The Nexus product line from Chauvet Professional contains the latest in LED technology. There are three versions within the line: 4×1 linear strip, 2×2 block, and the award winning larger block version, the Nexus 4×4. Is it a blinder, wash light, low resolution video wall, or eye candy? The answer is YES! Yes, it is a LED audience blinder. Yes, it is a super bright soft edge wash light. Yes, it is a low resolution video wall. Yes, it is flashy eye candy. And yes, it can be used in many other creative applications.
Physical Construction
The modular fixture weighs only 26.6 lbs. and is 18.25 by 18.25 by 8.27 inches (HxWxD), including the yoke. It is comprised of 16 cells arranged in an evenly spaced 4×4 grid. Each cell contains a 27W LED Chip On Board (COB) cluster which is constructed of three red, three green, and three blue LEDs (nine total), all rated at a nominal 3 watts.
On the rear, there is a two-line, 20-character backlit display with typical menu, enter, up, and down buttons. Below the display is a panel with a wide array of input/output connectors. The power in and thru is via Neutrik powerCON lockable connectors — blue for input and gray for output. Although the fixtures have a power thru, only four Nexus 4×4 fixtures can be daisy-chained when operating at 120 volts. Next are 3-pin male and female and then 5-pin male and female for your choice of DMX connector. Last are two Neutrik etherCON RJ-45 network connectors. A fan is located near each of the four corners of the fixture.
On the sides are strategically placed male or female coffin locks, which allow fixtures to be assembled together like building blocks to create larger fixtures and unique designs. On the back is a fixed bracket and a multipurpose yoke. Both have several half-inch mounting holes for clamps or bolts, but the yoke also serves as a kickstand to stabilize the fixture when sitting on the floor. (I was not able to tip the fixture over when using the yoke as a kickstand.)
Operation
When it comes to operation, there are many options depending on the level of control desired. For DMX control, the most basic is 3-channel mode, which controls the entire fixture as 1 RGB cell. The maximum is a 53-channel mode, which allows for individual pixel control with a master fixture control including strobe, built-in effects, and master intensity. Using Art-Net control, the 48-channel mode, ideal for pixel mapping, is the only option. In standalone control, the fixtures can be setup as masters and/or slaves and operated from the display on the back or remotely if networked together.
Cooling is via heat sink fins on the rear of the fixture and four fans — two blowing in, two exhausting out. The fans can be set to either Auto or High. If set to Auto, the fans start when the fixture reaches 40° C and alternately speed up and slow down above 44°C and below 43°C respectively. If set to High, all four fans run at full speed the entire time. In a quiet setting the noise level of the fans is noticeable, so for sound sensitive applications, the Auto setting is preferable to High.
The beam angle is listed at 45°, with a field angle of 75°. To avoid scalloping, a minimum distance of 2 feet is suggested. The manufacturer states the color temperature of white as variable between 2,800K and 10,000K. There is noticeable color variation between all cells at extremely low intensity levels.
Networking
The Ethernet I/O allows for serial topology (“Daisy Chain”) of fixtures. The Nexus supports Arkaos’ proprietary Kling-Net or the universal Art-Net. In Art-Net mode, the fixtures can obtain an IP address from a DHCP server, static IP which auto addresses in the 2.34.xxx.xxx range, or manual IP which allows the user to define the address in the 2.xxx.xxx.xxx range. (Manual IP is a feature that was added in firmware version 2.11). There is a restriction of 12 units maximum if Art-Net is in Broadcast mode. In this case, a typical star topology would be required for more than 12 units.
When the fixtures are networked, the entire menu system is accessible via a TCP/IP connection. Furthermore, if you type the IP address of the fixture you want to access into a web browser, an intuitive webpage opens up. Here, you can view the status and temperature, change the operating mode, fan speed, back light, and even control the fixture’s output color and intensity. (Click or mouseover images for more info.)
This webpage is also where you can update the fixture’s firmware. Click the upgrade tab and firmware file, and click upload.
Done. As simple and clever as this is, the fixture lacks the ability to upgrade multiple fixtures at once. Also, you cannot cross load firmware between fixtures in the field.
Nexus embraces new technology, energy efficiency, pixel mapping, networking, and creative minds. The question now is, how will you embrace the Nexus 4×4?
The Nexus 4×4 is a creative new product with COB technology and a modular housing. Designers can use it as a scalable matrix of color changing light. Even more functionality is likely to become available down the road via firmware updates.
Features
• Networkable
• Various Operating Modes
• 3- and 5-pin XLR, Neutrik etherCON
• Power in/thru, Neutrik powerCON
• 16 27W LEDs (tri-color RGB)
• Built-in Automated Programs
• 2,800K to 10,000K Variable Color Temperature
PROS
Versatile, modular design; remote access of menu via network; multipurpose yoke, daisy-chainable network connection; built-in automated programs.
CONS
Cannot rig fixtures using only coffin locks; indoor-only rating (IP20); firmware updates fixture by fixture; limited operating modes for Art-Net; does not support Art-Net in and DMX out
How Much:
NEXUS 4×4 : $1,869.99
NEXUS 4×1: $899.99
NEXUS 2×2: $899.99
