Mobile LED fixture with dichroic filter — produces color shifts without heat loss. Standard for fast color changes and creative lighting setups.
The Abby belongs to the family of modern LED moving lights and has quickly become the first choice on set when color changes need to be precise, fast, and without thermal load. Unlike classic PAR lights with color gels, the Abby works with dichroic filters—optical layers that selectively reflect or transmit light depending on the angle. This means colors are created through physical refraction, not absorption. The practical advantage is obvious: while a traditional red color filter absorbs 80 percent of the light, the Abby delivers the same color saturation with significantly higher light output.
On set, the Abby is operated like an intelligent spot. The units are compact, can be positioned quickly, and controlled via DMX protocol—ideal for music videos, live broadcasts, or scenes where lighting moods need to change dynamically. The lack of heat input is a real comfort advantage for actors and crew. While an HMI spotlight with a color gel becomes unbearably hot after a short time, the LED-based Abby remains pleasantly cool. This also allows for longer takes without the need for sweat correction in post-production. In my work with Abby systems, I've noticed that the thermal relief pays off, especially in tight sets or interior shots.
Technically, it's important to know: the color accuracy of dichroic filters depends on the manufacturer—not all Abbys deliver the same hue with identical DMX values. If you are using multiple units on a location, you should calibrate them beforehand or use a reference colorimeter. For green and blue tones, the filters deliver excellent results; for warm white, multiple filters may sometimes need to be combined to achieve completely neutral values. The brightness can be continuously dimmed, which is crucial for subtle fades during a scene.
In practice, the Abby has proven to be a reliable partner for creative lighting—whether for psychologically effective color grading in dramas or for visual punch in commercials. Compared to classic color gel systems or older LED movers, it offers the best value for money with precise color control. However, one should not confuse it with full-fledged gobo movers—the Abby is a specialist for color, not for pattern effects.