ARRI True Blue ST5

Last Updated 11 hours ago

Overview

Key specifications

Specification	Details
Fixture type	Tungsten Fresnel
Lamp options	230V CP85 5,000W; 120V DPY / CP29 5,000W where approved
Lamp base	G38
Operating voltage	230V and 120V lamp versions are listed; match the actual head and lamp
Nominal colour	3,200K at the lamp’s rated operating voltage; dims warmer
Fresnel lens	300mm
Focus range	9°–62° on the product page; photometric configurations below are separately identified
Lamphead / version weight	13.5kg manual / 15kg pole-operated in the family poster
Mounting	28mm junior spigot
Scrim / barndoor	400mm / 413mm
Dimming / control	External tungsten-compatible dimmer; no internal DMX receiver
Protection	Class I; IP23
Dimensions (H × W × L)	595 x 518 x 393 mm excluding pin; product-page reference

Technical reference: ARRI specifications.

Strengths and limitations

• Strengths: a conventional focusable Fresnel field, a replaceable tungsten lamp and predictable warming during a dimmer cue.
• Trade-offs: substantial heat and electrical consumption for the light produced; no internal colour mixing, wireless receiver or electronic tint adjustment.

Back to contents

Practical uses

Setup	Working approach
Large stage key	Choose the focus position for the whole actor area and check the key through any diffusion. A narrow spot reading does not describe the exposure across a wide stage.
Warm exterior motivation	Use a distant position for low, warm light through a window or doorway. Control flare and bright set surfaces with flags, and keep heat clearances in the positioning plan.
Broad overhead or bounce	Use flood to feed a large surface. Pole operation can improve access in a permanent studio, but the head, accessory and support still need a complete load assessment.

Back to contents

Output and colour

The ARRI family photometric poster gives these nominal values at 7m for the 5,000W nominal configuration. The focus angles describe the poster’s photometric configurations; they can differ from the rounded travel range on the product page.

Focus / beam	Centre illuminance	Beam diameter
Spot / 13.2°	9,394 lux	1.62m
Medium / 30°	3,582 lux	3.75m
Flood / 57.5°	1,892 lux	7.68m

The narrow spot reading describes a smaller field. Use the beam diameter and the required coverage alongside illuminance, especially when feeding a diffusion frame. The poster does not identify every lamp code or test-voltage detail; a differently lamped rental unit needs its own meter check.

Tungsten produces a continuous spectrum, but its colour depends on filament temperature. Electrical dimming lowers output and warms the light. Use scrims, a suitable neutral-density arrangement or a change in distance when maintaining the lamp’s rated colour is more important than dimming from the console.

Correcting tungsten to daylight with full CTB costs a substantial amount of light. Compare the finished corrected source with an HMI or daylight LED at the subject, rather than comparing the uncorrected lamp’s wattage or peak lux.

Back to contents

Power and lamp requirements

230V and 120V lamp versions are listed; match the actual head and lamp. Fit a lamp whose voltage, wattage, base and approved operating position match the specific head. A 120V lamp must not be connected to a 230V supply simply because a family listing covers both markets.

These are resistive tungsten loads controlled from a suitable supply and external dimmer, without an HMI ballast. The lamphead does not contain an auto-ranging LED power supply. The connector, cable, dimmer and distribution must be rated for the fitted lamp.

For scale, 5,000W ÷ 230V is approximately 21.7A at rated full power. This is a nominal steady-state calculation for that lamp voltage, not a circuit recommendation; tungsten inrush and dimmer/distribution limits remain part of the installation.

Back to contents

Control, cooling and camera operation

Intensity is controlled by the external dimming system. A DMX dimmer rack can provide console control, but a DMX cable does not connect directly to this lamphead. Focus, tilt and barn-door shaping remain mechanical.

Keep the ventilation path open and leave room for hot air around the head. The fixture itself has no cooling fan; vibration, filament noise or the external dimmer can still be relevant on a quiet stage. Check any visible flicker at the intended shutter and frame rate.

Manual and pole-operated versions differ in the yoke and available pan/tilt operation. Pole operation does not add motorized focus or an internal wireless control system. Confirm the actual model rather than assuming all ST heads in a rental inventory have the same controls.

Back to contents

Modifiers, rigging and the working package

Item	What to specify
Front accessories	400mm scrims and 413mm barn-door reference for this head. Similar wattage does not guarantee a matching accessory frame.
Soft light	Use a heat-rated, explicitly compatible bank or a separately supported bounce/diffusion frame. Include the correct speedring where required.
Support and clearance	Choose the support for the head, front accessories and leverage at the required tilt. Keep the supply cable clear throughout movement.
Lamp and spares	Include the correct lamp code and voltage, any required adapter, and an appropriate spare for location work.

ARRI’s family reference specifies a minimum 6.5m to the illuminated surface and 1m around the fixture. The current lamphead label and manual control the actual installation. Keep hot-light accessories clear of the lamp and allow cooling before handling or packing.

Back to contents

Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	Why compare it
ARRI True Blue T5	A related head with a different lens, power class or optical design; compare the actual modifier, output and support package.
ARRI Orbiter	Colour-tunable LED control and an interchangeable optical system where heat, mains load or rapid colour changes drive the choice.
ARRI L7-C Plus	A focusable full-colour LED Fresnel for lower-power studio work and electronic colour control.
ARRI True Blue ST2/3	A smaller studio Fresnel for approved 2kW/3kW 230V lamp configurations.
ARRI STUDIO T12	A larger tungsten Fresnel for more distant keys and substantial bounce setups.

Back to contents

Manufacturer and handling notes

ARRI’s ST-Series presentation shows the studio family and its handling features. When comparing a rental package, the useful distinctions are the actual manual or pole-operated yoke, front accessory sizes and lamp configuration. Manufacturer demonstrations should be read alongside the exact-model tables rather than treated as independent output tests.

Back to contents

Videos

ARRI: introducing the True Blue ST Series. Manufacturer family demonstration covering studio Fresnel handling.

Back to contents

Rental and used-fixture checks

• Check the lamp code, voltage, wattage and lamp-holder configuration against the actual fixture label.
• Inspect the lens or protective glass, mesh, reflector, holder and front latch; reject cracked protection or heat-damaged wiring.
• Run the full focus and tilt range, then check the lock with the intended front accessories fitted.
• For a pole-operated head, test the pan and tilt controls under the conditions in which it will hang.
• Check the cable, connector, earth continuity and external dimmer through the rental house’s normal electrical inspection; include a spare lamp and cooling time in the package.

Back to contents

Documentation and specifications

• ARRI True Blue ST5 specifications and downloads
• ARRI True Blue ST & ST Theater – Overview Poster
• ARRI True Blue T1, 2, 5 and ST 1, 2, 2-3, 5 – Manual
• ARRI True Blue ST5 – Photometric Files (IES) 120V Jun2011

Back to contents

Browse ARRI lights · tungsten lights · all equipment.