Use the configuration actually intended for the scene; the bare white-light number cannot describe a heavily diffused saturated-blue cue.

Configuration	1 m, lux	3 m, lux
Bare panel, 3200 K	22,770	3,130
Bare panel, 5600 K	24,970	3,441
Softbox + Lite diffuser, 5600 K	12,010	1,533
Softbox + Standard diffuser, 5600 K	5,517	681

The RGBWW engine provides CCT, HSI, RGBW, gel and effects modes. The documented white range is 2700–7500 K with ±150 green/magenta adjustment in the fixture scale. Nanlite lists 151 gel emulations and 15 built-in effects; availability and parameter control should be checked against the installed firmware and chosen DMX personality.

Published averages are CRI 96, TLCI 97 and TM-30 Rf 94 / Rg 100, with SSI 83 against the 3200 K reference and 74 against the 5600 K reference. These metrics describe white settings and references, not a guarantee that every colour cue matches another manufacturer or every camera.

Use CCT and tint to match practical white sources, then inspect the image on the production camera. Gel names are useful starting points, but an LED emulation and a physical filter on another lamp need not produce identical spectra, brightness or colour on fabrics.

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Power and batteries

The controller accepts 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz or a documented 48 V DC / 5.6 A supply. The manual permits suitable 14.4–14.8 V and 26 V V-mount batteries: one 14.8 V pack caps output at 50%; one 26 V pack caps it at 80%. It lists 100% maximum output with two approved packs, including the specified mixed-voltage arrangement. These are model-specific controller limits, not permission to mix arbitrary batteries or wiring.

The controller and head form a matched system. Support the interconnect and use the correct cables; the panel connector is not a generic battery input. Before a power-source change, keep the level within the capability of the incoming supply and test the handover with the actual battery/controller combination.

Runtime depends on the operating level, colour mix, battery capacity and condition. For a long interview or unattended rig, establish the required duration and confirm it with the selected power source. The controller’s battery acceptance does not establish that every pack with the same mount can sustain full output.

Control, cooling and camera operation

The C-series control unit includes LumenRadio CRMX as well as Bluetooth/2.4 GHz NANLINK options and onboard control. CRMX is the production wireless-DMX path; the app path is a separate connection. Set the console profile, DMX address and radio pairing for the intended system rather than assuming any wireless remote uses the same protocol.

The operating manual specifies a separate compatible adapter cable for wired DMX input/output. Include it when hiring the light for a conventional XLR DMX chain. RDM, profile selection and firmware are part of that control setup; test a low fade, blackout and loss/recovery of the actual signal route.

The USB port serves firmware updates. Keep a note of the installed firmware and operating mode when matching several heads, especially if a used fixture is being mixed with a newer rental package.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

Fully unfold the head and engage the specified rear support/mounting arrangement before use. Inspect hinge tension and the security of the universal or baby-pin holder; the manual calls for checking hinge screws after prolonged use. Fold and store the panel according to its instructions, protecting the emitting face and short attached cable.

The controller has its own quick-release mounting arrangement and must be supported rather than left hanging from the head cable. Account for batteries and modifiers in the total rigging load, and use appropriate secondary retention for elevated fixtures. A thin head does not make a complete overhead installation weightless.

The kit’s softbox, diffusers and eggcrate need to fit the exact model. Inspect the rear mount, connectors, face, diffusion and locking parts before a shoot. Keep heat-dissipation paths clear, protect the controller and head from wet conditions outside the manual, and check panel uniformity at both white and saturated settings after transport.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

The smaller PavoSlim panels reduce the footprint and supported load, while larger fabric mats can provide a still broader source with a different support requirement. A LiteMat Spectrum 4 uses its own controller and mounting ecosystem. Compare the complete source shape, power and modifiers rather than equating all nominal two-by-two lights.

Fixture	Choose it for
PavoSlim 120C	A smaller rigid RGBWW panel.
amaran F22c	A fabric-mat RGBWW system with different structure, controller and wireless control.

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What people are saying

Gaffer & Gear: folding-head and diffusion comparison

Episode 275 examines the 240C’s construction and compares its modifier configurations, including grid cloth and full diffusion. The 240C chapters are separate from the smaller 60CL and include a comparison with the amaran F22.

Videos

Gaffer & Gear 275: PavoSlim 60CL and 240C

A technical review; use the chapters for the exact model and diffusion configuration.

Alexandru Don: PavoSlim 240C

An unboxing and test of the folding 240C.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

Match the 240C head to its controller, extension cable and power hardware. Inspect the folding hinge, locks and emitting panels, softbox attachments and diffusion. Test CCT, a saturated colour, low-level fades, CRMX pairing and the intended battery arrangement before rigging.

Documentation and specifications

official model information and photometric tables and manufacturer operating manual.

Product photograph: Nanlite official US product photograph.

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