The Vortex series is Creamsource’s flagship line, trusted by filmmakers, TV crews, and virtual production studios. It began with the Vortex8 and later grew into the larger Vortex24. The original Vortex24 is a hard light, bright, punchy, and made to throw over long distances. The new Creamsource Vortex24 Soft keeps the same footprint but delivers a wide, even spread designed for smooth, cinematic lighting.
The difference between “Soft” and “Hard” isn’t just a diffuser. With the Vortex24 Soft and standard Vortex24, optics, control, and light behavior all change, creating very different results on set. Creamsource is known for rugged, high-output LED fixtures, and the Vortex24 Soft continues that legacy, starting with soft light at the source rather than converting a hard beam.
Filmmakers often ask how the Soft compares to the original Vortex24. Both are built for large-scale film and TV work, but the Soft excels at flattering, even illumination, while the hard version delivers punchy, directional beams for dramatic effects.
Core Features of the Vortex24 Soft
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | 1950W max draw, packs serious output, on par with the largest LED panels. |
| Beam Angle | 110° native half-peak, super wide and even, no modifier needed. |
| Color Engine | RGBWW / RRGBBW, accurate color, full gel library, creative effects. |
| Pixel Zones | 24 zones, great for pixel mapping and subtle effects on set. |
| Luminous Output | ~190,000 lumens (claimed), enough to replace several smaller soft panels. |
| Build | IP65 rated, all-weather, metal housing, rugged rental-friendly frame. |
| Rigging | LNX system allows linking multiple units for huge arrays. |
1. Large Soft Source with High Output
The Vortex24 Soft delivers a wide spread of soft light that wraps around faces and fills spaces naturally. Its output is strong enough to punch through diffusion or bounce, making it flexible for key, fill, or ambient lighting.
2. Wide CCT Range
The fixture covers a broad range of color temperatures, from warm tungsten-like tones to cool daylight. This gives you freedom to match different environments or create specific moods
3. Excellent Color Accuracy
Thanks to Creamsource’s LED design, the light maintains stable color across dimming ranges. Skin tones, fabrics, and set pieces appear true-to-life, with no drifting into green or magenta.
4. Flexible Rigging
The Vortex24 Soft is compatible with Creamsource’s LNX system, allowing multiple fixtures to lock together in secure arrays. Its rigging points and strong build let crews mount it confidently on trusses or stands.
5. Built-In Weather Protection
With an IP65 rating, the Vortex24 Soft can withstand rain, dust, and harsh locations. You don’t have to wrap the light in plastic or worry about rain ruining the electronics. This makes it equally at home in controlled studios and outdoor shoots.
Advanced Features of the Creamsource Vortex24 Soft
6. CreamOS & Browser-Based Control
The Vortex24 Soft runs on CreamOS, which can be accessed directly through a web browser. You don’t need extra apps or software, just connect, open your device, and control the light. This makes it quick to adjust settings or troubleshoot remotely, and because it supports multiple languages, crews across the globe can use it easily.
7. Creamsource Color Management System (CCMS)
Color consistency is crucial when you use multiple fixtures. The Vortex24 Soft uses CCMS, which keeps colors accurate even when dimmed or mixed. Calibrated to CIE xy color space, it ensures your lighting stays steady across takes and setups, so post-production becomes easier and more reliable.
8. RRGBBW LED Configuration
Instead of the usual RGBW design, the Vortex24 Soft uses a richer RRGBBW setup: red + deep red, green, blue + royal blue, and white. This allows for deeper reds, vivid blues, and more accurate whites. In practice, it means skin tones look healthier, and mixed lighting situations feel more natural.
9. Pixel Zoning with 24 Segments
The Vortex24 Soft is divided into 24 independent zones, each of which can be controlled separately. This opens creative doors: you can simulate effects like fire flicker, passing headlights, or subtle gradients across the panel.
10. High Frame Rate & Sync Options
The Vortex24 Soft supports flicker-free performance up to 5000fps. It can also sync to camera shutters or external triggers, which is vital for visual effects and slow-motion work.
11. Accessory Mounting & Front Latch System
Swapping diffusion or modifiers is easier with the front latch system. You can attach or remove accessories from the front without wrestling with the whole unit. On busy sets where time is money, this design saves minutes that add up to hours.
12. Dual EtherCON Ports & Built-In Switch
Networking multiple fixtures is simplified by the dual EtherCON ports. With the built-in Gigabit switch, you can daisy chain several lights with one cable run. This reduces clutter and makes complex setups easier to manage.
13. Heavy-Duty Build
Made of aluminum and technopolymer, the Vortex24 Soft is built to survive daily use on set. At around 47–50 kg, it’s heavy, but strong enough to rig confidently on trusses or arrays.
Comparing the Vortex24 Soft vs Vortex24
| Feature | Vortex24 (Hard) | Vortex24 Soft |
|---|---|---|
| Native beam angle | ~20° | ~110° |
| Output | ~90,000 lumens (punchy) | ~190,000 lumens spread wide |
| Color engine | RRGBBW, high accuracy | RRGBBW, high accuracy |
| Pixel zones | Yes | Yes |
| Rigging and weather protection | LNX system, IP65 | LNX system, IP65 |
| Best use | Distance punch, shaping | Overhead soft key, large-area fill |
1. Light Quality
- Vortex24 Soft: Gentle, flattering, even spread. Perfect for beauty shots, interviews, or large washes.
- Vortex24: Strong, sharp, directional beam. Ideal for simulating sunlight, rim lighting, or dramatic looks.
2. Output and Throw
- Soft: Bright, but designed to spread. It fills spaces without harshness, not for long-throw punch.
- Hard: Much more throw. Can cut through diffusion, bounce, or atmosphere with ease.
3. Flexibility
- Soft: Excels at natural, flattering looks. Pixel zones add creative options.
- Hard: More versatile for cutting, shaping, and projecting. Stronger at effects that need definition.
4. Weight & Build
Both fixtures are heavy (47–50kg), rugged, and weatherproof. Both require proper rigging and power planning.
The Vortex24 Soft and the Vortex24 Hard Light aren’t rivals, they work best together. The Soft gives wide, flattering light for faces and large areas, while the Hard delivers punchy beams for sunlight effects or dramatic shadows.
Alone, each is powerful. Together, they handle almost any lighting challenge on set. Use the Soft for beauty shots and drama, the Hard for contrast and sunlight effects, or combine both for the ultimate versatile setup in modern filmmaking.
Pricing and Availability of the Vortex24 Soft
The Creamsource Vortex24 Soft is priced at $16,499 USD and is currently available for pre-order. For those seeking a comprehensive kit, the Vortex24 Soft Pro Kit is available for $19,249 USD. This package includes the fixture, power supply, and a protective case, providing everything needed for immediate use on set.
For purchasing, you can visit the official Creamsource website at creamsource.com, where the Vortex24 Soft is listed at $16,499 USD. Additionally, authorized retailers such as B&H Photo Video and Maccam offer the fixture, with Maccam providing free two-day shipping.
CREDIT- https://creamsource.com/product/vortex24/
https://www.newsshooter.com/2025/09/14/creamsource-vortex24-soft-first-look-at-ibc-2025/
