ARRI LED panel light series in three power ratings (185W–650W) with infinitely variable color temperature and flicker-free recording, designed for portrait and soft lighting applications.
Technical Details
The Velvet EVO series comprises three models: Velvet EVO 1 (185W, 10,000 lx at 3m), Velvet EVO 2 (350W, 18,000 lx at 3m), and Velvet EVO 3 (650W, 32,000 lx at 3m). All models offer continuous dimming from 0-100% as well as Plus/Minus Green correction from ±0.25 to ±0.5 CC values. The beam angles are 55° as standard and can be narrowed to 15° or 25° using honeycomb attachments. The patented VariWhite system allows for stepless color temperature adjustment via DMX512 or local controls. The fixtures operate with Active Thermal Management to prevent color shifts with temperature changes.
History & Development
ARRI introduced the first Velvet generation in 2016 in response to the demand for high-quality LED soft lights with Tungsten-like light quality. The EVO update followed in 2019 with improved light output, an extended color temperature range, and more precise color rendition. The development was based on ARRI's experience with the SkyPanel fixtures, but focused on more compact designs for studio and location use. In 2021, ARRI added special Daylight versions to the series with a fixed 5600K color temperature for higher light output.
Practical Application in Film
Velvet EVO fixtures quickly established themselves as the standard for portrait lighting and soft light applications in high-end productions. DoPs appreciate the seamless integration into existing Tungsten setups without color correction, as well as flicker-free recording at all frame rate combinations. The lights are particularly suitable for beauty shots, interviews, and as fill light in more complex setups. In combination with Chimera softboxes or DoPchoice accessories, they create soft, flattering light characteristics without the heat generation of traditional Tungsten lights.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to ARRI's own SkyPanel fixtures, the Velvet EVO offers a more compact design with specialized color temperature performance, but lacks RGB color mixing. Competing systems like Litepanels Gemini or Kino Flo Celeb achieve similar light quality but differ in operation and accessory ecosystem. For pure Daylight applications, dedicated 5600K LEDs like ARRI Orbiter offer higher light output, while the Velvet EVO remains unbeatable in mixed-light situations due to its color temperature flexibility.