Astera AX1: Battery-powered LED tube with 288 individually addressable RGB+WW LEDs, 4–20h runtime, app control and pixel effects for mobile film lighting.
The AX1 operates with a lithium-ion battery (14.4V, 158Wh), offering a runtime of 4 hours at full power and up to 20 hours at 25% power. Each of the 288 RGB+WW LEDs can be controlled individually and achieves a CRI of 96+ (TLCI 88). The tube is IP65 classified and can withstand temperatures from -20°C to +45°C. Wireless control is via the AsteraApp using Bluetooth or optionally via DMX/CRMX. With a pixel resolution of 0.38 cm per LED, it enables precise color gradients and effects along its entire length.
Astera LED Technology introduced the AX1 in 2017 as part of its first AX series, establishing a new standard for mobile LED tubes in filmmaking. The German company responded to the growing demand for compact, battery-powered light sources for documentary work and tight shooting situations. In 2019, the AX3 LightDrop followed as a more compact variant, and in 2021, the AX9 PowerPAR as a more powerful alternative. Continuous app development expanded functionality with features like Titan integration and enhanced effect libraries.
Cinematographers frequently use the AX1 as a practical light source in vehicles or for neon simulations in night scenes, with the pixel function enabling authentic flicker and color changes. In the Netflix series "Dark," AX1 tubes were used for the characteristic lighting of cave scenes. The tube is particularly suitable for run-and-gun shooting, as it operates without a cable connection and can be magnetically attached to metallic surfaces. Its low power consumption allows for multi-hour interviews without battery changes, while app control permits quick adjustments without light interruption.
Compared to conventional neon tubes, the AX1 offers full color control and dimmability without flicker. Competing systems like the Quasar Science Q-LED or Kino Flo FreeStyle sometimes achieve higher light output but lack the pixel control of the AX1. The newer AX3 LightDrop (20 cm) is better suited for concealed placement, while the AX9 PowerPAR (3,000 lumens) offers more punch at greater distances. For large productions with reliable power access, traditional HMI sources often remain the first choice due to their higher light output.
Ich schätze die AX1 besonders für ihre Vielseitigkeit bei Available-Light-Situationen – sie versteckt sich unauffällig im Bild als praktische Lichtquelle und gibt mir trotzdem volle Kontrolle über Farbtemperatur und Intensität. Die Pixelfunktion nutze ich gerne für subtile Farbverläufe in Portraits oder um Neon-Atmosphäre zu simulieren, ohne echte Leuchtröhren installieren zu müssen.
Die AX1 ermöglicht mir spontane Lichtstimmungen ohne große Umbauten – ich kann in der gleichen Einstellung von warmem Kerzenlicht zu kaltem Mondschein wechseln oder mit farbigen Reflexionen Emotionen unterstreichen. Besonders bei Nachtfahrten nutze ich die Tubes, um Charaktere durch vorbeiziehende Lichtstreifen zu dramatisieren oder ihre innere Verfassung durch Farbwechsel zu visualisieren.
Eine AX1-Tube kostet etwa 700 Euro, amortisiert sich aber schnell durch wegfallende Generatorkosten und reduzierte Aufbauzeiten – mein Team kann flexibler arbeiten und braucht weniger Technik-Crew. Die Akkutechnik macht uns unabhängig von Stromquellen, was gerade bei Location-Drehs Zeit und Logistikkosten spart, auch wenn ich regelmäßig Ersatzakkus einkalkulieren muss.
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