Nanlite PavoTube 30C: RGB LED tube with 192 high-CRI LEDs, DMX control, 2.4GHz wireless, built-in battery. 680g, USB-C charging (2.5h), IP65-rated.
The fixture is based on 192 high-CRI LEDs (CRI >95, TLCI >97) in an aluminum housing with IP65 protection class. It supports DMX512 control via XLR connection as well as wireless control via 2.4GHz radio and smartphone app. The internal battery (7.4V/4900mAh) charges fully via USB-C in 2.5 hours. Integrated effect programs include Police, Fire, TV, Lightning, and Paparazzi with adjustable speed. The fixture weighs 680g and features magnetic end caps as well as 1/4" threads for mounting options.
Nanlite introduced the PavoTube series in 2019 in response to the growing demand for compact RGB lights for mobile productions. The 30C variant was added to the portfolio in 2020 as a mid-size option between the 15C (60cm) and the longer T-series. The Chinese manufacturer specifically positioned the product against established competitors like Astera Titan Tubes through more aggressive pricing with comparable functionality. Firmware updates successively expanded the effect palette and improved app integration.
Typical applications include practical light sources with a fluorescent tube look, background lighting for interviews, or colored accents in music videos. Gaffers often use the tubes hidden behind objects or in cavities for indirect lighting. In night shots, they simulate fluorescent tubes or LED strips in modern architectures. The low heat development allows for close-up shots and use in small spaces. Multiple units can be synchronized via DMX for large-scale color gradients or choreographed light shows.
The main competitor is the Astera Titan Tube with higher light output (1800 Lux) but three times the price. The more affordable Godox TL30 offers similar specifications without DMX functionality. Quasar Science Q-LED CrossFade Tubes achieve higher color accuracy but rely on mains power. For larger productions with a budget, DoPs often prefer Astera products due to the more professional wireless control, while independent productions choose the PavoTube for its price-performance ratio. Newer models like the PavoTube II 30X offer improved brightness and expanded app features.
Die PavoTube 30C nutze ich primär für praktische Lichtquellen im Bild und subtile Hintergrundakzente, da die Farbwiedergabe bei CRI >95 hautfreundlich bleibt. Besonders schätze ich die Möglichkeit, mehrere Units drahtlos zu dimmen und Farbtemperaturen anzupassen, ohne die Kameraposition zu verlassen. Der geringe Stromverbrauch ermöglicht stundenlange Aufnahmen ohne Kabelsalat.
Ich setze die Tubes gezielt ein, um Stimmungen zu transportieren – blaue Kälte für Isolation, warmes Orange für Geborgenheit oder pulsierendes Rot für Bedrohung. Die programmierbaren Effekte wie Blitzlicht oder Feuer verstärken dramatische Momente, ohne dass ich aufwendige praktische Effekte organisieren muss. Die kompakte Bauform erlaubt kreative Verstecke im Set-Design.
Mit 300€ pro Unit kostet die PavoTube 30C ein Drittel der Astera-Konkurrenz bei 80% der Funktionalität – das rechnet sich bei kleineren Budgets deutlich. Die Akkubetrieb spart Stromkosten und Generatoren bei Außendrehs, während die robuste Bauweise Ersatzkosten minimiert. Für Serien mit wiederkehrenden Sets amortisiert sich die Anschaffung bereits nach drei Drehtagen gegenüber Mietkosten.
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