A kit for continuous lighting needs to include at least one LED light panel. For years now, my favorite has been the Luxli Timpani. My new favorite is the Timpani2. Luxli has gone all out in making what I have considered the best even better!
The most popular size is 1′ x 1′ — 12 inches square. I received the light panel from B&H for this article.
My favorite update to the physical features of the Timpani2 is the carrying handle that replaces the V-mount on the previous version. Now, carrying this 9-pound instrument is solid. I don’t have the worry of getting pinched when carrying it by the mounting yoke as was the case with the original.
Luxli Timpani2 — More power
The Luxli Timpani2 from B&H has twice the power of the first version, getting an output boost to 6,600 lumens at 1 meter up from 3,430 lumens at 1 meter for the original. A diffusion panel is now integrated into the front of the panel, eliminating the duplicating shadows from the first without an optional diffuser.
Luxli Timpani2 — DMX & Bluetooth 5 control
The Luxli Timpani2 has DMX 512 that can control CCT, HSL and gel filter modes in professional lighting grids found in theaters. It has 5-pin XLR sockets for DMX in and out.
Bluetooth 5 also connects to the Luxli Timpani2. The Luxli Composer app for iOS and Android provides control of single Luxli Orchestra lights or groups of them. The app opens up additional features of the light that include lighting animation, eyedropper color selection, responsive group control and mode sequencing. Best of all the app is free.
Changing a setting on the app updates the panel on the Timpani2.
Luxli Timpani2 — 5-Die LED
The Luxli Timpani2 has 784 RGBAW LEDs that provide saturated color in all of its lighting modes. Here’s a quick look at those options.
CCT mode
Correlated color temperature (CCT) mode can be set to exact color temperatures from 2,800ºK to 10,000ºK in 50ºK increments. At 100% power, the unit delivers 6,600 lumens at 3 feet in all color temperatures.
HSL mode
Glide through the entire color spectrum in 1º increments using HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) mode. You can set precise hue degrees and then adjust its saturation and lightness. Ballpark colors are a thing of the past.
Gel filter mode
There are 150 color gels loaded into the Luxli Timpani2. First, adjust the color temperature to the desired mood. Then dial in a color gel. This is the same as putting an actual sheet of gel in front of the light.
Special effects mode
The Luxli Timpani2 has ten special lighting effects built right into it. Each one is adjustable to get exactly the look you want. Does your production want a campfire in a soft breeze reflecting off the faces of happy s’mores makers? This light delivers. Fireworks, lightning, strobing red/blue police visibars, even explosions and the pops of paparazzi flashes are included. Reaction shots have never been easier!
Luxli Timpani2 — HFR mode for high frame-rate video
High frame rate (HFR) without banding is so easy with Luxli Timpani2 lights. HFR mode makes one of five LEDs remain on continuously to keep you from having to calculate slow-motion frame rates. This setting is available on the panel and not in Luxli Composer.
Luxli Timpani2 — Power options
The Timpani2 uses AC power through a supply that hangs on a light stand thanks to a strap with snap hooks. The original did not have a way to hang it on a stand.
The power supply now includes a V-mount battery connection, moving it off the back of the original Timpani. So, the battery is not mounted directly to the back of the panel. This makes it much lighter when on a boom. The battery’s weight is now on the power supply itself. The battery’s extra weight added to the power supply becomes its own sandbag, making the light stand more stable.
Unplug the AC power to activate the battery. If the unit is left plugged in, it will still draw power from the battery.
Luxli Timpani2 — Firmware updates are simple and fast
All of the Luxli Orchestra lights, Timpani2 included get firmware updates through the Luxli Composer application. When new firmware is available, a notice appears in the app. Click a button and a minute or so later the light is current with the latest firmware.
Luxli Timpani2 — Love this light, but …
The snap links sewn on the Luxli branded strap that hangs the power brick are very weak. Mine stretched so they were barely holding the power brick the first time I used the light. Plan on replacing the strap as soon as you take your Timpani2 out of the box.