The MC Pro is Aputure’s new and upgraded 5W RGBWW LED mini panel light available in single and 8-Light Kit configurations.
Based on the original MC, the MC Pro features the same compact, credit card form factor while packing in a comprehensive suite of professional functionalities. With built-in magnets and LumenRadio CRMX, the MC Pro shines as a fixture that can be placed and operated virtually anywhere.
What are the significant differences between the MC Pro and the original MC?
4 Times Brighter:
While maintaining the compact form factor of the original MC, the MC Pro offers a significant increase in output over its predecessor. The MC Pro features a custom optical design featuring a tighter 45º beam angle, creating a sharper and more focused spot compared to the original MC’s wider 120º beam angle.
At 5,600 Kelvin, the MC Pro can output up to 1,585 lux at half a meter, compared to the original MC at 400 lux at the same distance, making the MC Pro 4 times as bright as the original MC.
Magnetic Accessory Mount:
The MC came with a silicone dome to diffuse the light, while the MC Pro utilizes a faster, and more versatile mechanism. The MC Pro features a magnetic accessory mount for the plethora of accessories that come with the light, similar to other M-series lights like the MX and M9. This includes a Flat Diffuser, Dome Diffuser, and 30º Light Control Grid for honing in the light even further. These lighting accessories can be stacked together or used separately, allowing users to modify the softness or direction of their light in less than a second.
In addition, silicone Bubble Diffuser may be purchased separately to transform the MC Pro into a circular light source, making it ideal for eyelights and soft ambient spreads.
IP65 Rating:
With a high quality, all-aluminum build, including a metal frame, strong neodymium magnets, and custom polycarbonate optics, the MC Pro boasts an IP65 rating. A 6 rating indicates full protection against dust and a 5 rating representing its water resistance capabilities, able to withstand low pressure water jets from any direction.
Users can feel confident using their MC Pro in even the most demanding filming environments. Its rugged build quality follows suit in Aputure’s standard of high build quality products.
LumenRadio CRMX:
As a light aimed at professionals, the MC Pro comes standard with the most prolific wireless control protocol in the film industry built right into the compact fixture – LumenRadio CRMX. The latest LumenRadio TimoTwo CRMX chipset enables the MC Pro to seamlessly work alongside any other CRMX fixtures in your toolkit. Being part of the Aputure ecosystem, the MC Pro also features direct Sidus Link App control. For industry standard options, this fixture can be adapted to accept DMX controls using the separate Aputure Active USB-C to 5-Pin DMX In & Out DMX Adapter.
8-Light Kit Configuration:
While the original MC came in 4-Light and 12-Light configurations, the MC Pro is available in an 8Light Kit to best suit the needs of cinematographers and gaffers. The MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case is a protective means of charging, transporting, and storing multiple MC Pros while doubling as a multi-light charging station with a crop-design that uses contact pins on the MC Pros for a seamless charging workflow.
Additionally, the hard case offers an organized way of storing all accessories that are included in the
MC Pro 8-Light Kit. In addition to a diffusion panel, dome diffusion, and 30° grid for each light, the 8-
Light Kit also includes 8 cold shoe ball heads with magnetic adapters, 4 1/4-20in baby pin adapters, and 2 clamps with articulating arms for a variety of options and possibilities.
Expanded Color Control:
Compared to the 3,200K-6,500K CCT range of the original MC, the MC Pro has been upgraded to match the same RGBWW chipset found in other full-color fixtures, capable of a color temperature range from 2,000K-10,000K. The MC Pro also maintains Aputure’s benchmark for high quality color reproduction with CRI/TLCI scores of 96+, a SSI (D56) of 72, and SSI (Tungsten) of 82.
The MC Pro also has access to a large array of advanced color modes including HSI with white point CCT control, over 300 gel presets, 15-built in System FX, and the professional standard CIE1931 xy control. These features can be easily adjusted natively using the upgraded interface featuring a TFT screen and tactile red control knob, or wirelessly via Sidus Link app control or LumenRadio CRMX controls.
Who is this light for?
With its compact yet rugged IP65 construction and professional connectivity options, the MC Pro is the perfect light for filmmakers, lighting technicians, and creators who need a portable, multifunctional light that they can pull from their back pocket to tackle any situation. Its small size, integrated magnets, and built-in battery allow it to be easily hidden away within a scene or brought in for the perfect last touch. And for professionals who want a remotely controllable mini-LED, the MC Pro features LumenRadio CRMX and Sidus Link app controls.
The MC Pro is also the ideal tool for filmmakers who want a compact light with high output power. Its 45° focused optics, expanded CCT and color controls, and magnetic modifier ecosystem allow cinematographers to adapt the MC Pro to whatever their scene may need, from a portable fill or accent light to an in-camera practical.
