ARRI L5-C Plus

Last Updated 2 days ago

Overview

This is the Plus generation. Its 135 W maximum input, 5.4 kg manual-yoke reference and current network interfaces belong to this exact model, rather than to the original L5-C.

Key specifications

Specification	Details
Exact model	L5-C Plus; RGBW LED Fresnel
Version order-code family	L1.0048800–L1.0048803; colour/yoke variants
Light aperture	137 mm / 5-inch class
Published focus range	12–46° half-peak
White / tint	2800–10000 K; full minusgreen to plusgreen
Colour operation	RGB+W gamut; hue/saturation control
CRI / TLCI averages	>95 / >92
Dimming	0–100% continuous
Maximum input consumption	135 W
Mains supply	100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Manual / pole-operated mass	5.4 kg / 7.3 kg
Mount / tilt	16 mm / 28 mm combo pin / ±90°
Network	EtherCon in/thru; Art-Net, sACN, HTTP web control
DMX / RDM	Five-pin input/through via specified adapter cable
Wireless	External third-party receiver; no built-in radio listed
Service	USB-A; supported ARRI service software
Daisy-chain / protection	Power/data through connections; Class I / IP20 indoors
Operating ambient	−20 to +45°C

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• A focusable colour LED provides beam shaping and remote white matching.
• Electronic controls support repeatable settings.

Limitations

• Spot, flood and saturated settings have different exposure behaviour.
• Check generation, firmware and the installed wireless hardware.

Practical uses

The L5-C Plus suits compact studios, controlled interview keys and low-ceiling lighting positions. Its focusable Fresnel lens gives a repeatable hard-light field that can be shaped with matching barndoors, then bounced or diffused when a softer apparent source is required.

The five-inch-class aperture and 5.4 kg manual-yoke reference make it the smaller Plus model. The pole-operated version is 7.3 kg. Its combo pin and compact face suit positions where the L7-C Plus would create more mounting and clearance demand.

Pole operation adjusts pan, tilt and focus mechanically from below. It is not a moving-light pan/tilt system. The sliding stirrup helps balance the assembly, but large modifiers, cable strain and movement still need to be included in the mounting plan.

Setup	Working approach
Shaped key	Focus for the required area, then use doors or flags for spill.
Colour accent	Check the actual hue and level through the camera.

Back to contents

Output and colour

The values below are read from ARRI’s currently displayed L5-C Plus photometric graphic, with CCT, focus and distance retained. The graphic asset is still named “DRAFT” on the manufacturer site; these are identified published reference values, not independent measurements or a claim that the graphic is a final test certificate.

The graphic uses 12° spot, 31° medium and 46° flood references, consistent with the technical overview’s 12–46° focus range.

The narrower spot raises central intensity while reducing coverage. A direct comparison with an original L-Series unit needs matching CCT, beam angle, engine revision and distance. The family’s “up to 90%” improvement claim is not a uniform multiplier for every setting.

CCT / focus	3 m, lux	5 m, lux	9 m, lux
3200 K, spot 12°	5,322	1,916	591
5600 K, spot 12°	5,700	2,052	633
3200 K, middle 31°	1,344	484	149
5600 K, middle 31°	1,433	516	159
3200 K, flood 46°	580	209	64
5600 K, flood 46°	622	224	69

The RGBW engine provides 2800–10000 K white, green/magenta adjustment and saturated-colour operation. The current technical page lists CRI average above 95 and TLCI average >92 for this model. L5-C Plus and L7-C Plus do not share the same listed TLCI average.

Those metrics describe white-light fidelity, not the intensity or spectral behaviour of every saturated cue. Test mixed brands and critical fabrics through the production camera. Record CCT, tint, intensity, colour mode and firmware when reproducing a look.

The Plus generation revises light output and control interfaces. A similar housing, L-Series name or lens class does not justify importing the original model’s power, battery connection or photometric table.

Back to contents

Power and batteries

The current specification lists 135 W maximum consumption from 100–240 V AC at 50/60 Hz. That is distinct from the original L5-C’s 115 W maximum and its documented DC battery input.

Power and data through connections support daisy-chaining with the correct cables. The permitted chain length and load depend on the connector, cable, supply voltage and circuit limit; the presence of a through connector does not establish an unlimited chain.

The current Plus specification lists AC supply. Do not assume the original L5-C’s 23–36 V battery socket is present on this model. Any portable power arrangement must be verified as a complete supported system.

Both Plus fixtures are explicitly Class I / IP20 indoor products, with −20 to +45°C ambient operation listed. Keep the lamp and connections within that environment and maintain the specified cooling clearances. Check fan behaviour and microphone pickup after warm-up using the intended settings.

Control, cooling and camera operation

EtherCon input and through connections carry the supported Art-Net and sACN control routes. The fixture also offers HTTP web access for light settings and configuration. Plan addressing, network topology and console output before treating a connected Ethernet cable as a working control link.

Five-pin DMX input/through and RDM use the specified adapter cable. Include it in a rental or purchase package when the job uses a conventional DMX chain. Match the personality, starting address, dimmer resolution and colour mode between console and lamp.

USB-A provides fixture service, configuration, status and firmware functions with supported ARRI software. It is a different interface from the original model’s Mini-USB. Use the exact firmware and instructions for Plus, and verify stored settings after an update.

Wireless operation requires an external compatible receiver. The technical overview lists third-party receivers rather than a native CRMX radio. Include the receiver, cabling, power and compatible protocol in the actual system plan.

Back to contents

Modifiers, rigging and the working package

Choose the matching barndoors, filter holder, soft-light accessory and mounting hardware for the actual Plus size. Confirm clearance and retention with the manufacturer compatibility information. A mechanical bayonet or accessory diameter alone does not establish that an older attachment is appropriate.

Inspect the Fresnel, focus travel, sliding stirrup, yoke locks, power/data through connectors and adapter cable. Test CCT endpoints, tint, saturated colour, low fades, network control, RDM and the intended signal-loss behaviour. On a pole-operated model, check all three mechanical adjustments.

The original L7-C remains a different reference point with older interfaces and specifications. Choose L5-C Plus for its documented optical size, current output references and Ethernet workflow rather than applying a family brightness claim to every cue.

Back to contents

Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	Choose it for
ARRI L-Series Plus	A newer Fresnel generation; compare its own photometrics and connectivity.
ARRI tungsten Fresnels	A lamp-based alternative with different power, colour and heat behaviour.

Back to contents

What people are saying

Matthew Allard: the Plus generation

Matthew Allard’s introduction identifies L5-C Plus and L7-C Plus as the updated L-Series generation, with network control and revised output. The article reports ARRI’s claims rather than an independent photometric comparison. View the source.

Videos

ARRI L5-C Plus: family guide

ARRI’s ISE 2025 explanation of the L7-C Plus; L5-C Plus specifications differ.

Back to contents

Rental and used-fixture checks

Check the exact model and revision, complete power package, mounting hardware and control leads. Inspect emitting surface, connectors and support points. Test the intended operating level, fade and camera settings before rigging.

Documentation and specifications

official L-Series Plus overview, technical and photometric references, model-specific technical drawing and manufacturer documentation downloads.

Product photograph: ARRI official L5-C Plus product photograph.

Back to contents

Browse Arri lights · LED Fresnels · all equipment.