Creamsource Vortex2 and Vortex2 Soft: A Compact Entry Point Into the Vortex Ecosystem
Creamsource has expanded the Vortex family with two new fixtures aimed at the smaller end of the production spectrum. The Vortex2 and Vortex2 Soft (Vortex2S) are 160W LED panels built around the same core hardware and software platform as the rest of the Vortex line, just in a form factor designed to move.
Two Fixtures, One Platform
The distinction between the two is simple and intentional. The Vortex2 is a hard light with a native 20° beam, producing 3,410 lux at 3 meters (5600K, open face). The Vortex2 Soft opens that up to a native 110° spread, outputting 662 lux at the same distance, which is a meaningful trade-off between coverage and punch. Both heads weigh in around 6kg / 13.23 lbs without the yoke and share identical dimensions: roughly 390 x 208 x 184mm.
Creamsource is using the same RRGBBW color engine, IP65 weather resistance, and CreamOS workflow you’d get from a Vortex8 or Vortex24, packaged into something a two-person crew can realistically move between setups without a dedicated grip.
Key features
- A premium high-powered 1’x0.5′ LED fixture designed for heavy use in all conditions.
- Offers 2 pixel zones for precise, dimmable lighting effects with consistent colour accuracy and no drift.
- Front latch system for quick diffuser and accessory changes.
- IP65 water-resistant with a built-in power supply and all the advanced connectivity for professional use.
- Optimised for a range of applications with RRGBBW, a wide CCT range, and high speed modes for shooting up to 5000fps.
- Sync Input for triggering and syncing to camera shutter.
- Multiple control options, including an etherCON port, pass-through 5-pin XLR DMX, LumenRadio CRMX, and BLE.
- 48V DC input using industry-standard 3-pin XLR.
- High-efficiency native soft light with 160W pass-through AC power capabilities.
Vortex2 Photometrics
Vortex2 beam distribution at 3200K (left) and 5600K (right). Native 20° beam angle.
Vortex2 Soft Photometrics
Vortex2 full photometric data.
The Color Engine
The RRGBBW configuration, red, deep red, green, blue, royal blue, white, is the same one running across the Vortex line. Creamsource calls it the Creamsource Color Management System (CCMS), and it handles factory calibration, thermal compensation, and dimming accuracy in native CIE xy color space. The practical result is color consistency across fixtures and across dimming levels, which matters when you’re mixing V2s with larger Vortex panels on the same set.
The fixtures are CCT adjustable from 2200 to 15,000K.
High-speed mode supports frame rates up to 5,000fps via Creamsource’s FrameSync system, making both fixtures usable for high-speed camera work without flicker.
Connectivity & Control
Both fixtures include etherCON, 5-pin XLR DMX pass-through, LumenRadio CRMX, Bluetooth, and an accessory port. Power comes in via 48V DC on a 3-pin XLR, and both fixtures include a built-in PSU with pass-through AC. The 2-pixel zone configuration allows for basic effects and zone-level dimming control.
CreamOS V3.0 runs the show, with a browser-based web interface accessible from any device on the same network. The UI is multilingual — English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.
LNX Rigging
The V2 Series is compatible with Creamsource’s LNX rigging system, which allows fixtures to be arrayed and mounted in configurations that would otherwise require custom rigging. A front latch system handles diffuser and accessory swaps without tools.
Lineup
The Vortex2 sits below the Vortex4 in the lineup and appears aimed squarely at smaller productions, run-and-gun documentary crews, and cinematographers who want Vortex ecosystem compatibility without committing to the larger panels. The IP65 rating and internal PSU remove two common friction points on location: weatherproofing and power distribution.
Pricing & Availability
The Vortex2 and Vortex 2S both retail for $1,400 USD, and they are available to pre-order.
Specifications
Vortex2
Head Weight
5.98 kg / 13.18 lb (Excluding Yoke)
7.45 kg / 16.42 lb (Including Yoke)
Dimensions
390 x 207.6 x 183.6 mm / 15.35 x 8.17 x 7.23 in. (Excluding Yoke)
537.7 x 433.2 x 176.6 mm / 21.17 x 17.06 x 6.95 in. (Including Yoke)
Protection Class
IP65
Native Beam Angle
20°
Maximum Ambient Temperature
40°C / 104°F
Vortex2S
Head Weight
5.5 kg / 12.13 lb (Excluding yoke)
6.97 kg / 15.37 lb (Including yoke)
Dimensions
390 x 207.6 x 183.6 mm / 15.35 x 8.17 x 7.23 in. (Excluding Yoke)
537.7 x 433.2 x 176.6 mm / 21.17 x 17.06 x 6.95 in. (Including Yoke)
Protection Class
IP65
Open Face Beam Angle
110°
Maximum Ambient Temperature
40°C / 104°F
