Creamsource Vortex2 Soft

Overview

Use the Soft version for a close key, fill or small colour wash when a concentrated beam would need extra spreading. Its nominal 1 × 0.5ft face remains a relatively small source: proximity and any additional diffusion determine how soft it appears on a face.

Key specifications

Specification	Details
Engine / white range	RRGBBW; 2,200–15,000K, plus green–magenta
Power / controllable zones	160W / 2
Native distribution	110° half-peak
Colour reference	CRI / TLCI typically 95
Modes	CCT, hue/saturation, x,y, gels, direct RGBW, effects
AC input	100–240V, 50/60Hz; max 1.6A; TRUE1 pass-through
DC input	48V, max 3.3A; 3-pin XLR
Mass, body / with yoke	5.5kg / 6.97kg
Dimensions, body	390 × 207.6 × 183.6mm
Mounting	Quick-release yoke; four ⅜in threaded points; nine LNX sockets
Protection / ambient limit	IP65 / 40°C
Control / cooling	Onboard, DMX, CRMX/BLE, one etherCON, USB-A / variable-speed fans

Back to contents

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Wide native coverage suits short working distances and quick repositioning.
• Two zones and the shared Vortex workflow allow the small head to join a larger lighting package.

Limitations

• The broad distribution creates spill; a small fixture does not automatically produce a broad, wrapping key.
• Its lower centre reading than the hard version is a consequence of the different optical design, not evidence of lower electrical power.

Back to contents

Practical uses

Setup	Working approach
Close fill	Keep the panel near the camera axis or side of lens, then flag spill off the background.
Compact interview key	Bring the source close enough to create the required apparent size. Add a softbox if the native face gives shadows that are too defined.
Concealed colour wash	Check the beam against nearby walls before hiding the lamp; its 110° spread can reveal the position through unwanted spill.

Back to contents

Output and colour

Distance	3,200K — lux	5,600K — lux
1m	5,850	5,520
3m	700	662
5m	258	244

The table is for the Soft fixture open face. It should not be compared with a hard Vortex2 through an unspecified diffuser. For a fair working comparison, match distance, coverage and the final modifier, then meter the subject rather than the lamp.

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.

Back to contents

Power and batteries

Direct 48V DC allows location operation from an appropriately regulated supply. Specify the output voltage and continuous power of the complete battery system, including its cable. On AC, keep the cumulative pass-through load within the limits of the entire feed.

Back to contents

Control, cooling and camera operation

The two zones can run uniformly for ordinary white light or independently in an appropriate DMX mode. Decide which behaviour the shot needs before patching. A wide soft field blends the zones more readily on a subject, so pixel movement may be more obvious in reflections than on a face.

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.

Back to contents

Modifiers, rigging and the working package

Use the Vortex2-size front-loading accessories. A SNAPBAG changes the apparent source size; a grid limits spill without turning the panel into the hard version. Check the accessory’s effect at the actual working distance. A centre mount can help positioning, but its clearance and supported load must suit the finished rig.

Back to contents

Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	When to compare it
Vortex8 Soft	A larger face for wider soft coverage and reflections.
Vortex4	A directional source for bounce or a longer throw.

Back to contents

What people are saying

Manufacturer demonstration

Creamsource presents both Vortex2 optical versions in its launch film. The side-by-side format is useful for identification; it does not establish independent measurements. View the source.

Back to contents

Videos

Product introduction and working-package walkthrough.

Back to contents

Rental and used-fixture checks

• Check the Soft model identification and condition of the emitting face.
• Test fades and zone transitions at the scene’s low light levels.
• Confirm that the supplied grid or bag is the Vortex2 size and that its frame and front latch retain correctly.

Back to contents

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.

Back to contents

Related Creamsource fixtures: Creamsource Vortex2 · Creamsource Vortex4 Soft.

Browse Creamsource lights · all equipment.