Creamsource Vortex4 Soft

Overview

This is a different optical model from the hard-beam Vortex4. Its square face is useful for close keys, fill and overhead units where spreading a narrow beam would add unnecessary setup. For a larger reflection or wider wrap, increase the emitting area with an appropriate modifier.

Key specifications

Specification	Details
Engine / white range	RRGBBW / 2,200–15,000K with tint control
Power / zones	325W / 4
Native beam	110° open-face half-peak
Colour quality	CRI / TLCI typically 95
Colour modes	CCT, hue/saturation, x,y, gels, direct RGBW, effects
AC input	100–240V, 50/60Hz; max 3.3A; powerCON TRUE1
Direct DC	48V; max 6.9A; full output with a suitable supply
Weight without / with yoke	8.9kg / 10.7kg
Body dimensions	380 × 380 × 121mm
Dimensions with yoke	525 × 570 × 179.25mm
Mounting	Eight ⅜in threaded points; four LNX sockets; quick-release yoke
Cooling / protection / ambient	Variable-speed fans / IP65 / 40°C

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Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• A square native soft face fits close lighting positions without a separate beam-spreading frame.
• Four zones, Ethernet and built-in wireless control make it useful in programmed arrays.

Limitations

• The 110° field can wash walls and ceilings unless controlled with a grid or flags.
• A 10.7kg head plus accessories is a substantial load for a nominal 1 × 1 panel.

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Practical uses

Setup	Working approach
Dialogue key	Place the square face close to the actor for a larger apparent source. Check eye reflections and flag the far wall.
Overhead pool	Use an appropriate grid or skirt to hold the light on the playing area and keep it out of the lens.
Vehicle or screen interaction	Program the four zones for changing colour or brightness, then check whether added diffusion blends them enough for the shot.

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Output and colour

Distance	3,200K — lux	5,600K — lux
1m	9,960	9,770
3m	1,210	1,180
5m	460	450

These readings describe the native Soft panel without an added modifier. At 3m its 5,600K centre value is 1,180 lux; the useful field is much wider than the hard Vortex4’s native beam. Choose between them by the final coverage and shadow quality needed.

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 documented direct-DC requirement is 48V at up to 6.9A. Specify a regulated system and cable that can support the complete continuous load. A high watt-hour capacity alone does not show that a battery output can operate this head.

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Control, cooling and camera operation

The four-zone arrangement can be patched as one uniform source or as separate areas, depending on the selected scenario. Save the scenario, colour space and firmware version with the console file when repeatability matters. A profile for the hard model may share controls, but the optical result remains different.

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

Vortex4 front accessories include domes, honeycombs and softboxes. Creamsource’s current lens guide also describes an intensifier arrangement for the Soft model; confirm the correct lens orientation and exact part before use. A narrower intensifier improves direction but does not reproduce the original hard panel’s 20° optics.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

Fixture	When to compare it
Vortex4	Concentrated native output for bounce, diffusion at a distance or directional accents.
Vortex8 Soft	A rectangular larger face when the square source is too small.

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What people are saying

LCA product walkthrough

LCA’s Vortex Soft walkthrough shows the dedicated Soft versions and the shared operating system. It is useful for seeing the package and accessories rather than treating it as a laboratory output test. View the source.

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Videos

Product introduction and working-package walkthrough.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

• Confirm Vortex4S rather than a hard Vortex4 fitted with diffusion.
• Check the front-loading hardware, yoke locks and all rigging points used in the intended configuration.
• Run the chosen fan mode long enough to hear its behaviour at the microphone position.

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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 Vortex2 Soft.

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