It’s pretty evident that, out of all the linear auto tilting battens on the market, German Light Products (GLP) has garnished the lion’s share of attention with their X4 Bar series of LED strips. So why not take the same sized models and upgrade them with some super strength LED modules and other attributes? And voila, we now have the new FR10, a batten that takes this category of pro lighting fixtures to the next level.
Driving the output are 10 x 60-watt Osram Ostar LEDs. Each RGBW LED cell can individually control the virtual dimmer, each color and the zoom when using the advanced mode with 79 channels of DMX. There are four different control modes available. The basic mode takes up 25 channels of DMX, with the standard “pixel mode” demanding 57 channels.
Color Mixing and Matching
The color mixing is identical between GLP’s X4 and FR models, so cloning or mixing and matching GLP products is a snap. One can easily reference a large number of industry standard color gels. The built-in macro effects are cleverly manipulated, though one can only access them when in modes 1, 2 and 4. The macros include desired effects such as color peels, dimmer chases and zoom waves. What’s really hip is that the programmer can manipulate the speed, delay and crossfade time between executing macros. Where has this function been all my life?
The overall color temperature of this fixture can be adjusted with a separate channel and can be used in conjunction with the other RGBW colors. It ranges from 2,500° to 10,000° Kelvin.
Hardware-wise, the fixture is the same one-meter length as the X4 Bar 20 and blends right in with those existing fixtures — complete with matching pins for butting them up to each other. This allows designers to form one long continuous strip that keeps the spacing between cells perfectly linear. The rigging and mounting hardware remains the same. The rear of the fixture is larger, as the lamps require larger power supplies and room for heat sinks and fans. The front casing is slightly larger to accommodate the larger LEDs.
The FR10 Bar can be hung in any direction with omega clamps that can be moved to assorted holes to rule out truss cross bracing issues that might prevent the user from butting the fixtures up to each other. The unit can also stand on its four rubber (permanently attached) feet. These rubber feet also keep the fixture from sliding with stage vibration or moving far when nudged by an artist.
Beam Spread and Zoom
The optical system for this fixture has been redesigned, allowing for brighter output when zoomed wider. The homogenized Fresnel-style lens allows for a beam spread from 3.5° to 35°. While the old fixture was noted for primarily being used in a tight zoom, the FR10 allows lighting designers to bathe an entire stage in color and do a better job illuminating cycloramas. A clear plastic cover protects the cells and lens from getting hit or collecting dirt.
The individual zoom for each fixture allows users to present a wave of light as a sine wave chase of the zoom function across several fixtures, an effect that is sweet and fun. It takes about half a second for the fixtures to zoom from 0 to full. There are other ways to use this handy individual zoom function. I made a chase that snaps the odd cells to full intensity while they zoom out, then swapping them with the even cells, which snapped off and quickly reset the zoom. It was a powerful display of what this fixture is capable of.
The 16-bit tilt function is still just as fast on this model, reaching 210° capabilities, with integrated feedback. It can travel from zero to full tilt in under a second. It can also find its predetermined position when accidentally kicked or caught on a cable.
Dimming is linear and smooth. I notice I can go all the way down to one percent before the light douses completely. Typical strobe effects, such as random and sync strobing, are easily attained. A rep from GLP tells me they are working on a random strobe model that has the individual cells strobing at rates independent of each other. A new cool function introduced with this fixture is called the double flash strobe. Each cell will flash twice completely in succession with a separate adjustable rate between the double flashes. Always nice to have a new effect to play with.
Power is fed in and out through the ends for simple daisy chaining via Neutrik True1 connectors. The self-sensing PSU can recognize and use 100-240V. There are also 5-pin XLR connectors at opposite ends for simple DMX signal connection, and the fixture can also utilize Art-Net, sACN and RDM. One cool thing I found about this fixture is that it automatically tilts to 50 percent whenever the user needs to adjust anything in the menu. This prevents the tech from being blinded while trying to make adjustments.
The entire fixture can utilize 800 watts of power, when all cells are at full color and the zoom and tilt are in motion. While it does not have any handles, the locking tilt mechanism makes it a snap for one person to lift this 53-pound fixture. The unit’s maximum dimensions (with the head at vertical, straight up) are 39.4 by 10.2 by 14.2 inches (L x H x D). The company will offer four-pack and eight-pack flight cases.
At a Glance
A Heavy-Hitting Batten
The FR10 raises the bar for GLP’s growing family of moving battens. With ten individually controllable 60-watt RGBW LED cells, 210° tilt movement and individual zoom control of each cell, this fixture is brighter than any moving batten currently on the market.
PROS: Can connect together to form a linear line of perfectly spaced cells. Can also join to X4 Bar fixtures. Increased brightness makes for a great shaft of light as well as a flooded stage wash. Individual zoom control allows for great effects. Great assortment of zoom, color and dimmer macros with time, delay and crossfade controls. Pixel-mappable.
CONS: None
FEATURES
10 x Osram Ostar 60W RGBW LEDs
2,500°-10,000°K Color Temp. Range
3.5°-35° Zoom Range
Four Control Modes (25-79 ch. DMX)
Lengths, Rigging & Color Matches X4 Bar Line
Smooth, Linear Dimming
16-Bit Tilt Function Reaches 210°
Time, Delay and Crossfade Controls
Auto-Sensing Power Supply (100-240V)
DMX, RDM, Art-Net, sACN Protocols
STATS
Power Draw: 800W (at Full)
Dimensions: 39.4” x 10.2” x 14.2” (LxHxD/Max)
Weight: 53 lbs.
MSRP: $6,899
Manufacturer: GLP
More Info: www.germanlightproducts.com
