#291 - FutureTech - featuring the Elation Paragon series fixtures

0:09 Want the scoop on gear? Ah, dear, Future take is here. Come on, get in. We'll make the specs so clear. Oh, La La with music to your ears. Hey, hey, hey, let's go. It's also new. What the heck? All right, ready to dive into some pretty cool new lighting fixtures? Always. Today we're looking at Elation's new Paragon fixtures. Oh yeah, the S and the M. We've got Elations product pages right here, and let me tell you, there's a lot to unpack. Yeah, just looking at them, you can see the elation is going after some pretty demanding users with these. For sure anyone who needs serious performance and flexibility, these seem like they could be a game changer. Even a quick glance the specs and I'm seeing features on both fixtures that caught my eye right away. IP54 rating, that true tone variable? CRI Technology.

1:14 Yeah, they both have those. It says they're aiming these at pros who work in all sorts of environments. I mean that IP 54 rating, that means these fixtures are ready for anything, indoor, outdoor, you name it. You got it, rain or shine, you're covered. Don't need to worry about having separate fixtures for different gigs. That's a huge win for rental houses or anyone doing shows in unpredictable conditions. No more scrambling for those weatherproof covers at the last minute. Definitely a big plus street from LDI 2024. The Live Design International show. So yeah, for Elation's Paragon to snag that innovation award, well. People are taking notice. Big time. And it wasn't just the award itself. Elation really went all out with their Boo. They had these hourly light shows featuring Paragon.

1:56 Totally mesmerizing. I can imagine we have quotes Elation's product manager Thias Hendrix, and he says that Paragon sets a new benchmark for fixture adaptability and creative control. Hendrix is also really excited about how compact and lightweight Paragon is Elation's CEO. He didn't hold back his excitement either. He was pretty. Pumped calling Paragon a new standard and professional lighting even. The culmination of two years of dedicated development. CE OS get excited about new products, it's their job. But this this felt different. It did. I think what really stood out to me was how much emphasis he put on the team behind Paragon. He didn't just say, Oh yeah, great job team.

2:37 He really went in depth, praising their dedication, technical brilliance and unwavering commitment to excellence. What makes this light stand out from, I don't know, just pointing a spotlight at the stage? This is where it gets really cool. We're talking precision engineered mechanics and flawless optical output. So we're not just talking about brightness here. No, it's color rendering, smooth movements, the ability to basically sculpt light with crazy detail. It's about elevating the experience for everyone. So to sum it all up, we've got an award-winning Intelligent Light series that's changing the game from performance and serviceability to the sheer quality of light. It's a whole new ball game. Yeah, it's impressive.

3:20 OK, so let's talk about this True Tone CRI thing. I'm super intrigued but I need a little more explanation. Sure. So CRI, or Color Rendering Index is basically a measure of how accurately a light source reproduces colors. OK, that makes sense. Most fixtures have a fixed CRI, but Elations True Tone technology lets you actually adjust the CRI from 70 all the way up to 93. Gives you incredible control over the color accuracy. Hold on, so I can literally dial in the exact color rendering I need depending on the gig? That's amazing for matching different cameras, skin tones, all sorts of things. Exactly. You need vibrant, true to life colors for a broadcast event. Crank that CRI up going for a more stylized look with super saturated colors for a concert. You can just dial it back.

4:06 It's a real game changer. Wow, I mean think of the time saved in post production when the colors are already spot on. I'm pretty excited about this. And it's not just color control, both fixtures come loaded with a ton of effects too. Rotating gobos, animation wheels, prisms, even a high speed iris. It seems like they've thrown the whole kitchen sink in there. It does, doesn't it? They definitely went all out. They're both using something called a flat field engine, which I think is really interesting. And make sure the light distribution across the beam is perfectly even. No more hotspots or uneven illumination to deal with. That's always a relief. I mean, nothing kills a look faster than an uneven wash. But packing all those features and they've got to be pretty bulky, right?

4:48 How are they handling transport? Good question. They're shipping them with custom fit polyurethane foam packaging. They call it FIL. It's meant to provide serious protection while they're being transported and it fits right into a flight case, although you do have to get that separately. Smart move. I mean, you definitely want that protection during shipping, especially with fixtures this complex. OK, let's dive into each fixture individually. First up, the Paragon. Immolation calls it the powerhouse. What sets it apart? Well, it's got a massive 900 Watt LED engine. Wow, it can pump out an incredible 37,000 lumens. 37,000 We're talking large scale productions here, right?

