Creamsource Vortex24 Soft

Overview

Also called Vortex24S, it is the dedicated soft version of the Vortex24 platform. It combines a large face and high total output, but the head, yoke and handles weigh about 49kg before extra modifiers. Handling and power distribution are part of the package from the start.

Key specifications

Specification	Details
Engine / white range	RRGBBW; 2,200–15,000K, green–magenta adjustment
Rated power / pixels	1,950W / 24
Native distribution	110° half-peak
Colour reference	CRI / TLCI typically 95
AC supply	110–240V, 50/60Hz; max 17.7A, powerCON TRUE1
Direct DC input	None listed
Head / with yoke and handles	42kg / 49.47kg in knowledge-base specification
Body dimensions	971 × 686 × 258mm in knowledge-base specification
With yoke	1,333 × 971 × 258mm in knowledge-base specification
Mounting	Eight ⅜in threaded points; eight LNX sockets
Data	5-pin DMX; CRMX/BLE; dual etherCON; USB-A; optional wired remote
Protection / cooling / ambient	IP65 / variable-speed fans / 40°C

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Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• Large native emitting area and 24 zones suit broad keys and interactive environments.
• Integrated power and two Ethernet ports simplify the head’s external package in array work.

Limitations

• The complete head is around 49kg before accessories, requiring planned handling and support.
• The full 1,950W load exceeds a 120V, 15A circuit’s nominal 1,800W capacity; a reduced-power setting changes the available output.

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Practical uses

Setup	Working approach
Large soft key	Choose the position for the required shadow transition and reflection, then control spill with a grid or flags.
Overhead base	Treat head, yoke, softbox, grid and cabling as one complete suspended load; allow access for service and modifier changes.
Interactive environment	Use the 24 zones to create movement across reflective surfaces. Judge the cue through the production camera rather than only on the panel face.

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Output and colour

Distance	3,200K — lux	5,600K — lux
1m	70,396	66,659
3m	7,822	7,407
5m	2,816	2,666

The manufacturer lists separate 3,200K and 5,600K naked readings. These are centre illuminance values for the Soft model, not the hard Vortex24 or a softbox configuration. Its higher total lumen output and broad beam do not imply a higher centre reading than a narrow hard fixture.

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.

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Power and batteries

The Vortex24 Soft is AC-powered; the specification does not list direct DC input. Creamsource provides a House Power setting for constrained circuits. Set that limit before exposing or programming cues and verify the actual feed with the production electrician. A portable AC source must meet both continuous power and energy requirements.

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Control, cooling and camera operation

Twenty-four pixels increase the required DMX footprint when controlled separately. Choose the scenario and universe allocation before building a large array. The dual etherCON arrangement supports a cleaner network layout, but the console patch, addressing and network configuration still need to agree.

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.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

The front-mount rails allow modifiers to be fitted from the front. Order Vortex24-size accessories, including the correct SNAPBAG, direct-fit grid or intensifier. This model uses a dedicated intensifier; do not assume the reversible smaller-panel lens arrangement applies. Build any LNX array to the manufacturer’s rigging documentation.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	When to compare it
Vortex24	A large directional panel when throw or concentrated bounce output matters.
Vortex8 Soft	A smaller soft panel when handling, ceiling space or power is constrained.
ARRI SkyPanel S360-C	Another large soft-source format; compare the complete power and modifier package.

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What people are saying

Manufacturer demonstration

Creamsource’s Vortex24 Soft film presents the large native soft source. It shows the intended application and scale, rather than independent photometric measurements. View the source.

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Videos

Product introduction and working-package walkthrough.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

• Verify a Soft head and its correct modifier set, including all front latches and retaining parts.
• Confirm the actual unit’s measured package weight: the product page lists 41.9kg / 49.37kg and a 964mm body width, slightly different from the knowledge-base figures.
• Test full and House Power modes on the intended supply, then run a complete multi-pixel cue and network check before lifting.

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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.

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Related Creamsource fixtures: Creamsource SpaceX.

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