28/08/2024
Theatrical Lighting: LDR\'s Fresnels

In our previous article, we discussed one of the most commonly used products in the theatre world - the PC spotlight. These produce a relatively narrow beam with defined edges, thanks to their plano-convex lens.

The "sibling" of the PC spotlight is undoubtedly the Fresnel, named after its lens' inventor, Augustin-Jean Fresnel. At the beginning of the 19^th Century, he developed what we know today as the Fresnel lens as a solution for lighthouses, where the weight of the lens, due to its size, was a major concern. Thanks to its unique construction, featuring a set of concentric annular sections, the Fresnel lens produces a broader beam with softer edges than the thick PC lens.

PC and Fresnel spotlights have been on the market for many years and are relatively simple products in terms of construction, which results in a vast choice of models still currently available on the market. The significant difference in the performance therefore lies in the quality of the lens, both in its design and the material it is made from. LDR only uses German-made top quality borosilicate glass lenses, which allow a homogeneous and enhanced refraction of the light emitted by either a conventional bulb or LED source. This results in a more intense and perfectly distributed beam of light, which is why LDR Fresnels are so appreciated among professionals worldwide.

LDR's Wide Range of Options

Luci Della Ribalta (LDR) offers one of the broadest ranges of Fresnel spotlights on the market, including both conventional and LED models. The Italian company has been serving the professional theatrical market since 1997, maintaining a dedicated focus on research and development in this field. All models, from the earliest devices to the latest additions, are still available with spare parts and accessories, ensuring that older units can be supported and complemented with new ones as required.

Conventional Fresnels

We previously discussed the technology behind incandescent and LED spotlights, and recognised how incandescent lighting still has its place in theatre lighting and a range of environments, despite most manufacturers having discontinued the production of conventional luminaires. LDR can today boast of being one of the very few manufacturers of professional lamp-based fixtures remaining worldwide, and this is attracting a growing number of fans of conventional lighting, who appreciate both the quality and choice of models available.

To help you pick exactly what you need, we will take you on a brief journey into LDR’s range of Fresnel luminaires. Tempo f650 Plus (link) and the Tempo f650 Pro (link), which can accept lamps between 300W and 650W, offer solid and reliable performance with simplicity and practicality. For those needing higher performance and more advanced controls, Suono f650 Plus (link) is the answer. Moving up in power, we find the Aria F1000 Plus (link), the Nota F1200 Plus (link) and its bigger brother, Nota F1200 XL (link). Thanks to its ø200mm Fresnel lens, this is currently the best-performing Fresnel in its category available on the market. These mid-sized models cover most demands in stage-type lighting in theatres, concert halls, commercial venues and houses of worship. At the top of the pyramid is the Tono f2000 Plus (link), the most powerful and high-performing model, whose highly reliable, adjustable G22 lamp-base, allows the fixture to be fitted with lamps up 2500W. These luminaires are designed to provide exceptional illumination with advanced features and to cover every need: from small, amateur stage lighting to professional applications in mid-sized and large venues of any type.

Common Features of Excellence

All LDR conventional spotlights share several distinctive features, making them an excellent choice for any theatrical production. Their sleek and compact bodies, constructed from aluminium and steel sheet, offer the perfect combination of robustness and lightness. The lens remains a primary element, made from high-quality German borosilicate glass, ensuring optimal brightness and beam distribution. The high-purity aluminium-coated glass reflector provides then perfect light reflection. A micrometric screw-focus mechanism allows an easy and precise beam adjustment whilst ensuring safety of operation thanks to its captive control knobs, located at the front and rear of the chassis. A double micro-switch ensures safe lamp replacement without having to disconnect the unit from the mains, while the adjustable lamp-base allows flexible lamp configuration. A metal frame and safety grid are included in the standard package, along with a 1.5/2m power cable.

LED Fresnels

LED technology has firmly established itself in the theatre world, offering quality previously unimaginable. LDR is at the forefront of theatrical lighting, combining energy efficiency and high output quality. The range of LDR LED Fresnel models is extensive and comprehensive, designed to meet the needs of any user.

The catalogue (link) includes the Alba F (link), currently the most powerful models, ranging from 230W to 380W in power and available in warm 3200K or cool 5600K white, Tuneable White and RGBW. Thanks to its low noise-operation and its perfect colour rendering, Alba is the choice of the professionals in mid to large venues and has already been chosen for many projects worldwide where these features were of paramount importance.

More options include then the Arpa F (link), ranging between 150W and 180W and also available in 4 different CT options: warm 3200K or cool 5600K white, tuneable White, and RGBW. Sharing the same body and features as the Alba, the Arpa is ideal in smaller venues and easily replaces a conventional 1/1.2K Fresnel. Moving down in power, but not in performance, we find the Cetra F (link).  At only 90W/120W and with a choice of 3 CTs: 3200K and 5600K white or RGBW, Cetra F is the product of choice for small stages, shop displays, small concert areas or art displays. Last but not least, is the Tondo F (link): a stylish, compact, exceptionally performing on-off unit specifically designed for all those installations where DMX is not a priority, whilst individual control of the dimming is required. Tondo finds its best application in shops, commercial or art displays, exhibition stands and wherever style, performance and budget are to be found in a single product.

Common Features and Advantages

Like the PC spotlights, LDR Fresnels share many features with their conventional counterparts – the borosilicate glass Fresnel lens being the most notable of these. Unlike most LED Fresnel models on the market using acrylate or polycarbonate lenses, commonly defined as “plastic lenses”, LDR only uses high quality borosilicate glass lenses, which account for the outstanding performance of its LED Fresnels. Borosilicate glass was first developed by German glassmaker Otto Schott in the late 19th century, and is known for being more resistant to thermal shocks and featuring increased light transmittance than any other common glass or plastic.

Some extra, significant additions mark the difference between the 2 ranges: LEDs are DMX512 and RDM- controllable, are all equipped with a cutting-edge COB light source with a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, an intuitive menu (common across the range), and a high CRI, always above 90. Additionally, they offer a choice of colour temperatures (CT) ranging from warm 3200K to cool 5600K white, RGBW, and TW. They operate at low noise levels due to optimized fan control, a crucial aspect in all theatrical applications.

Customization and Flexibility

Customization and flexibility are key aspects for LDR. The company offers a wide range of finishing options, including black, white, silver, or any RAL colour upon request. Additionally, most models are available with manual (MO) or Pole Operated (PO) stirrups to meet any mounting needs.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about our products or have specific questions or requests, please contact us through our social media channels, email, website, or company phone numbers. We are happy to share our expertise and meet your needs. In a diverse and sometimes confusing market, LDR aims to remain a reference point in theatrical lighting, a goal we have pursued with dedication and consistency since 1997.