Whether for its durability, multifunctionality, compact form factor, or suite of professional control options, the
MC Pro is a tiny powerhouse that belongs in every filmmaker, lighting technician, and creator’s lighting tool kit.
Exciting features/How does this compare to other lights on the market?
Credit Card Form Factor:
Like its predecessor, the MC Pro features a lightweight (247g / 0.54lbs) credit card form factor that can easily slip into your pocket. Rather than increasing the size of the fixture for higher output, the MC Pro focuses on maintaining a truly pocketable form factor that packs a major punch.
RGBWW Color Science:
Equipped with our proprietary RGBWW LED chipset for full-color functionality, the MC Pro maintains Aputure’s standard for high color reproduction. This light can achieve an average CRI of 96, TLCI of 96, SSI (D56) of 72, and SSI (Tungsten) of 82 to always produce accurate skin tones. The RGBWW chipset also allows the MC Pro to reproduce an ultra-wide CCT range of 2,000K-10,000K, as well as over 90% of the Rec.2020 color space with saturated colors. By using technology that matches the rest of the Aputure and amaran product lines, all our fixtures work cohesively in any lighting toolkit.
Sidus Link App Control:
Consistent with other fixtures across the entire Aputure and amaran product line, the MC Pro can be controlled wirelessly via the Sidus Link mobile app with Sidus Mesh technology. You can finely tune almost every single aspect of each MC Pro from your smartphone or tablet for maximum flexibility, from its output with 0%-100% stepless brightness control, color control, built-in effects, or even save up to 10 Custom FX and 10 Music FX presets for easy access to different light modes.
No other lighting ecosystem with Bluetooth app control has the range, stability, or constantly growing functionality of the Sidus Mesh ecosystem. Sidus Link is constantly evolving with our users and is always adding new features to bring them new tools and inspiration, such as with the latest SidusPro® FX family. The MC Pro joins select Aputure products, such as the INFINIBARs, to take advantage of Sidus Link’s new SidusPro® FX.
SidusPro® FX:
The SidusPro® FX family takes wireless lighting control to a whole new level, unlocking advanced, professional lighting features at the comfort of your smartphone or tablet. SidusPro® FX includes Manual FX, System FX, Picker FX, Magic Program, and Music FX.
- Manual FX: This feature allows you to create your own unique lighting effects entirely from scratch. Using over 30 different parameters, users can program a brand-new lighting effect and manipulate it to their heart’s content.
- System FX: System FX allows you to toggle through 9 different lighting effects, including Fireworks, Fire, Paparazzi, Faulty Bulb, TV, Pulsing, Cop Car, Lightning, and Party Lights, all with adjustable color for greater control in any filmmaking environment.
- Picker FX: This feature utilizes your mobile device’s camera to be able to capture a real-world lighting pattern, manipulate it, and transmit it to the MC Pro, and can even be done in real-time.
- Magic Program: Magic Program allows users to create effects sequences that span multiple lights. These Program FX can incorporate up to 25 lights, allowing users to create unique chase sequences and nuanced effects.
- Music FX: Music FX analyzes an audio clip and translates it to sync with the lighting
LumenRadio CRMX:
With the increasing amount of data management and DMX control taking place on professional-level sets, having a set of robust connectivity options has become paramount for any easy-to-integrate filmmaking tool. Having the LumenRadio CRMX chipset built into MC Pro fixtures exponentially simplifies the workflow for professional lighting designers and DMX operators. And with the number of Aputure products featuring CRMX controls constantly growing, MC Pros can be synced together with the other fixtures in your toolkit.
Multiple Mounting Options & Built-in Magnets:
Featuring a ¼-20in mounting thread at the base of the light and neodymium magnets on the rear panel, each MC Pro can be mounted virtually wherever users need a light. Each MC Pro comes with a ¼-20in to Magnetic Plate Adapter, a Cold Shoe Ball Head Adapter, and 4 Adhesive Magnetic Plates.
What is included in the box?
MC Pro:
- 1x MC Pro
- 1x MC Pro Flat Diffuser
- 1x Pro Dome Diffuser
- 1x MC Pro 30º Light Control Grid
- 1x Cold Shoe Ball Head
- 1x 1/4-20in Screw to Magnetic Plate Adapter
- 1x USB Type-C Charging Cable
- 4x Adhesive Magnetic Plate
- 1x Carrying Case
MC Pro 8-Light Kit:
- 8x MC Pro
- 8x MC Pro Flat Diffuser
- 8x MC Pro Dome Diffuser
- 8x MC Pro 30º Light Control Grid
- 4x Cold Shoe Ball Head
- 4x 1/4-20in Screw to Magnetic Plate Adapter
- 4x 1/4-20in Screw to Baby Pin Adapter
- 2x 1/4-20in Articulating Arm to Clamp Adapter
- 2x USB Type-C Charging Cable
- 32x Adhesive Magnetic Plate
- 1x Locking IEC C13 AC Power Cable
- 1x D-Tap to D-Tap Power Cable
- 1x MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I charge MC Pro?