5:28 Concerts, festivals, anything where you need to throw light a long way. Absolutely, and it's not just about raw power. The M has a zoom range from 4.5° to 52° plus a 240° indexable framing system. Oh wow, so you can really create those incredibly precise beams, frame specific areas on stage, highlight architectural details. You've got it. Pinpoint accuracy. And then there are even optional lenses you can get right. You got it. You could swap out the standard lens for a Fresnel wash lens. So you can get softer, more diffused light. Exactly. Or if you wanted even tighter, more concentrated beam, you can go for the PCD lens. So it's really adaptable depending on what you need for the gig. That's amazing. Now let's move on to the Paragon. Esolation calls it Compact Versatility, which is an interesting combo.

6:16 Is it truly powerful in a smaller package? Don't let the size fool you, it is a 550 Watt LED engine and it delivers up to 20,500 lumens. OK, so we're still talking about a ton of output here. Absolutely, and especially for a fixture that's designed to be compact and lightweight. I mean, that's seriously impressive, but if it's smaller, are we sacrificing any features for that portability? Not really, no. It's got a zoom range of 5° to 50°, and it has the same 240° indexable framing system as the M, so you're not losing any control or precision. Oh good, so is it kind of like a mini M then, but maybe with a few unique tricks up its? Sleeve. You could say that, for example, the S actually has more gobo options. It has seven rotating glass gobos, plus it comes with 9 fixed metal gobos too.

7:02 Wow, so more creative options right out-of-the-box. Exactly, and I'm sure you can guess what else it has. Let me guess, interchangeable lenses? You got it. You can use the frozen wash and PC beam lenses with the S as well. They really want users to be able to adapt these fixtures to a ton of different situations. OK. So we've covered a lot of specs and features here. If someone's trying to decide between these two, what are the key takeaways? When would you pick the power of the M versus that compact versatility of the S? It really depends on the scale of your project you know, and your specific needs. The M is the powerhouse. It's got that sheer output for large scale productions, but the S is no slouch. It's got a serious punch in a smaller, more adaptable package. So we're talking M for arenas and festivals, S for theaters, corporate events, or places where space is tight. Yeah, that's a good way to put it. But don't forget that both fixtures offer exceptional color control, a ton of effects, and of course that all important IP 54 rating.

8:02 Right. So no matter which one you choose, you're getting a top of the line fixture that's been carefully designed for pros. Now let's get into some of the more intriguing details that make these fixtures stand out. We've mentioned that IP 54 rating a few Times Now. That means they're good for both indoor and temporary outdoor use. But how do they actually achieve that weather resistance? What's going on with the construction? Elation has done some really innovative things with the chassis, ceiling and cooling construction. Oh, interesting. Tell me more. Well, imagine a chassis that's built from impact resistant, lightweight polycarbonate. It can handle bumps, drops, you know, the occasional mishap. And then you have these carefully designed seals all throughout the fixture. They prevent any moisture or dust from getting in. And then they engineered a pretty sophisticated cooling system that keeps everything running smoothly even in really hot environments.

8:54 I'm starting to get why people are so excited about these. OK, let's talk about that variable CRI technology a little more. You mentioned that it gives designers so much more control. Can you expand on that? Why is that so important in a real world setting? Well, it all comes down to color fidelity and how the light looks on different subjects. With the tree tone technology, designers can actually fine tune the light output and that color accuracy based on what they need for that specific application. That's cool. Like, let's say you're lighting a theatrical production and you need to really highlight the nuances of skin tones. You can dial up the CRI to 93 and the color is going to look incredibly natural, really realistic under the light. But let's say you're lighting a concert and you want bolder, more stylized colors.

9:40 You just dial the CRI back down to 70 and you get a completely different effect. I see how much power that gives lighting designers to really fine tune their looks. What about the gobos and animation wheels? What kind of creative possibilities do those open up? Oh man, the Paragon fixtures offer a wide array of gobos, everything from sharp geometric patterns to abstract designs. You can project textures, create movement, just add another layer of visual interest to the lighting design. And you can even have custom gobos made, right? You can, absolutely. And the interchangeable animation wheel that opens up even more creative possibilities. You can swap out the standard animation wheel for one with a custom design, or even a disk with seven fixed gobos. So you can really personalize these fixtures. And Speaking of control, these fixtures support a variety of control protocols.

