The professional lighting industry is in a constant state of miniaturization, but never at the expense of quality. Elation Professional's KL Profile Compact is the latest example, proving that a fixture doesn't need a big form factor to be a powerhouse of precision and color. This LED ellipsoidal is designed to be a versatile workhorse of smaller venues, churches, broadcast studios, and touring rigs.
A Designer's Dream: Precision and Portability
What immediately sets the KL Profile Compact apart from traditional LED profile spots is the sheer reduction in necessary inventory. It’s an all-in-one system.
The integrated 25° to 50° manual zoom is the killer feature. Say goodbye to lugging heavy, fixed-angle lens tubes and searching for the right one in a dark warehouse. This built-in flexibility allows lighting designers to go from a wide, gentle wash to a tight, focused beam in seconds, making it invaluable for multi-purpose spaces. Weighing a manageable 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg), its compact size also makes rigging and transport significantly easier, easing the strain on both crew and truss.
The output from the 225W RGBMA (Red, Green, Blue, Mint, Amber) LED engine is a testament to broadcast-grade quality. It boasts a CRI of 94.9 and a TLCI of 95, metrics that confirm excellent color fidelity, which is critical for camera work and achieving natural skin tones. Furthermore, the ability to tune the CCT (Correlated Color Temperature) from a tungsten-like 2,400K to a daylight-balanced 8,500K is done with smooth, 16-bit precision, giving designers a wealth of white light options without the use of physical gels.
Control and Longevity: Modernizing Workflow
A true modern lighting fixture needs to do more than just make pretty light—it needs to integrate seamlessly with the modern control ecosystem. The KL Profile Compact is exceptionally well-equipped in this regard:
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RDM (Remote Device Management): This functionality is essential for efficient workflow. RDM compatibility allows technicians to remotely address, configure, and monitor the fixture from a centralized console, eliminating the time-consuming need to climb a ladder for every small adjustment.
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Wireless Control & NFC: The inclusion of Aria x2 wireless management and NFC (Near Field Communication) configuration simplifies the initial setup process. Getting a rig up and running has never been faster; a quick tap of a phone or compatible device can streamline addressing and basic settings.
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Silence is Golden: For broadcast and theater applications, silence is a non-negotiable feature. The fixture's enhanced fan controls include an ultra-quiet Mute Mode, ensuring that the light doesn't introduce unwanted noise into delicate audio environments.
The Five-Year Guarantee: Confidence in the Investment
Perhaps the most compelling argument for making the KL Profile Compact a fixture in your inventory is Elation's commitment to reliability. The entire KL Series is backed by an exceptional limited warranty: a 5-Year Warranty on the LED Engine and a 2-Year Warranty on parts and labor.
In an industry where longevity is key to ROI, this warranty offers substantial peace of mind. It’s a clear statement from Elation on the confidence they have in the durability and lifespan of their LED engine, securing your investment for years of heavy use.
Final Takeaway
The Elation KL Profile Compact is a significant step forward for LED ellipsoidal technology. It takes the power and quality expected from larger fixtures and distills it into an accessible, versatile, and highly reliable package. For designers looking to maximize utility, minimize equipment count, and maintain stellar performance—all backed by a robust warranty—the KL Profile Compact is arguably the best choice in its class, and an outstanding option at $1695.