A: Each MC Pro can be charged via its USB Type-C port or via contact chargers found at the base of the fixture. Both charging methods boasts a fast-charging time of approximately 90 minutes to full charge.
Q: How do I control the MC Pro?
A: Users can control the MC Pro using the fixture’s integrated TFT screen and red control knob on the fixture’s side. For more advanced controls, users can use Bluetooth to pair their MC Pro to the Sidus Link App which unlocks a variety of advanced control functions such as Sidus Pro FX, Music FX, and Picker FX. For more professional connectivity, the MC Pro can be controlled wirelessly using CRMX or via wired DMX over the Aputure Active USB Type-C to 5-Pin DMX In & Out Adapter (sold separately).
Q: What lighting modes does the MC Pro have?
A: The MC Pro offers a variety of lighting modes including CCT, HSI, xy, RGB, Source, FX, and Custom FX. A power tip is that users can utilize the MC Pro as a portable swatch book using the expansive gel library in Gel mode.
Q: Can I connect to MC Pros using Wired DMX (5-Pin XLR DMX Cables)?
A: MC Pros may be connected to a DMX network using an Aputure Active USB Type-C to 5-Pin DMX In & Out Adapter (sold separately). This adapter connects with the USB-C port located on the side panel of MC Pro fixtures and allows for full control of the light via wired DMX.
Q: Do MC Pros come with any accessories?
A: Each MC Pro single light kit comes with a Dome Diffuser, Flat Diffuser, 30º Light Control Grid, Cold Show Ball Head, ¼-20in Screw to Magnetic Plate Adapter, USB-Type C Charger Cable, 4 Adhesive Magnetic Plate, and a Carrying Case.
Q: What accessories come with the MC Pro 8-Light Kit?
A: Included in the MC Pro 8-Light Kit are 8 sets of MC Pro Dome Diffusers, Flat Diffusers, 30º Light Control
Grids, and an assortment of 4 ¼-20in Screw to Baby Pin Adapters, 2 ¼-20in Articulating Arm to Clamp
Adapters, 4 ¼-20in to Magnetic Plate Adapters, 4 Cold Shoe Ball Head Adapters, and 32 Adhesive Magnetic Plates. Additionally, 2 USB Type-C Charger Cables, a Locking IEC C13 AC Power Cable, a D-Tap to D-Tap Power Cable, and the MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case are included.
Q: Is the MC Pro waterproof?
A: The MC Pro is IP65 rated, with a 6 rating indicates full protection against dust and a 5 rating representing its water resistance capabilities, able to withstand low pressure water jets from any direction. This makes the MC Pro a waterproof fixture that can be deployed confidently in wet, dusty, and other higher risk filming environments.
Q: Can you charge the MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case via D-Tap?
A: The MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case can be powered via D-Tap, making it possible for users to charge lights in the case using V or Gold Mount batteries. A D-Tap to D-Tap Charging Cable is included in the 8-Light Kit.
Q: Does the MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case have a battery? Is this flight safe?
A: The MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case does not have an integrated battery. Additionally, it is small enough to be a carry-on item when flying. Due to the charging case not having a built-in internal battery, it is flight safe and carry-on friendly.
Q: Do the lights turn off when placed in the charging case?
A: When placed inside of the Charging Case in a charging slot, each MC Pro is programmed to automatically turn off. When removed from the Charging Case, each MC Pro will automatically turn back on and resume lastused settings provided the unit had not been powered off when placed into its charging slot.
Q: Can you stack multiple modifiers on top of each other?
A: The beauty of the new MC Pro magnetic modifier ecosystem is that the modifiers can be stacked. Users can stack the Dome Diffuser on top of a Flat Diffuser should they need even softer lighting, or a 30º Light Control Grid on top of a Flat Diffuser if users need spill-control in addition to a soft light source out of the MC Pro.
Q: Is the MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case waterproof?
A: The MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case exposed charging input ports as well as ventilation cut-outs. Due to this, the MC Pro 8-Light Charging Case is not waterproof as it cannot be completely sealed from the elements.
Q: Will there be a 4-Light Kit available?
A: At this moment, there are no plans for an MC Pro 4-Light Kit.
Q: Will there be a silicon modifier for the MC Pro?
A: There will not be a silicon modifier made for the MC Pro. However, there will be a plastic dome diffuser called the MC Pro Bubble Diffuser coming out shortly. This diffuser will be a hemispherical soft light modifier that can increase the spread of light being outputted by the MC Pro.
