Amaran PT1c, PT2c, and PT4c Pixel Tubes Introduced

Lighting News

by Jürgen MoorsFebruary 28^th, 2023

Amaran light manufacturer introduced three new LED Pixel Tubes. They are already available to purchase or pre-order, the PT1c for $139, the PT2c for $299, and PT4c for $429. There are also two Light Production Kits available, the PT2c 2-Light Production Kit for $598, and the PT4c 2-Light Production Kit for $838. So let’s have a closer look at the new tube lights.

The amaran Pixel Tubes are filmmaking lights from amaran to feature multiple light engines, setting them apart from the amaran T2c and T4c that have been reviewed by my colleague Graham Sheldon.

PT1c, PT2c, and PT4c Pixel Tubes key fatures

The amaran Pixel Tubes are tube lights to feature multiple light engines for pixelated lighting effects and internal batteries. Available in 30 cm/1ft, 60 cm/2ft, and 120 cm/4ft tube lengths, the Pixel Tube series features Pixel FX and RGBWW color quality.

The Pixel Tubes each feature a pixel density of 4 pixels per foot, resulting in 4 pixels for the PT1c, 8 pixels for the PT2c, and PT4c. You can integrate the Pixel Tubes into filmmaking workflows by using Sidus Link or DMX control via a USB-C adapter and USB-C rechargeable batteries packed into a sleek form factor. With 7 pre-programmed Pixel FX and 9 System FX, this small light can achieve a range of special lighting effects.

As a full-color fixture, the amaran Pixel Tube’s RGBWW LED chipset produces good color quality and accurate skin tones throughout its CCT range of 2,700K-10,000K. They have a fully tunable green-magenta control, achieving high CRI [95], TLCI [98], and SSI values across the board, with an SSI (Tungsten) of 85 and SSI (D56) of 75. The color temperature range is wider on the cool end of the spectrum than the amaran T2c and T4c (2500K-7500K),

Internal battery

The Pixel Tubes are powered by internal Lithium-ion batteries, ranging from 70 minutes of max output with the PT1c (9.6Wh) to 170 minutes of maximum output with the PT2c (38.5Wh) and PT4c (77Wh). The Pixel Tubes take cues from Aputure’s mini-LEDs and incorporate USB-C charging for all lengths of the tubes, including 5V/2A for the PT1c and PD charging for the PT2c and PT4c.

The PT4c’s 77Wh internal battery matches the size of the amaran T2c and T4c’s external battery grip, which gives it a longer runtime. As the PT2c is shorter, the internal battery capacity must also decrease with it – but it maintains the same 3-hour runtime as the PT4c. The T2c can use the same 77Wh hour battery grip as the T4c for 4 hours of runtime.

The PT1c’s integrated battery allows it to have a smaller stature than the T2c or T4c, which rely on the external battery grip for mobile operation. Additionally, the PT1c uses a 18650-size battery that can be user-replaced for greater longevity on set and also throughout the product’s lifetime.

Magnetic Mounting Options

The Pixel Tubes come with magnetic mounting solutions for easy on-set workflows. The PT1c’s lightweight form factor features rotatable endcaps with integrated magnets for flexible positioning.

PT2c and PT4c include magnetic T12 brackets with 3/8-16in screw threads for mounting on magnetic surfaces or attached to spigots or baby pins. All the Pixel Tubes also feature 3/8-16in screw mounts in their end caps for mounting on floor stands or attaching to multi-light splicing connectors to arrange the tubes in a variety of shapes.

2-Light Production Kits

The PT2c and PT4c are also available in 2-Light Production Kits. Each light fixture is paired with a floor stand and a USB-C to DMX Adapter with USB-C Input, with a carrying case for everything, for easy use as in-camera fixtures on film sets.

