Last Updated 2 days ago
Overview
The ARRI Daylight 18/12 is a large HMI Fresnel for approved 18,000W or 12,000W double-ended lamps. Its 625mm glass lens and focusable beam suit distant daylight keys, large window sources and major bounce or diffusion setups. It is a different optical and mechanical fixture from ARRIMAX 18/12, despite sharing a 12/18kW lamp class.
Key specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture type | Large-lens daylight HMI Fresnel |
| Approved lamps | 18,000W or 12,000W double-ended metal-halide lamp, S30 base |
| Nominal colour | 6,000K; actual lamp and ballast mode matter |
| Lens / focus | 625mm Fresnel; 15°–50° published travel |
| Lamp-circuit voltage | 225V / 160V nominal; not the ballast’s mains input rating |
| Lamphead weight | Approximately 70kg net; ballast, cable and loose accessories separate |
| Dimensions including pin | 1236 × 1040 × 825mm (H × W × L), manufacturer metric reference |
| Mount / front accessories | 28mm junior spigot; 740mm scrims and barn doors |
| Ballast compatibility | EB MAX 12/18 or compatible EB 12/18K HS ARRI/CMC package |
| Dimming | 50–100% through a compatible ARRI ballast |
| Protection | Class I; IP23 lamphead |
| Lamp connection | VEAM variant in the current listing; match the head, cable and ballast |
Technical reference: ARRI specifications.
Strengths and limitations
- Strengths: a very large conventional Fresnel, selectable approved lamp power and substantial distant daylight output.
- Trade-offs: heavy head, separate ballast, high-power distribution, hot-lamp handling and significant support requirements.
- Choose it for: a large lens-based daylight source where the coverage, distance and exposure justify the complete package.
Practical uses
| Setup | Working approach |
|---|---|
| Distant daylight key | Position outside the playing area with enough throw to establish direction. Set coverage across the full actor path, then meter the intended optical and lamp configuration. |
| Large window source | Choose the focus setting for the windows and useful patch inside the set. Check glazing, flags and reflective set surfaces before setting the final exposure. |
| Large bounce / diffusion | Flood the head across the intended surface and verify coverage and heat clearance. The finished soft-source exposure must be measured after the bounce or fabric. |
Output and colour
This is a glass Fresnel with a published 15°–50° focus range. It is separate from the lensless ARRIMAX 18/12; equal lamp wattage does not establish equal beam spread, shadow character or centre illuminance.
| Operating choice | Planning consequence |
|---|---|
| 12kW versus 18kW lamp | Select the exact approved lamp and ballast setting before evaluating output. A simple wattage ratio is not a measured photometric comparison. |
| Spot versus flood | Spot concentrates the centre into a smaller field; flood covers a larger area at lower centre intensity. |
| Fresnel versus clear protection option | ARRI lists a separate UV-protection glass option for harder shadows; it is a different optical configuration and requires the approved protective assembly. |
ARRI supplies archived exact-model photometric files and the ARRI Photometrics app for planning. The archived files identify 18,000W lamps in their lamp fields but retain a conflicting 12,000W luminaire-description line. Confirm the intended file and lamp configuration before treating those values as a 12kW or 18kW exposure prediction.
Meter the warmed working lamp and check colour on the production camera. HMI lamp condition, ballast mode and correction filters affect the finished source. A normal CCT number is not a guarantee of a spectral match with other daylight sources.
Power and ballast requirements
The 12kW and 18kW ratings belong to the selected lamp, not the mains draw of the full system. This head requires a matched electronic ballast, correctly rated head cable, supply lead and professional distribution. The published 225V / 160V values describe the lamp circuit; they must not be used as a substitute for the ballast’s input rating.
ARRI’s product catalogue lists EB MAX 12/18 and compatible EB 12/18K HS ARRI/CMC systems. The listed MAX package uses a 230V mains supply and has its own current, connector and operating requirements. Confirm the actual ballast model, lamp selection and cable arrangement with the rental package.
Keep the ballast accessible and ventilated, route the heavy cable without loading the head connection, and allow for lamp starting and warm-up. A lamphead alone is not a complete usable kit.
Control, cooling and camera operation
The lens position and lamp carriage set focus mechanically. Dimming, lamp ignition, remote control and high-speed operation come through the selected ballast. DMX, frequency options and AutoScan are ballast features, not functions inherent to the bare head.
Test the intended frame rate and shutter at the actual ballast mode and lamp power. High-speed capability depends on the complete system; lamp noise, arc stability and ballast noise can also affect a quiet setup.
Modifiers, rigging and the working package
| Component | Working-package detail |
|---|---|
| Lens / protection | Check the 625mm Fresnel or specifically approved alternate glass and all required UV protection. |
| Front accessories | 740mm barn doors, scrims and filter-frame reference. Confirm clearances and accessory retention with the actual head. |
| Support | Approximately 70kg net before loose accessories. Specify a support or rig for the complete assembly, not merely a socket that accepts the 28mm pin. |
| Ballast / cable | Matched 12/18kW ballast, appropriate head cable, supply cable, distribution and a manageable route between them. |
The ARRI Daylight 18/12 manual sets operating orientation, thermal clearances and protective requirements for this lamphead. Include those limits in the rig and position plan. Inspect the lens, protective parts, lamp holder and interlock before operation, and never defeat an interlock to run a damaged head.
Alternatives and related fixtures
| Fixture | Why compare it |
|---|---|
| ARRI ARRIMAX 18/12 | Lensless MAX-reflector system in a related lamp-power class; compare field and shadow quality. |
| ARRI M90 | A smaller 6/9kW daylight package when it supplies enough working exposure. |
| ARRI Compact 6000 Plus | A smaller conventional daylight Fresnel with different lamp, support and power demands. |
| ARRI True Blue D40 | A smaller conventional daylight Fresnel for jobs that do not require a 12/18kW lamphead. |
Manufacturer and rental notes
ARRI’s product description positions this head as a large daylight Fresnel for location work. Its practical comparison with ARRIMAX is the lens-based optical system and working package, not an interchangeable “18K” label. Rental orders should state the intended head, lamp, ballast and accessories explicitly.
Operating references
- ARRI lamphead manual and operating limits
- ARRI Photometrics: lamp selection, focus and beam planning
Rental and used-fixture checks
- Specify Daylight 18/12 Fresnel rather than ARRIMAX, including the exact approved lamp power.
- Inspect the lens, UV protection, door latch, interlock, lamp holders and reflector.
- Confirm ballast generation, head-cable length, connector compatibility and mains distribution.
- Verify the working weight, accessory load, support, handling route and operating orientation.
- Run the complete package after warm-up and test colour, arc stability, focus and the production frame rate.
Documentation and specifications
- ARRI Daylight 18/12 specifications and downloads
- ARRI Daylight 18/12 Plus – Manual
- ARRI Daylight 18/12 – Photometric Files (IES)
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