Aladdin BI-FLEX 2

Last Updated 8 hours ago

Overview

Select a photo to enlarge.

This is the original BI-FLEX 2 generation. It should be identified separately from the later BI-FABRIC 2, whose panel construction, dimensions and control package differ.

Earlier model. This entry documents an older Aladdin fixture. Check replacement parts, batteries and controller support before buying a used kit.

Key specifications

Specification	Details
LED source	100 W bi-colour
Panel dimensions, 2018 catalogue	560 × 300 × 5 mm
Manufacturer colour ratings	CRI 98 / TLCI 98
White range	2900–6000 K in the original BI-FLEX documentation
Published beam angle	140°
Dimming	5–100% in 2018 catalogue specification table
Cooling	Passive
Dimmer input reference	12–15 V for BI-FLEX 1; 12–30 V for BI-FLEX 2 / 4
Control	Separate dimmer with wired DMX in the listed kit

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Lightweight emitting head
• Flexible placement
• Variable-white output

Limitations

• The controller, holder and supply are separate pieces.
• Age, sharp creases and connector wear can damage the mat.
• No RGB colour mixing or automatic modern app compatibility.

Practical uses

Portable key. Use the long face as a horizontal key or vertical strip reflection. Add diffusion before assessing the working exposure.

Concealed fill. Fit the head into the available space with proper support. Keep the control and power equipment accessible and retain it independently.

Product or vehicle detail. Use the thin face where a rigid housing would intrude. Check whether individual LEDs appear in the reflection and add diffusion as required.

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Output and colour

Original BI-FLEX measurements and later BI-FABRIC charts should not be mixed. Identify the model label and revision before comparing published output or choosing a replacement power unit.

The original catalogue contains different dimming descriptions in its body copy and specification table. Check the actual dimmer’s low end and blackout rather than promising a modern continuous fade from every used controller.

Independent original BI-FLEX 2 test

In Newsshooter’s 2016 review, Matthew Allard measured an original BI-FLEX 2×1 using a Sekonic C-700 at one metre.

Setting	Illuminance	Measured CCT	Average CRI R1–R8
6000 K	3,650 lux	5899 K	97.0
3000 K	2,950 lux	2800 K	98.5

The warmer setting produced less output in this test. The later BI-FABRIC 2 is a separate model with different manufacturer data; keep both the generation and test conditions attached to a comparison.

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Power and batteries

The original BI-FLEX 2 catalogue gives a 12–30 V dimmer input reference and a 90–260 V AC power unit. Verify the actual controller and supply labels before selecting a battery or adapter.

Check the battery plate, connector polarity, current capability and cable condition as one complete system. A connector that physically fits is not sufficient evidence of compatibility.

Control, cooling and camera operation

The listed original kit includes a dimmer with battery plate and DMX. Confirm its profile, address and connector standard before patching; LumenRadio and Bluetooth are not established by the original kit description.

The panel and power electronics have different environmental limits. Older marketing about splash-resistant heads does not make the entire system waterproof. Keep the electrical package dry, leave airflow and avoid sharp folds or direct tape on emitters.

Matching a 200 W family dimmer

The August 2022 200 W dimmer manual lists BI-FABRIC 2/4, BI-FLEX 2/4 and FABRIC-LITE 20 compatibility. It requires the correct sheet type to be selected before connecting a panel. The controller restarts when the sheet type or cable/radio control method is changed.

Control item	Documented behaviour
DMX	Two-channel white/bi-colour personality; match the actual controller profile and start address.
Wired / radio	5-pin DMX input/output or LumenRadio, selected in the menu.
Radio handover	RF Link Reset clears the previous transmitter association.
Physical package	Battery plate, adapter holder, antenna mount and 3/8-inch bracket belong to the controller; support these independently of the fabric head.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

The BI-FLEX 2 needs its correct long holder or frame, diffuser and grid; a square one-foot holder is not suitable.

Check the complete support arrangement and secure the mat through its designed attachment points. Do not hang the lamp by its cable or place a heavy dimmer on the fabric.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	Choose it for
Aladdin BI-FLEX M7	The micro-LED square mat generation.
Aladdin BI-FABRIC 2	The later 100 W fabric-head generation.
BI-FLEX 1	Original 300 × 300 mm, 50 W bi-colour BI-FLEX 1. Keep the original dimmer and 12–15 V supply reference separate from M-series or MINI hardware.
BI-FLEX 4	Original 1080 × 300 mm, 200 W bi-colour BI-FLEX 4. A long narrow head with a matching original dimmer and frame.

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What people are saying

Matthew Allard: BI-FLEX 2 field review.

Allard’s hands-on review discusses using the 2×1 head for documentary work and the practical advantage of keeping weight at the lighting position low. The tested original BI-FLEX is not the later BI-FABRIC 2. Read the source.

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Videos

Aladdin BI-FLEX 2 setup tutorial

Manufacturer guide to the original 2×1 panel.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

Inspect the full emitting surface, fold areas, attachment points and the short lead. Run both white channels independently and check uniformity after the lamp has warmed up.

Read the panel and dimmer labels, test the AC adapter and intended battery, and confirm all holders, diffusers and extensions. Replacement electrical parts may be more difficult to obtain than replacement fabric accessories.

Documentation and specifications

• Aladdin 2018/19 product catalogue
• Manufacturer support library

Browse Aladdin lights, LED mats or the equipment directory.

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