GEM6 taking centre stage once again
Not wanting to be outshone by more recent members of the LED family, GEM6 by Power Gems has come out of the wings to debut fantastic new features at no extra cost.
Our little GEM6 has been a fully-fledged member of the LED family since the first batch rolled off the production line way back in September 2023 However, the compact six-way controller for full-colour LED control or three channels of bi-colour fancied a bit of a spruce up and refresh (as we all do from time to time!).
You may ask yourself how the GEM6 can get even better when it already powers a wide range of LED ribbons from 12V to 24V. Well, it has received both a hardware and software upgrade, meaning it now has an input range going up to an impressive 48V, a feature currently unique in the market.
As a company, Power Gems is always looking to progress with product innovation and future-proofing, which our Director, Phil, undertakes at the R&D facility at our Manchester base. As many of you know, this is also where the products are manufactured and maintained, as well as a site in LA for US sales and maintenance.
Advantages of 48V lighting systems in film and TV
The use of 48V in lighting is already a common feature in industrial applications, and Phil is anticipating this will follow through into the film and TV lighting sector, as all devices across the board are moving to 48V.
We have found that customers have been using 12V and 24V LED tape; however, the longer the tape, the greater the loss of intensity down the tape. This is lessened with 24V, but there is still a loss – not something you want happening on set.
With the addition of 48V, this allows the user a wider range of options when using their fixture alongside a variety of LED tapes. Even if the GEM6 wants the spotlight, you don’t have to give in to its demands – with the 48V GEM6, it can stay backstage. As longer LED tapes can be used, more of the set can be covered in a single run, or if lead-out wires are attached, these can be longer. This allows the GEM6 to be housed further from the tape, enabling it to be hidden from view. This can take place without losing light intensity and colour accuracy, as well as a reduction in volt drop – a win-win in our opinion.
Packed with perks, same price
We love a deal at Power Gems, and that is exactly what you get. Not only are we including the 48V option, but we have also added dimmer smoothing to the software upgrade.
When dimming down to low levels, the eye can see the individual steps of intensity as they are dimming down. This is due to LED lights not having thermal inertia, unlike tungsten lamps, so the dimming is visible. With this new upgrade, the dimming will be a smoother transition.
Packed with so many perks, surely this will increase the price of the GEM6, I hear you say – not at all! There is no impact on the price, so you, our customer, will not only benefit from the well-established reliability of the GEM6 but will also have more versatility at your fingertips.
Look out for the logo
Fear not if you are already the proud owner of the original GEM6 and are worried about mixing up the 24V fixture with its more versatile cousin, as the 48V version will have a new shiny logo; all its lacking is a red carpet.
We wouldn’t want the newly upgraded GEM6 to get too big for its boots, and so we’ll be reminding it that it isn’t the only fixture in the GEM LED family to reach the dizzy heights of 48V; our equally versatile GEMpsu can do that job too.
The GEMpsu produces output voltages from 12V to 48V, so you always have the right power supply for every job.
You can learn more about the GEMpsu here:
Superior, moi? Meet the GEMpsu – a different kind of LED voltage supply
If you are thinking about enhancing your GEM6 collection, please get in touch.
The latest GEM6 build is already turning heads, with several customers jumping on board—don’t miss your chance to be part of the next big thing.
