FAQs For LED Stage Lights And Theatrical Lighting Fixtures
What’s The Difference Between LED and Tungsten Theatrical Fixtures?
LED lighting 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 Stage Lighting Fixtures Compatible With Existing DMX Dimming Systems?
Most LED stage lighting 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.
What Is The Difference Between A Light Engine Only And A Complete Fixture?
A light engine only gets you the LED source and body, meant to pair with a shutter barrel or lens tube you already have. A complete fixture includes everything like the engine, barrel, and lens tube, ready to hang and use out of the box. Engine-only is usually the cheaper route if your existing barrels are compatible.
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 Stage Lighting Reduce Power/Hvac Load Compared To Tungsten Equivalents?
Yes, generally significantly. LED stage lighting 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.
Do LED Stage Lighting Fixtures Work For Outdoor Or Covered Event Use?
Look for fixtures with an IP-rated housing, like the 40W LED Blacklight IP65 in our lineup, if you need something rated for exposure to moisture or dust. Standard indoor LED lighting fixtures aren’t built for that and shouldn’t be used uncovered.
Do You Carry Replacement Parts And Lens Tubes For LED Stage Lighting Fixtures Already In My Rig?
Yes, we stock LED-specific lens tubes and adapters separately, so if you’re expanding an existing rig or replacing a damaged part, you don’t need to buy a full new fixture.
