Creamsource Vortex2

Overview

The hard Vortex2 and Vortex2 Soft are separate optical versions. Choose this model when concentrated output matters more than broad coverage. Its compact face fits between set pieces, but the complete fixture still weighs 7.45kg with its yoke.

Key specifications

Specification	Details
LED engine / CCT	RRGBBW; 2,200–15,000K with green–magenta adjustment
Rated power / zones	160W / 2
Native beam	20° half-peak
Colour quality	CRI / TLCI typically 95, manufacturer rating
Colour operation	CCT, hue/saturation, x,y, gels, direct RGBW and effects
AC supply	100–240V, 50/60Hz; max 1.6A; powerCON TRUE1 with AC pass-through
DC supply	48V, max 3.3A; 3-pin XLR
Weight without / with yoke	5.98kg / 7.45kg
Body dimensions	390 × 207.6 × 183.6mm, excluding yoke
Weather / maximum ambient	IP65 / 40°C
Mounting	Quick-release yoke; four ⅜in threaded points; nine LNX sockets
Cooling / interface	Variable-speed fans; onboard, 5-pin DMX, CRMX/BLE, one etherCON, USB-A

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Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Directional native optics concentrate the available output for a small bounce or a controlled accent.
• Integrated AC power, direct 48V DC and Vortex console control suit a fixture that moves between setups.

Limitations

• A 20° beam needs additional spreading or diffusion to cover a close subject evenly.
• The 7.45kg working head needs substantial support for its size; it is not a camera-mounted light.

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Practical uses

Setup	Working approach
Window accent	Aim the narrow beam at the intended patch of room or set dressing. Move the lamp far enough back to cover the opening before adding diffusion.
Small bounce	Fill a modest bounce surface, checking its edges rather than judging exposure only at the brightest centre.
Interactive colour	Use the two zones for a moving colour cue or directional change; increase diffusion distance if the separate zones become visible on the subject.

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Output and colour

Distance	3,200K — lux	5,600K — lux
1m	26,300	27,500
3m	3,280	3,410
5m	1,190	1,240

These are the manufacturer’s open-face readings. A lens, dome or softbox changes the beam and the exposure; the native result does not describe the softened package. A narrow beam can give a strong meter reading while covering relatively little of the set.

For saturated colours, judge the result on the production camera and actual set materials. A white-light CRI figure does not describe the exposure or spectral behaviour of every colour cue. Record the chosen colour mode, values and modifier for repeat setups.

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Power and batteries

AC pass-through is convenient for a row of small panels, but the permitted chain depends on the connector, supply voltage and combined load. Add the whole chain before selecting its feed. Direct DC requires a compatible regulated 48V system with enough continuous output; an ordinary camera battery is not a direct substitute.

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Control, cooling and camera operation

Set the two-zone DMX scenario before patching the fixture. Single-zone operation and pixel operation use different channel layouts. The single etherCON connection should not be mistaken for a two-port network switch: plan the network around the ports actually present on the head.

Creamsource separates continuous High Speed mode from FrameSync for timed flashes. Sync is not required merely to run continuous light at high frame rates. Test shutter, level and cue together; the published Vortex capability is mode-dependent. Camera timing guide.

Auto varies fan speed with temperature; Pause can restart cooling as the head warms. Check sound after warm-up rather than treating an initially quiet lamp as permanently silent. Fan-mode guide.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

The front-loading rails take Vortex2-specific lenses and modifiers. A dome can make the near-field source less harsh, while a SNAPBAG increases the emitting area. Use a grid or flags to recover direction after softening. Confirm the centre-mount or yoke arrangement before ordering a tight-location package.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	When to compare it
Vortex4	A larger directional panel when the smaller head cannot cover the required area.
Vortex8 Soft	A larger broad source when close soft coverage is the priority.

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What people are saying

Manufacturer demonstration

Creamsource’s introduction shows the hard and Soft models together and their location-oriented form factor. It is a product demonstration rather than an independent output test. View the source.

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Videos

Product introduction and working-package walkthrough.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

• Confirm the hard model on the label; the Soft version has a different native beam and lower centre illuminance.
• Test the intended AC pass-through chain or regulated DC system under load.
• Check the front latch, lens retention and optional centre mount; run the full cue in the chosen two-zone profile.

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Documentation and specifications

• Manufacturer product overview
• Technical specification and output data
• Operating documentation
• Vortex model-specific data sheets
• Current lens and intensifier guide

Product images and technical illustrations: Creamsource. Paired-model photographs show both optical versions; kit photographs include accessories that vary by package.

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Related Creamsource fixtures: Creamsource Vortex2 Soft.

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