Profile spotlights, also known as “profiles,” are quintessential fixtures in theatrical lighting. In previous articles, we explored PCs, Fresnels, and followspots. With this article we complete the series, which has resonated with so many of you! Since 1997, LDR has been dedicated to serving the theatrical industry, providing lighting solutions that blend tradition with innovation and can as of today boast one of the most extensive range of profiles on the market.
Technical Overview Depending on their optics, profiles can be quite sophisticated lighting fixtures, which allow a precise control over the light beam, with adjustable edge quality—from soft to sharp—achieved by moving the front lenses in relation to the light source.
Here’s a closer look at profile spotlights’ standard construction:
- Lens Tube: The front section, known as lens-tube, houses one or more lenses. The number and type of lenses determine both the size of the beam – the so-called beam-angle and define the profile as either a fixed-focus unit (one lens) or a zoom profile (two or more lenses), which allows for varied beam angles. Notably, LDR’s profiles feature a unique three-lens zoom system, setting a high standard in the field for sharpness and flexibility.
- Gate: The central section, known as gate-area – is where the light focuses and where all beam-shaping tools are located: shutter-blades, iris diaphragm and/or a gobo holder. Most advanced models, such as LDR’s, feature a rotatable gate which provides maximum flexibility. Four shutter-blades allow for the round beam to be shaped in any geometrical shape, the iris diaphragm sizes the beam, whereas the gobo-holder projects patterns from either metal or glass gobos, offering various creative options.
- Lamphouse / Ledhouse: The back section contains the light source, either a traditional bulb or a LED system. Profiles can feature conventional, condenser or double condenser optics, the latter producing a more intense, flat-distributed and well-defined beam of light, ideal for high-resolution projections. A wide choice of optical constructions, from the simplest reflector+lamp+front lens to the quite complex double-condensor + 3-lens zoom optics, optical components – spherical or aspherical reflector, axial or vertical – and materials, basic aluminium, standard, dichroic or borosilicate glass actually make the comparison among all different models quite difficult and today under the “profile” label actually sit a multitude of intrinsically different products.
When to Use Profile Spotlights?
Profiles are the most versatile instruments for onstage use and they become essential especially for FOH (Front of House) throws of any distance. They can enhance atmosphere and focus in theatrical settings, providing targeted lighting exactly where it’s needed. They also pair well with PC and Fresnel lights, completing the lighting setup for any production or stage performance.
They are also the product of choice in many non-strictly theatrical applications, such as commercial displays, museums, art-galleries, worship-venues or wherever an elevated control of the light beam and its projection are required.
LDR Profile Spotlights: Quality in Every Detail
As highlighted, a profile spotlight is quite a broad concept and each manufacturer have designed their own solution. However, each detail matters, as does the choice of components.
With their double condenser optics, glass or borosilicate reflectors and a zoom system featuring three lenses in nearly every model, LDR’s profiles definitely stand apart. Only high-quality, German-made glass optical components are used and this grants a constant quality of projection over time as opposed to “plastic” lenses used in other brands’ models.
A rotating gate, black shutter blades – which prevent unwanted reflections –spring-loaded to prevent them from dropping during operation and an 18-leaf high quality iris complete the main features. Bulb-based models are also equipped with dual safety microswitches.
Last but not least: all LDR profiles are made in-house in own premises in Italy and each component is always available as spare part at any time, even for the first models launched almost 30 years ago. LDR products are made to last and they are rated among the best-value options on the market.
The LDR Product Range
LDR offers a broad catalogue, including both LED and incandescent options, ensuring tailored solutions for theaters, rental and production companies of all sizes.
In the LED range, choices start with the compact and efficient 80W Tondo, moving up through Cetra (100/120W), Arpa (150/180W), Alba (230/380W), and the powerful Stella (600W), all available in different CT’s options. For tungsten-halogen fixtures, options include Suono (650W), Nota (1000/1200W), and Tono (2000W), while discharge lamps are available in the Soffio series.Beam-angles can be chosen among 10°-28° and 20°-40° on models like Tondo, Cetra, Suono, and Soffio, and 8°-22°, 18°-36°, and 30°-55° on Arpa, Alba, Stella, Nota, and Tono. As for all other LDR products each model is also available in a choice of 3 standard colours: black, white and silver and 2 yokes: manual or pole-operated.
Go through our range and select your profile of choice here on our website. Should you not find what you are looking for you can always contact us: special and customized products are our passion!