Aputure has raised the bar in professional lighting with the release of the NOVA II 2×1 RGBWW LED panel, the most powerful light in the Nova family so far. Building on the success of the earlier Nova P300c and Nova P600c, this new model is made for today’s film, TV, and broadcast productions where accuracy, brightness, and flexibility are essential.
At the core of the NOVA II 2×1 is Aputure’s new BLAIR-CG chipset. This advanced system uses seven different LEDs, including Deep Red and balanced Indigo, to improve skin tones and overall color accuracy. With a CCT range from 1,800K to 20,000K and coverage of more than 90% of Rec 2020 color space, it gives filmmakers one of the widest and most reliable color options available.
What really makes the NOVA II stand out is its strength. With 1000W of output, it produces incredible brightness while still delivering soft and accurate light, even with diffusion. On top of that, it is built to last with an IP65 weatherproof design, advanced controls such as DMX, CRMX, Art-Net, and Sidus Link, and a QuickClip accessory system that makes attaching modifiers faster and easier.
Key Highlights of the NOVA II 2×1
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 1000W RGBWW LED panel with class-leading brightness |
| CCT Range | Wide tunable white from 1,800K to 20,000K |
| Color Space | Covers 90%+ of Rec.2020 for precise color mixing |
| Light Engine | Advanced BLAIR-CG chipset with 7 diodes (Blue, Lime, Amber, Indigo, Red, Cyan, Green) |
| Color Fidelity | CRI ≥95, TLCI ≥95, SSI (D65) 86 for natural skin tones |
| Durability | IP65-rated weather-resistant body |
| Accessories | Direct Quick Clip front-mount system for fast modifiers |
| Dimming | Smooth 0.1%–100% dimming with 4 dimming curves |
| Control Options | Sidus Link, DMX512, CRMX, Art-Net, sACN, Ethernet |
| Design | Compact build with removable yoke for flexible rigging |
| Price | $3,690 USD |
1. Advanced Color and White Light Control
The NOVA II 2×1 introduces the new BLAIR-CG chipset, which uses seven different LEDs. By adding Deep Red and balancing Indigo, Aputure has improved the way skin tones look on camera while also making overall colors more accurate. The light covers more than 90 percent of the Rec.2020 color space, giving filmmakers a huge range of colors to choose from.
For precise adjustments, the fixture includes Green and Magenta controls, allowing users to fine-tune white balance. It produces a 35-degree focused beam that stays strong even when a diffuser is added. This focused beam also avoids common issues like color fringing.
2. NOVA II 2×1 Brightness and Output Performance
The NOVA II 2×1 is designed for high output and intensity. At 4300K without any modifiers, it produces 200,500 lux at one meter. Even with the included flat diffuser attached, it still reaches 41,300 lux at one meter, which makes it very powerful for a panel light.
A key strength of this model is its 35-degree beam angle, which keeps the light punchy and concentrated. This gives it an advantage over wider-beam lights when you need strong and controlled illumination on set.
3. Design and Build Quality
Aputure built the NOVA II 2×1 with three main goals: keeping noise low, reducing weight, and making the unit durable. The light weighs 18 kilograms (39.6 pounds) with the yoke, which is competitive compared to other professional panel lights in its class.
The cooling system is also very quiet, with the fan running at just 40 decibels on high speed. This makes it safe to use on sound-sensitive sets like interviews, TV studios, or film locations. Another significant advantage is its IP65 weather resistance, which provides a strong IP rating that protects the light from dust and water. This means it can be used outdoors or in harsher production environments without worry.
4. Power Consumption of the NOVA II 2×1
The NOVA II 2×1 uses 1250 watts of power, placing it on the higher end of energy use for LED panels. However, the strong output it delivers more than justifies the power draw. It stands above many competitors in brightness while still being efficient enough for professional productions.
5. Professional Control Options
The NOVA II supports multiple control workflows:
- Onboard screen with clear interface.
- Sidus Link / Sidus Link Pro app for mobile control.
- 16-bit DMX512, CRMX, Art-Net, and sACN for studio setups.
- Dual Ethernet ports for fast network integration.
- Firmware updates via Sidus Link, USB, or DMX – with batch updates supported.
6. The NOVA II 2×1 Effects and Presets
The NOVA II 2×1 isn’t just about raw output; it also comes with creative tools. It includes 15 built-in lighting effects, such as fire, paparazzi, TV flicker, and lightning. Users can also save 10 custom presets for fast recall of favorite settings. The light supports stepless dimming from 0.1% to 100%, with four dimming curves (linear, exponential, logarithmic, and S-curve) to match different styles of work.
To manage cooling, it offers four fan modes: Smart, High, Medium, and Silent. This flexibility makes it suitable for both quiet indoor shoots and demanding outdoor productions.
7. Accessory Ecosystem of the NOVA II 2×1
The Aputure NOVA II 2×1 was built for flexibility, and its QuickClip front-loading system makes it simple to attach and swap modifiers. This gives filmmakers more control over how the light looks and behaves on set.
- Softbox – Quick to set up and delivers soft, controlled diffusion.
- Dome Diffuser – Spreads light evenly in all directions, ideal for soft general lighting.
- Fabric Control Grid – Cuts unwanted spill and directs the light beam more precisely.
- Barn Doors – Classic tool for shaping light and cutting edges.
- Space Light 90 – Turns the panel into a strong overhead soft source for top lighting.
- Removable Yoke and Truss Adapter – Adds flexibility for rigging in studios or stage setups.
- Truss Adapter – Adds flexibility for rigging in studios or stage setups.
- 3-Light Bracket – Allows three NOVA II 2×1 units to be combined into one giant light wall.
- Rolling Hard Case – Provides strong protection during transport and storage.
Price & where to buy
Aputure lists the NOVA II 2×1 at $3,690–$3,890 on their online store; retailers (B&H, Filmtools, authorized dealers) list product pages for purchase and accessories. Expect street pricing and availability around the IBC 2025 announcement window.
CREDIT –https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1920544-REG/aputure_ap0400040j_nova_ii_2x1_rgb.html
https://www.newsshooter.com/2025/09/11/aputure-announces-nova-ii-2×1/
