Modular LED spot fixture with Quick Lighting Mount (QLM) for interchangeable optics (Fresnel, Open Face, Dome), precise color temperature control, and six color channels (RGBACY) for film production.
The ARRI Orbiter is a modular LED spotlight, first introduced at ISE in 2020. Unlike soft lights, its proprietary Quick Lighting Mount (QLM) system allows for tool-free swapping of different Optics modules within seconds. The six color channels (Red, Green, Blue, Amber, Cyan, Lime) enable precise color reproduction across the entire spectrum without visual color shift during dimming.
History & Development
ARRI announced the Orbiter in February 2020 at ISE in Amsterdam, with market launch in autumn 2020. Development took four years and was based on ARRI's experience with SkyPanel systems since 2015. In 2021, the studio version followed with improved cooling for continuous operation. The Orbiter family expanded in 2022 with specialized Optics like the Lantern module and in 2023 with Tube extensions for linear lighting effects.
Practical Use in Film
Christopher Nolan used the Orbiter in "Oppenheimer" (2023) for precise skin tone matching in the Trinity test sequences. For "The Batman" (2022), DoP Greig Fraser used the Dome optic for even facial illumination in close-ups. The Orbiter is particularly suitable for run-and-gun productions due to its fast optic swapping system and for color-grading-critical work due to its spectral precision. The quiet fan system allows for sound recording in close proximity.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the ARRI SkyPanel S60-C, the Orbiter offers higher light output in a more compact format but a smaller maximum illuminated area. The Aputure Nova P300c achieves similar light output at a lower price, but without the modular optic system. The Litepanels Gemini 2x1 excels in large-area illumination, while the Orbiter excels in precise light shaping. For budget productions with static lighting, cheaper panel LEDs suffice; for flexible set lighting with frequent changes, the Orbiter justifies the investment through time savings.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (without Optics) | 38 × 35 × 27 cm |
| Weight (without Optics) | 8.4 kg |
| LED Chip | ARRI Proprietary (6-Channel RGBACL) |
| Color Channels | Red, Green, Blue, Amber, Cyan, Lime |
| Power Consumption | 400 W nominal, 500 W max. |
| Color Temperature Range | 2800K–6500K |
| CRI | 98+ |
| TLCI | 98+ |
| Dimming | 0–100% continuous |
| Control | DMX, sACN, WiFi, ARRI LiOS App |
| Protection Class | IP21 |
QLM Optic Modules
Fresnel lenses (15°, 30°, 60°), Open Face reflectors, Dome diffusers (S/M/L), Lantern module, Tube extensions