Modular LED lighting system by Hive Lighting featuring hexagonal 25.4 cm modules that couple into larger arrays. Each module delivers 3,200 lumens at 55 watts.
Technical Details
Each Hive Bee base unit measures 25.4 cm in diameter and weighs 2.3 kg. The LED modules achieve an output of 3,200 lumens with a power consumption of 55 watts. The color temperature can be continuously adjusted between 2,800K and 6,500K, with a CRI of over 95 and a TLCI of 98. The system operates with DMX-512 protocol and can be controlled via a proprietary app using Bluetooth. The hexagonal connectors enable electrical and mechanical coupling between the modules.
History & Development
Hive Lighting showcased the system at NAB in 2018. Development began in 2016 under Ian Rowe (ex-Litepanels). In 2019, the Hive Bee 50-C was released with improved color rendering. In 2021, Hive added Plasma Remote Phosphor technology for more precise color control.
Practical Use in Film
Larger productions such as "The Mandalorian" (2019) utilized multiple Hive Bee configurations for LED volume setups. The system provides even light distribution without the hotspots of conventional panel arrays. Up to 19 modules create a contiguous light surface of 1.5 x 1.3 meters. The fanless operation works well in sound-sensitive scenes.
Comparison & Alternatives
The hexagonal shape creates more natural light reflections in eyes and reflective surfaces than rectangular LED panels (Litepanels Gemini, ARRI SkyPanel). Creamsource Vortex arrays or Quasar Science systems offer similar modularity with a rectangular form. More affordable LED arrays from Aputure or Godox do not achieve the modularity and light quality of the Hive system.