The more complex your lighting setups become, the more important it is to have a powerful key light that can easily be adjusted. The Nanlux Evoke 900C RGBLAC LED spotlight, available in a Trolley Case or a Flight Case, definitely fits the bill. This 940W fixture is punchy but precise, dimmable in 0.1% increments, and covering a mind-boggling 1800 to 20,000K CCT range. With a CRI/TLCI of 96 and an IP55 rating, the light is definitely built for production work that demands total color accuracy in all kinds of scenarios. And while the size and weight isn’t bad, it’s definitely not something you’ll throw in a backpack or carry-on. So what are the ideal conditions for the Evoke 900C? Read on to find out.
Hefty but Simple
If you’re coming from the world of old school HMI lights, the 900C could be considered compact. But if you’re coming from the world of content creation and small panels, get ready for some heft. The fixture itself is 13.5 x 9.5 x 8.3" and 17 lb, while the power supply is 13.5 x 5.7 x 4.9" and 9.9 lb. Both case options are economical with padding and space, but not so easy to throw on a cart. The soft Trolley Case would work well if the light is destined for studio use, while the Flight Case is indeed ideal for flights or a truck that’s headed to on-location work.
The IP55 rating is nice for some peace of mind, and the 900C definitely feels heavy duty, ready to stand up to years of wear and tear. The ballast even has a voltage range of 100 to 240 VAC to make it easy to use anywhere in the world. Included with the light is a simple 45° reflector dish, a yoke, a super clamp to hold the power supply, essential cabling, and a stripped down remote. Keeping with that simplicity, the only control on the power supply is a big power switch. The display screen, knobs, and buttons are all on the fixture, which is useful if it’s easily accessible. If not, get ready to test out wireless control options.
Control Your Way
Even if you can reach the 900C to change settings, you may end up wanting to go wireless, as the onboard menu system and triple dial setup can get a bit confusing. I’d often reach for the middle knob to adjust settings that were actually mapped to the one on the right, and some menus have so many options that scrolling through them can test your patience. The easiest control methods are going to be Bluetooth via Nanlux’s Nanlink smartphone app, DMX via LumenRadio, or RF via the simple but useful included remote. Art-Net/sACN protocols are supported, too.
It's hard to ask for much more, and the same goes for adjustment modes, where virtually are your bases are covered: CCT, Advanced HSI, XY Coordinates, RGBW, Gel, and Effects. Effects include HUE loop, CCT loop, INT loop, flash, pulse, storm, police car, TV, paparazzi, candle, and more. I mostly stuck to CCT and Advanced HSI, but it was great to play around with the Gel mode, which recreates the look of 155 different licensed LEE gel filters with either a 3200K or 5600K base. Nothing feels rushed, underdeveloped, or missing here, and the light’s full spectrum RGBLAC, meaning it has no white LED beads and instead produces white by mixing red, green, blue, lime, amber, and cyan beads. This results in more vibrant and accurate colors than standard RGB fixtures, no matter which adjustment mode you use.
Mounting and Accessories
Mounting is where things can get tricky if you’re coming from smaller lights. The 900C’s yoke has a 1-1/8" Junior Pin that will only be compatible with heavy duty light stands—think combo stands and high rollers. So for those who mostly use smaller light stands or C-Stands, an additional investment will be necessary. Same for accessories, as the 900C uses Nanlux’s proprietary NL mount system, not a standard Bowens mount. There are plenty of great NL mount options, including the Nanlux NL70 Parallel Beam Reflector if you want more intensity, or an Octagonal, Parabolic, or Lantern-style softbox for diffusion, but for people who already own Bowens mount pieces, it’ll be a bit disappointing.
That gets to the heart of the Evoke 900C—it’s certainly a great light, but for many it might be a stepping stone between prosumer options from Nanlux’s sibling brand, Nanlite, and super high-end lights from the likes of ARRI. The 900C is a great investment for new production companies or owner/operators looking to use powerful, reliable equipment without breaking the bank, but it will likely need to be accompanied by additional investments in heavy-duty stands and NL-mount accessories. The Evoke series proves that Nanlux is capable of creating a professional ecosystem, but professionalism doesn’t always come cheap.
For more information about the Nanlux Evoke 900C, including features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product page.