10:29 Why is it so important for pros to have that level of choice? Well, these fixtures are compatible with DMX, RDM, Artnet and SACN. So it doesn't matter if you're using a traditional DMX setup or a more modern network based system, these fixtures can do it all. I get the DMX is pretty standard, but can you give us a quick rundown of those other protocols? RDM, Artnet, and SACN for anyone who might not be as familiar. Sure, So RDM or remote device management. It's like an extension of DMX. It adds two way communication. Interesting. So you can remotely configure the settings, monitor the fixture status, you can even troubleshoot problems without having to physically touch the fixture. That's amazing.

11:10 No more sending someone up a ladder to check a setting or figure out why something's not working, right? Oh. That's a lifesaver, especially in a big rig. Exactly, and it all happens over the same DMX cabling, so you don't have to run any extra wires. Very cool. Now what about Artnet and SCN? So Artnet and SCN are both network based protocols. They let you control lighting fixtures over Ethernet. I can see how that would be a huge advantage, especially in larger venues. Running hundreds of DMX cables would be a nightmare. It would be so Arnet and SACN basically let you use your existing network infrastructure to control the lights. Much more elegant, but if they're both network based, how do you choose which one to use? So ARNET has been around longer.

11:51 It's still really widely used, it's pretty simple to set up, and it works great for a lot of applications. But SECN, which stands for Streaming ACN, is newer. It offers some advantages, especially for large scale really complex shows. Like what? Well, SCN has higher bandwidth so it can handle a lot more data, really important for those massive shows with tons of fixtures and complex queuing. It also has better air handling, making it way more reliable. You know, for mission critical applications. So SCCN is more future proof, especially as lighting designs get even more complex. It sounds like Elation is thinking ahead by supporting both. Definitely, and by supporting all of these control options, it makes the Paragon fixtures incredibly versatile and adaptable.

12:34 It does. No matter what kind of system you're running, these fixtures can integrate seamlessly. All right, that was a deep dive into the technical side of things. I'm really impressed with how much thought elation has put into every aspect of these fixtures, from the LED engines to the optics, the control options. But technology is only part of the story. We'll be back in Part 2 to step out of the theoretical and into the real world. I can't wait. It's going to be great to see how these fixtures perform in action. What defines excellence? Is it found in form, function, or sheer strength? Perhaps it calls for more.

13:20 It's unconventional, searching beyond what can be seen. It moves with grace, intent and versatility. While others are content to remain unchanged, a true hero rejects the ordinary and embraces transformation. They ascend and become the paragon. Welcome back. Ready to dig a little deeper into the paragons? Let's explore some of those finer points that really set these fixtures apart. Sounds good to me. HEPA filters in a light. Light. I mean, that's what's in my vacuum cleaner. Yeah.

14:02 So what's the connection? Well, it's actually a really fascinating application. You see, they've they've kind of gone beyond just illumination and and they've actually tackled a major headache for the industry maintenance. OK, you think about all those light fixtures, you know, way up high in the ceilings and stuff, Dust, magnets and all that dust and grime not only dims the light over time, but it can actually shorten the lifespan of the fixture itself. That makes sense, but how does a HEPA filter solve that? I mean, don't those usually live in like air purifiers and stuff? Exactly. But Paragon system cleverly integrates a HEPA filter directly into the lighting fixture. And it's not just about filtering the air in the room, it's about creating a miniature clean room within the fixture itself.

14:48 That's pretty clever, but wouldn't sealing it up like that cause it to overheat? That's where the real engineering comes in, OK? I'm starting to see the big picture here. Less dust means less wear and tear, which means fewer replacements and less maintenance overall. Absolutely. And and you have to consider the energy savings as well. You know a clean fixture operates more efficiently, meaning less wasted energy. So it's a win win for both the environment and your wallet. This is. Way more innovative than I initially thought. So let's talk Lumens. The Paragon M, It boasts a whopping 37,000 lumens, while the S comes in at a still very impressive 20,500. I'm curious, why is lumen output so crucial, especially for professionals?

15:30 It's not just about how bright the light is, right? It's more nuanced than that. I mean, yeah, lumen output does measure the total visible light, but think of it like this. Higher lumens mean you can project the light further, You can cut through haze and smoke more effectively, really make an impact in large venues. But high lumen output also has an impact on color rendering. Remember that True Tone variable CRI technology we talked about? Yeah, well with more lumens you get better color saturation, better accuracy, esecially those higher CRI settings. That makes sense. So brighter light actually helps to reveal those more nuanced colors, especially when you're working with higher CR is that makes a lot of sense. But high output also means a lot of heat, right? It does, but Elation has incorporated this very sophisticated cooling system.

