Last Updated 1 day ago
Overview
The De Sisti Galileo SoftNel is a hybrid tunable-white fixture combining a Fresnel engine and a surrounding soft-light engine on one optical axis. The two sources can be blended to change shadow definition without moving a separate hard and soft source into place.
Manufacturer photographs. Swipe or scroll for the next view; select an image to enlarge.
The useful feature is the relationship between the two engines. Test the hard-only, soft-only and blended looks at the intended distance, since a dimmer ratio is not a direct measure of shadow softness.
Key specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Light engines | 185W Fresnel + 185W SoftLED; 370W total power to LED |
| White range | 2,800–6,600K |
| Colour rendering | CRI >95; TLCI 96 |
| Lens / diffuser diameter | 120mm Fresnel / 250mm soft-light diffuser |
| AC supply | 90–250V, 50/60Hz |
| Power connections | powerCON TRUE1 in/out |
| Wired data | 5-pin DMX in/out |
| DMX personalities | 6 channels at 8-bit; 8 at 16-bit |
| Fixture with yoke | 13kg MO; 14.3kg PO |
| Protection | IP20 current version |
| Wall-power draw | Not specified separately in the current technical table |
Source: model-specific manufacturer datasheet. The technical table specifies 185W per engine, despite rounded 200W language in the overview. IP65 is described as upcoming, so this entry does not treat it as a current rating.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- Hard and soft engines share one optical axis, reducing the positional mismatch of two separate sources.
- DMX blending can change the balance during a cue.
- A focusable Fresnel retains a directional hard-light option.
Limitations
- Blending changes shadow character and may change exposure; the two controls need to be balanced together.
- The 250mm soft aperture is still a limited source size at a long distance.
- The current IP20 fixture should not be treated as the announced future IP65 version.
Practical uses
| Setup | Working approach |
|---|---|
| Hard-to-soft transition | Build the hard-light look first, then introduce the soft engine while compensating the overall level. Check the transition on a face and on the background. |
| Single-position interview key | Compare hard-only and blended states from the production camera. Keep the lamp position fixed so the effect of the changing source can be judged cleanly. |
| Set detail or product work | Use the Fresnel for a defined shape and the surrounding soft source to lift the shadow. Watch specular reflections: the two emitting surfaces can appear separately in a reflective object. |
During a relight, keep a record of position, tilt, focus or accessory setting and dimmer level. That makes a repeat setup more useful than a Kelvin value or console percentage on its own.
Output and colour
The Fresnel and soft engines are separate sources even though they share an axis. Meter the combined look after setting the blend and focus. Avoid comparing the 370W total LED figure directly with a single-engine Fresnel’s spot reading.
Both engines operate within the specified 2,800–6,600K white range. Compare each engine separately before storing blended cues, especially when several fixtures need to match on camera.
The manufacturer photometric charts provide the source measurements. Compare beam and field angles separately and keep CCT, distance and front accessories with any recorded lux value.
For high-speed work, test the actual camera, shutter and dimmer level. Check low-level fades and a short recorded clip before relying on a general flicker-free claim.
Power and batteries
The technical table lists 185W to each LED engine, or 370W total. That is not a separately stated wall-power draw. Use the actual fixture nameplate and electrical documentation when planning a circuit. The listed AC range is 90–250V, 50/60Hz, with TRUE1 in/out.
Do not assume that an AC studio head accepts a camera battery. For mobile operation, use the manufacturer-approved supply arrangement for that exact version; an AC inverter also needs adequate continuous rating and runtime.
Power pass-through is limited by the connectors, cable, circuit and manufacturer instructions. Plan the total downstream load rather than daisy-chaining by the number of heads alone.
Controls, dimming and cooling
The manufacturer specifies six channels at 8-bit or eight at 16-bit. Patch the exact personality, verify both engines independently, then test a slow blend and blackout. Record the hard/soft balance along with focus, CCT and intensity for repeat setups.
Run both engines to operating temperature in the intended blend and listen from the microphone position. Keep the cooling path and any front accessories clear.
Modifiers and rigging
Match barndoors and colour frames to the Galileo’s specified accessory interface. Its 120mm Fresnel lens and 250mm diffuser are different dimensions; the front assembly should not be treated as an ordinary F4.7 accessory mount.
The MO version is listed at 13kg and the PO at 14.3kg before separately listed accessories. Use the appropriate support and independent safety, leave clearance for the front assembly and secure the power/data route without loading the connectors.
Related guides: lighting types and accessories and modifiers.
Alternatives and related fixtures
| Fixture | When to choose it |
|---|---|
| De Sisti Super LED F4.7 | A separate 120mm Fresnel when an independent hard-light position is preferable. |
| De Sisti SoftLED 4 | A separate 180W softlight when the soft source should be placed independently of the hard source. |
| De Sisti Spacelight VW | An overhead diffuse source when the required job is broad ambient coverage rather than a hard/soft blend. |
Browse the De Sisti range or search all lighting equipment.
Videos and industry coverage
De Sisti’s Galileo SoftNel demonstration shows the hard/soft blending concept. It is a manufacturer presentation.
De Sisti’s lighting demonstrations show the manufacturer’s Fresnel and colour-light workflows. Check the named model in each demonstration before applying a feature to a rental head.
Rental and used-fixture checks
- Identity: read the full model label, including T, D, VW, VW+C, Lite, HP and any weather-rated suffix. Match the label to the supplied datasheet and console personality.
- Front surface and accessories: look for cracks, yellowing, uneven illumination or a damaged diffusion surface. Fit the actual grid or intensifier and check all retaining points.
- Mechanical condition: load the yoke with the intended accessories, inspect the mounting point and cable strain relief, and confirm that tilt holds without excessive force.
- Electronics: warm the fixture, check colour across the working dimmer range and test local and remote control. Compare neighbouring heads on camera before committing to a matched set.
- Complete package: include power and data leads, adapters, accessories, cases and replacement-part availability in the rental or used-purchase decision.