Nanlite PavoTube II 6C

Last Updated 2 days ago

Overview

The original II 6C differs from the later II 6CP. Its 2700–7500 K white range, 8.14 Wh battery and original control features should not be replaced with the newer model’s specifications.

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Key specifications

Specification	Details
Light engine	RGBWW diffused tube
Rated power	11 W in the operating manual
Emitter inventory	6 W × 5 LED total-power listing; not 30 W input consumption
White / tint range	2700–7500 K; green/magenta ±100
Colour operation	Hue 0–360°; saturation 0–100%; 0–100% dimming
CRI / TLCI	Average 95 / 97
USB input	5 V DC, 2 A; USB Type-C
Internal battery	3.7 V, 2200 mAh, 8.14 Wh
Published charging time	Approximately 2.5 hours
Published runtime	Approximately 60 minutes at 100%; longer at reduced settings
Controls	Onboard, Nanlite 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth NANLINK
Dimensions / mass	250 × 39 × 38 mm / 0.26 kg
Mounts	1/4-20 threads at both ends; built-in end magnets
Effects	15 adjustable built-in effects
Wired DMX / CRMX	Not native control routes listed for this model

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• The short diffused face, battery and magnetic ends make a useful close accent.
• USB-C power and end threads support several small-rig arrangements.
• RGBWW, white balance and tint allow more than a single fixed colour.

Limitations

• Its modest output favours close work and controlled ambient light.
• The internal battery ages, and magnets need a suitable secure surface.
• The original 6C has no addressable pixel sections, native DMX or CRMX.

Practical uses

A 25 cm tube can hide beside a monitor, under a shelf, inside a vehicle or behind a small prop. At close distance it can provide a narrow eye light, fill a face or add an elongated highlight to a product. Its small area and modest output limit how far it can move away before the effect becomes weak.

The faceted end shape helps the tube rest at repeatable angles. The diffused linear face provides a different reflection from a pocket panel or point-source lamp. Move and rotate the fixture while watching the final camera image, especially on glass and polished objects.

Use several tubes as individually placed accents when needed. The documented CCT and HSI operation controls the tube as a light; this original model is not described as an independently addressable multi-pixel tube like the larger X-series.

Setup	Working approach
Hidden practical	Place it close to the set feature and check that the full tube is concealed from every camera angle.
Small product colour	Use two different hue settings for controlled colour interactions on a tabletop.
Close portrait fill	Keep the tube near the subject where its size and output can make a useful contribution.

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Output and colour

The manufacturer’s table shows why this tube is primarily a close source. It also separates white-light output from saturated red, green and blue: a saturated cue can have substantially different illuminance from a white setting at the same displayed intensity.

The values below are lux at the published distances. They describe the diffused tube, rather than a bare COB or a reflector. Judge the required exposure at the actual placement and check whether the tube or its reflection will appear in frame.

Setting	0.3 m, lux	0.5 m, lux	1 m, lux
3200 K	1,479	533	128
5600 K	1,673	601	145
Red	724	260	64
Green	1,614	579	139
Blue	351	126	30

CCT mode provides 2700–7500 K white adjustment and green/magenta correction. HSI mode provides hue, saturation and intensity. A Kelvin or hue number is a starting point rather than a guarantee of an identical camera match to another brand or light engine.

The 15 effects include loops, flash/pulse, storm, TV, paparazzi, candle/fire, bad bulb, fireworks, explosion and welding, with colour-oriented options appropriate to the RGBWW engine. Confirm the available parameters in the actual firmware before planning a repeatable cue.

The onboard display and buttons support local setup. The power button also offers a temporary intensity-to-zero function in the manual, restoring the prior dimmer setting on the next short press. Test the intended effect and fade using the production shutter and frame rate.

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Power and batteries

The internal cell is specified at 3.7 V, 2200 mAh and 8.14 Wh. Nanlite lists approximately 60 minutes at full brightness, 90 minutes at 75%, 110 minutes at 50%, four hours at 10% and six hours at 1%. These are published reference conditions rather than guarantees for every colour, temperature or aged battery.

The approximately 2.5-hour charging time assumes a suitable USB supply. The manual recommends a 5 V / 2 A or higher-capability source; the connector being USB-C does not mean the light accepts arbitrary higher-voltage feeds. A power bank provides a practical extended-power option with the appropriate output and cable.

The manual’s 11 W rated-power value is separate from the “6 W × 5” LED inventory line. Adding those emitter ratings together would incorrectly turn the light into a 30 W electrical load. Include the charging source, cable and battery condition in a used-unit check.

Control, cooling and camera operation

The manufacturer lists onboard control, Nanlite 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth. Direct NANLINK app control uses the supported Bluetooth route; a compatible handheld remote or WS-TB-1 transmitter box provides the proprietary 2.4 GHz route. Those accessories are separate from the tube.

This is not a native wired-DMX or CRMX fixture. Check the actual firmware and pairing procedure when integrating an older unit into a newer NANLINK setup. Test control range at the concealed lamp position rather than treating an unobstructed radio specification as guaranteed through scenery.

The USB Type-C port also supports the manufacturer’s firmware procedure. Use the correct file and instructions for the original II 6C, and avoid applying a 6CP firmware or feature description solely because the product names are similar.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

There are 1/4-20 mounting threads at both ends and built-in magnets. The supplied iron plates provide a magnetic landing surface where suitable, but the strength of the complete attachment depends on the surface, paint, tape and orientation. Use appropriate independent retention for any position where a fall matters.

The standard package lists three iron plates, a USB-C cable, safety strap and carrying bag. Stands, clamps, ball heads and the USB wall supply are separate in the manual. Confirm the actual package rather than assuming an old listing includes every pictured accessory.

A waterproof bag is a model-specific optional accessory. Its existence does not give the bare tube a weatherproof rating. Set or remotely control the fixture according to the bag instructions, and verify the complete installation before placing it near moisture.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	Choose it for
Aputure MC	A smaller rectangular RGBWW pocket fixture and a different app ecosystem.
PavoTube II 6CP	A later model with its own battery, output and feature specifications.
PavoTube II 15X	A longer pixel tube with wired DMX and a different power package.

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What people are saying

Ellis Vener: practical colour tools after six months

In his six-month review, Vener uses a pair for close portraits and changing tabletop colour. He values the mounting choices and optional battery grip, while explaining that the small tubes suit close or low-ambient work better than competing with daylight.

Videos

Gerald Undone: PavoTube II 6C

A review of the original 6C with an Aputure MC comparison.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

Check the diffuser for cracks, colour uniformity along the tube, both magnetic ends, threads, USB socket and button response. Fully charge and run the light at the intended setting long enough to assess the battery, rather than relying on a brief power-on demonstration.

The later II 6CP is a separate generation with a different engine and specifications. The published PavoTube II 30C provides a much larger linear source; the Astera Titan Tube offers another control and battery ecosystem. Choose the original II 6C for its compact shape, simple power and actual close-range output.

Test battery runtime and USB power, inspect the charging socket and end threads, and verify the magnets and mounting clips. Confirm the firmware supports the intended NANLINK connection. Check white and saturated colours for uneven output and avoid confusing an original 6C with the later 6CP.

Documentation and specifications

official original model page, English operating manual and Nanlite US original II 6C listing.

Product photograph: Nanlite official product photograph.

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