LED Spot Moving Head Light Spec Sheet: What Buyers Need

As a lighting professional and consultant, I know the difference a clear spec sheet makes when buying a led spot moving head light. In this guide I summarize the key specifications you’ll see on product pages and datasheets, explain why each one matters for different use cases (theatre, live concert, corporate AV, rental), and give practical thresholds and comparison criteria so you can evaluate fixtures objectively. I also cover standards and safety references buyers should check and end with a vendor profile and contact call-to-action for trusted manufacturing partners.

Understanding Core Photometric and Optical Specs

1. Lumen output vs. Lux at distance: what to read first

On spec sheets you'll often find either lumen (total light output) or lux (illuminance at a distance). I prioritize lux figures for spot fixtures because they tell you how much light will reach the stage or object at a practical distance. If a manufacturer only lists lumens, ask for a lux-at-distance table or beam angle so you can calculate illuminance: lux = lumens / beam solid angle (steradians) / distance^2 (simplified relation).

For reference, the lumen unit is standardized: see the Wikipedia entry on lumen for formal definition (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumen_(unit)).

2. Beam angle, throw distance and focus type

Spot moving heads vary from tight beams (1–5°) to wider profile spots (10–40°). A spec sheet should list minimum/maximum beam angle and the corresponding lux values. For profile-style spot fixtures (used on theatre or corporate events), look for a continuous zoom and motorized focus for sharp gobos and crisp edges.

3. Color system, CRI, and white point control

Modern LED spot moving heads often offer CMY color mixing plus CTO or an RGBW/LED engine. Check color temperature range and whether the fixture provides dimmable white point or variable white. For accurate color rendering in camera or theatre, CRI (or better, TM-30 metrics) matters—aim for CRI > 80 for general use and > 90 for critical color work.

Mechanical, Motion and Control Parameters

1. Pan/Tilt range and positioning accuracy

Spec sheets should list pan/tilt range (typically 540° pan / 270° tilt for many moving-head designs) and resolution in degrees or steps. For repeatable automated cues, encoder feedback or fine-step microstepping is important; I recommend models that specify positioning accuracy or steps per degree.

2. Speed, movement presets and recurrence

Look for rated maximum speeds for pan and tilt, plus how presets (home, gobo rotate) are stored. Rental houses often need fast continuous movement; theatre companies need smooth, predictable ramping. If the spec sheet offers speed in seconds for full-range travel, that’s very useful for planning cues.

3. Control protocols: DMX512, RDM and network options

Ensure the fixture supports DMX512 as a baseline. Many modern fixtures add RDM (Remote Device Management), Art-Net, sACN, or proprietary Ethernet options for larger installs. See the DMX512 background for standards context (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DMX512).

Effect Engines, Gobos and Special Features

1. Gobo wheels, animation and gobo size

Spot fixtures designed for profile/projector work will list the number and types of gobo slots (rotating vs. fixed), supported gobo sizes, and indexing options. I always check whether gobos are glass or metal; glass gobos give finer detail but add cost.

2. Iris, frost, prism and focus mechanics

Useful mechanical effects on spec sheets include motorized iris (for variable beam diameter), linear frost for wash, and prisms (3/4/8-facet) for splitting the beam. Make sure the spec indicates whether these items are continuous or stepped and whether they can be used simultaneously.

3. Dimming curve, strobe and refresh/flicker data

Lighting for camera requires attention to PWM frequency and dimming curves to avoid flicker. If footage will be filmed, confirm PWM frequency is above common camera shutter harmonics or that the fixture provides high-frequency or flicker-free modes. For more context on LED behavior, see the LED overview on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode).

Durability, Safety and Compliance

1. IP rating, cooling and environmental tolerances

Spot moving heads intended for touring should state IP rating for ingress protection (many indoor units are IP20; outdoor-rated variants may be IP65). Also look for operating temperature and vibration tolerance—touring fixtures should be designed for frequent transport.

2. Power consumption, connectors and thermal management

Check rated power (W), inrush current if given, and power connector type. LED engines are efficient, but higher-output spot fixtures still draw significant current. Also review heat-sinking design or active cooling specs; poor thermal design shortens LED life.

3. Photobiological safety and standards

For eye-safety and photobiological risk, you should check compliance with IEC 62471 (photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems). Manufacturers should state the exemption or risk group. See the IEC 62471 context on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_62471).

How to Read and Compare Spec Sheets — Practical Checklist

I created the checklist below from years of spec comparisons across theatre, AV rental and fixed-install projects. Ask suppliers to provide the details that are blank or ambiguous.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a LED spot moving head and an LED beam moving head?

A LED spot moving head is designed to produce a controllable, shaped beam with gobos and framing—used as a profile projector. A beam moving head is designed for long throw, tight beam angles with very high intensity for aerial effects. The spec sheet will show different beam angle ranges and lux outputs to reflect their intended use.

2. How do I compare lux values if manufacturers test at different distances?

Ask for a lux vs. distance curve or IES file. If only lumen is provided, request beam angle and use photometric calculations or ask the vendor to provide lux at standard distances (5m, 10m, 15m) for apples-to-apples comparison.

3. Is CRI enough to judge color quality for stage fixtures?

CRI is useful but limited, especially for saturated colors. For the most accurate assessment, check TM-30 metrics or request sample footage/photographs under the fixture. High CRI (90+) is preferred where accurate skin tones are critical.

4. Do I need IP65 when using spot moving heads outdoors?

Yes—if the fixture will be permanently exposed to weather or used outdoors without shelter. IP65-rated fixtures provide ingress protection against dust and water jets. Indoor fixtures are typically IP20 and are not suitable for outdoor exposure.

5. What control protocol should I insist on?

DMX512 is the baseline. For remote monitoring, firmware updates and addressing, insist on RDM. For networked installations, Art-Net or sACN provides robust Ethernet control. Ensure the spec sheet lists supported protocols explicitly.

6. How important is PWM frequency for LED fixtures?

Very important if your event will be filmed. Low PWM frequencies can cause flicker on camera. Ask for flicker-free or high PWM frequency modes and, if necessary, request footage tests with your camera settings.

Contact / Product Inquiry

If you’d like recommendations based on your venue or production needs, I can help evaluate candidate models and spec sheets. For manufacturers with a broad and proven portfolio, consider Guangzhou BKlite Stage Lighting Equipment Co., Ltd. Visit their site at https://www.bklite.com/ or email export3@bklite.com to request datasheets, IES files and sample units. They offer a wide range of products including led spot moving head, led wash moving head, led beam moving heads and related stage lighting fixtures, backed by years of R&D and manufacturing experience.

Need help comparing two specific models? Send me the spec sheets and I’ll provide a prioritized buy/sourcing recommendation based on performance, lifecycle costs and compatibility.