Last Updated 4 hours ago
Overview
The Dedolight DLED3-BI Turbo is a small 40W bi-colour focusing LED for travelling kits, interview accents and tabletop work. It uses S-size optical accessories and the original DT3-series control system.
Product views: Dedolight California. Select an image to enlarge.
This is the pre-NEO DLED3-BI. A bare-head listing may omit the DT3-BI-BAT or DT3-BI-DMX electronics and the power source. The newer DLED3N-BI uses different NEO components.
Key specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Source | LED with aspheric focusing optics |
| Power reference | 40W head |
| Colour / white-light range | 2,700–6,500K |
| Native beam | 8–50° in the original Turbo specification |
| Optical accessory family | S |
| Cooling | Active cooling |
| Control | Matched external controller; console capability depends on the supplied electronics |
| Working package | Head, fitted optics, support, appropriate power electronics and cables; battery/AC accessories depend on configuration |
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
- Compact 40W bi-colour source.
- S-size imaging and reflected-light accessories.
Limitations
- Control features depend on the selected DT3 electronics.
- Fan cooling and older cables require inspection.
Practical uses
| Setup | Working approach |
|---|---|
| Portable interview | Use the focused head for an edge or background; diffuse it close for a small key. |
| Tabletop reflections | Aim through the correct S-size intensifier into a small reflector. |
| Gobo accent | Order the imager, projection lens and pattern holder as a working set. |
Set the head position for the direction and shadow first, then choose focus and accessories for coverage. A sharp gobo or precisely shuttered image needs imaging optics; closing barn doors around a small spot does not create the same optical result.
Output and colour
The original Turbo product table lists an 8–50° bi-colour beam. Newer NEO listings quote different angles. Keep those generations separate. The source’s inconsistent ounce/pound weight conversion is omitted. Check the beam at the required throw before comparing compact LEDs by wattage alone.
For a useful comparison, record colour setting or lamp, dimming level, optic, focus position, distance and illuminated area. Measure after diffusion or reflection when that is the working setup. Wattage, centre intensity and coverage describe different parts of the result.
Power and batteries
The original Turbo heads require their model-specific DT-series electronics. The DLED3-BI uses DT3-BI-BAT or the appropriate DMX package; the DLED7-BI uses DT7-BI AC, battery or DMX variants. Confirm the exact controller before choosing mains or battery operation.
A battery-capable controller is different from a mains-only unit. Order the approved supply, adapter and cable together, matching voltage, connector and discharge capability. A later NEO controller is not an automatic upgrade for a pre-NEO head.
Control, cooling and camera operation
| Control path | Operating notes |
|---|---|
| Local | Intensity and bi-colour adjustment through the matched controller. |
| DMX | Available with the appropriate DMX electronics; do not assume a basic AC or DC package includes it. |
| Cooling/camera | Check fan behaviour after warm-up and test the intended dimming range and shutter. The original Turbo is a separate generation from NEO. |
Cooling reference for this head: Active cooling. Listen to the complete working package, including its controller or ballast, rather than checking only the head.
Modifiers, rigging and the working package
| Item | Compatibility and working notes |
|---|---|
| Accessory family | S-size; confirm the exact head/attachment pairing. |
| Projection | Compatible S-size imager, lens and shutter/gobo/iris module. |
| Beam intensifier | Use a model-approved S-size parallel-beam attachment; not a general-purpose Bowens optic. |
| Soft light | Correct speedring/softbox or a separate diffusion/bounce surface. |
Aspheric focusing optics are different from a conventional Fresnel. Check the actual accessory’s compatibility list, locking method and lens choice. A brand name or similar front diameter is not enough to establish fit.
Fit the intended front accessory before choosing the stand position. Check tilt clearance, balance, cable movement and independent support for any external electronics. Use the documented mounting hardware and appropriate secondary retention for the installation.
Alternatives and related fixtures
| Fixture | Reason to compare |
|---|---|
| Dedolight DLED3N-BI NEO | 40W class in the small S-size system. 40W head; S-size optical system. |
| Dedolight DLED2N-BI NEO | Fan-free head suits quiet interiors. 20W head; S-size optical system. |
| Dedolight DLED7-BI Turbo | Higher output class than the original 40W DLED4. 90W-labelled original Turbo head; M-size optical system. |
Classic Dedolight DLH4: the original low-voltage tungsten alternative with a separate supply. Compare the full power and accessory package, rather than the bare-head price.
What people are saying
Manufacturer and distributor demonstrations
Dedo Weigert: DLED3 with Lightstream LITE, demonstrating a practical reflected-light setup. View the demonstration.
Videos
Dedo Weigert: DLED3 with Lightstream LITE, demonstrating a practical reflected-light setup.
Watch the demonstration on YouTube.
Rental and used-fixture checks
- Identify the original DT controller and its mains or battery requirements.
- Inspect head connectors and older cables for heat damage, looseness or undocumented repairs.
- Warm the head, listen for fan noise and check colour during low-level fades.
Confirm availability of service and replacement parts with the relevant supplier before buying older equipment. Check the actual kit contents against the shot: a missing controller, imager, lens or cable can matter more than a low head-only price.
Documentation and specifications
- Dedolight California: Dedolight DLED3-BI Turbo product and package information
- Dedolight manuals, technical sheets and photometric documents
- Dedolight imaging systems and optical size families
- Dedolight manufacturer and dealer contacts
Product photographs: Dedolight California. Published specifications describe the referenced configuration; check the markings and instructions of the actual head, controller and fitted accessories.
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