Profoto L1600D – 1600W Daylight LED [No Ballast Needed]

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The Profoto L1600D is more than just another LED light; it changes the game for modern productions. This daylight-balanced powerhouse delivers the same output you would expect from heavy HMI fixtures. However, it comes in a compact, all-in-one design that eliminates the hassle of external ballasts and messy cabling.

Unlike RGB lights, the L1600D focuses on one goal: providing a pure and consistent daylight source. It matches the strength of HMIs while offering the efficiency of LED technology. Plus, its smart cooling system keeps it quiet and reliable during long shoots.

Profoto L1600D Specifications and Features.

SpecificationDetails
Type5600K daylight monolight LED
Output1,225,000 lux at 1m/3.3ft with included reflector, 96,250 lux bare
Colour AccuracyCRI 97, TLCI 97
Dimming0.1–100%, via Android and iOS app, DMX, on-board control
RemoteBluetooth, wireless DMX
Wireless Range100m / 328.1ft
Accessory MountBowens S, Profoto
Power1600W
Input Power100–240V AC
Support Mount1 × 1 1/8in stud
Weather ResistanceIP54 (dust and splash resistant)
Dimensions (with reflector)49.8 × 29.7 × 25.9 cm / 19.6 × 11.7 × 10.2 in
Weight14 kg / 30.8 lb (with cable, reflector, and yoke)

1. High Output Performance of the Profoto L1600D

The Profoto L1600D packs an impressive 1,600 watts of LED power. With the narrow “Boost” reflector, it reaches almost 49,000 lux at five meters. This level of brightness can compete directly with sunlight, so it works perfectly for outdoor shoots.

2. Compact All-In-One Design Without Ballast

The Profoto L1600D comes as a single unit, so it doesn’t need a separate ballast. Inside one housing, you get the LED, the control electronics, and the cooling system. As a result, setup becomes faster, cabling stays minimal, and moving the light around the set feels much easier.

3. Color Accuracy and Temperature

The Profoto L1600D delivers a precise daylight-balanced output at 5,700K, so the light looks natural in both photography and film. In addition, it offers high color accuracy with 97 CRI and 97 TLCI, which means colors stay true on camera and consistent on set.

4. Silent 140 mm Fans

Augmenting the liquid cooling are two quiet 140 mm fans. These fans help push air through the internal cooling channels when needed, but they are designed to run softly so as not to interfere with audio recording. The combination of HydroCTech and these fans gives the L1600D reliable cooling with minimal noise.

5. The Profoto L1600D has HydroCTech Liquid Cooling System

At the heart of the L1600D sits Profoto’s HydroCTech (liquid cooling), a patent-pending system that carries heat away efficiently from both the LED emitters and power electronics. Because the cooling is internal and unified, it allows the fixture to run hotter output without overheating while maintaining stable performance.

6. High Efficiency & Mono-LED Technology

The L1600D converts about 97% of input power directly into usable light, thanks to its Mono-LED design. As a result, it wastes very little energy and runs far more efficiently than older lights that rely on external ballasts.

7. Connectivity and Control Options

The light offers a range of control methods, including DMX in/out via 5-pin XLR, built-in LumenRadio/CRMX (TimoTwo) wireless control, Profoto Air remote support, and a straightforward onboard interface. It can be controlled via multiple protocols, giving flexibility in lighting setups.

8. IP54 Rating for Dust and Splash Resistance

To withstand real-world shooting environments, the Profoto L1600D is rated IP54. This rating means it resists limited dust ingress and water splashes from any direction. It is not fully waterproof, but it offers protection suitable for many outdoor or semi-exposed setups.

9. Dimming and Flicker-Free Performance

The Profoto L1600D lets you dim smoothly from 0.1% to 100%, and you can choose between linear, exponential, or logarithmic curves to suit your creative needs. On top of that, it runs flicker-free at any frame rate, so it works safely for high-speed or variable frame-rate shoots.

10. The Profoto L1600D has Dual Mounting System

The Profoto L1600D supports both Profoto’s proprietary light shaping system and Bowens mount modifiers in the same unit. This lets operators use a wide range of accessories they may already own, softboxes, Fresnels, reflectors, without needing adapter hacks. Switching between Profoto tools and Bowens modifiers is seamless.

Pricing and Availability of the Profoto L1600D

The Profoto L1600D is priced between $8,995 and $10,600, depending on the retailer. Most major sellers, including Profoto, B&H Photo Video, and Adorama, currently have limited stock or are out of stock. Amazon lists it at $10,600. Availability varies by region, so checking with authorized dealers or rental houses is recommended.

CREDIT- https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1832563-REG/profoto_902010_profoto_l1600d_mono_led.html