Quasar X Crossfade LED tubes with stepless color temperature interpolation from 3200K to 5600K via 16-bit DMX control, CRI 95+, flicker-free to 1000fps.
Technical Details
The Quasar X Crossfade operates with a 16-bit DMX signal and features 256 interpolated steps between endpoints. Typical application devices include the Quasar Q-LED X-series with a light output of 1500-3000 Lux at 1 meter distance and a CRI value of at least 95. The crossfade function supports various spectral modes: Tungsten/Daylight, Plus Green/Minus Green, as well as special emulation modes for classic film lamps like HMI or Kino Flo. The response time is under 20 milliseconds, enabling flicker-free shots even at high frame rates up to 1000fps.
History & Development
Quasar Science developed the Crossfade technology in 2016 in response to complex color temperature adjustments in mixed-lighting situations. The first implementation was in the Q-LED X CrossFade Tube, which for the first time enabled precise color temperature transitions without separate channels for warm/cool white. In 2019, the X2 Crossfade generation expanded the system with Green/Magenta shifts for exact camera matching. The current generation has also integrated RGB crossfading and effect modes since 2021.
Practical Application in Film
Cinematographer Roger Deakins used Quasar X Crossfade tubes for time-of-day simulation in "1917" (2019), where the continuous color temperature shift from 3200K to 5600K occurred during the one-shot sequences without visible jumps. Typical workflows include programming crossfade ramps via consoles like MA2 or ETC Ion for automated daylight simulations. The technology eliminates time-consuming gel changes and reduces the number of different fixtures needed by up to 60% in complex lighting setups.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike conventional bi-color LEDs with separate warm/cool arrays, Quasar X Crossfade offers mathematically linear interpolation without intensity loss in the intermediate steps. Modern alternatives such as Arri SkyPanel or Astera Titan Tubes use similar crossfade algorithms, but with different spectral characteristics. While ARRI relies on scientifically calibrated color spaces, Quasar focuses on emulating classic Tungsten and HMI spectra. For budget productions, Aputure Nova P300c or Godox panels offer comparable crossfade functions with a reduced spectral range.