What are the ideal use cases

• Practical Lighting Backgrounds
• Music Videos
• Commercials
• Light-Painting
• Product Cinematography
• Photography

amaran PT1c Specifications

• 1-Foot (30cm) Portable, Battery Powered RGBWW Color
• LED Pixel Tube
• 4 Independently Controllable Pixels (LED Engines)
• Built-In Removable 9.6Wh 18650 Lithium-Ion Battery (Approx. 70 min. Runtime @ Max Power)
• Charge Time:  approx. 110 Mins (5V/2A)
• 180º Rotatable Plastic End Caps with Built-In Magnets for adjustable positioning
• 3/8-16in Mounting Points on Each End Cap for Additional Rigging Options
• Fully Tunable CCT from 2,700K to 10,000K
• CRI: 95, TLCI: 98, TM-30 Rf (ave.): 92, TM-30 Rg (ave.): 100,
• SSI (D56): 75, SSI (Tungsten): 85
• Lumens: 370lm
• Beam Angle: 180º
• Fully Tunable Green-Magenta Adjustment (Full Plus/Minus Green)
• Advanced HSI with White Point CCT Control
• Sidus Link Bluetooth App Control
• DMX Control via USB-C with 10 Built-In DMX Profiles & DMX Loss Behaviors
• 9 System FX: Fireworks, Fire, Paparazzi, Faulty Bulb, TV, Pulsing, Cop Car, Lightning, Party Lights
• 7 Pixel FX: Color Fade, Color Cycle, One Pixel Chase, Two Pixel Chase, Three Pixel Chase, Rainbow, Pixel Fire
• Smooth Diffusion for High-Output Blended Color
• Included Carrying Pouch
• Dimensions Fixture: φ42 x 300mm / φ1.65 x 11.81in
• Weight Fixture: 315g / 0.69lbs

amaran PT2c Specifications

• 2ft (60cm) Battery Powered RGBWW Color LED Pixel Tube
• 8 Independently Controllable Pixels (LED Engines)
• Built-In 38.5Wh Lithium-Ion Battery (Approx. 170 min. Runtime @ Max Power)
• Supports USB PD 20W Fast Charging
• 5-Sided Endcaps for Quick Positioning
• 3/8-16in Mounting Points on Each End Cap for Additional Rigging Options
• Fully Tunable CCT from 2,700K to 10,000K
• CRI: 95, TLCI: 98, TM-30 Rf (ave.): 92, TM-30 Rg (ave.): 100, SSI (D56): 75, SSI (Tungsten): 85
• Fully Tunable Green-Magenta Adjustment (Full Plus/Minus Green)
• Advanced HSI with White Point CCT Control
• Sidus Link Bluetooth App Control
• DMX Control via USB-C with 12 Built-In DMX Profiles & DMX Loss Behaviors
• 9 System FX: Fireworks, Fire, Paparazzi, Faulty Bulb, TV, Pulsing, Cop Car, Lightning, Party Lights
• 7 Pixel FX: Color Fade, Color Cycle, One Pixel Chase, Two Pixel Chase, Three Pixel Chase, Rainbow, Pixel Fire
• Smooth Diffusion for High-Output Blended Color
• Included Threaded Magnetic Brackets & Eyebolt for Additional Mounting Options
• Included Carrying Case
• Lumens: 721lm
• Beam Angle: 180º
• Charge Time Approx. 170 Mins (20V/1A)
• Dimensions Fixture φ42 x 600 mm / φ1.65 x 23.6in
• Dimensions Magnetic T12 Bracket 54 x 46 x 42mm / 2.12 x 1.81 x 1.65in
• Dimensions Power Adapter 58 x 58 x 29mm / 2.28 x 2.28 x 1.14in
• Dimensions Eyebolt 36 x 20 x 40mm / 1.42 x 0.79 x 1.57in
• Dimensions Carrying Case 650 x 110 x 100mm 25.59 x 4.33 x 3.94in
• Weight Fixture 705g / 1.55lbs
• Weight Magnetic T12 Bracket 54g / 0.12lbs
• Weight Power Adapter 185g / 0.41lbs
• Weight Eyebolt 41g / 0.09lbs
• Weight Total with Case 1.55kg / 3.41lbs

