FAQs For LED Stage Lights And Theatrical Lighting Fixtures
What’s the difference between LED and tungsten theatrical fixtures?
LED fixtures use semiconductor light sources that run cooler, use significantly less power, and often allow color mixing or tunable white output without gels. Tungsten fixtures use a traditional filament lamp, which produces a warmer, continuous color spectrum many designers still prefer for skin tones, but they run hotter, draw more power, and require gel changes for color.
Are LED fixtures compatible with existing DMX dimming systems?
Most LED theatrical fixtures accept standard DMX512 control directly, but they typically require more DMX channels than a simple tungsten dimmer circuit (for color mixing, intensity, and effects). Check the fixture’s DMX channel mode against your console’s available channels and universes.
What’s the difference between ColorSource, Series 3, and Selador LED engines?
ColorSource uses a simplified RGBL (red/green/blue/lime) mixing system aimed at ease of use and cost efficiency. Series 3 is ETC’s more advanced multi-chip engine offering deeper color range and higher output for demanding designs. Selador is ETC’s original high-CRI, wide-gamut LED engine, built for color accuracy in more premium fixture lines.
How do I choose between a Fresnel, ellipsoidal, or PAR for my application?
A Fresnel gives a soft-edged, adjustable beam good for general area washes. An ellipsoidal produces a sharp, shapeable beam ideal for spotlighting or gobo projection. A PAR gives a fixed, punchy beam best for strong color washes or backlight. Choose based on whether you need edge control (ellipsoidal), soft blending (Fresnel), or raw output and saturation (PAR).
Do LED fixtures reduce power/HVAC load compared to tungsten equivalents?
Yes, generally significantly. LED fixtures typically draw a fraction of the wattage of an equivalent tungsten unit for comparable output, which reduces both electrical circuit demand and the heat load your HVAC system has to offset — a meaningful factor in venues running LED for extended tech/performance hours.
