Arri's high-output LED system featuring 378 LED chips in circular configuration, delivering up to 160,000 lumens at 3200K–6500K with 16-bit DMX zone control for individual dimming and color mixing.
Definition
The Orbiter is a high-performance LED lighting system with a circular arrangement of 378 LED chips around a central 240mm aperture. The system produces a light output of up to 160,000 lumens with a color temperature of 3200K to 6500K and achieves a CRI value of over 95. The term is derived from the orbital arrangement of the LED modules, which circle a central axis like satellites.
Technical Details
The Orbiter consists of a 420mm diameter main body with detachable LED modules that can be controlled individually. The maximum power consumption is 1,400 watts at 90-240V input voltage. The system offers 8-bit and 16-bit DMX control with individual zone control for each of the six LED rings. The color temperature can be adjusted in 100K steps, while the magenta/green correction covers a range of ±50 CC. Special versions such as the Orbiter Blue/Red expand the spectrum for chroma key applications to wavelengths from 440nm to 660nm.
History & Development
The Belgian company Arri introduced the first Orbiter in 2014 in response to the growing demand for daylight-strong LED systems. The development took four years and cost 2.8 million Euros. In 2017, the more compact SkyPanel followed as a supplement, while in 2019 the Orbiter series was expanded with Tube variants. In 2021, Arri integrated the Web Remote Control for wireless control via standard networks.
Practical Use in Film
In "Blade Runner 2049" (2017), cinematographer Roger Deakins used four Orbiter systems for the scenes in the Wallace building to create the characteristic orange lighting. The Netflix series "Stranger Things" has been using Orbiter for its Upside Down sequences since the third season, as the color temperature can be precisely adjusted to match practical lamps. The workflow requires a dimmer operator at the board, as the 16-bit resolution allows for the finest brightness gradations without flicker. Disadvantages include the weight of 18kg and the power consumption, which exhausts mobile battery systems after 45 minutes at full load.
Comparison & Alternatives
While the SkyPanel S120-C with its 120x30cm dimensions offers a rectangular light distribution, the Orbiter's circular aperture creates more natural eye light reflections. The competing LiteGear LiteMat Plus achieves only 60,000 lumens at the same power consumption. For budget productions, Aputure Nova P300c or Falcon Eyes RX-36TDX offer similar color control at one-third of the acquisition cost, but without the precise zone control of the Orbiter system.