amaran PT4c Specifications

• 4ft (120cm) Battery Powered RGBWW Color LED Pixel Tube
• 16 Independently Controllable Pixels (LED Engines)
• Built-In 77Wh Lithium-Ion Battery (Approx. 170 min. Runtime @ Max Power)
• Battery Voltage 14.8V
• Battery Capacity 5200mAh, 77Wh
• Supports USB PD 32W Fast Charging
• 5-Sided Endcaps for Quick Positioning
• 3/8-16in Mounting Points on Each End Cap for Additional Rigging Options
• Fully Tunable CCT from 2,700K to 10,000K
• CRI: 95, TLCI: 98, TM-30 Rf (ave.): 92, TM-30 Rg (ave.): 100, SSI (D56): 75, SSI (Tungsten): 85
• Fully Tunable Green-Magenta Adjustment (Full Plus/Minus Green)
• Advanced HSI with White Point CCT Control
• Sidus Link Bluetooth App Control
• DMX Control via USB-C with 14 Built-In DMX Profiles & DMX Loss Behaviors
• 9 System FX: Fireworks, Fire, Paparazzi, Faulty Bulb, TV, Pulsing, Cop Car, Lightning, Party Lights
• 7 Pixel FX: Color Fade, Color Cycle, One Pixel Chase, Two Pixel Chase, Three Pixel Chase, Rainbow, Pixel Fire
• Smooth Diffusion for High-Output Blended Color
• Included Threaded Magnetic Brackets, Mini Tripod Floor Stands, & Eyebolts for Additional Mounting Options
• Included Carrying Case
• Lumens: 1402lm
• Beam Angle: 180º
• Battery Voltage: 14.8V
• Battery Capacity: 5200mAh, 77Wh
• Dimensions Fixture φ42 x 1200 mm / φ1.65 x 47.24in
• Dimensions Magnetic T12 Bracket 54 x 46 x 42mm / 2.12 x 1.81 x 1.65in
• Dimensions Power Adapter 58 x 58 x 29mm / 2.28 x 2.28 x 1.14in
• Dimensions Eyebolt 36 x 20 x 40mm / 1.42 x 0.79 x 1.57in
• Dimensions Carrying Case 1250 x 110 x 100mm 49.21 x 4.33 x 3.94in
• Weight Fixture 1.375kg / 3.03lbs
• Weight Magnetic T12 Bracket 54g / 0.12lbs
• Weight Power Adapter 185g / 0.41lbs
• Weight Eyebolt 41g / 0.09lbs
• Weight Total with Case 2.629kg / 5.79lbs

What’s in the Box

amaran PT2c 2-Light Production Kit

• 2 x amaran PT2c
• 2 x 45W Power Adapter with USB-C PD Power Cable (1.8m)
• 2 x USB-C to DMX Adapter with USB-C Input
• 4 x Magnetic T12 Bracket
• 2 x 3/8-16in Eyebolt
• 2 x Floor Stand
• 1 x Carrying Case

amaran PT4c 2-Light Production Kit

• 2 x amaran PT4c
• 2 x 45W Power Adapter with USB-C PD Power Cable (1.8m)
• 2 x USB-C to DMX Adapter with USB-C Input
• 4 x Magnetic Bracket
• 2 x 3/8-16in Eyebolt
• 2 x Floor Stand
• 1 x Carrying Case

Price and availability

The amaran PT1c is already available for purchase for $139, PT2c 2-Light Production Kit for $598, and PT4c 2-Light Production Kit for $838. The amaran PT2c for $299 and PT4c for $429 are only available for pre-ordering. For further information please visit the amaran website.

What do you think about these LED Pixel Tubes? Do you think they’d come in handy for your next project? Please leave us your thoughts in the comment section below.