Litepanels Gemini 2×1 Hard – First Look

by Jeff LochJune 14^th, 2022

During Cine Gear 2022, we met Alan Ipakchi from Litepanels to talk about their new Gemini 2×1 Hard RGBWW LED panel. With a maximum brightness of 23.000 lux at 10ft/3m, this 2×1 panel is among the brightest fixtures in its category. So let’s take a closer look at it!

When it comes to LED panels, the Litepanels Gemini series of light has been an industry standard for over a decade. These 1×1 panels are well-known for creating a pleasing soft light. Also, they’re relatively compact and lightweight, making them perfect for interview setups.

Last year, the company introduced the Gemini 1×1 Hard, which is not a soft but hard light LED panel, and the market response has been very positive. As a result, the company recently released the Litepanels Gemini 2×1 Hard, which has greater output and a narrower beam angle than its predecessor.

Litepanels Gemini 2×1 Hard features

The Litpanels Gemini 2×1 Hard is an RGBWW LED panel with a narrow beam angle of only 20°, compared to 45° for the 1×1 Hard version.

This hard light is achieved thanks to individual lenses paired with LEDs that focus the light. The Gemini 2×1 Hard is IP20 rated and draws 500W. You got it; it’s a powerful light with dimensions of 63.4 x 32 x 17.6cm / 25 x 12 x 6.9in for a weight of 11.5kg/24.2lbs.

In terms of output, the Gemini 2×1 Hard gives you 23.000 lux at 10ft/3m, which is quite impressive. In CCT mode, the fixture can go from 2.700 to 10.000K with a CRI rating of 95. In addition, you’ll have access to RGBWW, HSI, XY, Gel, and FX modes in color mode.

Furthermore, you can combine multiple fixtures together to create an array of two or four lights. Litepanels developed a series of accessories to quickly and easily build larger LED lights that can be ganged together.

Of course, the nice thing with hard lights is that you can diffuse them, which is not possible the other way around. The Litepanels Gemini 2×1 Hard comes with two diffusers: an Ultra Light Diffuser and a Dome Diffuser. You can combine both diffusers to get an even softer light output.

Input and output ports

On the right side of the panel, you’ll find a status screen, three control dials, and several preset buttons to quickly recall your favorite settings. The light has PowerCON power input and output ports so that you can daisy-chain multiple lights together.

Also, it can be battery-powered via the 3-pin XLR 28-33V DC input port. To do so, you’ll need two V-Mount/Gold Mount 26V batteries attached to the optional dual-battery bracket.

In terms of wired connectivity, you’ll find 5-pin DMX input and output ports and RJ45 DMX in and out ports. In addition, the Litepanels Gemini 2×1 Hard supports DMX, RDM, and CRMX protocols. The company also has you covered with a new antenna and built-in Bluetooth connectivity if you want to go wireless.

Price and availability

The Litepanels Gemini 2×1 Hard is available now. It currently retails for $5.985.

For more information, please visit Litepanels’ website here.

What do you think about this new 2×1 hard light? Do you believe hard LED panels might be helpful for your next production? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!