Last Updated 8 hours ago
Overview
The ARRI SkyPanel S360-C is a large RGBW soft LED panel in the SkyPanel Classic range. Its 1,280 × 870mm aperture makes it useful for broad keys, ambient bases, large interior setups and colour effects where the physical size of the emitting surface matters.
It is also a substantial rig: the panel with its standard mounting arrangement is approximately 45kg, with an additional external power supply. The S360-C should be assessed as a complete soft-light system, including support, diffusion, power and control.
Key specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | RGBW |
| CCT | 2,800–10,000K |
| Green/magenta | Full minusgreen to full plusgreen adjustment |
| CRI / TLCI | Average above 95 / above 90 |
| Light aperture | 1,280 × 870mm |
| Beam | 105° half-peak with stated standard setup |
| Maximum published consumption | 1,500W |
| Head power input | 54V DC from the specified S360 PSU |
| PSU AC input | 100–240V, 50/60Hz |
| Panel with diffusion | Approximately 40kg |
| Panel with yoke/spigot | Approximately 45kg |
| Separate PSU | Approximately 11kg |
| Support interface | 28mm junior spigot |
| Operating temperature | −20°C to +45°C |
| Weather rating | IP20 |
| Control | Onboard, 5-pin DMX/RDM, EtherCON/network, USB; built-in CRMX |
Strengths and limitations
| Strength | Limitation |
|---|---|
| A broad emitting face suits soft keys and controlled reflections. | Diffusion and grids change both the exposure and the useful coverage. |
| Model-specific controls allow repeatable white or colour settings. | The controller, supply and rigging are part of the complete package. |
Practical uses
The large aperture is the reason to choose the fixture. Close to a subject, it occupies a much larger angle than a small panel or bare COB and can produce a broad, soft key. Move it farther away and its apparent size decreases, changing the shadows.
Softness is not the same as an absence of direction or spill. The panel can illuminate a large amount of set beyond the intended subject. Plan flags, grids or other supported control when a scene needs the background to remain darker.
| Setup | Working approach |
|---|---|
| Interview key | Set source size and distance for the required wrap, then add a grid or flags. |
| Product reflection | Watch the actual reflection while adjusting orientation and diffusion. |
Output and colour
The ARRI data sheet gives these selected 5,600K readings. The named diffusion or intensifier is part of the optical configuration, and each changes the distribution.
| Distance | Standard diffusion | Heavy diffusion | Intensifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3m | 6,444 lux | 5,311 lux | 9,544 lux |
| 5m | 2,320 lux | 1,912 lux | 3,436 lux |
| 7m | 1,184 lux | 975 lux | 1,753 lux |
Power and batteries
The panel uses the specified 54V DC S360 supply, with a separate PSU accepting 100–240V AC. A 54V head-input line does not identify an arbitrary battery as a supported power source. Follow the manufacturer’s supply and cable requirements.
The published maximum consumption is 1,500W. Confirm the actual input label and distribution for the package and include other connected loads. Keep the PSU supported and accessible, with the head cable dressed so that it does not load a connector or interfere with aiming.
Control, cooling and camera operation
CCT and green/magenta adjustment provide white-light matching, while RGBW colour modes support saturated looks, gel-style choices and effects. The available menu and DMX features depend on firmware, so use the current SkyPanel documentation for the actual unit.
The original data sheet and current product page also cover different points in the fixture’s software history. Do not infer that every rental unit has current wireless features or the same console behaviour. Record firmware, operating mode, dimming settings and the selected white point during prep.
The S360-C includes CRMX, and ARRI’s current page describes CRMX2 operation with compatible updated units and firmware. Do not transfer that specification automatically to every smaller Classic SkyPanel model; their wireless arrangements can differ.
Wired DMX and EtherCON-based network control provide other options. Match the fixture profile, universe and address to the console, and check signal-loss behaviour. USB is part of the documented firmware workflow, rather than proof of a USB-powered lamp.
Modifiers, rigging and the working package
ARRI lists approximately 40kg for the fixture including diffusion and approximately 45kg with the stated yoke/spigot arrangement. The separate PSU is approximately 11kg. A grid, softbox, extra hardware and cable loading add to those figures.
The panel also has a large surface area. Account for wind, movement, overhead restraint and access when planning a rig. Follow ARRI’s mounting instructions, including the separate guidance for eyelet-based arrangements; a visible attachment point is not an invitation to improvise its load path.
Standard, Lite and Heavy diffusion and the intensifier serve different output and coverage priorities. Select the front panel during prep rather than treating every S360-C as the same optical configuration. A honeycomb or compatible soft modifier changes spill, size and exposure again.
IP20 is an indoor-style protection rating. Outdoor work requires an appropriate protected setup for the head, supply and connections. The fixture’s physical size and professional controls do not imply a weatherproof enclosure.
Test fan behaviour and sound at the intended operating level. A broad source can sit close to microphones, so the relevant result is the complete fixture in the actual scene, not a product category’s reputation for quiet operation.
Alternatives and related fixtures
The S120-C offers a long, narrower source, while the S60-C is a smaller handling proposition. They are not simply S360-C output settings in different housings. Aperture, distribution, support and power all change.
Choose the S360-C when a large emitting area and substantial soft-light output solve the shot. For a hard-source workflow or a newer modular system, the SkyPanel X belongs in a separate comparison. The physical light required by the scene should lead the choice.
| Fixture | Choose it for |
|---|---|
| SkyPanel S120-C | A smaller classic SkyPanel face and different power package. |
| Creamsource Vortex24 | A different large-panel system with a narrow native beam. |
What people are saying
CineD: the large SkyPanel format
CineD’s S360-C introduction presents the much larger emitting area and production role of the largest classic SkyPanel. It is a product overview rather than a test of every diffusion or camera setting. View the source.
Videos
ARRI SkyPanel S360-C: review and operation
A walkthrough or review of the fixture and its working package.
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 specifications, accessories and downloads · Operating manual · ARRI Photometrics.
Product photograph: ARRI.