16:12 It uses a combination of heat sinks, fans, and airflow management to keep everything running smoothly. And Speaking of fans, both the Paragon S&M offer five different fan modes. Yes, the fan modes. This seems like a big deal for theatrical applications, or really any situation where noise is a concern. Absolutely. Imagine you're lighting a play and you need that quiet, subtle scene. You can set the fan to a low noise mode so it's barely audible, but if you're lighting a rock concert and the noise isn't a problem, you can crank those fans up to make sure you're getting optimal cooling. So it's about flexibility, being able to adapt to the needs of the environment.

16:53 OK, let's move on to optics. Both fixtures have pretty impressive zoom ranges, 4.5 to 52° for the M5 to 50 for the S. So again, it's all about versatility, going from a wide flood to a tight spot all with the same fixture. I'm noticing a pattern here. And it's not just about the width of the beam. Both fixtures have a 240° indexable framing system, right? Those internal shutters let you shape the beam with a lot of precision. You can create squares, rectangles, triangles, you name it. Yeah, I've seen those shutters demoed and they really are precise and. Then you have the optional interchangeable lenses, the Fresno wash and the PC beam. These lenses give you the ability to further modify the characteristics of the beam. Right. Remind me, how do those lenses actually affect the light? So a Fresnel lens creates a softer, more diffused beam, has a wider beam angle, so it's perfect for creating that smooth wash.

17:44 And then the PC lens or Lano convex lens, it creates a really hard edged narrow beam. Think searchlights, those really dramatic aerial effects you see at concerts. So with a simple lens swap you can completely transform the light from subtle to dramatic elation. Really gives you a lot to work with here. It's one thing to talk about lumen output and zoom ranges, but it's a whole other thing to see how designers are actually using these tools, bringing their artistic visions to life. I love hearing those stories. Me too. Let's start big. The concert arena. Picture a massive stage, thousands of screaming fans, music pulsing through the air and the Paragon M. The perfect environment for the M to really flex its muscles.

18:26 All that output, those vibrant colors, It seems like a match made in heaven. Beam cut through the haze and smoke like a laser, you know, creating those dramatic aerial effects. Like that I can just picture it. And the zoom range let them go from those wide washes for full stage looks to those really tight spotlights on the performers, adding this whole other dynamic element to the show. Oh, I'm sure the colors must have been just incredible. The colors were so rich, so vibrant, and the framing shutters essential for isolating performers, creating those super precise beams of light. Makes sense in a concert environment. You need that level of control. You got to create excitement. Keep that energy high. Yeah, for sure. But let's change gears now. Go to a totally different setting, a theatrical production.

19:10 This seems like the perfect spot for the Paragon S to shine. Compact size, all that versatility. Definitely. To create those subtle pools of light on stage, highlighting key moments without overpowering the actors or the set. Subtlety is key in those situations. It is, and the shutters. They were a game changer, precisely framed specific areas like a doorway or piece of furniture, adding depth and focus. That makes sense. Theatrical lighting is all about those subtle touches, that precision. The S seems perfect for that. Totally. But it's not just concerts and theater using these fixtures for corporate events, houses of worship, even architectural installations. That's so cool, really shows how versatile they are.

19:52 Having fixtures that can handle outdoor conditions like that without needing special protection, it's a game changer, opens up so many possibilities. It shows that these fixtures are more than just impressive specs on paper, they're tools that empower designers. You know, whether it's a concert, a play, or even the side of building. That's a great way to put it, and I have a feeling this is just the beginning. As more designers get their hands on these Paragon fixtures, I think we're going to see some truly groundbreaking lighting designs. I think you're right, the future of lighting is looking pretty bright, no pun intended. Well, we've reached the end of our deep dive into Elation's Paragon fixtures. We've explored the features, the technology, we've heard of how they're being used to create amazing visuals.

20:33 I hope you've enjoyed this journey into the world of lighting as much as we have. And if you're a lighting professional, or even if you just appreciate the art of light, we encourage you to visit Elation's website. Check out the Paragon series. You might just find the perfect fixture for your next project. Great advice and as always, thank you for joining us. Thank you for listening to the very first Future Tech Podcast. The Elation team wanted our listeners to know that coming soon is the Paragon LTA powerful LED profile for the largest stadium and arena shows that require extremely long throws, equipped with the same advanced technology as the other Paragon fixtures. As soon as we have more information on the Paragon Lt., you will be the first to know. Let's go new gear vibes.

21:17 New tech. We keep it live. Jesus of gear Future tech is here.