Aputure MC Pro Mini LED Panel Light Announced

Pocket LED Light

by Jürgen MoorsApril 4^th, 2023

Chinese manufacturer Aputure just released the new MC Pro, a 5 Watt RGBWW lensed mini-LED panel light. It’s pocket-sized, lightweight at just 247g/0,54lbs, and has a built-in lithium-polymer battery for approx. 120 minutes run time. The Aputure MC Pro is available in single and 8-light kit configurations. The MC Pro is now shipping and can be ordered for $199, and the MC Pro 8-Light Kit can be pre-ordered for $1,899. Let’s have a closer look at Aputure’s new small light.

Aputure has been very active over the last few weeks, introducing the INFINIBAR LED Light System, the Amaran COB S Series LED Lights, and the Amaran PT1c, PT2c, and PT4c Pixel Tubes.

The new Aputure MC Pro is an update of the popular Aputure MC LED light that was introduced to the market in late 2019 and became one of the most popular LED lights in the industry. At last year’s NAB, Aputure showed us the prototype of the Aputure MC Pro. Please check out the article and watch the interview with Ted Sim from Aputure, introducing the upgraded MC Pro version for the first time.

Aputure MC Pro

Like the original MC, the MC Pro has the same compact, credit card-sized shape that packs in a range of functions. Featuring a ¼-20in, a mounting thread at the base of the light, and built-in magnets, the MC Pro can be placed as a fixture and operated virtually anywhere. Each MC Pro comes with a ¼-20in to magnetic plate adapter, a cold shoe ball head adapter, and 4 adhesive magnetic plates.

Brighter than the original MC

While maintaining the compact form of the original MC, the MC Pro offers an increase in output over its predecessor. The MC Pro features a custom optical design with a tighter 45º beam angle, creating a sharper and more focused spot compared to the original MC’s wider 120º beam angle. Aputure claims that at 5,600 Kelvin, the MC Pro can output up to 1,585 lux at half a meter, compared to the original MC at 400 lux at the same distance. This would make the MC Pro 4 times brighter than the original MC, but as always, it has to be tested in the real world first.

Aputure MC Pro magnetic accessory mount

The original MC came with a silicone dome to diffuse the light. The MC Pro features a magnetic mount for accessories that come with the light, similar to other M-series lights like the MX and M9. This includes a Flat Diffuser, Dome Diffuser, and 30º Light Control Grid for honing in the light even further.

These lighting accessories can be stacked together or used separately, allowing users to modify the softness or direction of their light. In addition, a silicone Bubble Diffuser may be purchased separately to transform the MC Pro into a circular light source, for catchlights and soft ambient spreads.

Built-in battery

The built-in battery really came in handy on the original model and is also integrated here with the upgraded fixture. Each MC Pro can be charged via its USB Type-C port or contact chargers found on the base of the body. Both charging methods have a charging time of approximately 90 minutes to full charge.

The MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case can be powered via D-Tap, making it possible for users to charge lights in the case using V or Gold Mount batteries. A D-Tap to D-Tap charging cable is included in the 8-Light Kit. When placed inside the case in a charging slot, each MC Pro is programmed to turn off automatically. When removed from the charging case, each MC Pro will automatically turn back on and resume last-used settings, provided the unit was not powered off when placed into its charging slot.

Color control

The MC Pro has been upgraded to match the same RGBWW chipset found in other full-color fixtures, capable of a color temperature range from 2,000K-10,000K. The MC Pro also maintains Aputure’s benchmark for color reproduction with CRI/TLCI scores of 96+, an SSI (D56) of 72, and an SSI (Tungsten) of 82.

The small LED fixture also has color modes, including HSI with white point CCT control, over 300 gel presets, 15 built-in System FX, and the professional standard CIE1931 xy control. These features can be easily adjusted using the upgraded interface featuring a TFT screen and tactile red control knob, or wirelessly via Sidus Link app control or LumenRadio CRMX controls.

LumenRadio CRMX, Sidus, App, DMX

As a professional light fixture, the MC Pro comes standard with the LumenRadio CRMX wireless control. The latest LumenRadio TimoTwo CRMX chipset enables the MC Pro to work seamlessly alongside any other CRMX fixtures. The MC Pro also features direct Sidus Link App control. For industry standard options, this fixture can be adapted to accept DMX controls using the separate Aputure Active USB-C to 5-Pin DMX In & Out DMX Adapter.

Aputure MC Pro IP65 rating

With a high-quality, all-aluminum build, including a metal frame, neodymium magnets, and custom polycarbonate optics, the MC Pro boasts an IP65 rating. A rating of 6 indicates full protection against dust and a 5 represents its water resistance capabilities, able to withstand low-pressure water.

Key features

• 5W Output RGBWW Lensed Mini LED Panel
• 4 x Brightness of Original MC: New Optical Design with Tighter 45º Beam Angle
• Magnetic Accessory Mount: Flat Diffuser, Dome Diffuser, & 30º Light Control Grid
• Lightweight & Pocketable Size (10,8×7,0x2,5cm / 4.25×2.76×0.98in  247g / 0,54lbs)
• IP65 Dust & Water-Resistant (Weatherproof)
• Multiple Control Methods: Sidus Link Bluetooth App Control, DMX/RDM1, LumenRadio CRMX
• 1,585 lux @ 0.5m (5,600K)
• CRI: 96, TLCI: 96, TM-30 Rf (avg.): 94 TM-30 Rg (avg.): 103, SSI (D56): 72, SSI (Tungsten): 82
• 2,000K to 10,000K CCT with Green-Magenta Adjustment
• Built-In Lithium-Polymer Battery (120 min. @ Max Power)
• Fast Recharging (approx. 90 min.) via USB-C & Contact Pins
• >90% of Colors Within Rec.2020 Color Space
• Advanced HSI with White Point CCT Control
• Industry-standard xy (CIE 1931), RGB, 300+ Gel Presets
• 0-100% Stepless Brightness Control
• Supports SidusPro® FX, Including Manual FX, System FX, Picker FX, Magic Program, and Music FX
• Save Up to 10 Custom FX and 10 Music FX for Quick Access
• 15 Built-In System FX: Fireworks, Fire, Paparazzi, Faulty Bulb, TV, Pulsing, Cop Car, Lightning, Party Lights, Welding, Color Chase, Candle, Strobe, Explosion, Club Lights
• Mounting: ¼-20in Screw Mount & Rear-Mounted Neodymium Magnets
• Mounting Accessories: ¼-20in Cold Shoe Ball Head with Magnetic Attachment, Adhesive Magnetic Plates
• Included Carrying Case

Technical specifications

• CCT: 2,000 – 10,000K
• CRI: 96
• TLCI: 96
• CQS: 95
• SSI (D56): 72
• SSI (Tungsten): 82
• TM-30 RF (Average): 94
• TM-30 RG (Average): 103
• Max Power Output: 5W
• Max Power Consumption: 7W
• Lumens: 563lm
• Max Operating Current: 0.84A
• Operating Voltage: 3.0-4.2V
• Charging Input: USB Type-C (5V/2A), Contact Charger
• Lithium-Polymer Battery: 4200mAh / 3.7-4.2V, 15.5Wh
• Battery Life: Approx. 120 Mins @ Max Output
• Charge Time: Approx. 90 Mins (5V/2A)
• IP Rating: IP65
• Operating Temperature: -20°C ~ 45°C / -68°F ~ 113°F
• Dimming: 0-100%
• Control Methods: On-board, Sidus Link App, DMX/RDM, LumenRadio CRMX
• Wireless Range Bluetooth: ≤80m / ≤262ft
• Wireless Range LumenRadio: ≤100m / ≤328ft
• Screen Type: TFT
• Firmware Upgradeable Sidus: Link
• Cooling Method: Passive Cooling
• Dimensions: 10,8×7,0x2,5cm / 4.25×2.76×0.98in
• Weight: 247g / 0,54lbs

What’s in the box

• 1 x MC Pro LED
• 1 x MC Pro Flat Diffuser
• 1 x MC Pro Dome Diffuser
• 1 x MC Pro 30º Light Control Grid
• 1 x Cold Shoe Ball Head
• 1 x ¼-20in Screw to Magnetic Plate Adapter
• 1 x USB Type-C Charger Cable
• 4 x Adhesive Magnetic Plate 1 x Carrying Case

Price and availability

The MC Pro can be ordered for $199 or €202, the MC Pro 8-Light kit can be ordered for $1,899 or €1.895 both products are ready for shipment from the last week of April.

For further information, please visit the website of Aputure here.

What do you think about the Aputure MC Pro LED light? Have you used the original MC model? Do you think it could come in handy for your next project, and should it have a place in your camera bag? Please leave us your thoughts in the comment section below.